‌

Amsterdam in December 2025

‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌

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
Explore Van Gogh Museum tickets

Snack on hot oliebollen from a street stand

  • When: Throughout December
  • Tags: Seasonal, Family-friendly

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.

📍Where: Haarlemmerdijk 161

Discover Amsterdam’s catboat sanctuary

Adoptable cats aboard a canal barge

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.

📍Where: Singel 38G

See the medieval Begijnhof in candlelight

Historic courtyard with holiday hush

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.

📍Where: Begijnhof, city center

Visit a canal-house museum dressed for Christmas

Festive interiors with Golden Age flair

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.

📍Where: Keizersgracht 672

Join locals at a winter sauna

Steam away the chill, Dutch-style

Spend an afternoon at Sauna Deco or Spa Zuiver. Most are nude-only and separated by gender on select days—check rules before you go.

📍Where: Various, including Prinsengracht 764

‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌

Highlights for different traveller types

Families with kids

  • Amsterdam’s Ice Village has a fun-sized rink and kid-friendly snacks.
  • RAI Winter Paradise adds snow play and rides.
  • Warm up at NEMO Science Museum when it’s too cold to skate.

Couples

  • 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

Anne Frank House and Westerkerk tower along Amsterdam canal at dusk.
  • 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.
Stack of Dutch stroopwafels with syrup oozing on a plate.
  • 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.
Westerkerk tower illuminated at night along Amsterdam canal.
  • 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

Cheese wheels on shelves at Volendam Cheese Factory.
  • 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.

Amsterdam's Negen Straatjes at sunset with historic canal houses.

Boutique stores and indie brands in scenic streets. In December, windows sparkle with holiday displays.

Female customer browsing clothes on hangers in a clothing store.

Luxury fashion, cosmetics, and gourmet foods. Visit at dusk to see the building’s fairy light facade.

Amsterdam market stall with fresh vegetables and fruits in December.

Great for festive snacks, bargain scarves, and stroopwafels. Outdoor but bustling, even in winter.

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.