December in Amsterdam feels like stepping into a snow globe. The city glows with holiday lights, cozy cafes brim with locals escaping the cold, and seasonal markets serve up steaming mulled wine. Early December sees fewer crowds and better hotel deals; by mid-month, tourists return for Christmas festivities and New Year’s fireworks. Days are short, so start early. Many museums and restaurants close fully on Dec 25–26, so check hours before planning.
Amsterdam in December 2025 at a glance
🌧️ Weather
Average highs 6°C / 43°F, frequent rain; possible frost or snow.
☀️ Daylight
~8 h; sunrise ~8:45am, sunset ~4:30pm.
🎉 Key events
Amsterdam Light Festival, Ice Village at Museumplein, New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Oliebollen (fried dough balls), mulled wine, stamppot with sausage.
Top things to do in Amsterdam in December
See the canals glow at the Amsterdam Light Festival
When: All December (nightly)
Tags: Outdoors, Seasonal, Cultural experience
The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city’s canals into a glowing gallery of light installations. Bundle up and book a heated evening canal cruise for the best views. Displays rotate annually and feature global artists.
Ice skate at Museumplein’s winter village
When: Early Dec–early Jan
Tags: Family-friendly, Seasonal, Outdoors
The Ice Village by Rijksmuseum includes a festive rink, Christmas stalls, and Dutch snacks. Rent skates (~€7.50) and glide beneath fairy lights. Arrive early evening for a magical vibe.
Visit the Van Gogh Museum without the crowds
When: Weekdays, early December
Tags: Cultural experience, Tour \
December mornings mean shorter lines at the Van Gogh Museum. Book a timed ticket (€22) and enjoy masterpieces like Sunflowers with space to linger. Audioguide adds winter context to his color palettes.
Recommended experiences:
Van Gogh Museum Tickets
Combo: Van Gogh Museum + 1-Hour Canal Cruise Tickets
These deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar are a local holiday must. Find stands at Leidseplein or near Albert Cuypmarkt. Best eaten fresh and hot to warm your hands and belly.
Cruise the canals on a winter boat tour
When: Daylight hours or after dark
Tags: Tour, Outdoors, Cultural experience
Daytime cruises highlight Amsterdam’s historic facades, while evening tours reveal the glow of the Light Festival. Look for enclosed boats with heating and mulled wine. Book early for Christmas week.
Recommended experiences:
Amsterdam: Evening Cruise with Pizza or Burger and Drinks
Amsterdam: Dinner Cruise with 4-Course Menu and Drinks
Shop for Dutch gifts at De Hallen’s Local Goods Market
When: Weekends in December
Tags: Explorer, Family-friendly, Cultural experience
Find locally made crafts, candles, and snacks in De Hallen’s trendy indoor setting. Great for last-minute gifts. Open weekends; check for exact dates.
Relax in a warm canal-view café
When: Anytime
Tags: Cultural experience
Explorer Duck into a cozy canal-side café like Papeneiland or Café t Smalle. Order erwtensoep (pea soup) or hot chocolate with slagroom (whipped cream) and watch bikes whiz past frosty bridges.
Ride the Ferris wheel at Winter Paradise
When: Mid-Dec–early Jan
Tags: Family-friendly, Seasonal, Outdoors
RAI Amsterdam’s Winter Paradise has indoor snow fun, tube slides, music acts, and a giant Ferris wheel. Get skip-the-line tickets online if visiting between Christmas and New Year’s.
Offbeat experiences in December
Cozy up in a private cinema booth
Old-school movie magic with mulled wine
Cinema The Movies lets you watch art-house films in plush vintage seats. Order wine or snacks to your booth. A calm alternative to holiday bustle.
Visit De Poezenboot, a floating animal shelter for stray cats. It’s warm inside, donations appreciated, and feline therapy is guaranteed. Call ahead as space is limited.
This tranquil 14th-century courtyard feels timeless in winter dusk. Bring a candle or flashlight—entry is free, but lighting is minimal. Go before 5 pm to catch the chapel open.
The Museum Van Loon decks its 17th-century home with antique garlands and table settings. Guided tours explain Dutch holiday traditions. Closed Dec 25–26.
Festivals and events in Amsterdam this December 2025
Amsterdam Light Festival
Dates: 27 Nov 2025 – 18 Jan 2026
Event type: Art Festival
Location: Along the canals (City center)
Dozens of artists transform canal routes with glowing sculptures and projections. Best viewed by evening cruise. Book timed tickets early, especially around weekends.
Indoor/outdoor theme park with snowball fights, Ferris wheel, Dutch music acts. Kid-friendly and open Christmas week. Buy tickets in advance for Dec 24–31.
Take a candlelight canal cruise through the Light Festival.
Share oliebollen at a Christmas market. Toast with mulled wine before fireworks at a quiet bridge away from big crowds.
Culture vultures
Explore the Hermitage or Van Gogh museums with fewer tourists.
Museum Van Loon’s holiday decor is worth a detour.
Wrap your day with a concert at the Royal Concertgebouw.
Your perfect 3-day Amsterdam in December itinerary
Morning: Start at the Anne Frank House —arrive by 8:45 am even if pre-booked. It’s quietest first thing.
Breakfast: Pancakes Amsterdam nearby serves kid-friendly options and cozy views.
Midday: Walk the Jordaan, ducking into galleries and boutiques.
Lunch: Warm up with erwtensoep at Moeders (Rozengracht).
Afternoon: Book a 4 pm heated canal cruise to see Light Festival art installations glow.
Evening: Stop by the Ice Village for snacks and skating under fairy lights.
Morning: Wander De Pijp’s Albert Cuyp Market—great for last-minute gifts and photos.
Breakfast: Try a stroopwafel hot off the grill from a market stall.
Midday: Tour the Van Gogh Museum . Don’t miss the winter landscapes section.
Lunch: Café Loetje’s steak with mustard sauce warms up any afternoon.
Afternoon: See the Museum Van Loon’s holiday-decorated interiors.
Evening: Ride the Winter Paradise Ferris wheel or catch live Dutch music.
Morning: Visit Westerkerk or Noorderkerk for a candlelight concert (check timing).
Breakfast: Café de Jaren offers pastries and riverside views.
Midday: Cross to Amsterdam Noord on the free ferry and explore NDSM art spaces.
Lunch: Pllek serves creative seasonal dishes in a glass-walled venue.
Afternoon: Warm up at Sauna Deco. Reserve ahead and check nude-only rules.
Evening: Watch fireworks from Amstel bridge or Oosterpark. Dress warmly and bring snacks.
Best day trips from Amsterdam in December
Haarlem
🚉 Travel time: ~15 min by train
Stroll this historic town’s lit-up center and browse its Christmas market (first weekend of Dec). Frans Hals Museum and cozy pubs offer warm indoor options. Great for a half-day visit.
Zaanse Schans
🚉 Travel time: ~20 min by train
The windmills look dreamy in frost or light snow. Fewer crowds in winter. Visit wooden shoe workshops and get fresh stroopwafels. Layer up—it’s breezy by the water.
Utrecht
🚉 Travel time: ~25 min by train
This canal-ringed city has underground Christmas tunnels and fewer tourists than Amsterdam. Great café scene and Dom Tower views. Visit late morning and return after dinner.
Alkmaar
🚉 Travel time: ~35 min by train
Skip the summer cheese crowd and explore wintery lanes and boutiques. Look for the indoor cheese museum and taste local Edam. Best on a clear day.
Go shopping in Amsterdam in December
When: Weekends in December
Where: Oud-West
Find handmade Dutch crafts, from ceramics to skincare. Indoor venue keeps you warm; great for gifts and souvenirs.
Great for festive snacks, bargain scarves, and stroopwafels. Outdoor but bustling, even in winter.
Pro tips for visiting Amsterdam in December
Many attractions close fully on Dec 25–26—check schedules in advance and plan indoor days accordingly.
Book museum tickets early, especially for Van Gogh and Anne Frank House . Slots fill fast over the holidays.
Dress in waterproof layers: rain is more common than snow, and icy winds whip across bridges.
Try morning visits (before 10 am) for peaceful photos and smaller crowds—even mid-December.
Use heated canal boats for Light Festival viewing. Avoid open-top options unless bundled well.
Reserve dinner early on Christmas Eve and NYE—many spots have prix fixe menus and limited hours.
Free ferries to Amsterdam Noord still run in December—use them to escape the city center crush.
Carry some cash: Christmas markets and snack stands sometimes don’t take cards.
Ride trams over buses when possible—they’re more frequent and warmer during holiday season.
If it snows or freezes, don’t rush: bridges and cobblestones get slippery. Walk slowly and wear traction shoes.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Amsterdam in December
Yes, expect chilly weather—average highs around 6 °C / 43 °F and possible frost. Dress in waterproof layers, including gloves and thermals.
Many museums and restaurants close on Dec 25–26. Book key attractions in advance and check hours before visiting.
Some churches host concerts or services. Most shops and museums are closed. Plan to walk, skate, or relax in a cozy café if open.
Snow is possible but rare. More likely, you’ll encounter rain or cold wind. If lucky, you may see a dusting near Christmas.
Yes—Ice Village and De Hallen have excellent holiday stalls. They’re festive, local-focused, and perfect for gift-hunting or treats.
Yes, but on reduced schedules. Trams may stop early on Dec 24 and 31. Check GVB app or 9292.nl for updates.
Definitely. Heated boats operate year-round and are especially magical during the Light Festival. Dress warmly and book popular time slots.
Take the NS train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal (~15–20 minutes). Trains run all year, including holiday periods.
Cozy and carb-heavy. Try stamppot, pea soup, and holiday sweets like speculaas. Many restaurants offer prix fixe menus on holidays—reserve early.
Yes, if you enjoy museums, winter lights, and café culture. The city feels festive but safe, with lots to explore solo indoors and out.
What to eat in Amsterdam in December: Seasonal delicacies
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Oliebollen
Pillowy fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, sold hot from carts around town. Only appear during the holiday season. Best with a side of mulled wine. Where to eat: Stands near Leidseplein, Museumplein
Stamppot with rookworst
A winter classic of mashed potatoes and kale topped with smoked sausage and gravy. Hearty and warming. Where to eat:Moeders, Rozengracht 251
Erwtensoep (pea soup)
Thick green soup with split peas, pork, and smoked sausage. Often served with rye bread and bacon. Where to eat:Café Loetje, multiple locations
Poffertjes
Mini fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. Find them at markets and fairs. Where to eat: Ice Village or Albert Cuypmarkt
Speculaas cookies
Spiced shortbread cookies shaped like windmills or St. Nicholas. A December staple. Where to eat: Bakers at De Hallen or Jordaan shops
