Getting to know the pig better..
Up to and Beyond 2011 in Amsterdam
Come December stalls start to appear all over Amsterdam, bringing their deep fried pastry goodness to the frozen, the hung over and the poor. Covered in sweet white powder and devoured with relish, the arrival of the Olie Bollen on the streets means that one event is looming on the horizon - New Year’s Eve!
The Dutch have a few different names for New Year’s Eve - Oudjaarsdag is one, Oud en nieuw, another. Whatever you call it, one thing is for certain - New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam is not for the faint hearted and it’s certainly better suited to the crazy party animals out there. Christmas trees are burnt in the middle of the street, bottle rockets shoot into the sky and snappy caps will nip at your heels as you walk along the pavement.
Of course there are plenty of clubs with plenty of big parties going on over New Year’s, so it’s worth checking the special piggy guide to see if there’s something you’re into, something that fits your budget or simply if there are any tickets left for the big night.
Despite the cold you’ll still find most people out on the street looking for a bit of New Year’s action and there is one thing that seems to get the party kicking, every year. It’s not the mass consumption of liquor and legalised drugs that get the crowded riled up (although that certainly helps). It is in fact a New Year’s indulgence so naughty and forbidden in the city of sin that it’s only on sale for a few days before New Year’s Eve – fireworks!
It seems funny that in a country where it’s legal to smoke weed it is considered a crime to light a firecracker for most of the year. Spend New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam, however, and you’ll begin to understand which is more hazardous to your health.
The city sounds like it is being carpet-bombed and what you think is snow falling around 1am is actually ash from all of the sky high explosions. It is pure chaos and it is fantastic. The big fireworks are let off around midnight in the Museumplein (the massive green space by the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum) where there are also DJs spinning tunes and bands playing. Those tempted to be in the thick of trouble should head to Nieuwmarkt where the rowdiest revellers with the biggest fireworks hang out.
My personal pick is to perch on one of the smaller bridges along the Amstel. Shoot bottle rockets off into the night sky and when the clock strikes 12, you’ll be enveloped in the well wishes and cheers of the crowd around you.
In the meantime, what can keep you busy in Amsterdam between now and then, and beyond into 2011?
Well winter has come early to Holland and Amsterdam has been dusted in its first coating of the white stuff for the winter season. Thanks to God, La Nina, El Nino, global warming and climate change, The Netherlands had one of the coldest winters last year and this season looks set to be another whiteout.
While many might argue that this is the perfect excuse to curl up in a cosy room with the green stuff, I beg to differ. Winter is the perfect time to put on that scarf and get out into the cold to experience a winter wonderland of Dutch delights.
Last winter the canals in Amsterdam froze over for the first time in 12 years, and this season, everyone is hoping it will happen again. For this freak of nature to occur, the city needs about four days of freezing temperatures - for a solid blanket of icy crust to form.
Just to help things along a little, if it looks like there is going to be a cold snap the local government will order all boat activity to cease on certain parts of the canals. Why? So you can go ice-skating on natural ice. Although you’re bound to hear about it if it does happen (the city will be gripped by ice fever), it’s best to keep an eye out on the smaller ponds in the public parks around the city. But be careful! If the Dutch and their kids are there, it’s safe to head out on the ice. If they are not, take a very strong hint and don’t be the first one to test out how thick the ice is!
Even if the main canals don’t freeze over, a skating rink is set up on the Rembrandtplein with skate hire over Christmas and New Year’s. Traditionally, the Dutch will skate and then eat thick pea soup with chunks of sausage in it. While it doesn’t sound all that appetising, after a morning of skating it’s exactly what you need. Occasionally you’ll see some intrepid locals selling big homemade cooking pots of it by the ice, making it the perfect cultural experience.
But the best winter warmer is Gluhwein, wine served hot with orange peel and cloves that will not only warm you up but give you the kind of light alcoholic buzz, a standard cup of hot Chocomel won’t
So sit back, sip a little and enjoy the silly season, Amsterdam style.
- Shaney Hudson
Pig Game
Play this game and win free nights @ the Pig!
Play our yearly winter game and win 2 free nights. This is your chance to stay at the Flying Pig for free; just practice your old Packman skills again!
Play the Flying Pigman Game and try to get as many points as you can. You can play as often as you like; the person with the highest score (before the 1st of January 2011) wins two nights of free accommodation at a Flying Pig hostel for one person – or one night for two people. (which you can use anytime in 2011, but only if there is availability of course)!!
You can find the rules in the 'How to Play' section and make sure you fill out your email address on the scoreboard, so that we can contact you!
From the piggies with love
New Year in The Dam
So, you've managed to be in Amsterdam for New Year? Nice one. A fine choice in fact. But where to from here?
From the average backpacker’s point of view, where the budget is tight, the best place to be requires no cover charges, no ticket buying, and no organisation, so put your thermal knickers on, pop a glow-stick, and head outside. 
The canals, streets and squares are host to thousands of merry party-people, live music and shenanigans.
Museumplein is where the big celebrations are this year, with a large organised fireworks display, DJs and bands. But that is by no the extent of the street festivities. People gather at all the main squares and Nieuwmarkt is where the public set off their fireworks in a terrifically chaotic fashion. Don't be surprised if you find a few scorch marks on your clothes the next day!
The surrounding streets and canals are full of quirky little gatherings and parties, and if you cruise the area shouting: "gelukkig nieuwjaar!" (prosperous new year), you'll no doubt make some friends.
If you've tucked away a little extra cash for the occasion, or feel a little more organised, Amsterdam has a swag of party options too!
The pick of the bunch is Dazzleville, a mighty 6 zone extravaganza at the NDSM docklands. It’s has over 45 DJs, bands and acts, in a range of musical styles. This area is one of the most unique and bizarre locations in Amsterdam, and is accessed by a free 10-minute ferry ride - past an old Soviet submarine. Cool! Check out the details at
www.dazzleville.nl 
At the Paradiso club the Psychadelic NYE Special event is due to land on December 31, 2010. Every floor of this old church will be dressed up in neon and there will be glow in the dark body paint everywhere. There’s also rumour of a psychedelic surprise! The dress code is psycho-day-glo! www.paradiso.nl
Melkweg is the city's premier music venue and the New Year celebrations here promise a great line up in three rooms. The infamous Wicked Jazz Sounds will be hosted in the Max, while Dekmantel and NON Records can be found in the Oude Zaal and the Theatre, respectively.
www.melkweg.nl
There are too many other parties and events to get into too here, but your local Flying Pig will of course be getting festive with the best of them. It’s - No Glitter No Glory night at the downtown where DJ Beaver (all the way from Canada) will be on the decks. You can also pick up a bottle of Champagne here for a sly ten euro!
The Uptown has all-you-can drink (Dommelsch beer and red wine) for 25 euro between 20.00 and 24.30, and the Beach Hostel's NY party is also a goodie, with fireworks on the beach!
- Snowy
Things to do in Amsterdam
All through December there will be ice rinks through the city, many streets and canals are illuminated with light for that magical touch. Shops will be open longer and Stalls selling traditional fried doughnuts (oliebollen) and small pancakes (poffertjes) are everywhere. This is Amsterdam at the end of 2010 and into 2011.
Story Highlights
Extra shopping nights in December
World Christmas Circus
Ice-skating
Christmas in Amsterdam
January 2011
Extra shopping nights in December
Many shops have longer opening hours in December. The regular shopping evening in Amsterdam is Thursday night when shops are open till 21.00. But though December there will be extra shopping nights for all your last minute Christmas shopping (just because you’re not spending Christmas at home doesn’t mean you don’t have to buy your little brother a present). The extra shopping nights are on the 21st and 22nd of December when the shops will be open till 21.00 and on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of December when the shops will be open to 20.00
World Christmas Circus
Every December the Royal Theatre Carré is the venue for the World Christmas Circus. This year is the 25th anniversary of the circus and will be jam packed with famous acts. The world-renowned illusionist Hans Klok will perform along with a flying trapeze act from Korea, the clown of all clowns Fumagalli and bicycle acrobats from China. The World Christmas Circus proves that the circus is still very much alive.
www.theatercarre.nl
Ice-skating
It is still unsure if this winter will be cold enough for the canals to freeze over so until that might happen you can always go skating on one of the ice skating rinks around town. Every year in December the reflecting pool on Amsterdam's Museumplein becomes an ice-skating rink, surrounded by stalls selling hot chocolate and poffertjes (small delicious pancakes). A smaller rink will be at the Leidse square at the end of the shopping street bang in the middle of area filled with bars, clubs and restaurants. Remember don’t drink and skate!
Christmas in Amsterdam
Since Christmas is a family oriented holiday and spent at home with friends and family it will be quiet around town. If you want to dine out it is best to book a table in advance. Boxing Day, 26 December, is another quiet day although some shopping centers will open. On Christmas Eve, enjoy a free concert of Christmas classics at Concertgebouw or head to the Westergasfabriek Complex for The Winterparade, packed with theatre, music, dance, films and merry making. After the family Christmas diner people will head out to meet friends - especially on boxing day when the bars and clubs will be full.
January 2011
Friday Night at the Van Gogh Museum is occurring on January 7, 2011 at 18.00. Expect a bar, low lights, DJs, dancing and fun times.
www.vangoghmuseum.nl
On Jan 19, 2011 a rather special Jazz Concert will be kicking off at 19.00 in the Amsterdam Dungeons. www.the-dungeons.nl
On January 20, 2011 at 20.00 the Film & DJ event will be coming to The Podium Mozaïek. Expect international flicks, live DJs and relaxed music in the Theatre Café.
The Realm of the Ghosts comes to the Filmmuseum on January 23, 2011 at 16.00 and will showcase the work of the top talent from the film industry who are now dearly departed.
www.filmmuseum.nl
- Eva Dam
The Beach Hostel
The snow is coming down and the Holiday decorations are up. This means that the Piggies at the Beach Hostel are getting cosy and making preparations for the next big party – New Year’s Eve!
All of the beach Piggies have spent days on end in the smoke room - mixing a lil’ local Noorwijk beach flavour and a little piggy style - in just the right amounts to bring in the New Year with a bang – literally!
Our fireworks display is going to be epic and we plan on hitting the streets too, but not before we break out the bubbly. If you’re trying to escape the crowds of Amsterdam but still want to have a good time, head out to the beach. We plan to have a packed house of backpackers and our favourite locals to bring in 2011.
It might be the dead of winter, but the sun is always shining in the Flying Pig Beach Hostel. We’ve broken it down into a simple equation:
Piggies + Beach Vibe + You = Lekker (everything that’s good in life)
Europe's Famous Hostels
You might already know that the Flying Pig Backpacker hostels are proud members of EFH – Europe’s Famous Hostels.
This association recognises the best hostels on the European travel circuit. If you book a bed in any of these hostels, you’re guaranteed a memorable stay on a cheap and reasonable budget! Every single hostel in EFH is a local treasure – giving you guys a chance to meet the people and get a real taste of local life. All the hostels have to adhere to the highest levels of safety and quality, while also preserving a local flair.
The hostels are located in Amsterdam, Bad Gastein, Barcelona, Berlin, Bruges, Cardiff, Corfu, Dublin, Edinburgh, Interlaken, Lisbon, Loch Ness, London, Munich, Madrid, Nice, Prague, Riga, Rotterdam, Rome, Salzburg, Valencia, Vienna and in the future many more hostels will join.
Check out the best bits of Europe's Famous Hostels with one click!
Each hostel has created a new video showcasing the best bits of their cities – just so that you guys can see where you’re heading to! All you have to do is head to www.famoushostels.com/hostel-videos
Prague
27th November until Christmas Eve
With a special Christmas tree from the Krkonose Mountains, Prague creates a winter wonderland with different markets scattered around the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Namesti Republiky and Havelske Trziste. Brightly decorated wooden cabins offer traditional Czech handicrafts, local food and steaming drinks. Have a mug of svarene vino along the way!
Berlin
22nd November until 23rd December
Showcasing over fifty individual markets, Berlin hosts the most famous opposite the Kaiser Wilhelm Church and the Gendarmenmarkt: the Berlin Christmas Market. Each market is famous for its unique display of 100's of different handicrafts, so ensure you check out a few – don't miss out on the wine and cinnamon tarts while singing along to the brass band!
Book a bed in Berlin
Munich
Marienplatz 26th November until Christmas Eve
The Munich Christmas Market dates back to the 14th century and packs Marienplatz with traditional Bavarian gifts such as wooden handicrafts, gingerbread cookies and exquisite hand made toys. If you're still on your feet after shopping, eating, drinking and singing along to carols, there are a further 20 Christmas Markets located around Munich, including a Medieval Market, a Gay Pride Pink market, and ice skating!
Book a bed in Munich
Riga
28/11-28/12
Riga is the capital where the ritual of decorating a Christmas tree was born, so where better to get into the Christmas spirit? The main market and famous tree are placed in Dome Square situated in the Old town of Riga, with hand-crafted gifts, wooden toys, decorations, traditional food and drink, including Latvian sausages, smoked fish and meat, pastries, nuts and of course mulled wine with gingerbread biscuits.
Book a bed in Riga
Cardiff
10th November until 23rd December
Scattered in traditional wooden log cabins around the magnificent Castel Quarter with views of the fortress, Cardiff Castle Quarter Christmas Market offers unique Christmas gifts, tasty foods and exquisite drinks. This year, along with the traditional hog roast there will be a feast of local produce to eat and drink.
Book a bed in Cardiff
New Year's Eve in Europe!
Amsterdam – Wrap up warm and hit the streets for the biggest party of the year. The Champagne is flowing and fireworks are non stop all over the shop!
Paris - For the more romantic among you! Bonne Année! Pucker up because everyone will be expecting a kiss at the stroke of midnight!
London – Looking for a street party, look no further! Join the city in a parade of marching bands, dancing and plenty of spectacle and fireworks.
Rome - Fiesta di San Silvestro brings concerts and fireworks to this stunning city. Party into the early hours of the morning and remember to wear your red undies, brings you good luck, apparently?!
Edinburgh – Here hosts the party to end all parties! Hogmanay sees a four day celebration with huge fireworks, music, carnivals and don't forget Dogmanay.
Madrid – Get yourselves a bottle of cave and hit the Plaza Santa Ana for the music, dancing and much more drinking! Then see the New Year in with a mass hug, kiss and more cava!
Berlin – How many people can you get on one bridge? The Brandenburg Gate brings 1000's of people together to welcome in the New Year! The perfect place to watch the city ablaze with fireworks!
Rotterdam - New Years gives the chance to show off their incredible skyline with a spectacular fireworks show at the Erasmus Bridge. Every venue in town has get their finger anticipating the play button and stocked with champers so what are you waiting for!
Nice — New Years Eve Party! Join the Villa St. Exupery for our New Year's Eve Masquerade Party! We'll even help you create a mask with our fully equipped craft table – Bar Prize for best costume! Book 4 nights at the Villa over New Years and enjoy a bottle of bubbly on us!
Snow Specials
Have a Bad-Ass time in Bad Gastein
Open to every expert or novice, Euro-Youth Hostel in Bad Gastein is offering an exclusive package including Accommodation, Full Breakfast, Ski/Board and boot hire for an amazing price! Perfectly situated in the centre of one of the best and biggest ski resorts in the Austrian Alps and a stone throw away from the closest lifts. Book here!
Interlaken's Christmas Package
Balmer's Herberge in Interlaken is offering an all-day package especially for first time skiers or snowboarders including ski/board equipment, helmet, lift ticket, full day lesson and transport. Discover the snow in Interlaken's winter wonderland! Book here!
Switzerland's Snow Shoe
Snowshoeing is winter hiking with special shoes on top of the snow, a way to discover the Switzerland tourists never see and escape the frenzy of the slopes. Balmer's Herberge is offering a Snow Shoe package including snow shoes and poles, transport and a light snack. Book here!
Sledge under the Stars
Start high up in the Swiss Alps starlit winter panorama, hen zip down through the woods, alpine meadows and majestic frozen waterfalls. All on a Sledge! Topped off with a traditional Swiss cheese fondue dinner. This Night Sledge experience is an excusive package offer with Balmers Herberge, all you need to bring is your camera! Book here!
Ski the Alps!
Ski season is arriving early this year with many large snow falls already in the French Alps. The season opens first week of December at local resorts Auron and Isola 2000. Stay & Ski at the Villa St. Exupery and get to the French Alps for only 1 euro! You can ski for 42 euros all included: borrow ski gear from the villa; lift pass 20 euros; ski hire twenty euros; 2 euros for the bus return; some of the cheapest skiing in Europe!! Book here!
Winter Warmer
For a more relaxing experience, float in the thermal healing waters of Bad Gastein's outside baths. Just 50 m from the hostels front door awaits the perfect way to soothe achey ski legs. At a special price for all guests it's the perfect excuse from some self indulgence! Book here!
Europe's Christmas Markets
Prague - November 27, 2010 to December 24, 2010
With a special Christmas tree from the Krkonose Mountains, Prague creates a winter wonderland with different markets scattered around the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Namesti Republiky and Havelske Trziste. Brightly decorated wooden cabins offer traditional Czech handicrafts, local food and steaming drinks. Have a mug of svarene vino along the way!
Berlin – November 22 to December 23, 2010
Showcasing over fifty individual markets, Berlin hosts the famous Berlin Christmas Market opposite the Kaiser Wilhelm Church and the Gendarmenmarkt. Each market is famous for its unique display of hundreds of different handicrafts, so ensure you check out a few – don't miss out on the wine and cinnamon tarts while singing along to the brass band!
Munich, Marienplatz – November 26 until December 24, 2010
The Munich Christmas Market dates back to the 14th century and packs Marienplatz with traditional Bavarian gifts such as wooden handicrafts, gingerbread cookies and exquisite hand made toys. If you're still on your feet after shopping, eating, drinking and singing along to carols, there are a further 20 Christmas Markets located around Munich, including a Medieval Market, a Gay Pride Pink market, and ice skating!
Riga – November 28, 2010 to December 28, 2010
Riga is the city where the ritual of decorating a Christmas tree was born, so where better to get into the Christmas spirit? The main market and famous tree are placed in Dome Square situated in the Old town of Riga, with hand-crafted gifts, wooden toys, decorations, traditional food and drink, including Latvian sausages, smoked fish and meat, pastries, nuts, and of course mulled wine with gingerbread biscuits.
Cardiff – November 10, 2010 to December 23, 2010
Found in traditional wood log cabins scattered around the magnificent Castel Quarter with views of the fortress, the Cardiff Castle Quarter Christmas Market offers unique Christmas gifts, tasty foods and exquisite drinks. This year, along with the traditional hog roast there will be a feast of local produce to eat and drink.
To book a bed for a great rate in any of the cities mentioned in this events forecast, go to www.famoushostels.com
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Special deals in Europe
Find out about the special deals on offer across Europe from our friends on the hostel scene. They’re in pounds and Euros, so check it out:
Amsterdam Specials
Stay at the Pig for 4 nights between October and March and get one night for free! How does it work? Simply book the dates that you wish to stay at ...
Read more @ Flying Pig Hostels Amsterdam
Europe Specials
Uk Specials
If you're travelling through Europe this Christmas and miss the comforts of home, come join the celebrations at St Christopher's. Because your wallets are feeling the pinch after all that Christmas shopping, we've dropped our prices and a fantastic Christmas special for you too!
St Christopher's UK Christmas Specials from £25
Bruges
From Sep 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010 you can visit Bruges for 7 days for only 75€.
Berlin
Available for the first time ever, if you visit us before March 31, 2011 we'll give you a free Belushi's Burger and a Beer (or soda) everyday completely free.
Prague
We have a great Winter Deal from now until March 31, 2011.
Prague - Stay 2 or 3 Nights and get 1 night free
Want to explore Prague from the inside out? We're offering a once off super special deal - stay in Prague for a full week (7 nights) for only €100.00 in 6 or 8 bed dorm room.
Prague - 7 nights for €100Paris
Want to explore Paris inside out? We're offering a once off super special deal - stay in Paris for a full week (7 nights) from only €149.00. And we're throwing in free breakfast, one hour of free internet and free walking tour.
London
Want to explore London? Then your in for a treat as we're offering super special deals this winter
Newquay
Now you can take advantage of our great Surf and Stay package.
Want to explore Newquay inside out? We're offering a once off super special deal
Newquay - 7 nights special for £85
Brighton
The best Brighton deal around!
Bath
Book a week stay (7 nights) in Bath for only £85. That's half off your stay! This price includes free breakfast everyday and a free city map to guide you around town.
Edinburgh
We teamed up with SANDEMANs Edinburgh Tour to bring you this extra special deal.