Spending Christmas in Amsterdam is a dream! The glow of festive holiday lights illuminates narrow lanes while the scent of fresh baked treats fills the air.
Nearly every neighborhood flaunts decorated trees and there is an undeniable sense of cheer felt throughout the city.
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When planning our trip to Amsterdam at Christmastime, we were ecstatic. We had visited the city before, but not during the winter holidays.
We envisioned hopping from one Amsterdam Christmas Market to the next, walking along snow dusted canals and reveling in the jubilant atmosphere.
In the end, visiting Amsterdam in December was pure delight…but not exactly as we had predicted.
The Christmas Markets in Amsterdam weren’t quite what we expected and there was no snow. However, the spirit of the season was in full swing and we had a jolly good time!
Christmas in Amsterdam: What To Expect
For us, visiting Amsterdam during Christmas turned out to be a truly fabulous vacation! We feel the city is stunning in every season – but one of the Best Places To Spend Christmas in Europe.
However, we understand the questions that surround planning an Amsterdam Christmas vacation. What are the markets like? Are tourist attractions open? Will it be too cold? Is December a good time to visit?
To help set expectations, we are sharing details about the markets and showcasing the best things to do in Amsterdam in December. Plus, what to expect on Christmas Day in the Netherlands.
Later in the article, you will find our honest travel tips to help make your trip planning a breeze!
Best Things To Do in Amsterdam at Christmas Time
If you are wondering what to do in Amsterdam in December, we can assure you there is plenty going on in the city.
From holiday-enhanced museums to classic and cozy ‘brown pubs’, there is a long list of places to visit.
Add in the full line up of specific Xmas Amsterdam December events, and visitors are spoiled with a choice of excellent activities.
For more on sightseeing, read our Amsterdam Itinerary; it covers the best things to see and do any time of year!
#1 Go to Amsterdam Christmas Markets
Of course, one of the best things to do in December in Amsterdam is to go to the Christmas Markets. With mulled wine, ice skating rinks and iconic backdrops, the markets are festive and fun.
Amsterdam Christmas Market Details
After spending Christmas in Europe in several different cities, we assumed Amsterdam holidays would be celebrated the same way.
However, there are a few key differences you need to know about before planning Christmas trips to Amsterdam.
Steaming spiced wine, sweet treats and traditional huts are all part of the scene, but Dutch Christmas Markets are quite different from the neighboring German Christmas fairs.
Unlike the sprawling, month-long celebrations in other European cities, the Amsterdam winter markets tend to be smaller and more subdued.
Furthermore, some only take place on a single day or weekend. So, unless you plan to spend the entire month of December in Amsterdam, you will not have the opportunity to go to all of them!
Best Christmas Markets in Amsterdam
An Amsterdam Christmas vacation would not be complete without visiting at least one of the city’s holiday markets! Just be sure to check dates and times in advance.
Museumplein Christmas Market and Ice Festival Amsterdam
Two of the city’s best holiday events take place in one square that together create the quintessential Dutch winter market.
The Museumplein Amsterdam Christmas Market and Ice*Amsterdam Festival are two overlapping celebrations that shouldn’t be missed.
The atmospheric market – which features traditional holiday chalets, fire pits and cauldrons of mulled wine – is open in the weeks running up to Christmas through the 26th of December.
The Ice Festival is the ideal place to go ice skating in Amsterdam at Christmas. It typically opens in mid-November and operates until the beginning of February.
The rink is backdropped by the striking Rijksmuseum and features a replica Magere Brug (the iconic ‘Skinny Bridge’) and a cozy bistro.
Westergas: The Funky Xmas Market Amsterdam
Westergas is a hip, artistic district that occupies a former factory within the spacious Westerpark. Ideal for events, the Christmas fair is even more atmospheric in the historical and stylish venue.
The Funky Christmas Market Amsterdam is a unique gathering in that it features handmade wares and artsy events. This fair takes place on a Sunday in mid-December (the 21st for 2025).
Rembrandtplein Christmas Market
The Winterland Market in Rembrandtplein is one of the only Amsterdam Central Christmas Markets.
Complete with an ice-skating rink and numerous venues doling our classic treats, it is the perfect place to warm up with a cup of mulled wine.
Pure Winter Market Amsterdam
With a special focus on food and sustainable gifts, the Pure Winter Market offers a different kind of Christmas experience. The event is held on Sundays in various Amsterdam parks.
#2 Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival
One of the biggest December events in Amsterdam is the annual Festival of Lights. Illuminated artworks are displayed along the canals so that they can be seen by boat or on foot.
Each year there is a different theme and artists from around the world compete to be included. An exceptional way to experience the Light Festival is on a Christmas Canal Cruise.
Hop aboard, take in the spectacular lights and sip warm beverages as you glide down the canals after dark. Check the official website for details on the program for this year.
#3 Admire Amsterdam Christmas Lights
Visitors will find twinkling Christmas lights in Amsterdam draped along streets and decorating trees. Simply walking down the illuminated lanes is one of the fun things to do in Amsterdam in winter!
Utrechtsestraat is draped in a dazzling display during the holidays. Shopping streets – like PC Hoofstraat, Albert Cuypstraat and Spiegelgracht – are typically decorated during December, too.
It should be noted that Christmas decorations in Amsterdam tend to be simple and understated, rather than flashy or gaudy.
Some of our favorites were modest wreaths hung on doors and sparsely decorated trees in quaint neighborhood squares.
#4 See the Giant Amsterdam Christmas Tree
The largest tree stands in Dam Square in the heart of the city. The Dam Square Christmas Tree reaches the height of 65 feet and is covered in more than 40,000 lights.
It is usually lit in mid-December in a fun Amsterdam Christmas celebration. The ceremony includes carol singers and classic Christmastime Dutch Food, like poffertjes (mini pancakes) and Oliebollen (donuts).
Although there is not technically an organized Christmas market on Dam Square, the area does exude an extra festive feeling throughout the season.
In addition to the gigantic tree, vendors sell specialty Christmas treats and the Dutch department store, De Bijenkorf, illuminates their gorgeous facade.
#5 Go Christmas Shopping in Amsterdam
For many people, one of the highlights of being in Amsterdam for the December holiday is the shopping.
Both brand-name stores and boutique shops are found throughout the city – and the Christmas markets in Amsterdam are a good place to pick up unique gifts, as well.
Nieuwendijk is the famous Amsterdam shopping street that extends north from Dam Square to Central Station.
We, however, believe the city’s most atmospheric shops are located in an area dubbed The Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes). It simply brims with festiveness!
Additionally, during Christmas time in Amsterdam there are several spots that sell baubles and other holiday keepsakes. One of the best places to pick up ornaments is at Christmas Palace.
This all-year Christmas shop in Amsterdam is located along the Singel Canal near the floating flower market. We feel it is the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs and ornaments!
#6 Have Fun at Amsterdam Winter Paradise
At this wintertime Amsterdam amusement park (tickets are required), participants join in the festive activities – like ice racing, curling and snowball throwing.
Visitors can also roast marshmallows, ride the Ferris Wheel or slide down the Tube Jump. While family friendly during the day, at night there are DJs, live musicians and plenty of places to imbibe.
#7 Visit Xmas-Decorated Amsterdam Museums
Going to museums is always a good wintertime activity – and in Amsterdam, there are an astounding 75 cultural venues to entertain visitors.
One of our favorites to visit during December is the Willet-Holthuysen Museum – a historic canal house, which is elegantly decorated for the holidays.
Pro Tip: Those interested in visiting museums should consider purchasing an I Amsterdam City Card. It’s a great way to save money on entry fees and other Amsterdam sights!
#8 Enjoy an Amsterdam Christmas Concert
Holiday concerts are excellent Christmas events in Amsterdam. They range from organ performances in old churches to Christmas Carols on Amsterdam city streets.
There are many free concerts, but some do require tickets. Find information about ticketed theater performances on the Het Concert Gebouw website.
#9 Attend the World Christmas Circus Amsterdam
The Wereldkerstcircus, featuring a theatrical circus act, has been taking place in Amsterdam for more than 35 years.
The Christmas Circus at the Royal Theatre Carre is not necessarily a Christmas event, but rather an Amsterdam tradition!
#10 Travel to Christmas Markets Near Amsterdam
Those seeking more merriment might want to check out some of the Xmas markets around Amsterdam in nearby cities. However, be sure to check the opening hours and dates!
Haarlem Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Haarlem is considered to be one the best in the Netherlands – and it’s easy to reach from Amsterdam.
In addition to the hundreds of holiday stalls, there are Christmas events planned, too. It only takes place on one weekend, usually in the middle of December…so plan accordingly!
Find out more about the city and plan your visit with our post, Top Things To Do in Haarlem.
Amstelveen Christmas Market
The Christmas Market Amstelveen is a month-long event. The Winter Village features an ice rink and 60 vendors selling handmade gifts.
Den Ilp Christmas Village
The small village of Den Ilp, just north of Amsterdam, only has a population of 800 residents, but they put on an incredible, over-the-top Christmas light display.
(Unfortunately, we have not been able to verify if the residents will participate in this tradition for 2025. If you go, let us know what it’s like!)
More Dutch Christmas Markets and Events
Those who don’t mind traveling a little bit further might want to check out the nostalgic Floating Christmas Market in Leiden or The Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague on Lange Voorhout.
A large Netherlands Christmas Market takes place in Dordrect, near Rotterdam – but check the dates for this year’s event (it might be limited to a specific weekend).
Another fun event is the Dickens Festival in Deventer, which is during a select weekend in December and celebrates the stories of Charles Dickens; find out more.
We have also celebrated Christmas in Nijmegen; which is in eastern Netherlands near the German border and the fun Kleve Christmas Market.
More Things To Do in Amsterdam in Winter
In addition to celebrating the holiday season, visitors shouldn’t miss seeing the top sights and tasting the fare. When visiting Amsterdam over Christmastime, these should be on your to-do list!
Explore Amsterdam Neighborhoods
One of the best things to see in Amsterdam in December is the festively decorated neighborhoods.
Some of our favorite areas to explore in the wintertime are the affluent Jordaan neighborhood and the hip De Pijp district.
Of course, Amsterdam Centrum is beautifully decorated, too. Visitors who want to see the sights on foot can use our step-by-step Amsterdam Walking Tour.
Feast on Classic Dutch Holiday Food
Amsterdam food is savory and satisfying…the perfect winter comfort food. Feasting on the local, filling fare is a must during your Christmas trip!
Find all of our foodie tips – including traditional holiday meals and treats – in our guide of What To Eat in the Netherlands.
Get Cozy in an Amsterdam Pub
The many, many bars in Amsterdam are fun to visit year-round, but in December the classic taverns are even more inviting.
Cozy and jovial, having a beer at an Amsterdam brown pub is the perfect way to end a brisk day of sightseeing.
We believe the best bars in Amsterdam are the ones dedicated to locally produced beer. Get all of our top tips in our Amsterdam Craft Beer guide.
Amsterdam Xmas: What To Expect on Christmas Day
If you will be in the city on December 25th, your biggest question is probably, “What is open on Christmas in Amsterdam?”. No need to worry, we have all the details and important dates!
Sinterklaas (December 5/6)
Sinterklaas – or Saint Nick – is one of the best Amsterdam Christmas traditions for kids! In mid-November, Sinterklaas arrives via boat from Spain.
He then travels around accompanied by his (controversial) Zwarte Piet helpers, visiting children in a buildup to Feast Day on December 5.
That night, Sinterklaas brings presents to good boys and girls – then the following morning (St. Nicolas Day), he sails off until next year.
Pro Tip: Kruidnoten, one of our favorite Dutch Christmas cookies, are only eaten when Sinterklaas is in town…so get them while you can!
Christmas Eve in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, Christmas Eve is not a public holiday. Grocery stores and bars might even be a bit busier than usual, but there is not a traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Amsterdam or any other holiday customs.
Amsterdam Christmas Day
Xmas Day in Amsterdam is an official holiday, so many things are closed. Expect most grocery stores, shops, markets, restaurants and museums to be shut. However, there are exceptions!
What and Where to Eat on Christmas Day in Amsterdam
To be honest, there’s not many Amsterdam restaurants open on Christmas Day, leaving tourists with few choices for a holiday meal.
Those staying in apartments with a kitchen can prepare festive meals at home, but we have a few tips for travelers staying in hotels, too.
Many locals celebrate with a big Christmas lunch. Typically the Dutch Christmas Brunch is eaten at home with family. For visitors, this could be a simple charcuterie platter of cheeses and meat.
Christmas night is usually highlighted by a feast at home. Traditional Christmas Dinner in the Netherlands consists of a shrimp starter, thick pea soup (called Erwtensoep or Snert), roasted vegetables (like brussel sprouts and potatoes) and a main meat dish (often rabbit, venison or duck).
However, a relatively new custom for Christmas Day dinner in Amsterdam is Gourmetten. This is when you cook your own bite-sized meats and veggies in small skillets over a tabletop oven.
This Amsterdam Christmas tradition requires a special set – but ask if your Airbnb host has an extra one and you can pick up ingredients already prepared at the grocery store!
If a kitchen and/or Gourmetten set is not available to you, do not fear. There are a handful of Christmas Day restaurants open in Amsterdam where you can eat a festive meal.
In fact, many places serve a fixed menu of classic Amsterdam Christmas food. Just note that it is essential to make a reservation in advance.
Christmas Mass Amsterdam
Despite the hefty number of churches in Amsterdam, the Dutch are not particularly religious. Most churches do hold a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day mass, but it likely won’t be well attended (or, of course, in English).
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (The Church in the Attic) offers Christmas Mass, which we think would be quite atmospheric. Tickets are required and should be booked in advance.
What is Open on Christmas Day in Amsterdam?
Not everything is closed! In fact, top museums – like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House – are all open on Christmas Day.
Additionally, the Museumplein Christmas Market and Ice Amsterdam skating rink are open, too. Some canal cruises are also running.
While most coffeeshops and bars are closed, there are a handful of Central and neighborhood establishments that are open for business.
If the weather is nice, head out to some of the city’s parks. When we were in Amsterdam for Christmas, we went to Vondelpark, which was full of locals, families and tourists.
Top Tip: Amsterdam Public Transport is operational on Christmas Day, following the Sunday schedule.
Boxing Day Amsterdam – Second Christmas
December 26th, or Second Christmas, is another holiday celebrated in Amsterdam. Although more places are open than on Christmas Day, many remain closed. Additionally, Public Transit operates on a Sunday schedule.
Amsterdam between Christmas and New Year
Amsterdam after Christmas is a busy time of year. Between school holidays and work vacations, people flood into the city beginning the day after Christmas, so expect it to be a bit more crowded.
Amsterdam New Year’s Eve and Day
New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam is celebrated with fireworks (A LOT of fireworks) and parties (both elegant affairs and all-night raves).
Champagne is the holiday drink of choice and Oliebollen (traditional Dutch donuts) are the NYE tradition.
On New Year’s Day, many people dive right in with a frigid North Sea swim. The event in nearby Zandvoort aan Zee hosts one of the biggest New Year Day plunges. Do you dare join in?!
Travel Tips for Visiting Amsterdam around Christmas
We have highlighted the top things to do in Amsterdam during Christmas. However, we have a few more tips that will help you plan your holiday trip!
Amsterdam Christmas Weather
Typically, winter temperatures in Amsterdam are quite cool – often dipping below freezing overnight. Sometimes the weather gets so cold that the canals freeze over.
When the ice is thick enough, brave locals even go ice skating on the canals. We do NOT recommend this!
Precipitation – either snow or rain, depending on the temperature – is common during the winter in Holland, but is rarely heavy.
Our weather was generally mild with temperatures in the mid-40Fs. There were days of overcast skies and bouts of rain, but not enough to put a damper on our festive spirit!
Still, it’s always a good idea to bring a packable raincoat, a travel umbrella – and hats, gloves and scarfs, too. Use our packing hacks to ensure it all fits in your suitcase!
What To Pack for an Amsterdam Christmas Holiday
In addition to the warm clothes that you will need for your trip, we have a few tips on things you will want to pack. So grab our FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get you to the Netherlands!
We recommend investing a real travel camera – like the Canon Rebel DSLR – that is easy to use and takes high quality photographs.
Other essential gadgets are a power bank (batteries drain faster in cold weather) and a outlet converter. For connectivity, we recommend using a Pocket WiFi Device, like GlocalMe.
Make sure to also bring a good day pack for long days of sightseeing. It should have multiple zippered pockets and be big enough to carry your everyday necessities, plus extra winter gear.
Where To Stay in Amsterdam for the Holidays
Amsterdam accommodations tend to be on the pricey side year-round, so you will need to consider your budget when searching for a place to stay.
Also, it may be helpful to find accommodations with a kitchen (or at least a refrigerator) or a hotel that has an on-site restaurant (just confirm that it will be open for the holidays).
Start your search for the best Amsterdam accommodations on Booking.com – but first, read our Tips For Finding Top Places to Stay!
Whether staying in an Airbnb, hotel or even housesitting for the holidays, don’t forego decorating your place!
Wondering where to buy Christmas decorations in Amsterdam? We recommend heading to HEMA for a fun selection of modern (yet inexpensive) Christmas décor.
Looking to buy a Christmas Tree in Amsterdam? Live Christmas trees are sold at Nieuwmarkt by the Waag and small trees are on sale at the Amtersdam Flower Market.
How To Get There
Getting to Amsterdam for the Christmas season is relatively simple. Schiphol Airport (AMS) is a major hub for international flights year-round. Use our Top Tips For Booking Cheap Flights – and then start your search on Skyscanner.
Plan a Multi-City Xmas Vacation
One of the best things about planning a December trip to Amsterdam is that it’s well-positioned to visit other Christmas markets near the Netherlands.
Our top picks for a day jaunt or overnight trip would be to the nearby Dusseldorf Christmas Market (only 2 hours by train) or the Christmas Market in Frankfurt.
The best cities in Belgium host spectacular holiday markets, too. Plus, from Amsterdam it is fairly easy to get to Paris and London for their fabulous Xmas celebrations.
Furthermore, there is an Alsace to Amsterdam Christmas Cruise from Basel, Switzerland to some of the best markets in the region – including Strasbourg and Colmar!
Organize your Vacation
When preparing for your Vacation To Europe, you need to stay on top of the details. We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner.
It contains dozens of pages of travel organization so that you can plan a perfect Amsterdam Xmas trip!
Travel Insurance
No matter how well you plan, things can go wrong – like the airline losing your luggage or getting sick while traveling abroad. Check the affordable rates and robust coverage with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to the Netherlands! Search for the low airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top Christmas Destinations
- Celebrate Advent in Zagreb, Croatia
- Vienna and Graz Christmas Markets
- Visit Madrid during the Holidays
- Best NYC Xmas Experiences
- Barcelona at Christmas
- Birmingham, UK German Christmas Market
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