Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the festive December season in IJmuiden with our comprehensive event guide. Whether you're a regular visitor to IJmuiden or exploring the city for the first time, this guide will lead you through all the season's highlights.
Around Kennemerplein and Lange Nieuwstraat, you'll find the traditional Christmas market with local specialties and artisanal products. The historic Fishing Harbor serves as the backdrop for winter activities, while nearby Velsen and Haarlem, just 15 minutes away, offer additional festivities. The characteristic IJmuiden lighthouse is atmospherically lit during this period and provides a beautiful view over the wintry North Sea.
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IJmuiden Holiday Markets and Shopping
Haarlem Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Over 350 stalls with unique Christmas items and delicious winter snacks.
- Description
- The Haarlem Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands, featuring 350 stalls spread across the city center. You can find unique Christmas items, delicious winter snacks, and many Christmas activities and performances by artists and choirs.
- Where
- Haarlem | More Info : Haarlem Christmas Market
Amsterdam Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Enjoyable combination of ice skating and shopping in a magical winter landscape.
- Description
- The Amsterdam Christmas Market on Museumplein is a festive day for everyone, from young to old. More than 45 Christmas stalls and various food and drink stands make this market the ideal location for an unforgettable Christmas experience.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Amsterdam Christmas Market
Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise
- What to Expect
- All-inclusive package with full board, various drinks, and a daily mini-bar.
- Description
- On the Rhine cruise to Christmas markets: enjoy the winter river landscapes and the pre-Christmas magic of the Christmas markets in Germany, France, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise
Velsen Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Live performances at various locations on the grounds.
- Description
- The Castle Christmas Fair is a unique Christmas market on the historic Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg, featuring live performances, winter fashion, and culinary delights.
- Where
- Velsen | More Info : Velsen Christmas Market
IJmuiden Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Market in the Jordaan
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas Buffet with Amsterdam entertainment.
- Description
- MS De Jordaan offers a traditional Christmas Buffet with a delicious 3-course meal and plenty of music. Luc Meijer, Eddie and Gillyan, Debbie de Witte, Ivonne van Hattem, and René Eshuijs ensure a cozy atmosphere.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Christmas Market in the Jordaan
IJmuiden Other Holiday Activities
Amsterdam: 12-Hole Glow-in-the-Dark Mini-Golf Experience
- What to Expect
- Unique combination of maritime theme and fluorescent lighting.
- Description
- Play a 45-minute glow-in-the-dark 12-hole mini golf round in Amsterdam. Enter a pirates and villains themed course and discover how much fun it is to play golf under ultraviolet lights. Experience an afternoon in a maritime themed world split into a tropical Pirates on ships theme and an underwater theme while magical black lights provide the exciting glow-in-the-dark effect. Participate in an activity that works like regular mini golf but with the delight of fluorescent illumination. Try to get the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible and compete against your friends, family, or colleagues in a unique and fun way. Glow-in-the-dark mini golf is fun for everyone, whether you are young or old, or hosting a children’s party, company event, or bachelor’s party.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Amsterdam: 12-Hole Glow-in-the-Dark Mini-Golf Experience
Amsterdam Icebar
- What to Expect
- Three free drinks from ice glasses in an ice bar.
- Description
- In the Amsterdam Icebar, you experience arctic temperatures in the heart of the city. Your ticket includes three drinks and you get warm clothing to survive the icy cold. Enjoy your drinks from ice glasses and appreciate the unique atmosphere.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Amsterdam Icebar
Amsterdam City Canal Cruise with Audio Guide
- What to Expect
- Unique route adjustment based on traffic and boat size.
- Description
- A canal cruise through Amsterdam's canals with an audio guide offers a unique way to discover the city. You sail past beautiful canal houses and attractions like the Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge. The audio guide is available in 19 different languages, allowing you to hear all the interesting facts and fun details.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Amsterdam City Canal Cruise with Audio Guide
Upside Down World Amsterdam
- What to Expect
- 25 rooms with interactive and colorful designs.
- Description
- The Upside Down Amsterdam is a unique immersive museum where you make the rules. Here, you'll find immersive rooms, upside-down decorations, fantastic photo opportunities, and the best food and drinks.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Upside Down World Amsterdam
Sinterklaas Arrival
- What to Expect
- Unique combination of water and land route.
- Description
- The Sinterklaas Intocht is a festive procession where Sinterklaas and his Pieten enter Amsterdam. The route begins with a steamboat ride over the Amstel to the Scheepvaartmuseum. Then, Sinterklaas continues his journey on horseback through the city, with a stop at the Leidseplein.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Sinterklaas Arrival
Winter in Vondelpark
- What to Expect
- Illuminated all-weather tennis courts in Vondelpark.
- Description
- In Vondelpark, you can play tennis during the winter months on five illuminated all-weather tennis courts. The atmosphere is cozy, and various sporting activities are organized.
- Where
- Amsterdam | More Info : Winter in Vondelpark
New Year’s Swim
- What to Expect
- Diving in icy cold water
- Description
- The New Year's Dive in Zandvoort is a unique event where divers plunge into the cold North Sea water on January 1. After the dive, pea soup is served, and the music continues until 15:00. The event is free, and registration is not required.
- Where
- Zandvoort aan Zee | More Info : New Year’s Swim