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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.
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!
So, is Amsterdam good at Christmas? We believe so! In this article, we are highlighting everything you need to know to plan your trip.
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 – and in the weeks leading up to the holiday, it simply sparkles.
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?
In our opinion, Amsterdam is one of the Best Places To Spend Christmas in Europe. The city hosts a number of special holiday events that brim with merriment. As a bonus, there are fewer crowds, making it easier to experience the city’s top sights.
To help you plan your trip and set expectations, we are sharing details about the markets and showcasing the best things to do in Amsterdam in December. Plus, we outline what to expect on Christmas Day in the Netherlands.
Later in the article, you will find our honest travel tips that will help make your trip planning a breeze. Save, Pin or Bookmark this Amsterdam Travel Guide to plan your trip to the Netherlands!
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 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 and FAQs
After spending Christmas in Europe in several different cities, we assumed Amsterdam, Netherlands holidays would be celebrated the same way. However, there are a few key differences that visitors 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 of the markets only take place on a single day or weekend – meaning, unless you plan to spend the entire month of December in Amsterdam, you will not have the opportunity to go to all of them!
What You Need To Know about Christmas Markets in Amsterdam
Before organizing Amsterdam Christmas breaks, be sure to read through our FAQs so that you can best plan what to do in Amsterdam at Christmas.
Is There a Christmas Market in Amsterdam?
Yes, Amsterdam does have Christmas Markets! Not just one, but several. There are traditional markets and modern fairs – all of which are highlighted by seasonal treats and shopping.
When do Christmas markets start in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam Christmas Market dates vary – so there is no easy answer to that question. Some run through the entire Christmas season – starting in mid-November and running until January, while others only take place on a specific weekend.
Where are the Christmas Markets?
Amsterdam Christmas Market locations are spread across the city. Additionally, there are some in nearby towns worth visiting, which we list later in the article.
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 of your trip.
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 day after Xmas.
The Amsterdam Ice Festival is the ideal place to go ice skating in Amsterdam at Christmas. The rink is backdropped by the striking Rijksmuseum and features a replica Magere Brug (the iconic ‘Skinny Bridge’) and a cozy bistro. The Amsterdam ice skating rink typically opens in mid-November and operates until the beginning of February.
Westergas: Sinterklaas and The Funky Xmas Market Amsterdam
Westergas is the city’s hip, artistic district that occupies a former factory within the spacious Westerpark. Ideal for events, two Christmas fairs take place in the historical and stylish venue.
Kicking off the holiday fun is the family-friendly Sinterklaas Market, which boasts face-painting, a holiday performance and Santa himself! The market is held at the beginning of the season (on December 1 in 2024).
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 15th for 2024).
Check the Sunday Market schedule for up-to-date info.
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, the Christmas Market at Rembrandtplein 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 one-day events are 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. Special holiday cruises are scheduled during the Light Show. 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
While the Light Festival in Amsterdam certainly brightens the short days and dark nights, they aren’t the only lights in the city! Visitors will find twinkling Christmas lights in Amsterdam draped along streets and decorating trees – and simply walking down the illuminated lanes is one of the fun things to do in Amsterdam in winter.
It should be noted that Christmas decorations in Amsterdam tend to be simple and understated, rather than flashy or gaudy. Some of our favorite Amsterdam Christmas decorations were modest wreaths hung on doors and sparsely decorated trees in quaint neighborhood squares.
#4 See the Giant Christmas Tree
The largest Amsterdam Christmas 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. The tree is usually lit in mid-December in a fun Amsterdam Christmas time celebration.
The tree lighting ceremony includes carol singers and vendors selling 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 stick around throughout the month of December selling specialty Christmas treats.
#5 Go Christmas Shopping
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. The city’s most atmospheric shops, however, are centrally located in an area dubbed The Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes).
Additionally, during Christmas time in Amsterdam there are several spots that sell Christmas baubles and other holiday keepsakes. One of the best places to pick up ornaments is at Christmas Palace. The all-year Christmas shop in Amsterdam is located along the Singel Canal near the floating flower market. We think it is the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs and ornaments.
#6 Have Fun at Amsterdam Winter Paradise
The Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs is a wintertime amusement park! At this Christmas fair in Amsterdam, participants join in the festive activities – like ice racing, curling and snowball throwing.
In the Winterplein, visitors can roast marshmallows, ride the Ferris Wheel or slide down the Tube Jump. During the day, the event is family friendly, but at night there are DJs, live musicians and plenty of places to imbibe. Note that tickets are required for entry.
#7 Visit Xmas-Decorated Museums
Going to museums is always a good wintertime activity – and in Amsterdam, there are an astounding 75 museums to entertain visitors. One of our favorite museums 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, which is a great way to save money on entry fees and other Amsterdam sights!
#8 Enjoy a Christmas Concert
Holiday concerts are excellent Christmas events in Amsterdam; they help to usher in the holiday spirit. Concerts 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 in Amsterdam at the Royal Theatre Carre, is not necessarily a Christmas event, but rather an Amsterdam tradition!
#10 Travel to Christmas Markets Near Amsterdam
Visitors seeking more merriment might want to check out some of the Xmas markets around Amsterdam in nearby cities. Before planning a trip, 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 Christmas Markets 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. Find out more about the nearby city in our post, Things To Do in Haarlem.
The Christmas Market Haarlem takes place on one weekend, usually in the middle of December…so plan accordingly!
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 Amsterdam
The small village of Den Ilp, just north of Amsterdam, only has a population of 800 residents, but they put on an incredible Christmas light display!
More Dutch Christmas Markets and Events
Those who don’t mind traveling a little bit further might want to check out the Floating Christmas Market in Leiden or The Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague. The largest Netherlands Christmas Market takes place in Dordrect, near Rotterdam.
Another fun event is the Dickens Festival in Deventer, which is during a select weekend in December and celebrates the stories of Charles Dickens. 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 activities 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 area 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
Amsterdam pubs 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 Day in Amsterdam?”. No need to worry, we have all the details of important December holiday 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 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 (December 24)
In Amsterdam, Christmas Eve is not a celebrated 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 celebrated on the day.
Amsterdam Christmas Day (December 25)
Xmas Day in Amsterdam is an official holiday, so many things are closed. Expect closures at most grocery stores, shops, markets, restaurants and museums. However, there are exceptions – and still plenty of things to do in Amsterdam on Christmas Day!
What and Where to Eat on Christmas Day in Amsterdam
If you are staying in the city on December 25, you are likely wondering, Are restaurants open in Amsterdam on Christmas Day?
To be honest, there are not many open Amsterdam restaurants on Christmas Day, leaving tourists with few choices for a holiday meal. Those staying in apartments where they have use of a kitchen can prepare festive meals at home, but we have a few tips for travelers staying in hotels, too.
Christmas Lunch Amsterdam
Many locals celebrate the holiday with Christmas Lunch in Amsterdam. Typically the Dutch Christmas Brunch is eaten at home with family and friends. For visitors, there are a few restaurants that are open for Christmas Day lunch in Amsterdam…but not many.
Instead, an easy – yet so very Amsterdam – Christmas lunch could be a simple charcuterie platter of local cheeses and meat. This could work in an apartment or hotel room, but if it is nice enough outside, as a picnic along a canal or in a park.
Christmas Dinner Amsterdam: What To Eat
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 game meat such as rabbit, venison or duck).
However, a relatively new custom for Christmas Day dinner in Amsterdam is Gourmetten – where diners cook their own meals of bite-sized meats and veggies in small skillets over a tabletop oven. This Amsterdam Christmas tradition requires a special Gourmetten set – but ask if your Airbnb host has an extra one and you can pick up ingredients already prepared at the local 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 visitors can eat a festive meal. In fact, many restaurants 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 residents of the city are not particularly religious. Most churches do hold a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day mass, but it won’t likely be heavily attended (or, of course, in English).
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Church in the Attic) offers Christmas Mass, which we think would be quite atmospheric. Tickets are required and should be booked in advance for your Amsterdam Christmas trip.
What Is Open on Christmas Day in Amsterdam?
Not everything is closed! In fact, top city 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 operational. 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, Christmas Day is the perfect day to visit some of the city’s parks. The sun was shining when we were in Amsterdam for Christmas, so we headed for Vondelpark, which was full of locals, families and tourists.
Amsterdam Public Transport Christmas Day
Public Transport is operational on Christmas Day, following the Sunday schedule.
Boxing Day Amsterdam – Second Christmas (December 26)
The day after Christmas, Second Christmas, is another holiday celebrated in Amsterdam. Although more restaurants, bars and shops are open than on Christmas Day, many establishments remain closed through the 26th. Additionally, Public Transport operates on a Sunday schedule on Amsterdam Boxing Day.
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 Holidays: New Year’s Eve and Day (Dec 31 and Jan 1)
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, in the Netherlands, Oliebollen (traditional Dutch donuts) are the NYE tradition.
In Amsterdam 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 Weather: Christmas and Winter Climate
It is tough to prepare for Amsterdam Christmas weather – it can vary drastically from day to day…and even from hour to hour. Typically, winter temperatures in Amsterdam are quite cold – often dipping below freezing overnight.
That said, 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. Precipitation – either snow or rain, depending on the temperature – is common during the winter in Holland, but is rarely heavy.
Our Amsterdam at Christmas 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! When you visit Amsterdam in winter, you just need to be prepared for the various elements.
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 your 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 a Canon Rebel DSLR – that is easy to use and takes high quality photographs.
Other essential electronic gadgets are a power bank (phone batteries drain faster in cold weather) and a outlet converter. For Wi-Fi connectivity during your trip to Holland, we recommend using a Pocket WiFi Device, like GlocalMe.
Make sure to also bring a good day pack that you can use during your long days of sightseeing. The bag should have multiple zippered pockets and it needs to be big enough to carry your everyday necessities, plus your extra winter gear.
Where To Stay for an Amsterdam Winter Holiday
Regardless of the season, we think the best place to stay in Amsterdam is in – or close to – the city center. 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, keep in mind that many restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in Amsterdam, so 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 (both hotels and apartments) on Booking.com – but first, read our Tips For Finding the Best Places to Stay.
Decorating your Amsterdam Accommodations
If spending Xmas in Amsterdam, visitors shouldn’t forego decorating their accommodations! Whether staying in an Airbnb apartment, a hotel or even housesitting for the holidays, you can festively decorate your space!
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 Flower Market in Amsterdam at Xmas.
How To Get There
Getting to Amsterdam for the Christmas season is relatively simple. The Amsterdam 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.
Amsterdam is well-connected to Germany by train, plane and bus – which is perfect for making a quick trip across the border for a few German Christmas Markets! Our top picks for a short 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 that allows passengers to cruise in style from Basel, Switzerland on an 8-day river boat tour, visiting some of the best markets in the region – including Strasbourg, Colmar and Amsterdam!
Organize your Vacation
When preparing for your Vacation To Europe, you need to stay on top of the details. You will not only want to track your travel plans (like hotel, flight and tours), but it is also best to plan out your sightseeing (particularly for the Amsterdam Xmas Markets that only take place over a couple of days).
We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner. It contains dozens of pages of travel organization so that you can plan a perfect Amsterdam trip!
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may help protect your trip when things 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 lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Christmas Destinations
- Celebrate Advent in Zagreb, Croatia
- Visit Madrid during the Holidays
- Best NYC Xmas Experiences
- See Barcelona at Christmas
- Go to the Birmingham, UK German Christmas Market
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