Christmas in Amsterdam
Amsterdam at Christmas has something for everyone
Visit Amsterdam for Christmas and you will find a city that just ‘feels’ warm and welcoming, even with the cold temperatures.
Amsterdam’s compactness creates a lovely community spirit that flows both visually through the lights and decorations, but also through the people and events.
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December in Amsterdam allows you to enjoy the city with all its lights turned on. THere is even a light festival running too. Enjoy ice-rinks, markets, shopping and warm up in the famous brown cafes.
Things to do at Christmas in Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam
Walking around Amsterdam or using the canals will allow you to stumble on amazing shops, scenery, decorations and Christmas markets.
We still like to walk around and discover new things in Amsterdam and doing this at Christmas and in the evenings for the lights is a memorable experience.
Christmas markets in Amsterdam
Take a trip to the Museumplein at Christmas and you’ll find a delightful Christmas experience called the ICE Village. This is where the famous ice rink in front of the Rijksmuseum is located, which really is a must-do if you are visiting in December or January. After your skate you can explore the market for food, drinks and gifts and enjoy the live entertainment. A perfect Christmas experience.
Haalem Christmas market is a big one. By that we mean it takes over pretty much the whole city centre and you’ll be overwhelmed with the amount of choice, noise, smells and holiday ambience. But in a good way, a way that fills you with holiday cheer to the brim.
The RAI Convention Centre in the Zuidas business district utilises its space to morph into a huge winter park with funfairs, parties, giant ferris wheel, ice skating (indoor and outdoor) and more. This is the place to go if you want a more active Christmas experience than just shopping and eating, great for families.
There are other Christmas markets in Amsterdam and some further afield too. But, if you are on a short trip to Amsterdam, then the above markets are easy to find, get to and enjoy.
Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival brightens up the city in the Winter and runs throughout the Christmas period. You’ll find lighting works of art around every corner or along every canal.
We have a dedicated page looking at the Amsterdam Light Festival.
Christmas shopping in Amsterdam
Christmas shopping in Amsterdam is like any other city if we are honest. All the department stores will flood their shelves with Christmas related products and update their window displays accordingly. The music will loop with Christmas favourites or unfavourites and you’ll be overwhelmed with choices for special gifts for your loved ones. No bad thing as you potter around the shops getting in the spirit.
We prefer the more boutique and individual shops you’ll find in places like De Pijp, Jordaan and the famous Nine Streets. But, when it comes to shopping a mix of all styles of shops is usually best and Amsterdam will easily fulfil that requirement.
Churches in Amsterdam
Amsterdam being a major city has many places for religious worship. Oude Kerk is an iconic church in Amsterdam which during Christmas time is well worth a visit, although it is closed on Christmas Day.
Nieuwe Kerk in Dam Square is also worth visiting but again closed on Christmas Day. Both links above will give you details of these two iconic churches in Amsterdam.
Dam Square Christmas Tree
Dam Square, the heart beat of the city hosts a huge Christmas tree every season, usually around 20 metres tall the tree is festooned with lights, making the square a real delight and focal point for celebrations.
Visiting Dam Square at Christmas also brings you into a busy and popular shopping area with plenty of big stores including the famous de Bijenkorf.
There is also Madame Tussauds, Nieuwe Kerk and the Royal Palace situated in the square.
Sinterklaas in Amsterdam
Not to be mistaken with Santa Claus although to be fair it would be pretty easy to do.
Sinterklaas comes early to Amsterdam. In November, he’ll make the journey from Spain to the Netherlands and bring presents for the children. After he arrives in the Netherlands, he makes his way to Amsterdam and is the focal point of a massive parade through the city. This includes both a boat and horse parade.
If you find yourself in Amsterdam in mid November (the official dates change each year, but in 2024 it is scheduled for 17 November) and see a parade hosted by a man looking suspiciously like Santa Claus and think you have time jumped to 25 December, don’t panic, join the crowds which can swell up to 400,000 and enjoy raining sweets and spiced cookies.
On Dec 5, the official Sinterklass Day is celebrated and up to this day you’ll find all kinds of celebrations on going in Amsterdam.
This is why Amsterdam has the capacity to suprise and delight you at any time of year.
Why not check out our Best Time to Visit Amsterdam page to see what other winter, spring, summer and autumn attractions and events Amsterdam is hosting.
