Christmas is undeniably one of the best times to visit Amsterdam. Festive lights, cultural events, Christmas markets, and illuminated waterways make the city ideal for your winter holidays.
Keep reading to learn how you can make the most of your next Christmas holiday in Amsterdam and discover the best areas to stay!
Amsterdam’s canals transform into an open art gallery with beautiful light installations during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Each year, a unique theme is chosen, and this year’s 14th edition explores Legacy, asking questions such as “How do you want to be remembered?” and “What will we leave for future generations?”
Learn more about the festival and book your tickets.
You can also book a walking tour, combining a tour of the light installations and the Christmas season happenings.
Tip: Stay at Hotel MAI Amsterdam, offering canal views right in the heart of the Amsterdam Light Festival’s highlights.
Amsterdam’s Christmas markets feature stalls with colourful gifts, artisanal bites, hot drinks, and activities for all ages. Some of the must-visit markets include:
Alternatively, you can visit the Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein markets, located in the centre of Amsterdam, or take a day trip to one of Amsterdam’s neighbouring cities and enjoy their Christmas markets.
Examples include Haarlem's Christmas market, Winter Village Amstelveen, The Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague.
Tip: Stay at Hotel Roemer or Hotel van de Vijsel, both near Museumplein, offering easy access to the Amsterdam Christmas Market and world-renowned museums.
The Christmas season is rich with culture, including dance performances, concerts, and even a grand circus.
Highlights include:
Click here to view other events including candlelight and family-friendly concerts.
Visit Amsterdam’s churches and cathedrals and attend their Christmas Eve services, including carols and special services. You can simply enjoy the carols, or you can sing along!
Some churches we recommend visiting include the English Reformed Church in the Begijnhof (a quiet oasis in the centre), the Westerkerk (a historic Dutch Protestant church), and the Christ Church Amsterdam.
Tip: Stay at Hotel MAI Amsterdam or Hotel Mercier to be close to cultural events and historic churches offering carol services.
When in Amsterdam during the holidays, treat yourself to traditional Dutch treats like oliebollen (sweet fried dough balls) and appelbeignets (crispy apple fritters). You’ll find them at festive street markets or as part of a guided food tour.
Other seasonal favourites include kruidnoten and speculaas, spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg. Don’t miss pepernoten, bite-sized biscuits with a hint of anise, and chocolate letters, a typical Sinterklaas tradition. These are easy to find in local supermarkets or specialty shops.
Ideas to celebrating New Year’s Eve:
Pack your warm clothes and an umbrella, and spend the winter holidays in the postcard-like city that never sleeps! Enjoy Christmas markets, cultural events, and local traditions by staying close to everything Amsterdam has to offer.