Hi All,
A group of friends would like to take a trip to Amsterdam to celebrate a birthday. The Bday is in December, 5 days before Christmas. What is the season like during this time and also what suggestions might one have for things to do as well as locations around Amsterdam that might be interesting. Is 4 days to short of a time to spend there? Has anyone ever spent Christmas in Amsterdam? thanks so much.

I haven't been there in December but was there once in March, and that was cold enough for me... The days will be quite short in winter, but that might not bother your group if you are out to party!
You might enjoy the comedy group "Boom Chicago" at Leidseplein..
For touristic activities, just peruse a guidebook or click above on "Destinations" for some suggestions..

I've spent several Christmas periods in Amsterdam and Haarlem. I used to live in Haarlem. Christmas is a popular time for tourists in Amsterdam, despite the short days, wind, rain (we had snow last year), and chill. In Amsterdam I tend to hang out around the Spui for drinks and dining. It is not as wild as Leidseplein and Rembrandtsplein. Actually there is nothing to "do" in Amsterdam, but there are a lot of museums, old buildings, canals, Amsterdamers, stores, "windows," and other stuff. You should have asked if 40 days, not 4, is too short a time to spend there and I would have to think about it. I think that deep winter is the best time to be in Amsterdam. It is cozy in every cafe. Stay through New Year's Eve for the fireworks if you can.

took a first trip to Amsterdam a few months ago and really loved it, but I suspect I am older than you.
There is a trip report with lots of info links and some pictures, found at
http://tinyurl.com/rspjn

I adore Amsterdam. I was there in the first week of January, when the weather was lousy and the days were short -- and I still loved it.

There are some of the world's best museums in Antwerpen and the town itself is beautiful. I seldom have enjoyed windowshopping as much as I have enjoyed it in Amsterdam.

Although Amsterdam is very much a young person's town, if I wanted to party all the time and eat fabulously, I would go to Antwerpen. But if I wanted a mix of things, Amsterdam has terrific variety.

Amsterdam is very popular as a weekend break destination for other Europeans, especially Brits, all the year round, and this time of year is no exception. It can be very cold (there's not much between Amsterdam and the North Pole, so a north wind can be unpleasant), but if you dress up acordingly and use the weather as an excuse to get into another bar or café, you can have a pretty good time. There is plenty to see and enjoy under cover.

One particular twist is that, because the Dutch tend to give their presents on St Nicolaas's day (December 5th), a lot of shops have sales before Christmas rather than after, so you might find some bargains.