Enjoy Christmas in Amsterdam 2025 | 8 Exciting Things to Do

Top 6 things to do during Christmas in Amsterdam

Christmas in Amsterdam - Amsterdam Light Festival

Witness the Amsterdam Lights Festival

Mark your calendar for the Amsterdam Light Festival from November 28, 2024, to January 19, 2025! With 27 stunning light installations illuminating the canals, the theme' World of Rituals' invites you to reflect on how rituals unite us across cultures, all through light and art. Grab some friends and enjoy this captivating holiday experience together!

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Go ice skating at Museumplein

Lace up your skates for an unforgettable time at Museumplein! Running from November 15, 2024, to February 2, 2025, the ice rink offers a stunning backdrop of the Rijksmuseum. After gliding, head to the Ice Village for festive snacks or warm up at Bistro IJsclub with hot chocolate and cheese fondue!

Attend a concert at Concertgebouw

This December, The Concertgebouw transforms into a festive musical haven! With its iconic architecture and unparalleled acoustics, catch delightful holiday concerts featuring the Philharmonic Orchestra and charming adaptations of classic favorites like "The Nutcracker." Gather your loved ones and embrace the musical atmosphere filled with the spirit of Christmas!

Have fun at the World Christmas Circus

The Wereld Kerstcircus is back, bringing thrills and chills to the Royal Carré Theatre from December 18, 2024, to January 5, 2025! Sit down for jaw-dropping acts by award-winning artists, including aerial duos and spectacular horse training. This holiday tradition is a must-see for families with younglings!

Christmas in Amsterdam - Sinterklaas Celebration

Join the Sinterklaas Celebration

On November 17, 2024, Sinterklaas, an iconic character from Dutch folklore, sails from Spain to Amsterdam, kicking off the holiday festivities! This cherished tradition includes a lively parade featuring vibrant floats and marching bands, winding from the Amstel River to Leidseplein, where eager fans gather for delicious treats like kruidnootjes and chocolate letters!

Visit the Muiderslot Castle

From captivating 'A Christmas Carol' shows to festive dinners featuring traditional Dutch fare like oliebollen and warm spiced wine, plus the immersive Winter Castle exhibition highlighting hands-on medieval experiences, tales of yore, storytelling sessions, and winter sports, there's something magical for everyone at Muiderslot Castle!

Free things to do in Amsterdam at Christmas

Looking for a budget-friendly Amsterdam Christmas? Here are some holly-jolly Christmas activities that won't cost you a cent!

Stroll around Vondelpark: Forget the usual holiday hustle! Vondelpark transforms into a cozy winter paradise with shimmering lights, mouthwatering treats from food stalls, and live music that dances through the crisp air. Get some cocoa and jump right in!
Shop until you can't hold any more bags: At the Sustainable Christmas Market at De Ceuvel and the Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI, indulge in eco-friendly goodies while sipping glühwein by the fire. Then, hit the ice rink for a spin before sampling oliebollen—it'll warm your soul!
Take a canal walk: Picture wandering past shimmering lights along the iconic Herengracht while munching on warm stroopwafels—pure holiday bliss wrapped in cozy, twinkling lights!
Go cycling: When in Amsterdam, do as the Dutch do—grab a bike and get ready for a festive adventure! Cruise past iconic sights decked out in lights, hit up lively Christmas markets, and stop by to snack on holiday treats at your own pace.

Rijksmuseum Entry Tickets

€25

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Combo: Heineken® Experience Tickets + Canal Cruise

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Van Gogh Museum Tickets

Amsterdam: National Maritime Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

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The Upside Down Amsterdam Tickets

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Moco Museum Amsterdam Skip-the-Line Tickets: Banksy, Warhol and More

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Must-have Christmas treats in Amsterdam

Holiday flavors are in full swing in Amsterdam! Here's a list of must-try treats that'll make your taste buds sing this Christmas.

Kerststol

Think of it as the Dutch answer to 'How festive can a bread be?' Stuffed with dried fruits, hidden almond paste, and a snowy sugar top, it's practically a winter wonderland in loaf form, perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack.

Best places to eat Kerststol:

Oliebollen

'Oil balls' might not be the name of a fairytale treat, but oliebollen will win you over! Deep-fried, raisin-studded, and generously powdered with sugar, they're perfect for munching as you wander through Christmas markets.

Best places to eat Oliebollen:

Pepernoten

Pepernoten are the rebellious cookies of Christmas! Crunchy, cinnamon-spiced, and with a hint of pepper, they're tossed around by Sinterklaas like confetti. Warning: once you start, you might not stop.

Best places to eat Pepernoten:

Speculaas

Speculaas are like little spice-filled storytellers! These crunchy cookies combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in molds shaped like windmills and festive scenes—a cozy Dutch classic perfect for your coffee or tea ritual.

Best places to eat Speculaas:

Kerstkransjes

The cookie that doubles as decor! These buttery, lemony wreath-shaped treats come topped with almonds and hang from Christmas trees—because why choose between snacks and ornaments when you can have both?

Best places to eat Kerstkransjes:

Stoofpeertjes

Imagine pears taking a slow red wine bath with cinnamon and cloves—meet stoofpeertjes! These tender, aromatic beauties are a holiday staple, whether served with a savory dish or a scoop of ice cream.

Best places to eat Stoofpeertjes:

Plan your Christmas in Amsterdam

Weather

Welcome to Amsterdam's Winter Wonderland, where the weather is as moody as your favorite holiday movie! Let's unwrap the forecast for November, December, and January to see what to expect this Christmas!

November

November greets Amsterdam with a brisk chill, averaging between 4°C (39°F) and 10°C (50°F). Expect plenty of rain and overcast skies, so grab your favorite scarf! The daylight fades fast, leaving you with cozy vibes and a festive spirit.

December

December is like Amsterdam's frosty embrace, with highs around 6°C (42°F) and lows dipping to 2°C (36°F). Cloudy skies and rain are typical, creating the perfect winter backdrop. A sprinkle of snow could surprise you, making everything picturesque!

January

January brings the coldest waves of winds, with temperatures hovering around 0°C (32°F) to 5°C (41°F). Frost and the occasional dusting of snow can transform the city into a serene wonderland. Expect short days and plenty of cozy indoor adventures to warm your heart!

Bus

On Christmas Day, Amsterdam's buses operate on a limited Sunday schedule, but they still connect key areas of the city. Check the GVB or 9292.nl app for real-time updates, and expect slightly reduced service.

Train

Amsterdam's trains, too, run on a Sunday schedule during Christmas, with Amsterdam Centraal open for travel to nearby cities. Service is less frequent, though.

Tram

Trams offer reduced service but remain efficient for holiday sightseeing with tickets available onboard.

Metro

The metro runs on a reduced Sunday schedule, ensuring essential connections across the city. It's great for reaching destinations beyond the city center.

Cab

Cabs and Uber services are available throughout Amsterdam on Christmas Day, though fares may increase during peak times.

Cycles

Cycling is always in style in Amsterdam—even at Christmas! Many locals and tourists hop on bikes for short trips. Rental shops stay open but dress warmly, watch for slippery roads, and enjoy the festive lights along the way.

Luxury: Amsterdam Mariott Hotel (around €240 per night), The Hoxton Amsterdam (around €290 per night), Conservatorium Hotel (around €500 per night)
Mid-budget: Eden Hotel Amsterdam (around €120 per night), Die Port Van Cleve (around €150 per night), Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam (around €210 per night),
Low-Budget: MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel (around €45 per night), Volkshotel (around €52 per night), XO Hotels Couture (around €63 per night)

Warm layers: Bundle up, my friend! In Amsterdam's frosty December, layering is your secret weapon against the chill! Think cozy thermal tops, snuggly sweaters, and a stylish winter coat to keep you toasty as you wander the festive markets!
Reliable footwear: With rain and maybe even a sprinkle of snow, waterproof boots are your best buddies. Grab some comfy, insulated kicks to keep your toes dry while strutting along those charming cobblestone streets!
Essential accessories: Don't forget your winter sidekicks! Cozy gloves and a chunky scarf are a must to combat those freezing Amsterdam winds.
Rain protection: December showers are common in Amsterdam, so pack a compact, sturdy umbrella to stay dry while you're out and about!
Stay powered up: Pack a type C/F travel adapter and keep your devices ready for every canal-side selfie and café stop. Additionally, don't forget to carry a portable charger so you can avoid that dreaded 'low battery' alert!

Ice Village is a crowd magnet, but for an authentic local twist, swing by the Funky Xmas Market at Westergas for indie vibes, artsy finds, and cool, one-of-a-kind gifts!
For an affordable holiday treat, head to a historic church on Christmas Eve for free concerts or carol singing—it's a beautiful way to embrace the season's music.
Public transport on Christmas can be a mixed bag, but snagging an OV-chipkaart makes it a breeze! Zip around the city on trams, buses, and trains without any fuss.
Keep your eyes peeled for fun pop-up activities like ice skating and snow tubing at the Amsterdam Winter Paradise.
On the hunt for warmth between activities? Cozy cafés are your best friend! Enjoy some rich Dutch hot chocolate or mulled wine and give your feet a well-deserved rest between all the shopping and sightseeing!
Don't let the night slip by without seeing the city glow! Schedule evening strolls to admire the twinkling holiday lights; the nighttime vibe is a whole new level of gorgeous—perfect for capturing dreamy shots for your Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas in Amsterdam

Is Amsterdam crowded at Christmas?

Christmas is quite popular in Amsterdam, so the city sees a number of tourists during this time of year. To avoid crowds, it is best to visit popular attractions the week after Christmas.

Where can I see the Christmas lights in Amsterdam?

While the entirety of Amsterdam is decked out with an array of Christmas lights, the most fantastic displays can be observed around Central Amsterdam and its surrounding areas.

Are restaurants open on Christmas in Amsterdam?

Yes, most restaurants in Amsterdam are open on Christmas. However, it is recommended you call ahead and confirm before visiting a specific restaurant.

Are there any unique Christmas traditions in Amsterdam?

Absolutely! One of the coolest traditions is Sinterklaas, celebrated on December 5 with a flurry of gift-giving.

What are the best times to visit Christmas markets?

For a cozy experience without the hustle, swing by early in the day or during the weekdays! If you're craving that lively evening vibe with all the twinkling lights, just keep in mind it might be busier then!

Are there any special events on Christmas Eve?

While Christmas Eve isn't a big celebration in Amsterdam, you can catch some lovely services or concerts at local churches!

Is it safe to walk around Amsterdam at night during Christmas?

Amsterdam is usually pretty safe, but keeping your wits about you is always wise. Stick to well-lit areas and enjoy those Christmassy lights with peace of mind!