Today marks not just the end of 2011, but also the end of my posts here at Trippist. Still, that doesn't mean the end of things to see and do here in Utrecht. The city is vibrant and full of things to see and do throughout the year, including the monthly Cultural Sunday events, the Festival aan de Werf, the Uitfest, the Nederland Film Festival and so much more. There's also lots of great restaurants, clubs and bars, and new ones always opening, as well as lots of great shopping.

In fact, Utrecht's tourism board has put together a series of eight self-guided tours for visitors and locals alike, which guide you through some of the highlights of the city, depending on your interest. There are ones for music, art, cooking, design, and fashion, as well as other themes. You can find them here, with routes to download and print out to guide you on your way.

2012 will probably see an even greater increase in events around Utrecht, as the city gears up for the anniversary of the Treaty of Utrecht in 2013. Many of the sights and activities, such as the ongoing Trajectum Lumen, are leading up to the grand festivities. As they say, there's too much to do in Utrecht to visit for just one day, so make sure you make the most of what the city has to offer. In the meantime, goodbye from me in Utrecht and have a safe and fun New Year's Eve and a wonderful 2012.

Slow food has been one of the buzzwords of the past few years, and now slow fashion can join it. I-DID, a pop-up store in Utrecht's Twijnstraat neighborhood, is a fascinating shop combining fashion with a conscience. What they're offering is clothing made by hand by women in need of a job, those unable to find a job, or those who don't have the best qualifications to make it on their own. We're not talking simple home-ec outfits, though. These are quality pieces made from quality materials, and include everything from sweaters and dresses to skirts, accessories and more.

The pop-up store, located next to the Albert Heijn on Twijnstraat, is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 to 18:00. Tomorrow, because of the impending holiday, they're open until 16:00. For koopzondag, they're open Sunday, January 8, from 12:00 to 17:00. They also offer free alterations if an item you buy at the shop needs hemming or lengthening. Check out their website for more information about their modern business model and how they're making a difference.

In the northeast corner of Utrecht, just a block north of the Stadsschouwburg, is Biltstraat, a charming street offering a great mix of restaurants, shopping and culture. There are a number of restaurants up and down the street, offering everything from sushi to shoarma. There are places such as Bouffe and Het Licht, which offer something a bit fancier if you want, although Het Licht also offers a special lunch deal these days. Then there are cafés such as the quirky Te Koop, where you can buy some of the interior decorations, as well as food. There are also a number of new bars and restaurants that have opened up, offering trendy and stylish options, such as Inspired. Of course, there are also typical Chinese and Indonesian options, as well as Grillroom Sphinx, which has some of the best late-night shoarma and mixed-grill options in town.

If you prefer to cook your own food, there's a selection of grocery options, including the newly opened Kippersluis grocery store, which has taken the place of Super de Boer. Next door, there's the organic butcher, Groeneweg and next door is the organic grocer, Estafette, which also offers gluten-free cakes and assorted items.

If you're looking for a bicycle shop, there are multiple options, such as Het Stalen Paard, for both new and used bikes, as well as the accompanying accessories.

If you're looking for games and athletics, there's the Fitness Factory for your regular workout. For something a bit different, check out Laser Quest and Snookercentrum Ozebi. If dancing is more your speed, there's the dance school Club El Brillante.

If you want a bit of beauty in your life, check out Aya Living for a beautiful selection of home goods and furniture. Their changing window displays are always a pleasure to look at. If it's yourself that you want to beautify, there's Descansa Beauty Center across the street, offering personal styling, as well as massage and other beauty treatments.

Finally, there's even a museum for your enjoyment and education. The Museum Maluku documents the culture of the Moluccan community in the Netherlands.

Biltstraat offers an array of shops and services to suit your needs and the street even has an active presence on Twitter, keeping you up to date on the latest news and openings. If you're in this part of town, it's definitely worth checking out.

If you still haven't made up your mind what to do for New Year's Eve in Utrecht, there are plenty of big parties from which to choose. First up is Winkel van Sinkel with its Bal Masque. Find the floor to fit your mood, with Nu Jazz Swing Electro on the ground floor, Space Disco and Nu Disco on the next floor, and finish up with Sexy House and Classics on the top floor. The party starts at 22:00 and there's free champagne at midnight to ring in 2012. Tickets are €45 in advance and €50 at the door (although they may also sell out in advance).

If you feel like channeling a bit of Parisian flair but can't make the trip, try Club Monza's Moulin Rouge party. Beginning at 23:00, the club will transform into a Parisian nightclub with music covering all sorts of styles, including House, Latin, R & B and top 40, as well as performances by Andy Foreman, Don Ruan, Vince Moogin and Groovebrother, as well as a mystery guest. The party goes on until 05.00 and tickets cost €10.

Tivoli is also hosting multiple parties at its various locations and clubs beginning just after midnight at 00:30. At the Oudegracht location, there's Tivoli Loves 2012, a dance party highlighting classics from ages past, including Zer00's Heroes, 90s Now and 80s Verantwoord, as well as the best of now. Tickets are €30.

For something a little different, also at 00:30, Tivoli's Spiegelbar is hosting NYE Swing, dedicated to Electro Swing: a combination of swing jazz from the '20s and '30s and contemporary electronic music. The dance tunes from classic artists such as Artie Shaw, Ella Fitzgerald, Fred Astaire and the Andrew Sisters gain new life with new beats.Tickets cost €20.

Of course, lots of smaller clubs, bars and restaurants around town are hosting their own parties. If you have a favorite spot, check them out today to see if they're hosting their own party. And don't forget the free show that the city's residents put on at midnight with all of the fireworks. Just be careful! Happy 2012!

It's on now! The Christmas Circus in The Hague (held at the Malieveld) takes place between 22 and 28 December. This is considered one of the best in terms of international circuses. If you're looking for a new and exciting way to celebrate Christmas, try celebrating in a heated circus tent. From the website (roughly translated):

Christmas Circus The Hague is a production of the Foundation's Great Russian State Circus. This renowned circus with its rich history stands out very clearly from other major international circuses! Last year Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, and Princess Máxima visited. The royal highnesses intensely enjoyed the pace of the show, the balanced mix of different acts, the perfectionism, the unparalleled humor and ambiance. A show that once again proved that circus art remains valued entertainment for all ages and all generations!

There you have it - even the queen visited. You can purchase tickets online and see a day to day breakdown of events at the circus.

Amsterdam and Rotterdam usually get the big shows, but this month Utrecht is getting Kraak & Smaak, the Dutch music producers famous for songs like Squeeze Me and Dynamite. Described as a "must-see live band", they've played numerous festivals and venues and now are playing Tivoli in Utrecht on December 28. The show will feature special guest: John Turrel (Smoove & Turrell) plus support by Knobsticker. Tickets are €17.50 and the show starts at 21:00. For more information about purchasing tickets, visit the Tivoli website.

Interesting choice of name, I know. But Scheveningen, The Hague's beach resort, is transformed into a winter wonderland named, you guessed it, "Cool Event." Until 15 January, if you head to the Kurhaus Hotel you'll see a 550 square meter ice skating rink. Head on out and enjoy! When it's time to warm up, it's nice to know that many restaurants around the ice skating rink have special offers during the Cool Event.

The skating rink is open every day from 10:00 to 22:00. They make a slight exception on 24 and 25 December and 1 January, when they open from 10:00 to 19:00. Admission is €4.50, and skates are available to rent for €4.50 a pair (and a deposit of €10).

It started last weekend, but there's still three shows to go this month! On 15, 17, and 21 December, British master storyteller Ashley Ramsden is performing the beloved Christmas classic by Charles Dickens.

The program provides a great tribute to the original masterpiece. But there are also a number of surprising add-ons to the show that vary based on the venue where it takes place. For example, audiences may be treated to a guided tour of the Historical Museum, a Dickensian buffet at the Hofje van Wouw, or a pre-theater dinner near the Branoul Theatre.

For more information visit www.theenglishtheatre.nl

Contrary to popular belief, plenty of people spend their Christmas vacation in Amsterdam. Though many of the city's residents may step out to be with family or go skiing, plenty more stick around and take advantage of the numerous special events that will be going on.

Here is a short list of city sponsored events (which doesn't include the long list of music and arts going on, Ill do those next time):

The Concertgebouw, Amsterdam's most beautiful performing arts hall, features a free concert on the 24th. Show up early to make sure you get a seat.

The Carré theater on the Amstel will be featuring their Christmas Circus, all month long.

I've heard word that the Muziektheater on the IJ harbor will host the national ballet performing - what else - the Nutcracker!

The Winterparade is now going on at the WestergasFabriek; which means food, drinks, and a whole lot of entertainment.

Also in Westerpark, this Sunday the 18th, there will be something quite different from traditional Christmas Markets, there will be a "Funky Christmas Market"

Thats just the beginning. In the coming days we will cover concerts and other shows going on that make Amsterdam holiday wonderland.

One of the stereotypical images people often think of when winter comes to mind is one of ice skating. Even those of us who grew up in warmer climates, where we were more likely to be swimming than ice skating, have been influenced by film and illustrations. While we wait to see if this winter will lead to canals and lakes frozen enough to skate on outdoors, we now have an indoor option here in Utrecht. Neude on Ice is a large, temporary structure housing an indoor ice rink, along with an attractive café serving a variety of food and drink.

From December 10 through January 8, you can skate to your heart's content. Open daily from 10-22:00 at Neude square, you can skate for as long as you want for €5. Take your own skates, or rent them there for €5. The rink is open every day except December 25 and January 1.