Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the festive December season in Amsterdam with our complete guide. From traditional Christmas markets to winter activities, this guide helps you plan your visit to the capital during the coziest time of the year.
The city center forms the heart of the festivities, with Dam Square and Museum Square as central points. Visitors can enjoy atmospheric Christmas markets at Rembrandt Square, winter attractions near Leidseplein, and the beautifully illuminated canals during the Amsterdam Light Festival. The surrounding districts offer authentic neighborhood markets and winter terraces, while the nearby cities of Haarlem and Utrecht, just 20 minutes away, present their own winter charm.
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Amsterdam Holiday Light Displays
Amsterdam Light Festival
- What to Expect
- Light artworks along Amsterdam's canals.
- Description
- Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event where the city of Amsterdam is illuminated with unique light artworks. This edition, 'Rituals', celebrates Amsterdam's 750th anniversary with 27 specially created artworks.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Amsterdam Light Festival
Christmas Tree on Dam Square
- What to Expect
- Christmas tree with over 40,000 LED lights.
- Description
- The Christmas tree on Dam Square is an impressive 20-meter-tall display, adorned with over 40,000 energy-efficient LED lights. It stands at the Royal Palace and is beautifully lit in December.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Christmas Tree on Dam Square
Amsterdam Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market at Museumplein
- What to Expect
- Over 45 stalls with Christmas gifts and delicious food.
- Description
- The Christmas Market on Museumplein is a cozy place where you can find delicious food, drinks, and Christmas gifts. With over 45 stalls and various eating and drinking options, it is the perfect location for a festive experience.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Christmas Market at Museumplein
Funky Xmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique Christmas gifts in a funky Christmas atmosphere.
- Description
- The Funky Xmas Market at Westergas in Amsterdam offers unique Christmas gifts and a funky Christmas atmosphere. Enjoy delicious Christmas snacks, special products, live music, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Funky Xmas Market
Sunday Market Sinterklaas
- What to Expect
- Unique combination of art, fashion, and design on the Westergas terrain.
- Description
- The Sunday Market Sinterklaas offers a unique combination of art, fashion, and design. Visitors can enjoy the many stalls with beautiful products, a delicious snack and drink, and live music amidst the autumn leaves on the Westergas terrain.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Sunday Market Sinterklaas
The Maker Market
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade products from local makers.
- Description
- The Maker Market is a place where young and innovative makers from all over the world showcase their unique products. Visitors can meet new makers and discover handmade products.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : The Maker Market
Amsterdam Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Amsterdam Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- New world with Symphony of Lights and renewed Light Festival.
- Description
- The Amsterdam Winter Paradise offers unique attractions and nostalgic activities, including a large ice rink, a Light Festival, and an Après-ski village.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Amsterdam Winter Wonderland
Holiday on Ice
- What to Expect
- Stunning performances by the world's best figure skaters.
- Description
- Holiday on Ice – NO LIMITS is a colorful show filled with spectacular acts, stunning costumes, beautiful choreography, and uplifting music. The show tells a story about overcoming limits, finding love, and the power of human connection.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Holiday on Ice
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
- What to Expect
- Unique seating options and prices for an exclusive experience.
- Description
- Santa Claus is Coming to Town is a spectacular Christmas show taking place on December 21, 2024, at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. The show offers a unique experience with various seating options and prices.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Amsterdam Magic Show
- What to Expect
- Close-up magic and live performances by world-class magicians.
- Description
- The Amsterdam Magic Show is a unique evening of entertainment where you are taken on a journey by magicians and illusionists from all over Europe. Each show is different and unique because the best international and comedy acts are invited to perform in our 1920s-style theater.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Amsterdam Magic Show
VEGAS Dinner Show
- What to Expect
- Unique restaurant that gradually transforms into a hip club with unforgettable show elements.
- Description
- VEGAS at The Harbour Club Theater is a unique combination of restaurant, show, and club. Enjoy a delicious 3-course shared dining menu while experiencing an evening full of show elements. The restaurant gradually transforms into a hip club with unforgettable show elements.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : VEGAS Dinner Show
Dutch National Ballet: The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- Unique combination of classical ballet and Dutch traditions.
- Description
- The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is a classic ballet performance set on the eve of St. Nicholas in Amsterdam. Clara Staalboom and her family are transformed into a magical world of snow and fantasy.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Dutch National Ballet: The Nutcracker
Amsterdam Other Holiday Activities
Rembrandtplein Winter Plaza
- What to Expect
- Unique winter atmosphere with many lights and wooden chalets.
- Description
- On the Rembrandtplein in Amsterdam, you find the cozy ice rink with a truly winter atmosphere. Enjoy the many lights in the trees, snow cannons, wooden chalets, and of course the Rembrandtplein itself. Around the ice rink, you find the Winter Plaza, where you can warm up in the cozy glühwein hut with a delicious warm Dutch oil cake or a sausage roll.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Rembrandtplein Winter Plaza