Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, boasts beautiful waterways with quaint bridges and medieval houses with gabled facades. The capital city, renowned for its rich heritage and culture, celebrates Christmas in a traditional Dutch way. Saunter around the charming neighborhood of Jordaan and feel the warm seasonal spirit of the locale. Occasionally, in wintertime, witness the canal water freeze and turn into a local ice rink. Try skating on the thick ice if you are brave enough for a unique experience. Treasure the memories by buying yourself a holiday treat or souvenir from the boutique shops lining the busy streets of Amsterdam.
If this excites you, plan your dream holiday in Amsterdam now. And to make your holiday extra special, visit during the Christmas season when this lively city lights up with festive decorations. Plan a detailed itinerary and read the top things to do at Christmas in Amsterdam, Netherlands, below.
1. Discover the Amsterdam Winter Paradise
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Satisfy your winter wonderland whims at Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs or Amsterdam Winter Paradise. Eery winter Amsterdam RAI transforms into a wonderland that provides unlimited fun. This year, it will run from December 15 to January 1.
This annual event offers a plethora of fun-filled experiences to keep you entertained, including curling, ice skating, mega swing rides, and cross-country skiing. The Grand Ice Theater is the newest addition to the annual event’s collection of activities. For laid-back leisure opportunities, relish music, magic, and entertaining performances by various artists in the theater. When it comes to food and beverages, plenty of options are available on-site that offer a variety of cuisines. Be sure to taste the traditional Dutch delicacy, poffertjes, when you drop by one of the eateries.
Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs (Amsterdam Winter Paradise)
Address: Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Website: Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs
Opening hours: Dec 15: 12pm - 1am; Dec 16 - Dec 17: 9am - 2am; Dec 18 - Dec 22: 9am - 1am; Dec 23 - Dec 24: 9am - 2am; Dec 25 - Dec 29: 9am - 1am; Dec 30: 9am -2am; Dec 31 - 9am - 3am; Jan 1: 9am - 6pm
Price: from 14.00 EUR (14.05 USD)
2. Welcome the festive season in the lively Ice Village
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Ice Village is a lively Christmas market at Museumplein in Amsterdam that is held annually in the month of December. This year the event will celebrate its fifth anniversary when it opens its gates to the public during the Christmas season.
Once you step foot in this highly recommended holiday market, you will be greeted with over 45 tastefully decorated stalls and booths offering a variety of items, from tasty gourmet treats to winter clothes. There is also a lovely skating rink adorned with fairy lights, giving the setting a cheerful ambiance.
Ice Village
Address: Museumplein 1071 Amsterdam Centrum, Netherlands
Website: Ice Village
Opening hours: Dec 14 - Dec 24: 11am - 8pm (daily); Dec 25: 11am - 5pm (Sun); Dec 26: 11am - 8pm (Mon)
Price: Free entrance
3. Take a guided tour of the city amidst glittering Christmas lights (from USD 191.55)
This activity lets one of the willing locals act as your guide on a walking tour across the city. With your friendly guide’s help, you can learn new information about Amsterdam and discover some hidden gems in the city. You can leave your worries about being restricted in terms of time and itinerary behind. You can customize your experiences without compromising a hassle-free trip.
Stroll around the city as it gears up for the festive season and enjoy local delicacies as you pass by the wonderful eateries. You can also visit a skating rink or drop by a Christmas market. Whatever you choose to do, rest assured this tour will help you get into the festive mood.
Amsterdam: Christmas Lights and Festive Delights
Duration: 3.0 hour
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4. Sail through the canals in a romantic boat tour (from USD 27.95)
Set on the backwaters of the city’s iconic canals, the Light Festival Boat Tour allows you to experience a romantic cruise.
Admire the evening glory of Amsterdam’s artistic heritage while sailing. The light installations decorating the quaint buildings and bridges reflect off the waters, giving the scene a magical glow. Unlimited hot chocolate is served to all passengers to keep them toasty amid the winter breeze. You can also grab unique drinks, such as a hot chocolate cocktail, from the trendy onboard bar.
Amsterdam: Light Festival Boat Tour with Hot Cocoa
Duration: 1.5 hour
Amsterdam Tour Guide
Locally Louke
Hi, my name is Louke and I live and work in the historical city of Amsterdam. My style of guiding is custom. That feeling you get from meeting up with a friend that shows you around their city. Obviously, I will take you to see the things on your bucket list and I will help you get the lay of the land and share tips and tricks of how to get the most out of your stay in my city.
Tours by Locally
Amsterdam Tour Guide
5. Pedal around the city on a bike (from USD 37.96)
Wondering how it feels to pedal around the city on two wheels? In that case, this bike tour, a part of the Amsterdam Light Festival, is an excellent addition to your itinerary. It gives you the opportunity to explore the city and experience the razzmatazz that is on display during the Christmas season.
The bike tour usually lasts two hours, with the A-Bike City Center acting as its starting and end point. Get the chance to appreciate the 20 creative light artworks of the Amsterdam Light Festival along the way. Local guides are present to usher you and help you navigate the route. Bike rentals are also available and complimentary tea or coffee is provided once the tour concludes.
Amsterdam: Light Festival Bike Tour
Duration: 2.0 hour
6. Enjoy a stroll through the city streets (from USD 34.58)
With the two-hour Winter Wonder Walking tour, you get to celebrate Amsterdam’s rich heritage as well as its holiday spirit. The tour begins at the striking Dam Square, traverses through the aesthetic bridges and old churches, and includes points of interest such as Spui Square.
A friendly guide will help you unearth the secrets of the city and experience its folklore. The tour package includes a Christmas snack and a cup of hot chocolate or warm Gluhwein (mulled wine). A winter hat is also provided to keep your head comfortable during the tour.
Amsterdam Winter Walking Tour
Duration: 2.0 hour
7. Taste oliebollen at de Bakkerszonen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bedankt Reisguide.nl en Iamsterdam dat we ook bij jullie op 1 staan met de oliebollen! We bakken ze dagelijks met veel liefde en plezier. https://www.reisguide.nl/eten-en-drinken/oliebollen-amsterdam/
Posted by de Bakkerszonen on Monday, December 21, 2020
When visiting Amsterdam during the holidays, it is an unstated tradition to try oliebollen. It is a Dutch pastry filled with raisins and sprinkled with powdered sugar. One of the best spots to sample this traditional Dutch delicacy is de Bakkerszonen. The recipe has been passed on through generations, immortalizing the special touch of the family that has since long ago become familiar to local tastebuds.
If you find visiting the shop bothersome, especially under the frigid weather, you can have the sweet delicacy delivered right to your doorstep for convenience.
de Bakkerszonen
Address: Mosveld 113, 1031 AD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 6pm; Sat: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
8. Catch a holiday concert at Concertgebouw
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Music lovers and concert-goers will love to attend a holiday concert in Amsterdam. Every Christmas season, various musical performances are held in the halls of Concertgebouw. However, this year you might want to experience the mesmerizing performance of the Concertgebouw Orchestra as they cover Igor Stravinsky’s intense ballet, The Firebird. The orchestra will be joined by their artistic partner and a very talented conductor, Klaus Mäkelä.
You may also want to experience the weekly Free Lunchtime Concert by producing a free ticket by booking a ticket online. From jazz to chamber music, a visit to this musical mecca will definitely revive the Christmas spirit.
Concertgebouw
Address: Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam
Website: Concertgebouw
9. Ice skate during Ice*Amsterdam in the Museumplein
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Unleash the inner ice prince and princess in you and glide on the snow-white ice at Museumplein. Here, Ice*Amsterdam, an annual event, sets up one of the coziest ice rinks in Netherlands. The event is expected to commence on November 12, 2022 until February 5, 2023. Skaters are allowed to enjoy the ice for two hours. Skate rentals are available but you have to bring your own gloves since wearing gloves is compulsory.
Although the skating adventure is the main attraction at Museumplein, you can also feast on delicious meals in the winter restaurant adjacent to the rink to refuel your energy.
Ice*Amsterdam
Address: Museumplein 1071 DJ Amsterdam Netherlands
Website: Ice*Amsterdam
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm
Price: from 14.50 EUR (14.41 USD)
10. See the largest Amsterdam Christmas tree on Dam Square
Dam Square is home to one of the largest Christmas trees in Amsterdam that soars over 20 meters (65.62 feet) into the sky. The tree is bathed in 40,000 energy-saving fairy lights and elegant decors, leaving all spectators in awe when the lights are switched on. Be part of the glorious tree-lighting ceremony followed by live performances of merry Christmas jingles.
Aside from its annual affair, Dam Square is a historical landmark that marks a somber past. It allows you the opportunity to combine the vibrant holiday spirit with fond remembrance of those who are no longer with us.
Amsterdam Christmas Tree on Dam Square
Address: Koninklijk Paleis, Dam, 1012 JS AMSTERDAM
Price: Free
Spend the Christmas holidays in Amsterdam
Amsterdam oozes a romantic grandeur and offers magical experiences. During the most wonderful time of the year, you will be stunned by the glowing sparkles adorning the line of snow-blanketed trees and houses. Spend the Christmas holidays in Amsterdam with your loved ones to make it more special. If you are curious about the wonderful things you can do during your trip, feel free to use the list above as a reference.
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