amsterdam trip december

Amsterdam in December: 11 Things to Do + Travel Tips!

Planning a trip to Amsterdam in December means contending with less-than-ideal weather–but also fewer crowds and plenty of festive holiday cheer!

We loved our winter trip to Amsterdam, and would happily recommend a visit to anyone willing to trade tolerating cold, gray, and wet weather for a chance to experience one of the most iconic cities in Europe in one of its least-crowded seasons.

If you’re considering a December trip to Amsterdam, here’s everything you need to know, from what kind of weather to expect to the best things to do in Amsterdam in winter.

Table of Contents

Typical December Weather in Amsterdam

11 fun things to do in amsterdam in december, where to stay in amsterdam, travel tips for visiting amsterdam in december, what to pack for winter in amsterdam, read more about visiting europe at christmas.

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Visiting Amsterdam in December means contending with the coldest, darkest weather of the year–and while that definitely has its benefits, you need to come prepared for the weather!

In December, highs in Amsterdam reach an average of 43°F/6°C, and at night, lows plunge to an average of 36°F/2°C.

December is also the most humid and rainy month of the year in Amsterdam, meaning that the cold can cut right to the bone if you’re not dressed warmly enough and that you’ll need to prepare for the possibility of rain.

In Amsterdam, it rains an average of 15 days in December.

Occasionally, it snows in Amsterdam in December, but don’t count on it during your trip!

The sun rises around 8:45 AM and sets by 4:30 PM, so you’ll have very little daylight to work with, and you can expect most of that daylight to be spent covered in clouds.

Don’t expect to see a lot of blue skies or sunshine during a December trip to Amsterdam!

All of that being said, visiting Amsterdam in December definitely comes with enough rewards to be worth the cold and dark–but you’ll need to pack well (more on that below).

Marvel at the Amsterdam Light Festival.

When visiting Amsterdam in December (or in January, for that matter), you’ll notice that the city’s famous canals have a bit of extra sparkle!

Each winter, they are decorated with some of the most innovative and stunning light displays that you can imagine.

While the Amsterdam Light Festival installations are striking from any angle, they’re best experienced from the water!

Go ice skating!

Without a doubt, enjoying some ice skating is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December.

If you get extremely lucky, you might even get to experience ice skating on the canals–but unfortunately, that’s not common in recent years, as they don’t have a tendency to freeze hard enough these days.

However, the picturesque ice skating rinks around Amsterdam offer a fun alternative!

This rink in front of the Rijksmuseum is one of the most iconic spots to go ice skating in Amsterdam:

Take a canal cruise.

Sound like a good way to freeze?

Don’t worry–many of Amsterdam’s canal cruises are heated and covered!

W hile that may be a downside during some parts of the year, you’ll be very glad to have a covered boat to enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam in December .

During my most recent trip to Amsterdam, my friends and I opted to enjoy this cozy canal cruise featuring cheese, wine, and a covered boat, and we had a fantastic time!

Book your Amsterdam canal cruise today!

Pay a visit to the Christmas markets.

While Amsterdam’s Christmas markets aren’t the most overwhelming in Europe (and the fact that we traveled from Germany to Amsterdam on our trip probably didn’t help that impression), they are fun, cheery places.

If you happen to be visiting Amstedam in December and are looking to do a little holiday shopping and indulge in some sugary Dutch treats (stroopwafels, anyone?) , then head right to the Christmas markets.

If you’d like to add even more Christmas market fun to your trip, consider taking a day trip to another town near Amsterdam, too.

L eiden, for example, puts on a unique floating Christmas market each year .

Warm up in Amsterdam’s best museums.

Winter may just be the perfect time to take advantage of exploring Amsterdam’s museums, including the famous Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum .

Not only are the crowds generally lighter in Amsterdam in December than during the summer months, but exploring the museums will also give you the perfect chance to escape the cold weather for a bit!

If you’re looking for a quick but interesting museum to visit, I also loved visiting the Our Lord in the Attic Museum , which features a formerly hidden Catholic Church.

Bundle up and wander the canals.

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without aimlessly wandering through the Old Town to enjoy beautiful canal views, and there’s no reason to let cold weather keep you away!

In fact, there’s something even more special about the canals in December (aside from the Amsterdam Light Festival, it’s probably the fact that there are far, far fewer people around!).

Wear as many layers as you need to, and enjoy some time during your trip wandering through town.

Sample oliebollen.

These Dutch doughnuts are round, deep-fried, sometimes stuffed with raisins, and are absolutely delicious.

They’re a typical cold-weather snack and a must-try Dutch food during your winter trip to Amsterdam!

… and plenty of other warm Dutch dishes.

Oliebollen isn’t the only traditional Dutch winter food you need to be sure to add to your list of what to eat in Amsterdam in December!

Also considering trying snert (split-pea soup), stamppot (potatoes and vegetables), fondue (what better use for all that delicious Dutch cheese?), and Chocomel (Dutch-branded hot chocolate).

Plus, the usual year-round treats like Dutch pancakes, poffertjes, and stroopwafels are also extra-tasty when using them to warm up on a cold day!

In general, Dutch food lends itself to cold winter weather, so enjoy the chance to soak up coziness through cuisine!

Visit a brown cafe. 

Named for their dark, cozy interiors that are typically surrounded by wood-paneled walls, Dutch brown cafes are to Amsterdam what British pubs are to London: casual, comfortable spaces serving unpretentious food, good beer, and good company.

A casual meal in a brown cafe is a must when visiting Amsterdam in winter!

Peruse the cheese shops.

No one does cheese quite like the Dutch, and what better way to warm up in Amsterdam in December than to peruse several, sampling cheese along the way and picking out at least a few to bring home?

Not enough cheese for you?

The Amsterdam Cheese Museum can be a fun stop, too!

Enjoy all the usual best things to do in Amsterdam… with fewer crowds!

One of the best things about December in Amsterdam is simply that there are few people there!

As a fairly small city that is also one of the most visited cities in Europe , the tourist crowds in Amsterdam can be oppressive much of the year.

But in December, when people more commonly head to Germany for Christmas markets or to the Canary Islands for some sun, Amsterdam has some more breathing room, which makes it even more fun to visit.

Whether you have time for a weekend in Amsterdam or a full week, you’re bound to cover more ground in Amsterdam during a winter trip than a summer one.

There’s no way around it: hotels in the Netherlands, and in Amsterdam in particular, are far from the most affordable places that you’ll find in Europe.

The good news, though, is that while Amsterdam is expensive , December is one of the most affordable months to visit.

Expect to pay more for lodging in Amsterdam than for comparable stays in many other cities in Europe during winter, but much less than you would if you were visiting Amsterdam in, say, April .

If you have mobility limitations, be sure to read the description of your hotel carefully: very steep staircases are far from unheard of in Amsterdam! 

These options all get great reviews and should give you an idea of what you can expect to spend on lodging in Amsterdam in December.

Hotel Abba — For travelers looking for something a bit nicer than a hostel dorm but still hoping to stick to a budget, the popular Hotel Abba is a reliable and excellent option!

Located within walking distance of Museum Square and much of central Amsterdam, Hotel Abba features great reviews and an included breakfast each day.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Abba!

XO Hotels Van Gogh  — A comfortable, affordable hotel with a fun design twist: that’s what you’ll find at XO Hotels Van Gogh, where rooms are decorated with creations inspired by the famous artist’s work.

With great reviews and a fantastic location practically next door to the famous Van Gogh Museum, mid-range travelers can’t go wrong with a stay here.

Check rates & book your stay at XO Hotels Van Gogh!

Maison ELLE Amsterdam Hotel  — This stunning 30-room property near Vondelpark is the perfect blend of 19th-century charm and modern amenities.

Fully updated a few years back, luxury service and luxury amenities are the norm at this charming boutique property!

Check rates & book your stay at the Maison ELLE Amsterdam Hotel!

Plan your daylight hours well.

With limited daylight to work with, plan wisely when visiting Amsterdam in December.

If you can, try to structure some of your indoor activities for after 4:30 PM –after all, it’s not “night”, but it sure will feel like it if you’re hanging out outside!

Break up your day with a variety of both indoor and outdoor plans.

Amsterdam is not only cold in December, but it also tends to be damp, making the cold weather even more uncomfortable.

Make the most of your trip to the city by mixing up indoor and outdoor activities, balancing your need to stay warm with your desire to make the most of the limited daylight hours.

Don’t expect German-level Christmas markets.

Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are lots of fun and full of tasty treats–but they aren’t the immersive, gigantic fantasylands featuring seemingly endless wood chalet stalls and mug rentals that you’ll find in places like Germany and Austria .

Luckily, Amsterdam is extremely well-connected to Central Europe by train, so if you do want to visit both Amsterdam and the best Christmas markets in the world in December, you can consider combining your trip!

Cologne, Strasbourg , Baden-Baden, Paris , Basel, and even Munich (plus so many more!) can all be reached within a day by train.

Plan ahead if you want to visit the Anne Frank House.

Visiting the Anne Frank House is an incredibly moving experience and one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December (or any other month, for that matter), but it does require planning ahead.

The limited tickets for the house are released 6 weeks in advance and sell out extremely quickly.

Tickets must be purchased through the official website .

The good news is that by visiting Amsterdam in December, you have much better odds of snagging a ticket than someone planning a trip in, say, April .

Amsterdam doesn’t completely close on Christmas Day.

While in many European cities you’ll find all restaurants, pubs, museums, and other attractions closed on Christmas Day, Amsterdam stays a bit more open, with attractions like the Rijksmuseum remaining open on December 25.

Many places will be closed, of course, but with some museums open and a decent number of restaurants open as well, Amsterdam can be a great place to spend December 25 if you’re planning a trip to Europe over Christmas Day .

We recommend checking out our complete winter packing list for Europe before you go–but here are a few essentials to consider as you plan your trip to Amsterdam in December!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Check prices and inclusions with  Safety Wing for your December trip to Amsterdam!

Travel Adapters for the Netherlands   — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely want to make sure you can plug in your electronics once you arrive!

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Lotion  — Winter in Amsterdam can be rough on the skin–be sure to pack a moisturizing lotion.

Lip Balm  — You know what’s not fun? Eating Dutch food with chapped lips.

Hand Sanitizer   — Christmas markets, in particular, tend to mean lots of finger foods, eaten outside, often not near a bathroom where you can wash your hands.

Bringing along hand sanitizer for your Amsterdam winter trip will make your life much easier.

Planning a trip to Europe this December and eager to keep reading?

You can browse all our blog posts about visiting Europe in winter here , or check out these guides:

• How to Celebrate Christmas in Europe: Itinerary Ideas, Tips + FAQ!
• Salzburg in Winter: A Massively Detailed Guide
• What to Buy at Europe’s Christmas Markets (Gift + Souvenir Ideas!)
• Bruges in Winter: Festive Travel Guide + Christmas Market FAQ
• 17 Spectacular Places to Visit in Switzerland (+ Map!)

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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A Mama's Guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam in December: all you need to know to plan a perfect trip

All you need to know to plan a trip to Amsterdam in December: the best things to see, where to stay, Amsterdam Christmas activities and travel tips.

December is one of my favorite months in Amsterdam.

The weather in the city tends to be cold and grey at this time; however, the city compensates for the less than stellar meteorological conditions with lots of festive cheer and activities. 

Amsterdam in December is an extravaganza of Christmas lights, Christmas markets, ice rinks, cozy interiors and a fantastic place for a city break or a more extended stay. 

It is also a lovely time to visit Amsterdam’s top attractions , especially the city’s stunning museums and shops.

In 2021, restrictions are in place that will impact your stay and will limit your ability to enjoy the city.

Therefore, I recommend you do not travel at this time; however, I recommend you plan a visit in December in Amsterdam when safe to do so.

This travel guide to Amsterdam in December is for then, or if you happen to be in the city right now. 

Please note: check official travel rules and restrictions on the Dutch Government Website here . Check websites of individual attractions for the dates of your travel to monitor sudden closures.

This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The weather in Amsterdam in December: what to expect

December is the heart of the winter in Amsterdam. In December, you should expect short hours of daylight, grey sky, some rainy days, possibly a dusting of snow. 

Official temperatures and precipitation data are:

In practice, to visit Amsterdam in December, you need to wrap up with a good rainproof coat, scarf, gloves and hat. You also want to wear warm shoes that can take the rain. 

Where to stay in Amsterdam in December

The best place to stay in Amsterdam in December is the city center, within the Canal Ring. 

I recommend you pick a cozy hotel with a good lobby bar, so you can have a drink in the evening even if you don’t feel like going out or an apartment with self-catering facilities.

Addresses you may like are:

• Pulitzer Amsterdam – Stunning, five star hotel hosted in a historical canal houses in the heart of Amsterdam Canal District. One of the best high end hotels in the city.
• Hoxton Amsterdam – Hip and modern four star hotel in the heart of Amsterdam, with a great lobby bar.
• Hilton Amsterdam Centraal – Great , four star Hilton property close to Central Station, offering interconnexting rooms and an excellent rooftop terrace.
• Zoku Amsterdam – a great hotel with apartment style rooms with private kitchen, with reception desk and coworking space.
• Hotel Dwarf – pleasant three star hotel in Amsterdam City center, with modern, hip decor, close to shops and restaurants
• Mr Jordaan – a beautiful three star hotel with qwirky and cozy decor in the elegant Jordaan area, close to the Anne Frank House,

What to pack to visit Amsterdam in December 

To visit Amsterdam in December, you want to have with you:

• Rain resistant winter coat
• Scarf, gloves and hat
• Thermal top for urban sightseeing
• Rainproof boots 
• Warm pajamas for the night

Complete packing list for Amsterdam in December coming soon!

The best things to do in Amsterdam in December 

The best things to do in Amsterdam in December are a mix of classic sightseeing, seasonal activities and shopping!

Marvel at the works of art of the Amsterdam lights festival

Amsterdam in December hosts a fantastic lights festival. 

The festival takes place every year during the darkest weeks of the winter, in December, in December and part of January and is a public display of light art installations in outdoor locations around Amsterdam.

Artists from all over the world participate in the festival, and their installations, literally brighten up Amsterdam’s nights! 

The best way to admire the displays is by an evening canal cruise. Many of the installations are on bridges, and the cruise gives you a natural vantage point to see them in all their splendor and reflecting on the water. 

This is an attractive way to visit Amsterdam in winter since it allows you to make the most of hours of darkness that would otherwise likely go to waste. 

It is also a great way to learn facts about Amsterdam: the guides are fun and very informative.

Find info and prices of the light festival canal cruise here .

Go ice skating in Amsterdam city center.

Amsterdam has several seasonal ice rinks perfect for a fun afternoon outdoors. 

The most scenic one is probably on Museum Plein, just in front of the Rijks Museum: here, you have an outdoor skating area open day and evening, when colorful lights light up the ice. 

Other ice skating rinks in Amsterdam city center are on Rembrandtplein, and at Amsterdam Winter Paradise (see below).

Need to know! Occasionally, Amsterdam canals freeze up in winter and people go ice skating on them. This is not a regular occurrence and there are risks associated with it: caution is paramount! The recommendation it so skate in designated ice rinks only.

Visit Amsterdam Christmas markets.

Amsterdam has lovely Christmas markets that are fantastic to immerse yourself in the festive spirit. 

The best one for visitors is the Ice Village in Museum Plein, where you also find the ice skating rink above.

Here, you find stalls serving food and Christmas decorations: this is a great place to explore between museums visits.

Other Christmas markets in Amsterdam you may like are:

Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI – a fantastic Christmas village with stalls, ice skating rinks, ferry wheel

Funky Market at Westergasfabriek – great for finding work of local artists, fashion designers and creatives

Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt at Westergas – where you also find an ice rink, live music, food, children’s activities and events.

Pure Market – a weekly market dressing up in Christmas decor during the festive season

Go shopping and window shopping

.Amsterdam is fabulous for shopping, and the shops in December are something special.

Big department stores decorate their fronts with lights and bows while smaller, independent shops light up with decorations and light displays.

A wonderful shopping area in Amsterdam is the famous ‘Nine streets’. In December, this area is exceptionally pretty as its concept store dress up with individual and imaginative window displays!

Lovely shopping areas in Amsterdam are also around Dam Square, where you find great department stores, Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat, where you find high streets brands. 

If you prefer markets, the Albert Cuyp market has many stalls perfect for small presents.

Good to know: During the weeks leading up to Christmas, shops in Amsterdam tend to have longer opening hours, often until 9 pm. The big department stores are your best option for out-of-hour shopping, but they tend to close on Christmas day to reopen, with some exceptions, on the 26th.

Have Christmas afternoon tea and The Duchess

Afternoon tea in Amsterdam is a bit of a treat. However, if budget allows, high tea at the Duchess in The W is one of the most pleasant ways to enjoy a December afternoon in Amsterdam.

Book a table, dress up and enjoy their delightful china and tea cakes with canal views!

Visit the Rijksmuseum

A visit to the Rijksmuseum is always worth it, but I love it in December especially. 

First and foremost, there is no more stunning place to escape the cold! Also, the museum has a wonderful Christmas tree (often virtual!), and this adds a touch of magic to this already outstanding attraction. 

Get tickets in advance here

Have a private photoshoot in amstrdam city center

If you are looking for a fun memento of your Christmas holiday in Amsterdam or a great photo for Christmas cards, then you should consider a private photo shoot in Amsterdam city center.

The photoshoot doesn’t take more than twenty minutes, so it won’t disrupt your sightseeing and the photos make for an unusual souvenir! Find info here .

Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Another stunning museum to visit in Amsterdam in December is the Van Gogh Museum. 

At this time, booking well in advance is mandatory as the demand is huge. Get tickets here .

Eat olienbollen

tasting Dutch Christmas food is a must when visiting Amsterdam in December. My favorites are ‘Olienbollen’, fried sweet dough balls. 

You can find them in bakeries and markets, and they are the perfect food to munch on while sightseeing. 

See the tree in Dam Square

Christmas trees are in several locations around the city, and all it takes is to step out of the central station to see a beautifully lit one. 

The tree to see, however, is in Dam square.

The tree is tall and beautiful, and the ceremony to light it up is accompanied by the singing of Christmas carols. 

Meet Sinterklaas

If you are lucky enough to be in Amsterdam in early December, you might be in town on the day Sinterklaas arrives! Sinterklaas sports a red suit, a white beard, and he brings presents to the good children. 

However, he is not a local Santa Claus! 

St Nicholas is said to have ties with Amsterdam since 343 AD.

Originally from Turkey, Sinterklaas spends the year in Spain and makes his way to Amsterdam every ear on 5 December, on St Nickolas’ eve.

He goes around with his faithful travel companion Amerigo (a horse) and he dresses in a red and white outfit with a tall Papal hat.

On St Nicholas day, the streets of Amsterdam fill with kids and adults running to see the big man: this is a wonderful family event and one worth being in town for. 

The best things to do in Amsterdam with kids in December 

If you are in Amsterdam in December with your kids, there are several more child-friendly activities you can pursue. 

Fun Amsterdam kids activities are:

A visit to Nemo, Amsterdam’s stunning science museum

An afternoon in Amsterdam library for reading, playing and admiring the Mouse Mansion

Warm-up on a canal cruise a serving all you can eat delicious Dutch pancakes

Go ice skating (see above)

Escape the cold in one of Amsterdam’s child-friendly museums

Visit Our Lord in The Attic, wonderfully decorated at Christmas and with special Christmas themes activities for kids 

A afternoon at Amstrdam Winter Paradise or the Christmas Market in Westergas, two of the best Christmas markets in Amsterdam for kids!

I hope you enjoyed this quick overview of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December and it helped you plan your trip. Safe travel planning!

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Home » Europe » Netherlands » 14 Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam in December

14 Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam in December

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: November 18, 2023

Amsterdam is a dynamic destination year-round, full of unique urban parks, world-class museums, great food, and gorgeous historic sites. At the holidays, this grand city takes it to another level with seasonal performances, lively Christmas markets, and lights everywhere you look. Amsterdam in December is a dream.

We’ve had the good fortune to visit Amsterdam numerous times and always enjoy uncovering a little more of what the city has to offer. Here’s a look at what to do in December.

Visit the Christmas markets

If you like Christmas lights, sweet treats, and shopping for souvenirs and gifts, there’s no better place to go in Amsterdam in winter than the city’s fun Christmas markets . While they are not quite as grand as markets in Germany or as unique as the cave market in Valkenburg, there is a lot to love about these festive destinations around the city.

Don’t miss Ice Village in the heart of the city. Its 50 merchants create a fun environment full of shopping and eating with great views of the Rijksmuseum and close to lots of the top things to see . A little bit less traditional, check out Amsterdam Winter Paradise which is more of a fun-fair event with snow tubing, rides, performances, and more.

For something really unique, head to Westergas for the Funky Xmas market in mid-December. With distinctive vendors, circus entertainers, and a full food court featuring international dishes, there is nothing cookie-cutter here. When you visit, take the time to explore the complex of 19 th -century buildings that were once the city gas plant and are now breweries, boutiques, restaurants, and a movie theater.

Appreciate the light show

Every winter, the canals come alive with a series of magnificent art installations. The Amsterdam Light Festival —now in its 12 th season—brings together artists from all over the world to create the striking displays. Twenty different works focus on a particular theme (this year, it’s technology and artificial intelligence)—some are more literal, others wildly abstract.

The two ways to see the displays are on a narrated canal boat cruise or by following a digital map from the festival organizers. We’ve done both and recommend the walk if you’d like to have more than a minute or two to see the works. However, the cruise is convenient if it’s rainy or you’re not in a walking mood.

This year, the festival runs nearly two months from November 30, 2023 through January 21, 2024.

Go ice skating

Whether you’re a skilled spinner or just learning to stand up without falling, ice skating is one of the top things to do in December in Amsterdam. The most popular rink is Jaap Eden in Park de Meer, which has indoor and outdoor spaces as well as a beginners’ corner. Closer to the center, Rembrantplein has a rink where you’ll find lots of locals and people learning to skate.

Take a canal cruise

The city’s most notable feature is its canals, and there’s no better way to explore them than on a cruise. The cruise boats are covered and heated, so you’re assured of being cozy for the 75-minute trip. You get to see Amsterdam from a unique vantage point and give your feet a break after a day of sightseeing at the same time. Boats leave from a few select points in the city, so find the nearest one and hop on.

Try olieballen

The Dutch donuts called oliebollen (literally “oily balls”) are a favorite holiday indulgence. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re dusted with powdered sugar and often come peppered with raisins or sultanas.

Traditionally eaten at New Year’s, olieballen are widely available throughout Amsterdam in December. The Dutch take them seriously—like pizza in Chicago or cheesesteaks in Philadelphia , there are frequent local rankings of the best ones, and everyone has their favorites. You’ll find olieballen at food stands and bakeries, which often have signs letting customers know when the first ones of the day will be available, so you can ensure the treats are fresh and delicious.

See a show at Boom Chicago

From Seth Meyers and Amber Ruffin to Jordan Peele and the creators of Ted Lasso , Boom Chicago is known as the training ground for lots of funny people. Watching an improv and sketch show here is an interactive and entertaining experience where you might just get to see the next Jason Sudeikis.

Make plans to attend one of their shows (pro tip: reserve a couch, if you can), or pop into the bar for a festive themed cocktail in their over-the-top Christmas space.

Visit a museum

Amsterdam’s rainy, chilly winter weather makes it an ideal time to take advantage of the city’s world-class museums.

If you’re interested in art, visit the Van Gogh Museum to see over 700 of Van Gogh’s works plus paintings by artists who influenced him, including Monet and Gauguin. Across the square is the Rijksmuseum , which houses the works of Rembrandt and thousands of other artworks and artifacts from the 15th century to the present. For modern art, head to MOCO Museum for works by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Banksy, among others.

For something a little less formal, check out the museums devoted to adult beverages. The House of Bols is an interactive cocktail museum where you’ll learn about the 400+ year history of the Bols company and about genever, the traditional spirit of the Netherlands. The last stop is the bar, which features a wide variety of cocktails. In De Pijp, the former 19 th -century Heineken brewery is the home of the Heineken Experience where visitors can learn about the company’s history and taste its famous pilsner.

Keep an eye out for Sinterklass

The presence of Sinterklass is a unique Dutch tradition that begins in mid-November when the Santa-like character arrives by boat from Spain. He hangs out in the Netherlands until December 6 th , when he departs, having left gifts in children’s shoes.

In the meantime, you can see Sinterklass all over Amsterdam and the rest of the country. You may spot him walking in the streets, appearing at special events, visiting children in hospitals, or stopping in restaurants or shops. If you don’t run into the man himself, traditional Sinterklaas candy is everywhere in town.

See the Christmas tree in Dam Square

The Christmas tree in Dam Square is synonymous with the city during the holidays. In an annual tradition, a massive tree from the German Ardennes is covered with an unbelievable 40,000 LED lights ahead of its stint on display downtown.

The annual lighting ceremony is a popular event in Amsterdam at Christmas with carol singers and musical performances. Food and drink stands ensure there is plenty of delicious food to keep attendees warm. Take a look at the lights at de Bijenkorf while you’re there.

Wander the canals

Don’t let the winter weather keep you away from experiencing the best part of Amsterdam—its historic canals. In all, 165 canals encircle the city, providing a distinctive landscape to get lost in.

As you wander, you’ll find shops, galleries, grand hotels, stunning canal houses, and cafés. Stop and watch everyone cruising around or just marvel at the houseboats parked against the banks and wonder what it would be like to have a front row view of the water all the time.

Visit a brown café

Brown cafes are to Amsterdam what pubs are to London—informal spots serving Dutch dishes like bitterballen or split pea soup and the occasional grilled cheese alongside Dutch beers, a couple of wines, and a genever. The cozy cafes are called “brown” for their dark wood interiors and the smoke stains on the walls from many, many years of cigarette smoke.

The history of many brown cafes stretches back hundreds of years, so looking at their architecture and learning their stories can be fascinating. Café Hoppe , which dates from 1670, is a national landmark, and Café Chris (1624) likely counted Rembrandt among its patrons. Visit Café Papeneiland (1642) for its Dutch apple pie whose family recipe is generations old and became world-famous thanks to a visit from Bill Clinton.

See the lights around the city

There are lights all over the city during the Christmas season. Streets have different decorations that stretch for blocks and some storefronts go all-out with creative festivity. You’ll even find light sculptures in certain shopping districts or at canal intersections.  

Utrechtsestraat off Rembrandtplein is well known for its many decorations and window displays. The Spiegelgracht and Albert Cuypstraat are also full of lights, and the shops of the 9 Streets have artistic displays in their storefronts. Keep an eye out as you walk around the city–there are so many fun things to see.

Go to a holiday concert

December is a perfect time to see concerts in the city. Every year, the schedule at The Concertgebouw is packed with seasonal music. You can hear Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with the Netherlands Chamber Choir or see the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra perform festive favorites. The Choir of St John’s College Cambridge also performs a long list of classic Christmas songs.

The Theater Carre also has some performances filled with fun. December 10 brings the 7 th annual “Sing Along Messiah” allowing group participation in the famous Hallelujah chorus. Also, from December 20 through January 7, the World Christmas Circus returns with award-winning clown acts, musical performers, and acrobats from around the world. It is very popular, so plan ahead if you want tickets.

Take a day trip to Haarlem

Only 15 minutes away by train, Haarlem is a beautiful place to visit and often lacks the crowds of Amsterdam.

The second weekend of December, Haarlem’s Christmas market dominates the historic center with 300 market stalls plus several stages for live entertainment and music. Throughout the season, there are also lots of Christmas concerts, including performances of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio by the Haarlem Mixed Choir and the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra performing seasonal music.

Outside of holiday activities, there is lots to do in Haarlem . You can tour the Corrie ten Boom House to see where the family housed people hiding from the Nazis or visit the stunning St. Bavo’s Church where 10-year-old Mozart played the organ. Shop the cute boutiques in the “Streets of Gold” or head to De Jopenkerk, a brewery in a former church where you can sample local beers made from medieval recipes as the church’s stained glass gleams above your head.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Amsterdam in December: Weather, Things to Do & Seasonal Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 20, 2023

Visiting Amsterdam in December or coming for the holiday season around Christmas and wondering what to expect?

What is it like to visit Amsterdam in December? How is the weather? Are there any (good) Christmas Markets? What is the Amsterdam Light Festival like? What is there to see and do during the holiday season? Or is it even worth visiting Amsterdam in December?

In this guide, we share our experience-based tips and useful information for visiting Amsterdam in December. Find out!

Top 3 Winter Experiences in Amsterdam:

• Winter Paradise .
• Light Festival canal cruise .

Amsterdam in December – OVERVIEW:

• What to expect in Amsterdam in December
• Does it snow?

Amsterdam Light Festival

• Best Christmas Markets
• Christmas lights & decorations
• More things to do in winter
• How to avoid the crowds
• What to wear
• Where to stay
• Is it worth visiting Amsterdam in December?

What to Expect in Amsterdam in December

Amsterdam is a fascinating city with a lot to offer and is worth visiting at any time of the year. But come December it transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, seasonal events, and a merry atmosphere.

Visiting Amsterdam during the Christmas season gives you a chance to experience the city in a festive mode, with beautiful decorations and traditional celebrations.

But what exactly to expect when visiting Amsterdam in December depends so much on WHEN exactly you visit:

The first half of December is very quiet. The Amsterdam Light Festival starts at the end of November and marks the start of the festive season. However, apart from the lights, there is not much going on in terms of Christmas celebrations. This is a good time to visit if you want to visit the most popular landmarks in Amsterdam without the crowds and at the same time enjoy the beautiful lights across the city.

Sinterklaas Day is celebrated on December 6, and that’s when the Dutch kids get presents. Most events are more local – at schools, sports clubs, etc. so not something you will experience as a tourist. But if you are visiting the Netherlands at the end of November – the beginning of December, you may run into Sinterklaas at the shopping centers, etc.

From about mid-December , there are more seasonal events geared toward Christmas. The city gets into a festive mode with more decorations and festive events. Christmas Markets start around mid-December and the biggest winter fair in the Netherlands – Winter Paradise – opens around this time as well. Weekdays are still very quiet, but evenings start to get busy. Weekends can get crowded in some places.

The end of December – especially between Christmas and New Year – is very busy. This is when schools have holidays, people do their Christmas shopping, and there are also more international visitors. If you can, avoid visiting on weekends!

TIP: No matter when you visit, the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam sell out, so be sure to reserve those in advance. For the best availability and accommodation prices, visit in the first three weeks of December.

READ ALSO: Amsterdam Travel Tips

December Weather

If you wonder what kind of weather to expect in Amsterdam at Christmas, you may want to know that the average temperatures in Amsterdam in December are between 2 and 7°C (35-45°F) and it rains about 13 days out of 31.

This pretty much sums up what you can expect – cold and grey weather, but not really wintery. While it can get under the freezing point and even snow, it’s not as common these days as it was in the past.

In any case, it’s impossible to say in advance how the weather will be during your visit. It might be 10°C (50°F) and sunny, 5°C (40°F) and rainy, or it might be freezing and sunny or snowy… So the only way to know for sure is to check the weather forecast a few days before your visit. That will give you a much better idea of what it will be like.

Does it Snow in Amsterdam in December?

While once in a while you can get some snow in Amsterdam in December, it doesn’t happen that often anymore. Furthermore, even if it snows in the Netherlands, it’s much more common later in the winter than in December.

The last white Christmas in Amsterdam dates from the winters of 2009 and 2010. Before that – 1981 and 1964. As you can see, the chances of experiencing a magical white Christmas in Amsterdam are not great.

If want to see frozen canals and experience Amsterdam in the snow, you have much better chances if you visit in January or February. However, it’s not something you can count on – it’s just a matter of luck (or bad luck – depending on how you see it).

How Much Daylight Is There?

Depending on where you are traveling from, you may not realize that December has the shortest days in this part of the world. While it’s not comparable to e.g. winter in Iceland (where you have just 3-4 hours of daylight) the days are quite short in the Netherlands too.

Typically, the sun rises around 8.30-8.50 AM and sets around 4.30 PM in Amsterdam in December.

So you have about 7.5 – 8 hours of daylight in December. However, there is also a big difference between how light it gets on rainy grey days or when the sun is out. Still, there are plenty of daylight hours to explore the city to the fullest.

In addition, time permitting, you can also take one or two day trips outside the city. In December, we recommend focusing on towns and cities (rather than the countryside) because they have plenty to offer even on cold grey days.

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

Here are some of the best seasonal events in Amsterdam in December:

Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the best-known winter events in the city. It’s an annual event that takes place every year in December and January. This winter, it’s from November 30, 2023, until January 21, 2024.

The theme of the festival varies every year, with new light installations scattered all over the city center. So you never know in advance what you will get to see or where exactly… Also, some artworks can be quite large and really impressive, while others are rather small and might leave you wondering if it was even worth walking that far trying to find them…

Good to know: While you will likely stumble upon a few of these light installations when wandering around town, it’s a bit a matter of luck, even if you know the city well. So if you want to see all the artworks, the best way is to download their app and pay for the walking map upgrade. This is the only way to know exactly where all the installations are.

Keep in mind, however, that the walking route differs every year and is usually quite long – about 7-8 km (4-5 miles). Of course, you don’t have to do the entire route and can just see a few installations.

TIP: One of the best ways to see the artworks of the Amsterdam Light Festival is by taking a boat cruise in the evening (starting from about 4.30-5 PM). Ideally, you opt for an open-boat cruise – that way you see more. But because it rains a lot and you never know how the weather will turn out to be, most boats are (semi) covered.

Still, it’s a better way to see many of the light installations in a short time without having to aimlessly wander around town trying to look for them. This is one of the most popular Light Festival cruises departing from Central Station.

TIP: This 2-in-1 combi ticket is a good option if you want to do a boat cruise and also visit the Amsterdam Winter Paradise.

Best Christmas Markets & Festive Locations in Amsterdam

If you search for the best Christmas Markets in Amsterdam online, you will find all kinds of lists giving you (the false) impression that there’s a lot going on.

But if you look deeper, you will realize that some places listed are not more than a winter bar which is open one or two weekends in December, or some super local neighborhood Christmas-themed market that is only open one day (not per week, just one day in total).

Furthermore, some other Christmas Markets I saw listed as ‘Amsterdam Christmas Markets’ are not even in Amsterdam, but in other towns in the Netherlands, some over an hour away…

So where can you find the Christmas activities in Amsterdam and what to expect? Here are the best locations:

• Christmas Village on Museum Square , behind the Rijksmuseum ( December 13-26, 2023 ). This is the main Christmas Market in Amsterdam and the only one that’s worthy of the name. There are a couple of dozens of chalets/market stands here and in some years, they also have an ice skating rink (it’s not the case in 2023).
• Winter Fair Winter Paradise on Europe Square ( December 14-30, 2023 ). This is not a Christmas Market, but a really nice winter fair. Here you will find all kinds of winter activities including ice skating, curling, light sculptures, but also a Ferris Wheel, sliding slopes, carousels, swing rides, etc. They also have all kinds of foods and drinks, a bit like at a Christmas Market. You will need to book a ticket , but once you are inside, all the main rides/activities are included (not the food).
• Ice skating rink on Rembrandt Square ( November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024. ). There are also a few street food stalls selling mulled wine, hot chocolate, sausages, etc.
• Dam Square in front of the Royal Palace . In some winters, there is a Christmas Tree and/or some festive events here. However, it’s not the case in 2023. There is a nice Christmas Tree on Beursplein nearby, however.

READ ALSO: Amsterdam at Christmas

Christmas Lights, Festive Decorations & Shopping

If there is one thing that Amsterdam does really well, it’s the Christmas lights . Come evening, old town streets, buildings, and bridges over the canals are beautifully lit, turning Amsterdam into a winter fairytale.

Festive decorations are a bit of a hit or a miss, though, and a lot depends on the specific place. In general, most window displays at the shops are rather somber, but here and there, you find a beautifully decorated window. The biggest department store – Bijenkorf – looks quite simple during the day but is magically lit in the evenings…

TIP: If you want to do some Christmas shopping in Amsterdam, you will be glad to know that the sales period starts in December. Many stores offer big discounts in December, especially toward the second half of the month.

Best Things to Do

In addition to the seasonal activities mentioned above, there is a lot more to do in Amsterdam in winter, of course. Below, are some of the top recommendations.

Since it rains a lot in winter, plan to spend lots of time indoors. December is a perfect time to visit some of the best museums in Amsterdam , the Royal Palace , and do some shopping.

If you are looking for something a bit more relaxing in the city center, Madame Tussauds is always a good idea. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Amsterdam Dungeon are just nearby too.

With kids and teens, you really cannot miss Amsterdam’s Winter Paradise (open from mid-December to New Year). In addition, check out the Upside Down Museum – it’s just next door and is always fun.

If visiting with friends and/or mostly adults in your group, check out the Heineken Experience (18+) and/or enjoy an ice-cold drink at the Icebar .

A canal cruise is a must in Amsterdam in any season. In winter, I would do it in the evening – that way, you can enjoy the beautiful light installations as well.

LEARN MORE: Top Sights & Tourist Attractions in Amsterdam

How to Avoid the Crowds

While the holiday season can get very busy in Amsterdam, it’s quite easy to avoid the biggest crowds if you plan well. Here are some top tips based on our experience:

• Visit Amsterdam around mid-December. This is the best time to visit if you want to experience the Christmas atmosphere in Amsterdam, but want to avoid the crowds of the holiday season. If you can, avoid traveling during school holidays at the end of the month.
• Visit Christmas Markets/ fairs on weekdays.  If you can, avoid visiting Amsterdam on a weekend, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. As a minimum, avoid visiting festive locations (Christmas Market, Winter Paradise, etc.) and shopping streets on weekends. It can get crazy busy, so try to visit those on weekdays.
• Plan and book in advance.  The most popular museums such as the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House are always busy and sell out weeks in advance, so if you want to visit, you really have to book in advance. The same with the winter fair, Winter Paradise. Book a time slot in advance! Rijksmuseum and Heineken Experience are also best booked upfront – maybe not weeks, but at least a few days ahead.
• Visit the most popular museums in the morning.  The best way to avoid the crowds at the main museums is to book the earliest available time slot. Alternatively, visit a few hours before the closing time.

What to Wear

If you wonder what to wear when visiting Amsterdam in December, this depends not just on the weather but also on what you are planning to do.

What I mean is that you will be fine in jeans and sweaters for most regular activities, but you may want to pack dressier clothes if you are planning to dine at fancy restaurants or go to a theater, etc.

If you are doing all the usual ‘tourist’ things, dress in layers . It’s often rather warm inside (museums, restaurants) and quite chilly outside. So a warm winter jacket, a scarf, and gloves are a must. A warm hat is always a good idea too because it’s usually windy. For the rest, just wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Things are quite relaxed overall.

In addition, you may want to pack an umbrella when visiting the Netherlands in the winter.

Where to Stay

There are many nice places to stay in Amsterdam. In winter even more than in other seasons, we recommend staying in the heart of the city center. That way, you can walk to all the main sights, museums, Christmas Market, etc.

Good to know: While accommodation prices in Amsterdam are always high, December is actually one of the most affordable times to visit. The prices are usually about 30-40% lower than in the spring or in the summer. So you can even treat yourself to a stay at a very nice hotel without breaking the bank.

Here are some of our recommended hotels in the city center:

• Hotel Estheréa – very centrally located and beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
• Park Centraal Amsterdam – close to the best museums and the Christmas Market.
• Eden Hotel Amsterdam – very central location close to Rembrandt Square and great value.
• Park Plaza Victoria – close to the Central Station.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Amsterdam (Best Areas + Hotels)

Is It Worth Visiting Amsterdam in December?

While December weather isn’t great and Amsterdam Christmas Markets are very limited, festive decorations and Christmas lights all over the city give it a fairytale-like atmosphere. In addition, there are so many other amazing sights and attractions worth seeing in Amsterdam.

So when thinking of a winter visit to Amsterdam, you really have to see the whole package. And when you add it all together – Christmas lights, the artworks of the Light Festival, the Christmas Market, the winter fair Winter Paradise, world-class museums, and other landmarks – you will find that Amsterdam has plenty to offer making a December visit more than worth it.

In addition – if you avoid the peak tourist season between Christmas and New Year – accommodation prices are lower than in the warmest months.

TIP: Amsterdam truly comes to life on winter evenings, after sunset. So use the days for sightseeing, museums, and shopping. And when it gets dark, explore the ‘Christmas side’ of Amsterdam: take a canal cruise , wander around the beautifully lit streets, and check out the Christmas Market.

Just remember that Christmas Market and Winter Paradise get much busier in the evenings, so try to visit those on weekdays! Winter Paradise is actually quite nice during the day too (and cheaper as well).

So, this is our guide to visiting Amsterdam in December. I hope that this gives you a better idea of what you can expect and helps you plan a memorable visit.

Have a great trip!

P.S. Before you go, you may want to check out our suggested itineraries for your visit to Amsterdam :

• 1 day in Amsterdam
• 2 days in Amsterdam
• 3 days in Amsterdam
• 4 days in Amsterdam

More travel inspiration for Amsterdam and its surroundings:

• Best day trips from Amsterdam
• Amsterdam countryside
• Best things to do in Delft
• Tips for Amsterdam canal cruises
• Top museums in Amsterdam
• Tips for Van Gogh Museum
• Best tulip fields near Amsterdam (spring only)
• Amsterdam in June

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in the Netherlands

Getting Around the Netherlands

Cities to Visit

Complete Guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Public Transportation

Essential Dutch Phrases

One Week in the Netherlands

48 Hours in Amsterdam

Getaways From Amsterdam

Top Things to Do in the Netherlands

Castles to Visit in the Netherlands

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Top Markets

Live Music in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums

Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens

Must-Try Food in the Netherlands

Craft Beer in the Netherlands

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam's Top Restaurants

Nightlife in Amsterdam

December in Amsterdam: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Every December, the city of Amsterdam is awash in the holiday spirit: Famous squares turn to winter holiday markets and ice rinks and stalls reward those who brave the outdoors with sweet treats. Additionally, if you can manage to brave the brisk weather, Amsterdam has the same variety of stellar museum exhibits and live performances as it does most of the year, but with far fewer crowds —and those who can cross a few names off their Christmas list here will also find considerably emptier stores than in the United States.

Amsterdam Weather in December

Amsterdam in December is rather cold but rarely experiences freezing temperatures.

• Average high: 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 degrees Celsius)
• Average low: 33 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 degrees Celsius)

December is also the city's rainiest month, getting an average of a little over 3 inches over the course of 15 days, meaning you'll need to bundle up extra against the cold rain water no matter what time of the month you visit. Additionally, the days are also at their shortest this time of year, and by the end of December, the sun falls at around 4:30 p.m. Furthermore, the city usually experiences mostly cloudy to overcast skies throughout the month, meaning you'll only really get a few hours of direct sunlight each day—even on the best days of December.

What to Pack

Since December is wet and cold for most of the month, your packing priorities should revolve around staying warm and dry. Bring plenty of long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, pants, and clothing you can layer to adjust for the varying temperatures as well as a heavy winter coat (preferably waterproof), insulated shoes and socks, a wool hat and gloves, and an umbrella. You may also want to pack thermal undergarments if you plan to be outdoors for long periods of time, though these may not be necessary if you're used to temperatures right above freezing.

December Events in Amsterdam

Although most of the month is occupied by festive holiday celebrations—starting with Sinterklaas Eve on December 4 and lasting through Kerst (Christmas) and Oud en Nieuw (New Year's Eve)—Amsterdam offers a wide variety of events, parties, and attractions everyone can enjoy in December, regardless of the weather. 

• Sinterklaas:  To prepare for the holiday (and the arrival of the man by the same name), Dutch children will set their shoes next to the fireplace at bedtime on the night before Sinterklaas (Sinterklaas Eve, December 4) in the hope that he will reward them with treats. Popular favorites include chocolate letters and a variety of spiced cookies, from  speculaas  bricks to bite-sized  pepernoten  and  kruidnoten . The holiday culminates in family celebrations on December 5.
• Amsterdam Light Festival :  An annual celebration of illuminated art in Amsterdam's City Center takes place from early December through late January each year and features some of the largest light artworks and installations in the region.
• Kerst (Christmas Day):  On December 25, Amsterdammers also celebrate the Christian holiday—which they call Kerst—with a variety of unique and international customs. 
• Tweede Kerstdag (Second Day of Christmas):  If your holiday spirit still isn't satiated, there's yet another day of Christmas observed in the Netherlands. The Dutch take this national holiday to visit relatives or to shop, especially for furniture—a tradition that's repeated with even more fervor on the second day of Easter.
• Tangotrain:  A festival all about tango music that runs the last week of December each year and invites collaborators from around the world to celebrate this festive musical style with a variety of parades, recitals, parties, and colorful events.
• Oud en Nieuw  (New Year's Eve): Amsterdam residents ring in the new year with parties across the city. From comedy shows to music-driven dance parties, everyone can find a celebration to fit their tastes.

December Travel Tips

• Airfares and hotel rates are at an off-peak low but beware of price hikes around the winter holidays.
• The tourist crowds have vanished this month, so intrepid December visitors have the run of Amsterdam's popular attractions and restaurants.
• With Sinterklaas celebrated on December 5 and  two days of Christmas  in the Netherlands, expect special holiday events, markets, and seasonal treats all month.
• Be sure to try seasonal treats like  koek en zopie  (cake and a spiced alcoholic drink),  warme chocolademelk  (Dutch hot cocoa, richer than the American version), and  Gluhwein  (German mulled wine, also known as  wassel ) at the holiday markets—you're sure to enjoy these limited-time delicacies.
• The last days of December are also the only time of the year when fireworks sales are permitted, so stock them up and set them off with the rest of the city on the December 31.

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Amsterdam in December

Why visit amsterdam in december.

Amsterdam in December is a winter wonderland. With the holiday season in full swing, the city is transformed into a festive wonderland with dazzling lights, Christmas markets, and ice-skating rinks. The city's stunning architecture is covered in twinkling lights, creating a cosy and enchanting atmosphere. The festive ambience extends to the city's many museums and galleries, which are also decorated in holiday decor.

There are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam in December, from exploring the Christmas markets and sipping on hot cocoa to enjoying live music and theater performances. One of the must-see attractions is the Amsterdam Light Festival, where you can take a boat tour of the city's canals to admire the dazzling light installations. The city also hosts a number of winter festivals and events, including the Winter Parade and the Amsterdam Winter Festival. Additionally, the city's museums and galleries offer a wide range of winter-themed exhibits and events. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly holiday destination, Amsterdam in December is a magical and memorable experience.

Weather in Amsterdam in December

Amsterdam in December can be a magical experience, with the city's picturesque streets and canals transformed into a winter wonderland. However, visitors should be prepared for chilly temperatures and the possibility of rain or snow. The average high temperature in December is around 7°C (45°F), while the average low is 2°C (35°F).

Despite the cooler weather, there are still plenty of things to do in Amsterdam in December. Visitors can enjoy ice-skating on the city's outdoor rinks, explore the festive markets, and take in the holiday lights and decorations. The annual Amsterdam Light Festival, which runs from late November through early January, is a must-see event that features spectacular light installations throughout the city.

Indoor activities such as visiting museums and galleries, taking a canal tour, and sampling Dutch cuisine in cosy restaurants and cafes are also popular options in December. The festive season also brings special events such as concerts, theater performances, and holiday-themed activities for the whole family. Overall, December is a great time to visit Amsterdam and experience the city's unique winter charm.

Checkout Now: Walibi Holland Tickets

Things to Do in Amsterdam in December

ARTIS Royal Zoo is one of the oldest and most diverse zoos in Europe, located right in the heart of Amsterdam. This unique and enchanting zoo boasts a stunning collection of animals, including over 900 species, from exotic mammals and birds to reptiles and insects. Visitors can stroll through the lush green parkland and explore the aquarium, butterfly pavilion, planetarium, and micropia, which is the world's first museum dedicated to microbes. It's a great way to spend a day with family and friends, discovering the fascinating world of animals and nature.

Discover waterway wonders - See Amsterdam from a whole new perspective with a canal tour. Discover the historic waterways of Amsterdam and soak in the city's stunning beauty as you glide past picturesque bridges, charming houseboats, and ancient architecture. The canal tour offers a unique way to experience Amsterdam and get an insight into the city's rich history and culture. You can choose between a guided tour or a self-guided tour and marvel at the sights and sounds of the city from the water.

The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the life of Anne Frank, the young girl whose diary documented her experience hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Visitors can tour the hidden rooms where Anne and her family lived in secret for over two years, and learn about their life in hiding. It's a moving and powerful experience that offers insight into the horrors of the Holocaust and the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Also Checkout: Heineken Experience Tickets, Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. It's the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh in the world, including some of his most famous masterpieces like Sunflowers and The Bedroom. Visitors can explore the museum and discover the story of Van Gogh's life and work, and how his emotional struggles influenced his art. It's a truly immersive experience that showcases the genius of one of the most iconic artists in history.

The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam's most notorious areas. It's known for its vibrant nightlife, but also for its controversial reputation as a red-light district. Visitors can explore the area and see the famous red-lit windows, where sex workers offer their services. It's a unique and fascinating experience that offers insight into the city's liberal culture and history.

Madame Tussauds is a world-renowned wax museum, where visitors can get up close and personal with their favourite celebrities, sports stars, and historical figures. The Amsterdam branch of the museum features Dutch icons like Anne Frank, but also international celebrities like Lady Gaga and Barack Obama. It's a fun and interactive experience that offers the chance to take a selfie with your favourite star.

The Heineken Brewery is one of Amsterdam's most popular attractions. Visitors can learn about the history of Heineken beer and the beer-making process, as well as sample some of the famous brews. It's a great way to spend an afternoon learning about beer culture and enjoying a cold one.

The Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous museums in the world, and a must-visit for anyone interested in Dutch art, history, and culture. The museum features an impressive collection of art, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters. Visitors can explore the museum and learn about Dutch history, from the Golden Age to the present day.

Amsterdam Dungeon is not your typical historical museum, as it offers a unique and eerie interactive experience that will take you on a journey through Amsterdam's dark past. This 80-minute interactive tour is full of theatrical shows, special effects, and surprising encounters with characters such as the Torturer and the Surgeon. You'll learn about the city's dark history of crime, punishment, and disease in a fun and engaging way that will keep you on your toes. Definitely not for the faint of heart!

A day trip to Zaanse Schans and Volendam will take you on a trip back in time to traditional Dutch villages that have been preserved and restored to their former glory. You'll see windmills, and clogs being made by hand, and taste traditional Dutch cheeses. You'll feel like you've travelled back to the 18th century while experiencing a true taste of Dutch culture. It's a perfect escape from the bustling city and a chance to explore the countryside and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Netherlands.

Must Checkout: Canal Cruise Amsterdam

FAQ's About Amsterdam in December

Is amsterdam a good destination to visit in december.

Amsterdam is definitely worth visiting in December, despite the chilly weather. The city's famous Christmas markets and light festivals create a cosy and festive atmosphere.

Are the city's main attractions open during December?

Most of Amsterdam's main attractions, including museums and historic sites, are open year-round, including in December. However, it's always best to check for any special holiday hours or closures.

Are there any unique seasonal foods or drinks to try in Amsterdam during December?

December is the perfect time to try traditional Dutch winter foods and drinks, such as oliebollen (Dutch donuts) and glühwein (mulled wine).

How crowded are the city's main tourist areas during December?

Tourist areas can be quite crowded during the peak holiday season, but with proper planning, visitors can still enjoy all that Amsterdam has to offer.

Are there any indoor activities to do in Amsterdam during December in case of bad weather?

In case of bad weather, there are plenty of indoor activities to do in Amsterdam during December. Visitors can explore the city's many museums, attend a holiday concert or theater performance, or take a cosy canal cruise.

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The best things to do in amsterdam in december for a fun filled festive season.

Visitors’ guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam in December: festivals, museums, Amsterdam Christmas market, and best food to try in Amsterdam in winter. Updated for 2020

The first time I visited Amsterdam I thought ‘wow, this city must look magical at Christmas’. And indeed, it does.

Its architecture seems made for the festive season.

The elaborate facades of its houses acquire a distinctive gingerbread feel  and the calm waters of its canals reflect the many light displays creating a cheerful yet romantic atmosphere.

The city gets cold in winter, make no mistake: you need to wrap up and you want to watch your step when Amsterdam’s cobbled streets get enveloped by winter humidity, but magic is in the air.

Cheerful shoppers, fairy lights and Christmas foods tickle your senses and the city has so many cultural events you can move here for the whole month of December and never run out of things to do.

Want a quick preview? Check out our short video below

Amsterdam in December 2020 need to know

If planning on visiting Amsterdam in December 2020, please make sure you check and abide current regulations and travel advisory that may impact your trip and experience.

Some useful resources to this end are:

• Netherlands travel advisory – US
• Netherlands travel advisory – Ireland
• Netherlands travel advisory – UK
• Netherlands travel advisory – Canada

What are the best things to do in Amsterdam in December?

The best things to do in Amsterdam in December are those activities that allow you to enjoy the wonderful Christmas atmosphere that takes hold of the city without leaving you in the cold for too long.

Looking for more Amsterdam travel guides? See also:  all you can see and do in Amsterdam in one day and our packing list for Amsterdam in winter so you can dress for the weather.

Scout out the works of art of the Amsterdam lights festival

The first event I heard of, when looking at the best things to do in Amsterdam in December, was the Amsterdam lights festival .

This is a recurring event taking place each year during the month of December and part of January and is a public display of light art in several locations around Amsterdam city centre.

The light displays are created by artists from all over the world and are scattered along Amsterdam’s canals.

You can see the main structures during the day but the lights are just put on in the evening, after dark.

Some of the artwork can be easily enjoyed on foot but since some of the artists make use of the many Amsterdam bridges and canals to reflect and interact with their creation, the real vantage point is from the water.

Several companies offer canal cruises and boat tours specific to the lights festival and we had a lovely night our aboard one the boats of ‘ The blue boat company ‘, with offered a cozy experience in a nice boat and low prices.

This is a gorgeous way to visit Amsterdam in winter since it allows you to make the most of hours of darkness that would otherwise likely go to waste.

It is also a great way to learn facts about Amsterdam : the guides are fun and very informative

Go ice skating in Amsterdam city centre

Amsterdam doesn’t see much snow in the winter but the city compensates with beautiful ice rinks across the city.

The most scenic one is probably on Museum Plein, just in front of the Rijks Museum: the ice rink is open day and evening and welcomes skaters of all levels of ability.

Music and lights attract adults and kids alike and inexperienced skaters have chairs they can use to help them get more stable on their feet.

This is a fun way to experience Museum Plein one of the most famous places in Amsterdam and to go ice skating even if the canals do not freeze (which happens, but not every year).

Another gorgeous ice rink is in Rembrandt Plein, which is also a lovely square to visit (albeit touristy) because of the statue of Rembrandt in its centre and the many cafes and restaurants.

These two ice rinks are right in the centre of town and are a fun thing to do in Amsterdam in December and can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike

Explore Amsterdam Christmas markets

Amsterdam’s peculiar architecture means the city acquires the unmistakable air of a fairy village, at Christmas.

However, if you want an even more full on Christmas experience with mulled wine and all, you can have your fix at the square at the Ice Village Museum Plein.

The Christmas market here is in the same location as the ice rink mentioned above and it is fun to explore.

The stalls have from food to design items and can be a nice change of pace in between museum visits.

Please note: dates and details about the Christmas Markets in 2020 have not been released yet. Once they are decided, they will be published here

Other good markets with Christmas editions are the ‘ Funky Market ‘ and the Pure Market (almost every Sunday, more often in December), recurring events dressing up for Christmas on specific dates in December.

Go shopping and window shopping

Amsterdam is fabulous for shopping in all seasons but the shops in December are something special.

Big department stores decorate their fronts with lights and bows while smaller, independent shops light up with decorations and light displays.

My favourite area in Amsterdam for shopping is the famous ‘9 streets’, full of smaller shops and boutiques but Amsterdam also has well stocked high street shops and good markets.

One I visited recently was the Albert Cuyp one which has many stalls selling anything from traditional herring to Christmas trees and clothes.

During the weeks leading up to Christmas shops in Amsterdam tend to have longer opening hours, often until 9pm.

The big department stores are your best option for out of hour shopping but they tend to close on Christmas day to then reopen, with some exceptions, on the 26th.

Eat olienbollen

If you are visiting Amsterdam in December you absolutely have to try the sweet treat called ‘Olienbollen’.

An ‘olienbol’ is a sweet ball of dough, fried: I tasted it recently and while pretty heavy on the stomach, they are delicious.

While I am not familiar with the specific recipe, they reminded me of Italian panettone (sweet, raised dough with sultanas and candied fruit) but with a crispy, fried crust.

You can  find them in bakeries and markets and they are a specialty of this type of the year as well as one of the foods I highly recommend you try in the city

Go for high tea

You may not immediately associate Amsterdam with high tea or afternoon tea however, you have quite a choice of places serving it and it can be a real treat during a wintery afternoon.

See the tree in Dam square

Christmas trees are in several locations around the city and all it takes is to step out of the central station to see beautifully lit one.

The tree to see,however, is in Dam square. The tree is tall and beautiful and the ceremony to light is up is accompanied by the singing of Christmas carols (the date of the ceremony hasn’t been confirmed yet, check here for updates ).

The tree stays lit over the holidays for everyone to admire.

Last year, I was personally quite fond of another Christmas tree too: this is not a real one but a hologram,projected in the entrance hall of the Rijks museum!!

Meet Sinterklaas

If you are lucky enough to be in Amsterdam in early December you may arrange to meet Sinterklaas , the man with the red suit and the white beard that brings presents to the children who have been good.

Non Dutch people tend to think of Sinterklaas as the local equivalent to Father Christmas but he is not.

St Nicholas is said to have ties with Amsterdam since 343 AD: he goes around with his faithful travel companion Amerigo (a horse)  and he is said to be from Turkey.

Legend tells us that from his original Turkish home St Nicholas moved to Spain and makes his way to Amsterdam every ear on the 5th of December, on St Nickolas’ eve. 

Visit museums

While not season specific I couldn’t publish recommendations of things to do in Amsterdam in December without mentioning the city’s stunning museums.

Amsterdam has an incredible concentration of museums catering for pretty much all interests from classical art ( Rijks museum ), to history ( Anne Frank house ) to fashion ( Bags and Purses museum ) to cats ( Katten Kabinet ) via Van Gogh and house boats!

If you are visiting Amsterdam with kids , you cannot miss Nemo, the science museum that will keep them (and you!) cozy and entertained for hours!

While I advocate visiting museums in all seasons, in December I find them exceptionally pleasant since their cozy interiors will also hep you defrost after your city wanderings.

I hope you enjoyed our tips on the best things to do in Amsterdam in December! Are you going to Amsterdam soon?

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase we may get a small commission at no extra cost you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust ourselves.

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is the creator, writer and creative mind behind Learning Escapes. A travel loving mama of two from Italy, Marta currently lives in Ireland with her husband and two kids, they take frequent trips to European destination, the US and beyond. A professional travel blogger for over a decade, Marta is passionate about traveling with kids and helping others to travel more and better as a family.

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• Plan A Trip To Amsterdam In December To Begin With The Festive Holiday Extravaganza

23 Mar 2023

The cozy winter morning, the iced lakes, and the tranquility of white fog along with the buzzing pubs, cultural festivals and the astonishing architecture at night is what Amsterdam in December feels like. The unbearably chilled weather has a lot to offer for you to wonder about. Amsterdam is magic in winters and the festive season makes it more vibrant. The winters in Amsterdam in early December start with the snowfall, the differentiating light all along the city streets and end with the Christmas bells ringing and arousing the festive vibes of the people. The experience of walking on the streets and thrill of skating in frozen canals, Amsterdam has its own way of making even the simplest things very unique. From the warm restaurants to savor upon the delicious cuisines to the astonishing lights along the streets, this enchanting city is the perfect spot to spend your winter vacations.

Amsterdam weather in December

The Amsterdam weather in December remains as cold as 0-2 degree Celcius and can drop below zero sometimes. Before visiting the place, you must be wondering “Does it snow in Amsterdam in December”?

Amsterdam offers you the best chilling experience while your visit in December. During this month, the whole city is covered with the flawless and clean white snow in such a manner that it looks the best scenic view and feels like a story to it. The trees and the streets covered with snow is the highlight of your visit. A trip to Amsterdam in December will definitely require you to carry plenty of warm clothes to ease you through.

Places To Visit In Amsterdam In December

Here are the few places that will prompt you to visit Amsterdam during winters that will make your trip to this wonderland a wow experience.

1. Christmas markets

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The festive season of December is marked with the Christmas and the whole city gets into the carnival mood. In such time, shopping is the first thing which strikes the minds when the festival of gifts is concerned. Amsterdam provides you with the opportunity to shop with different types of markets and fair with amazing drinks and cuisines. The city has fair in almost every part where they offer everything ranging from trendy to traditional at reasonable prices. The vendors make sure that everything that you are buying is beautiful to give the perfect gift to your loved ones on the occasion. These authentic markets are best to visit to get the festive feel in Amsterdam.

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2. Annual Light Festival

The annual light festival is the highlight of the winters in Amsterdam. Attending this 2 months event this year is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December 2022. Thousands of artists registered themselves with their illuminating lights artworks to be exhibited in the city. The city is converted into the carnival of lights to experiences. Thousands of lights in different and unique artforms prompts the vibrant experience within. There are various ways to experience these lightings from the boats and the cruise in the chilling lakes which will give you the wonderful experience of these lights.

Duration: December until January

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3. Ice-Skating at Rembrandtplein

The temperature of Amsterdam drops down in December. If you are Amsterdam in December when the water-bodies get fixed and turned into the ice walkway, then you might get a chance to have a thrilling experience of ice skating on these pathways. The chilling wintery day with this adventure with your friends is a lifetime experience to cherish for.

Location: Rembrandtplein, 1017 CT AMSTERDAM

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4. The Lobby

Amsterdam will provide you plenty of warm places to have a perfect lunch or booze during your trips. The festive vibes of the people are provided with unique feasts and cozy dinners at the restaurants. The best dishes provided includes sweets and candies along with the cookies and loaf of almonds. You will be provided with a warm ambiance and the courteous staff at this place to make your dinner dates with delicious beef dishes to savor upon and your breakfast the most unique. You can have the perfect type of winter booze and enjoy a great nightlife while visiting with your friends. The Dutch cuisine offered will satisfy the gourmet in you, while giving you the greatest festive mood.

Location: Fizeaustraat 2, 1097 SC Amsterdam

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5. The Concertgebouw: Main Hall, Amsterdam

A trip to Amsterdam in December 2022 will definitely satisfy you if you are a frequent concertgoer. The city organizes plenty of concerts in the city’s classical halls and venues. The rejoicing carols, cantatas, traditional and authentic chorals are organized whole December to make that consistent merry vibes among the travelers and the locals. This 3 days concert in Concertgebouwplein Best is one of the best musical concerts. These concerts will give you the most astonishing and royal experience while you are in the traveling mode. So be ready to get the happier vibes.

Location: Concertgebouwplein 10, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1071 LN, Netherlands

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6. Ice-Rinks In Rijksmuseum

With the start of snowfall in November, many places in Amsterdam are transformed into the Ice Rinks running parallel through the city streets. The experience of chilling winters in these Ice Rinks is astounding and you’re walking over them is pretty chilled. The sight of streets filled with snow is a pleasant view to eyes. The best Ice Rink runs laterally to the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein. This Rink directly looks in front of the unique “IAMSTERDAM” letters gives you a perfect spot to click selfies.

Location: Rijksmuseum on Museumplein

7. Doubletree by Hilton

Here comes the most awaited part of your bucket list. Spending a New Year’s Eve in Hilton, Amsterdam is one of the great experience in itself. The month of December marks its end in Amsterdam with an outstanding new year’s eve in the city where the whole city is dancing on its own tunes. People are ready at their best to bid adieu to the current year and welcome the new year with both their arms open.

From the streets to the clubs all are filled with the exciting population to start a new year with some new ambitions and enthusiasm. The street filled with vibrant lights and the feasts available people wishing each other give an enormous experience. The people in the clubs with live vibrant music and DJ’s experience another side of the new year. The whole city is lively and in the playful mode and 50 shades of silver is the best party organized by Hilton.

Whether you are in a club having a lively night with the buzzing music or near Pllek looking at the exotic views of the city, just make sure that you see the street fireworks that the locals do to mark the new year moment. The extemporaneous designs created while these displays are what the people get most excited about.

Location: Doubletree by Hilton, Amsterdam central Station , Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands

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A lot more in store, Amsterdam is not just about these exotic events and the adventure it provides during winters. Instead, it is more about the experience and a happening trip that it provides. The chilling winter scenes and the snow coverings on the road is something which words cannot properly explain no matter hard we try. So, the best thing to do this winter is to plan a trip to Amsterdam in December and experience those exotic scenes yourselves.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam In December

What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

Though Amsterdam is a year-round destination, the month from April to May and September to November are considered to be the best time to visit.

Where are the Christmas markets in Amsterdam?

Some of the most popular Christmas markets to explore in the city of Amsterdam during Christmas in the Netherlands are: 1. WinterWelVaart 2. Christmas Market Velvet Cave 3. Magical Maastricht

Is anything open in Amsterdam on Christmas day?

The day of Christmas is an official holiday in Amsterdam. So, most of the shops, restaurants, cafes, museums and other tourist places remain closed. But museums like Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Hermitage remain open even on Christmas day. Several Shops and restaurants in bigger cities also function on this day.

How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

3 – 4 days are enough for exploring Amsterdam and visiting the famous tourist spots and enjoying the popular travel experiences.

Is December a good time to visit Amsterdam?

December is a great time to visit Amsterdam if you like to enjoy the festivities of the winter holidays.

Is Amsterdam good in December?

December happens to be the rainiest month of Amsterdam which could ruin some of your plans.

Does it snow in Amsterdam in December?

No. Though the weather is cold and wet due to the rainy season, it does not experience any snowfall. At times you can also experience wet snow.

What is there to do in Amsterdam in December?

Some of the most amazing things to do in Amsterdam in December are: 1. Taking a boat ride during the Light Festival 2. Visit the Christmas exhibition at Museum Willet-Holthuysen 3. Ice skating at Museumplein 4. Explore Christmas Markets at Rembrandtplein 5. Go on a Christmas dinner in De Waag

What events are celebrated in Amsterdam in December?

The entire month of December is packed with festivals and events which makes it the most exciting time to be in Amsterdam. The most popular events are: 1. Sinterklaas (December, 4th) 2. Amsterdam Light Festival( Throughout December and January) 3. Christmas Day/Kerst (December, 25th) 4. Tweede Kerstdag/ Second Day of Christmas) 5. Tangotrain 6. New Years Eve/ Oud en Nieuw

Is anything open on Christmas Day in Amsterdam?

Yes. A number of Churches and many museums remain open on Christmas Day in Amsterdam such as The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anna Frank House, FOAM or EYE.

Is Amsterdam fun in the winter?

Yes. The holiday spirits, the bussing markets, cozy nights, delicious food and dazzling decorations makes the winters in Amsterdam fun-filled winter destination.

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December in Amsterdam – Events, weather, and travel tips

And Amsterdam, being a great walking city, has an excellent public transportation system as well, so fear not. If you are coming to Amsterdam in December you’ll feel like you have the city to yourself (except for the end of the month, see below) so the smaller crowds and lower hotel prices can more than make up for the fact that the weather is less than ideal.

December Weather in Amsterdam

The weather in Amsterdam isn’t all that great in the summer, and it doesn’t get too terrible in winter, so the mild climate shouldn’t be a major factor in deciding when to visit. It’s not like you are coming to spend your days playing beach volleyball anyway. Sure, it gets pretty cold in Amsterdam in December, but rarely out of hand. The average high for the month is 44 ºF/6 ºC and the average low is 36 ºF/2 ºC. They have an average of 10 days in December that get below freezing at all, but of course that’s normally just before sunrise.

It does occasionally snow in Amsterdam in December, but that almost always means just a light dusting. If you think the city is attractive in dry weather, just wait until you wake up one morning to see it covered in a thin coat of fresh snow. With the canals in the city and occasional high winds, there can be a nip in the air, but packing gloves and a scarf should keep you warm enough on your way to and from the coffeeshops and bars.

December events and seasonal celebrations

Ice-skating

During the winter Amsterdam sets up a couple of public ice rinks in the city . There is a small one open in Leidseplein starting in November, and another one in the nearby Museum Square (between the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum ) area opens just after Christmas. Skating is free if you’ve got your own skates, or you can rent them there for €4 for 2 hours.

Christmas in Amsterdam

Christmas Eve and Day are not huge deals in Amsterdam. In the Netherlands Sinterklaas arrives with a group of controversial figures named Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes) in mid-November, marking the beginning of the holiday season. Sinterklaas, with the help of the Black Petes, distribute gifts to all good children on December 5, while naughty children can only look forward to coal (although as energy prices rise these naughty children may one day get the last laugh).

After Sinterklaas disappears on December 6, the typically Western Christmas decorations appear, and the shops are still in high gear. Santa Claus, called Kerstman in Dutch, arrives on December 24, and more gifts often appear. Sinterklaas is still the bigger deal, but Santa has made inroads in the past decade or two. The Dutch celebrate two family-oriented days of Christmas on December 25 and 26, with feasts and lots of desserts. >>more information on Christmas in Amsterdam Christmas markets

The Dutch really don’t do Christmas markets like the Germans do, and there are no notable ones in Amsterdam in December. But the German ones really are mind-blowing if you’ve never been to one. The hundreds of vendors combined with the desserts and delicious mulled wine is something you won’t easily forget. The city of Aachen is just over the southern border in Germany, and can be reached in about 3 hours by train from Amsterdam. If you are visiting for 4 days or more in December a day trip from Amsterdam to the Christmas Market in Aachen can be well worth it.

New Years Eve

At the end of December Amsterdam completely fills up with party people. New Years Eve has become a huge event all over the city, and hotels book up way in advance so plan ahead. There are street parties all over the city, but the main event is in Dam Square where fireworks greet the New Year over screams from beer-fueled revelers. The party goes on regardless of the weather, but of course it if happens to be raining then the already-jammed bars throughout the city become even more popular.

Some restaurants take reservations while others continue their first-come/first served policy on New Years Eve, but pretty much all of them close before midnight. Again, New Years Eve in Amsterdam is hard to beat, but it’s best to plan ahead and sort out your options so you don’t find yourself on the outside looking in at the big moment. >>more information on New Years in Amsterdam

Trip to Amsterdam

What to do in amsterdam in december.

Amsterdam is one of the world’s most beloved and culturally rich cities, making it a perfect winter getaway. From Sinterklaas Eve on December 4 to Kerst (Christmas) and Oud en Nieuw (New Year’s Eve), Amsterdam comes alive with festive events, markets and treats for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Light Festival

Amsterdam transforms into an open-air art gallery during the annual Amsterdam Light Festival, held between early December and late January. Visitors flock to admire stunning illuminated artworks along the canals and winding streets of Amsterdam – drawing nearly one million visitors each year to admire them.

Ice Skating

When temperatures drop in Amsterdam, canals around town will freeze over and transform into an inviting ice rink. This is an enjoyable, easy and relatively budget-friendly way to experience Amsterdam during the wintertime.

Amsterdam’s shops always look fantastic, but the festive spirit really comes alive in December – particularly at big department stores that put up special Christmas decorations and window displays. Bijenkorf in Dam Square stands out with its magnificent Christmas tree outside the building – a sight not to be missed!

For those of you who appreciate fried dough, Amsterdam in December is the ideal time to try this delectable treat. These soft balls of dough, traditionally served at midnight on New Year’s Eve, can be purchased from either a stall outside the Rijksmuseum or from a baker at Ten Kate Markt.

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Top Things to do in Amsterdam in December

Visit Amsterdam in December and experience winter magic and holiday spirit in the Dutch capital. The city offers lots of things to do that make December a great time to visit.  As long as you’re equipped with warm clothes and you don’t mind the rather cold weather, nothing can stop you from exploring Amsterdam in December.

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Table of Contents

Weather in Amsterdam in December

Unfortunately, Dutch weather is quite unpredictable – especially in December.  If you’re lucky you get some sunny days, but if you’re unlucky it could be snowing with strong winds and freezing temperatures.

The average temperature in Amsterdam in December is between 2°C and 6°C . But keep in mind that it’s quite windy so it will probably feel as if it was a few degrees cooler.

There is a chance of snow but it’s a really low chance. If it snows, it’s usually wet snow and it doesn’t stay on the ground. I don’t want to discourage you to visit Amsterdam in December though. There are several reasons why December is a great time of the year to visit the Dutch capital. Depending on the weather you’ll need to adapt your plans of exploring Amsterdam. But no worries, there are also lots of indoor activities you can do.

Reasons to visit Amsterdam in December

Less people

I think that most people have heard about how crowded Amsterdam can be during the warmer months of the year. Visiting Amsterdam in December gives you a completely different experience as it’s way more quiet and the streets aren’t fully packed with tourists.

Lower prices

Lower rates for rooms and experiences are a positive side effect of off-season travel. Amsterdam is generally a relatively expensive city so it’s a great way to save some money by visiting in December. However, prices rise again around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Chance of snow

As I said before, the chance of snow in Amsterdam is quite low but it’s not impossible. I was truly lucky to experience snow in Amsterdam when I visited in winter. And let me tell you it’s an amazing experience to see the snowflakes fall down on the tree-lined canals and streets. Winter in The Netherlands can definitely be magical.

Christmas markets

Christmas markets are always a good reason to visit European cities in December. Hot wine, traditional snacks and local handicrafts paired with holiday spirit. Do I need to say more?

What to pack

As Amsterdam is quite cold in December, make sure to pack enough clothes that keep you warm and dry. Also, layering is the key. When the sun comes out, it might even be warm enough to take off your jacket. Here’s a packing list with the essential items that you should bring for a visit to Amsterdam in December:

• Hoodie  – like this cozy winter hoodie ( for women and for men )
• Warm jacket – this lightweight packable jacket is perfect for traveling ( for women and for men )
• Waterproof windstopper
• (Waterproof) Boots
• Thick socks
• Scarf, beanie, cloves
• Sunglasses (let’s stay positive!)

I know I’m repeating myself but really be prepared for the cold . It will be windy, maybe even rainy and if you’re not well-equipped you might not enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Things to do in Amsterdam in December

Visit a Christmas market

Visiting a Christmas market should be on top of the things to do in Amsterdam in December. The famous Christmas markets in Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein open their stalls in December. As a visitor you have the chance to buy gifts for your loved ones and enjoy some hot wine and traditional local snacks.

Street lights illuminate the canals and bridges in the evening and holiday spirit is in the air. Strolling through the Christmas markets in Amsterdam is magical and it makes you feel as if you’re in a fairytale. 

Besides the Christmas markets in Amsterdam you can also visit those in nearby cities such as Utrecht ,  Haarlem and Leiden . 

Amsterdam Light Festival

At Amsterdam Light Festival  artists from around the world come to the Dutch capital to portray their creations of light displays. Those light displays are installed in the city and light up the canals and the streets of Amsterdam.

The event takes place annually in the winter months.

Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival with a boat tour and admire the artwork from the water. Or simply walk along the canals and enjoy the view of the light installations from there.

Visit museums

Luckily, Amsterdam is famous for being home to numerous museums. If you want to warm up after your outdoor exploration or if the weather is just too cold to be outside, visit one of the various museums in Amsterdam.

Here’s a list of Amsterdam’s most famous museums :

• Van Gogh museum
• Rijksmuseum
• Anne Frank House
• Heineken Experience

Do a free walking tour

Put on a warm jacket and head out to explore the city center of Amsterdam. I recommend doing a guided free walking tour  to learn about Dutch culture and history from a local. Make sure to visit the Dam Square , the red light district and De Oude Kerk , Amsterdam’s oldest building built in 1306.

On these guided tours you visit the most important sights of the city and you get an insight into Dutch life and tradition. This is a great opportunity to learn about the place you’re visiting from the perspective of a local.

Go ice skating

Ice skating is a great way to add an outdoor activity to your winter trip to Amsterdam (and to stay warm outside!). There’s an ice rink at Amsterdam’s Museumplein right in front of the Rijksmuseum called Ice* Amsterdam.  Enjoy the beautiful setting of the Rijksmuseum and the surrounding Christmas lights while ice skating on the rink. Besides ice skating you can also have a snack and drinks at the bistro next to the ice rink or go shopping in one of the various shops nearby.

When it’s a really cold winter, you can even go ice skating on the frozen canals like on the photo above. Don’t get too excited about that though, because most of the time the canals don’t freeze.

Do a canal cruise

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam that define the city’s landscape. The canal ring of Amsterdam is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site . What better way to explore Amsterdam than by floating down the canals then?

A canal cruise in Amsterdam in December has two major perks:

• You’ll see a lot from Amsterdam with the comfort of being on a boat.
• It’s warm.

The second point could be a very convincing argument to opt for a canal cruise when visiting Amsterdam in December. There are several options, such as a hop-on-hop-off tour , cruises including dinner or a simple 1 hour boat tour .

The most popular providers of canal cruises in Amsterdam are Stromma and Blue Boat . Or check out this boat cruise with guide, drinks and cheese.

Restaurant-hopping

If you’re cold and you want to warm up, just visit one of the great restaurants and cafés in Amsterdam.

• De Kas Amsterdam A farm-to-table restaurant located in the outskirts of Amsterdam. Their menu changes weekly depending on the seasonality of their home-grown vegetables.
• Pllek Amsterdam Amsterdam’s biggest green house and a city beach. They serve mainly vegetarian dishes.
• Sea Palace Amsterdam Authentic Chinese cuisine offered in a restaurant that floats on a canal in Amsterdam.
• Caffè Toscanini The best Italian restaurant in Amsterdam.

These are just a few of the numerous amazing restaurants in Amsterdam. For more great places to eat in the Dutch capital check out this restaurant guide .

Where to stay in Amsterdam in December

Amsterdam has a wide choice of amazing hostels, which is my personal favorite way to socialize and meet people. For budget-travelers I recommend these hostels:

• Flying Pig Downtown – famous for their bar and a great place if you like to meet new people.
• Ecomama – located in the heart of Amsterdam, it combines the cosiness of a community, the luxury of a hotel. I love their interior design!
• St. Christopher’s at The Winston – has a great bar with beer garden and is in an excellent location.

For those who look for a more upscale place to stay, I recommend looking at booking.com

Despite the cold, it’s definitely worth it to travel to Amsterdam in December. Visiting Christmas markets, the Amsterdam Light Festival and ice skating in front of the Rijksmuseum is something unique that you can only do at that time of the year. If you get cold from all the outdoor exploration there’s always an interesting museum or a great café where you can warm up.

In case you’re traveling to The Netherlands during a warmer time of the year I recommend visiting one of the Wadden Islands . There you can experience typical dutch countryside paired with beautiful beaches and nature.

Would you visit Amsterdam in December? I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments!

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a world of destinations

October 9, 2020

Destinations , Europe , Netherlands

Europe , The Netherlands , Winter Trips

19 Comments

October 10, 2020 at 7:28 pm

Lovely post 🙂 Thanks for sharing! I had plans to visit Amsterdam that I had to put on hold due to the pandemic, so it was nice to read this – I’ll bookmark it for when I have a chance to go back.

October 10, 2020 at 8:27 pm

Thank you Carley! I hope you’ll get the chance to visit Amsterdam on a future trip!

October 10, 2020 at 11:03 pm

Great guide! I’ve always wanted to see the canals frozen in the winter! I think that would be so fun and unique to ice skate on them too! It’s such a beautiful city!

October 11, 2020 at 11:20 am

Thank you Linnea! And yes, that’s really a unique experience!

October 10, 2020 at 11:07 pm

Wow Amsterdam is so beautiful blanketed in snow! I love the photo of people ice skating on the frozen canal, even if it doesn’t happen often, that would be incredible!

October 11, 2020 at 11:21 am

I totally agree, that really is incredible!

October 11, 2020 at 12:09 am

I would love to visit Amsterdam in December. I have only been once during the summer a few years ago, but I totally want to return especially for the light festival!

Yeah the city looks so beautiful during Amsterdam Light Festival!

October 11, 2020 at 12:36 am

I definitely missed half of these things when I visited Amsterdam in December – guess I’ll have to go back!

October 11, 2020 at 11:22 am

Oh really, you should definitely go back then!

October 11, 2020 at 1:07 am

I visited Amsterdam for the first time last fall and fell in love with it! I would love to go back one Christmas and visit the Christmas markets, they sound so amazing.

Christmas markets are always amazing, I’d love to go back too!

October 11, 2020 at 4:29 am

I loved visiting Amsterdam but we were only there for one day in December (we did a whirlwind trip over new years through Europe) and it was so peaceful.

October 11, 2020 at 11:23 am

I love how in winter the city isn’t as crazily crowded as in spring or in summer

October 17, 2020 at 5:27 am

Amsterdam looks so beautiful during winter. I’ve been in the springtime and definitely want to revisit in December. Amsterdam is also one of my favorite cities in the world. 🙂

October 18, 2020 at 5:56 pm

Amsterdam sounds like such a great place to travel to in the winter

October 23, 2020 at 11:00 am

I totally agree!

October 22, 2020 at 10:37 am

I visited Amsterdam during Easter holidays many years ago and it was SO packed. Maybe I should go back and see the city in winter with all the snow and Christmas markets. It looks magical!

It’s definitely less packed in winter!

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15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Winter in Amsterdam

Written by Shandley McMurray Updated Mar 23, 2023

While spring and fall are the most popular seasons to vacation in Amsterdam, there are a slew of perks and rewarding things to do awaiting those who visit during winter. In addition to cheaper rates on everything from airfare to accommodation, winter travelers can enjoy crowd-free museums, skate on the canals (if it gets cold enough), and chow down on the most delectable wintertime treats.

Visit during December or early January to witness the magic of Amsterdam aglow with festive lights, charming Christmas markets, and more fresh flowers than you can count on National Tulip Day. Don't worry, you won't freeze. The temperature in Amsterdam rarely plummets below 34 degrees, even in February, and highs hover near 44. Don a couple of layers, and you'll be perfectly comfortable.

Plan your visit to the lovely Dutch capital with our list of the best things to do in winter in Amsterdam.

1. Be Wowed by the Amsterdam Light Festival

2. pick a free bouquet on national tulip day, 3. skate on a canal or an outdoor rink, 4. get inspired (and warm) at the museums, 5. hop aboard a canal cruise, 6. attend the winter festival amsterdam, 7. fill your belly with classic winter dishes, 8. shop the boutiques along the 9 straatjes, 9. tour amsterdam's christmas markets, 10. step back in time at the museum of willet-holthuysen, 11. catch a performance of wereldkerstcircus, 12. sled, ski, or snow tube at winter paradise, 13. talk to animals at the artis amsterdam royal zoo, 14. question your existence at the groote museum, 15. catch a flick at the international documentary film festival amsterdam, map of things to do in winter in amsterdam.

If you thought the city's architecture was impressive, just wait until you catch sight of the remarkable Amsterdam Light Festival. A massive, open-air exhibition descends on the city during December and January, flanking its canals and winding streets with giant light sculptures so impressive, you'll gasp with delight.

The first festival took place in 2012 and has grown into the highly anticipated and beloved event it is today. Nearly one million visitors arrive annually to admire the incredible light sculptures first-hand, making it one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam.

From a giant house of cards to life-sized models of people sitting on a park bench to a display of bacteria fighting the E. coli virus, visitors will be amazed by the innovative creations that light the capital each winter. Some are even set to music.

Each year, the displays vary in size and theme. The walking route invites tourists to explore the dramatic works on foot, while the canal route entices them to travel by boat to gape at the intricate displays in, around, and over the romantic waterways.

While you never know exactly what to expect at the Amsterdam Light Festival, you're sure to be mesmerized. You'll never look at festive lights the same way again.

While many associate tulips with the arrival of spring, those in Amsterdam like to appreciate this cheerful flower much earlier in the year. The third Saturday of January plays host to National Tulip Day, or Nationale Tulpendag , as it's known in Dutch.

At 8am, locals begin unloading their trucks and arranging over 200,000 tulips into a temporary garden in Dam Square . At 1 pm, they open the garden to the public and offer everyone a chance to pick flowers for free. Watching the setup is almost as much fun as picking the flowers yourself, so arrive early.

Insider's tip: Be prepared to stand in line (sometimes for an hour or more) if you're hoping to leave with flowers. This is well known as one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam in winter.

If you're hankering for more beauty, head to Keukenhof , the gorgeous estate of Keukenhof Castle set just 30 minutes outside Amsterdam. Its colorful spring blooms are spectacular, but it isn't open until the end of March.

While skating on one of Amsterdam's famed Golden Canals is one of the most romantic ways to tour the city, this happens very rarely. Sections of the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals last froze enough to support the weight of skaters during the "big freeze" in March of 2018. Prior to that, the canals hadn't frozen in over six years.

If you aren't lucky enough to visit during a deep freeze, take a swirl around one of the city's winter ice rinks. ICE*Amsterdam offers outdoor skating in one of the most picturesque settings: Museumplein , a spectacular venue for a glide. Skaters are blessed with incredible views of the Rijksmuseum from mid-November to March 1 st .

Leidseplein also boasts an outdoor rink from mid-November to early January. Rental skates are available at both rinks, as are warm drinks and snacks, which you can enjoy before and after your session. Skating is a fun thing to do with the family, so be sure to bring the kids along.

For a more professional experience, lace up your skates at Jaap Eden Ijsbaan , which is open from October to March.

Amsterdam is home to some of the world's best museums, which are generally packed during the high season. Winter travelers get to experience the impressive exhibits found in these tourist attractions without the hassle of crowds.

Take advantage of the relative quiet, and explore the unmissable Rijksmuseum (a.k.a. National Museum) the scenic heart of Museumplein. This historic building is home to a vast collection of ancient and modern art and artifacts.

While in town, do not miss a visit to the Van Gogh Museum . Art buffs will be captivated by both the building itself (a modern creation designed by Gerrit Rietveld) and the incredible paintings by Van Gogh himself. Home to the largest collection of the artists' works, you'll find letters, etchings, and paintings on display.

The Ann Frank House is another important place to visit. Located on the Prinsengracht , this hauntingly unforgettable museum is housed in the home in which the Frank family hid from the Nazis during World War II. Inside, you'll find the hidden staircase to their living quarters and other items that remain as they were when Anne and her family hid here.

Dubbed the "Venice of the North," Amsterdam is perhaps best known for its romantic, tree-lined canals. And what better way to explore the city's sparkling stars than by getting up close and personal - on a boat cruise? Book one for New Year's and you're in for an unforgettable night!

With over 100 kilometers of canals (a.k.a. grachten) winding their way through the city, there's no shortage of places to cruise. That said, the most popular (and touristy) canals are Prinsengracht , Herengracht , and Keizergracht . Many cruises include a hot chocolate to warm your fingers, although most boats are heated, so you shouldn't feel chilled.

Multiple cruise companies (over 120 to be exact) have made a good business out of shuttling visitors between Amsterdam's tourist attractions or simply touring them around the waterways, pointing out architectural marvels and enlightening them on the area's history along the way. You'll have plenty of options to choose from.

Plan your cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival for an even more memorable excursion.

The Dutch love winter, and who can blame them? Romantic canals reflect twinkling lights, the narrow streets are lined with festive markets, and restaurants dole out delicious warm dishes.

Evening canal cruises, ice-skating, snowball tosses, and cross-country skiing are just some of the activities on offer at the city's beloved Winter Festival Amsterdam, an event created to celebrate this cool and wonderful time of the year.

One of the best points of interest in winter, this popular festival attracts thousands of tourists from late-December through early January (around the 18 th to the 8 th ).

Famous Dutch artists will perform on the stage, tasty treats will be on offer, food trucks will hover, and visitors can ride a Ferris wheel or carousel when they're not twirling around an indoor or outdoor rink.

Official site: https://winterfestivalamsterdam.com/winter-festival-amsterdam/

Warm and inviting cafés line Amsterdam's streets, enticing visitors to step in from the cold for a warm bowl of soup ( Snert is a thick and hearty pea soup served with rye bread), stamppot (mashed potatoes and veggies served with meat), fondue, or a broodje (a.k.a. sandwich).

Once you've finished your meal, it's time to enjoy some of the tastiest treats on offer in Amsterdam. Oliebollen are the most famous winter dessert and are only available at this time of year. Eating these scrumptious, deep-fried dough balls is a delicious and beloved New Year's tradition, not to mention one of the most enjoyable things to do in winter. These are essentially donuts covered in powdered sugar, and are sold in stalls known as oliebollenkramen , which are positioned throughout town.

Appeltaarts (apple pie), Dutch pancakes , and Poffertjes (pancake-like treats doused in powdered sugar and butter) are also on offer at this time. Wash it all down with a mug of hot chocolate, and you'll be reenergized for a day of sightseeing.

Engage in some retail therapy among the eclectic boutiques of Amsterdam's 9 Straatjes (a.k.a. nine little streets). This unique shopping area consists of nine scenic streets, which lie within the city's most prominent neighborhoods: Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. Each neighborhood houses three of the streets. Part of the fun is crossing bridges over the canals to reach the other side.

No matter what you're searching for, you'll find it here. Each street is lined with art galleries, designer shops, cafés, restaurants, and vintage clothing stores. You'll also find jewelry boutiques, book shops, and flower stores. Also, it wouldn't be Amsterdam without design stores and a bevy of shops selling lingerie.

Around Christmas, the streets are beautifully decorated, adding to their picturesque allure. Be sure to bring a camera, and allocate some extra spending money before you head into this land of temptation.

There's no shortage of festive markets in Amsterdam in winter. Boasting hand-made crafts, delectable treats, and skating rinks, these markets up the fun factor of any cold-weather Dutch vacation. A few faves include the Ice*Village Amsterdam , which surrounds the skating rink in Museumplein and features vibrant lights and dozens of vendors selling festive treats and wares.

In pure Amsterdam style, the traditional Sunday Market in Westergasfabriek is transformed into the Funky Xmas Market for one day in mid-December. Quirky handmade goods are on display by their unique vendors.

Pure Winter Markt Amsterdam is the perfect place for the environmentally conscious shopper. Sustainability is the theme here, which is what makes this such a rewarding place to visit. In addition to purchasing guilt-free gifts, the market - with 70 percent of its space devoted to food vendors - features the freshest local dishes around. This is a traveling market, so check their site to determine where they'll be when you're in town.

For a truly Dutch experience, head to Leiden , an adorable town about 40 minutes away, for their floating Christmas Market . Multiple stalls and food stations are set upon a floating platform on the Nieuwe Rijn , creating a majestically festive aura.

A perfect example of a historic canal home, the Willet-Holthuysen museum is located on the Herengracht. Last home to Abraham Willet and Louisa Holthuysen, this attraction serves as an enchanting example of what life was like for wealthy members of Dutch society (and their staff) in the mid-1800s.

From December to early January, the house is converted into a 19 th -century festive wonderland as part of the Christmas Exhibition . The museum is decorated with trinkets and festive décor from the time of its last inhabitants. The remarkably decorated Christmas tree, complete with unwrapped children's gifts is a stunning centerpiece.

Visit during the last week of December, and you'll be graced with live music, including Christmas songs, and a reading of Christmas stories. Coffee, tea, and board games are on hand during these times, which will tempt you to prolong your stay.

Acrobats, white horses, contortionists, Trapeze artists – if you can dream it, the Wereldkerst Circus Carré likely has it – and the shows don't disappoint. A much-loved tradition, the World Christmas Circus (a.k.a. Wereldkerstcircus) has been gracing Amsterdam's stages since it began as a one-man show with circus performer Oscar Carré in 1887. Locals flock to see this exciting performance at the Royal Theatre Carré each holiday season.

Much larger and more diverse than its original show, today's Christmas circus includes thrilling acts featuring circus performers from across the globe. If you're used to attending The Nutcracker ballet or a performance of Handle's Messiah to get in the holiday spirit, you'll be amazed by the fun you'll have ringing in the season at this entertaining event.

Performers from across the globe gather in Amsterdam from late December to early January (for just over two weeks) to thrill tourists with their unique acts. Not surprisingly, visiting this exciting Christmas attraction is one of the best things to do with the family in Amsterdam.

Hold your breath as you watch trapeze artists fly through the air and acrobats fling themselves around the stage. Contortionists, jugglers, clowns, and the "Italian Horse Whisperer" are a few of the featured acts.

Each year, over 60,000 people bombard the theater to be wowed by the amazing feats performed in this historic venue, which was built by Oscar Carré in 1887 to host circus performances. Be sure to book your tickets early.

Each December, the RAI and its surroundings are transformed into a wonderland of wintery goodness. We're talking real snow, tube slides, sledding, curling, and multiple skating rinks (both indoors and outside).

No matter the weather, Amsterdam's Winter Paradise (a.k.a. Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs) brings the best parts of the season to its guests. Board the giant 40-meter-high Ferris Wheel for a spectacular view of the city, cross-country ski around Christmas trees, or have a snowball fight with friends. In need of a rest? Put your feet up as you enjoy a Christmas movie at the Christmas Cinema .

When hunger strikes, roast marshmallows over a fire, or grab a bite from one of the pop-up restaurants or cafés.

If you thought visiting a zoo was a summer activity, you clearly haven't been to ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo. Home to enough creatures to keep kids and creatures of all ages happy (including lions, giraffes, penguins, and flamingos), this zoo was opened in its central location in 1838.

With more than 750 species calling this zoo home, this attraction remains one of the best places to visit for families in Amsterdam , even in winter.

When your toes are feeling the cold, head inside to the insectarium, butterfly garden or planetarium. There's also an aquarium on-site for those who'd like to explore the underwater world more closely. In all, there are over 25 historic buildings and enough animal enclosures to keep you busy for at least a half day.

Nearby, you'll find the Micropia museum . Tourists are granted an unsurpassed view into the world of microbes in this interactive space. Trust us, this is way more interesting than it sounds. In fact, it's astounding, and grossly intriguing; you won't want to miss it.

Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam

Official site: https://www.artis.nl/en/

Ever wonder how you're connected to the world? Head to the Groote Museum in Artisplein to discover the multitude of ways in which you're linked to other life on Earth. From playing games to conducting experiments in tents, there are plenty of ways to beat the cold and stay intrigued inside this one-of-a-kind attraction.

Dubbed the "museum of big questions," the Groote Museum was designed to encourage tourists to deepen their perspective on everything around them. A unique space filled with interactive exhibits, this new museum (it opened in May of 2022) is housed in the main building of its predecessor, which was open from 1855 to 1947.

Today, the museum houses 14 zones in two galleries, each of which focuses on one part of the body. Each zone uses an array of methods to teach, including photographs, videos, and hands-on exhibits. They help show visitors the various ways in which one small section of the body is connected to the universe.

Insider's tip: While kids under 12 are free, this museum is best experienced with children who are eight and up.

Address: Artisplein, Plantage Middenlaan 41, Amsterdam

Official site: https://www.grootemuseum.nl/en

It's easy to feel cozy when cuddling up to a movie. When that movie is a documentary shown at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, you're in for a real treat.

Held over 12 days in November, the IDFA is the world's largest documentary film festival. It's been hosted in Amsterdam since 1988 and is held in various cinemas and other venues throughout the city.

Each film shown at this famed festival has been chosen for its ability to help change the way we understand the world. The movies are shot from a non-Western perspective, and feature cultures you don't find on the Blockbuster screens we frequent at home. They're thought-provoking, beautiful, and inspired.

In addition to films, the festival hosts talks, immersive and interactive projects, and performances. Be prepared to be wowed, moved, and happily entertained. Insider's tip: Book early as over 290,000 tickets are sold to these events.

Official site: https://www.idfa.nl/en/

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

European Places to Visit in Winter: Amsterdam isn't the only winter wonderland in Europe. Prague is a fantastic winter destination if you are looking for cities to visit. Germany boasts spectacular, snow-covered landscapes and expansive Christmas markets. Austria is another must-visit in the colder months. Ski down (or across) majestic mountains, and visit a snow-dusted castle.

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Top Things to Do in Amsterdam in December

As if there wasn’t already so much to do in amsterdam, the top things you can do in amsterdam in december are amplified by the holidays and the traditions that happen in december..

December is an excellent time to visit Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. The cobblestone streets are lined with bright lights and a warm buzz of holiday cheer – while the city is chock-full of historical and cultural touchpoints, there is also a modern vibe brought on by the city’s art and music scene, as well as the creative food industry in the city.

Our guide will take you through the basics you’ll need to consider when planning your travel and things to do in Amsterdam in December, with a list of timeless suggestions and an FAQ section to make sure we cover all of your curiosities.

Weather in Amsterdam in December

While the city transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday markets, festive décor and amped up outdoor activities, Amsterdam rarely reaches freezing temperatures in December. The month of December is quite mild, with highest temperatures reaching between 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit/5-5.5 degrees Celsius and the temperatures dipping to 30-35 degrees Fahrenheit/.5 degrees Celsius. Due to how mild the weather can be, December does tend to be the rainiest month of year for Amsterdam, accumulating 3 inches over the course of 15 days (on average). When it comes to packing for the weather, make sure you have a good coat and waterproof shoes to protect yourself from the cold rainwater. The days are shorter with the sun setting around 4:30-5 p.m. and only a few hours of sun throughout the day. Despite this, you will feel like you’re in a festive holiday environment!

Places to Visit in Amsterdam in December

Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiZY0g5RYlY

The Van Gogh Museum

Regardless of what you think you may already know about Vincent Van Gogh, this museum is a must-visit on any bucket list. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is home to the most Van Gogh paintings in the world, straying from just his greatest hits to also display his sketches, early drawings, and letters to fellow artists and family members. What types of art influenced Van Gogh? How did his decaying mental health show up in his work? You will get to know the artist through many different mediums while enjoying the open, winding architecture that holds this piece of Holland’s art history. We highly recommend booking your tickets as far in advance as possible.

Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)

December in Amsterdam can be rainy, which can put a damper on many plans you have outdoors. However, rain or shine, Amsterdam’s famous floating Flower Market has been open to tourists and locals alike since 1862. Known to locals as the Bloemenmarkt , you can find fresh flowers Monday through Saturday, along with Dutch inspired souvenirs and treats. While fresh flowers may not last you long while traveling, you can also purchase tulip bulbs or seeds to bring home and start your own tulip garden – a great addition to your backyard when you’re missing Amsterdam!

Heineken Experience

Ever wonder how a small Dutch brewery became one of the most beloved beers around the world? To understand the history of that little red star on every Heineken bottle, check out the Heineken Experience . You’ll learn everything about the Heineken brand story, from small beginnings to serving up the perfect pint. The tour itself is self-guided and lasts about 5 hours , but once you’ve explored the brewery, you can wrap up your experience by sipping on a Heineken at the Best ‘Dam Bar . Even if you aren’t a fan of beer, this is still a really cool attraction right in the heart of Amsterdam for anyone 21+.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum , lovingly known as the “museum of the Netherlands,” tells the story of over 800 years of Dutch history in an uncensored and honest way. For example, this spring 2021 the museum will open an exhibition about slavery and the 250 years that it existed in the Netherlands. You’ll see the fine arts on display from artists such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer and more, all connected to the museum’s appreciate for Dutch heritage, history and culture. The Rijksmuseum offers great perks for guests – if you’re coming straight from the airport, you can store your luggage at one of the information desks while you get your Amsterdam experience rolling. If you plan to visit Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum again during peak travel season, you can purchase a pass to skip the line, a “fast pass” as some call it. Outside the museum, you’ll find the classic “I Amsterdam” sculpture – so you’ll be able to see hundreds of years of Dutch art and a popular tourist attraction in one visit!

Amsterdam Light Festival

When you think of the holidays, you probably imagine the bright, warm lights lining the houses, buildings and streets of where you live. Amsterdam’s Light Festival does exactly that, but takes light art and décor to an entirely different level. This is the world’s largest, most comprehensive light festival that boasts an internationally traveling collection of light installations. You’ll find light installations along the canals and in popular locations throughout the city, like Dam Square or the museum district. The festival lasts for about 53 days each year, so it’ll be hard to miss when visiting during the winter months!

The Anne Frank House

The story of Anne Frank spans the world through The Diary of Anne Frank, but the Anne Frank House (formally named “Anne Frank Huis”) helps guests understand what it was like to flee the violence of anti-Semitism in the 1940s. In the house, visitors can walk through the story of the Frank family and witness the secret annex where 8 people hid from the horrors of the Holocaust. This museum is extremely popular, and it is recommended that you secure tickets at least 3 months in advance . Don’t expect to be able to walk-up and secure your tickets the day you’re in Amsterdam – this is a bucket list item, so plan accordingly!

Christmas Square at Museumplein

If you plan on visiting in December, the holiday spirit will be alive all over Amsterdam. One of the best outdoor activities you can participate in is walking through the Christmas Market at Museumplein , right near the Rijksmuseum. Ditch the generic souvenirs at the airport and explore hundreds of street vendors, artisans and more selling one of a kind gifts, sweets and treats. You can also cut down on gift wrapping – many vendors will wrap your gift for you upon purchase! A free souvenir you can get at the Christmas Market is a cup – let us explain. To keep Amsterdam clean of litter, you purchase a cup for €2 and exchange it for a new one for every drink you purchase. Once you’re ready to leave, exchange it for free for a commemorative cup you can take home with you.

Ice Skating

Nothing screams “winter” more than outdoor ice skating! Cleverly named after the “I Amsterdam” statue that tourists love to take photos with, Ice*Amsterdam is an outdoor ice rink located right in front of the Rijksmuseum (there’s another rink outside of the Rembrandt Museum too!). Ice*Amsterdam is typically open between November and January, leaving extra time to skate in the New Year. Lining the rink is also an area to eat, drink and be merry during the holiday season – because skating works up a thirst and an appetite.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

One of Amsterdam’s most prominent features as a city is the amount of canals you can see just walking down the streets. It is possible to explore the city by water, and you can do that by booking a canal cruise! Canal cruises can be a great family activity during the day and a romantic date by night. With some canal cruise or tour operators, such as Amsterdam Canal Cruises, you can pair a canal cruise with another cultural activity. Amsterdam Canal Cruises offers tour packages such as “ Half Day Cheese Market Tour + Canal Cruise ,” or explore the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens before hopping on a boat in the canal. Some tours are a full day ordeal, but half days are possible too!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: is it easy to get around amsterdam.

A: Yes! Amsterdam is a very walkable city, but they also offer an efficient public transportation system, which you can read about on the NS website . We recommend purchasing an I Amsterdam City Card , which will give you access to city-wide public transit by bus, metro, ferry and tram. Amsterdam is also a bike-heavy city – there are hundreds of bus rental depots and shops around the city and are a great way to see the city on wheels. Be careful of bike lanes as a pedestrian – since bikes are so popular in Amsterdam, make sure you’re looking both ways before crossing the street and steering clear of bike lanes when wandering around Amsterdam. Many people speak both Dutch and English, so feel free to ask for directions or suggestions!

Q: How can I get the best deals at museums and attractions around Amsterdam?

A: You bet – in addition to city-wide public transport at your finger tips, the I Amsterdam City Card also gets you discounts and admission waivers to 70 museums and hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and attractions around the city. If you’re a college/university student, bring your student ID with you to Amsterdam – you never know what types of discounted tickets or offers you might find for lower, more student-friendly prices! Children are also accommodated with lower prices and admissions to museums around the city, some museums even letting children in for free!

Q: I’m headed to Amsterdam in December – what should I pack?

A: Great question! As mentioned before, December is Amsterdam’s rainiest month out of the whole year, but you shouldn’t let that rain on your parade. Pack warm clothes (sweaters, pants, long sleeve t-shirts) but also think about layering. If you can mix and match certain layers, it will help you reduce the amount of clothing you end up bringing. Make sure you have an adapter/converter – the outlets in every country you travel to will be different, Holland is no exception. Since Amsterdam is so walkable, we also recommend comfortable shoes and boots.

Q: How many days do I need in Amsterdam?

A: It depends – you can comfortably witness all of the tourist attractions and museums of your choice in about 3 days. If you want to do a deeper dive into non-touristy Amsterdam, aim for 4 to 5 days. You can check out our Amsterdam itineraries to see how you can include Amsterdam in your European travels when you’re ready to start planning.

Q: Is Amsterdam fun in the winter?

A: Absolutely. Amsterdam is fun any time of the year. If anything, the holiday spirit gives the city a warm, cozy and welcoming atmosphere no matter what you plan on doing throughout the city. Winter also tends to be less crowded in certain parts of the city, so take advantage of the off-season and plan ahead. If you need more suggestions for places to see, what to eat, and things to see, check out our catalog of Amsterdam-based itineraries , written by real people with real experiences. You can find anything from unique tips and tricks or restaurant recommendations for your travel to the city of Amsterdam.

Q: I plan on being in Amsterdam on Christmas Day. Is anything open?

A: Yes – you’ll see lots of restaurants and shops open on Christmas Day. If you want to attend a traditional church service on Christmas, there are plenty of churches open to the public to celebrate. Many of the city’s museums (The Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Hermitage, etc.) remain open on Christmas Day. It’s good to remember that Christmas is not celebrated by everyone in the world, so cultural attractions and restaurants tend to stay open.

Amsterdam is a beautiful city to visit and explore year-round, but the month of December presents an opportunity to get acquainted with many of the warm, indoor cultural sites throughout the city of canals. If you don’t mind the mild weather, there are plenty of wintery activities you can pursue and enjoy the great outdoors – and you don’t even have to leave the city for that experience. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the seasonal magic of Amsterdam with smaller crowds and celebrate the end of the year in style. For more tips, tricks and best places to visit around Amsterdam, check out our catalog of itineraries written by real people with real experiences. Have you been to Amsterdam in December? Let us know what you enjoyed doing or seeing while you were there!

Visiting Amsterdam in December | First-timer’s guide

Things to do in Amsterdam Amsterdam Travel Guide Best Time to Visit Amsterdam Amsterdam In December

The Dutch Golden Age transformed Amsterdam , a sleepy fishing village on the River Amstel, to a trading powerhouse in the 17th century. The city reclaimed land over the centuries and turned its canals into a lifeline, earning itself the moniker ‘Venice of the North’. Today, Amsterdam draws millions of tourists to bear witness to its thriving and cosmopolitan cultural! In December, Amsterdam flaunts a festive feel and promises cheer and joy in spite of the biting cold. Here is a guide of things to do, places to see, and experiences to enjoy if you're planning to visit Amsterdam in December.

Quick Jumplinks to Navigate the Guide

• Why is Amsterdam in December a must-visit?

Amsterdam Weather in December

Amsterdam in december : things to do, amsterdam in december : events to look out for, amsterdam in december : 5-day itinerary.

• Amsterdam Essentials
• Amsterdam in December - Must-Eat Delicacies
• Tips for Visiting Amsterdam in December

What makes Amsterdam in December special?

• Picturesque Cityscape – Amsterdam experiences a cold winter with a chance of a white Christmas when the pretty buildings of Amsterdam are covered with snow to create a fairytale paradise. The Amsterdam Light Festival adds more charm to the Canal Ring and the Christmas Lights and trees across town make it look a veritable wonderland.
• Christmas Festivities – The Christmas festivities in Amsterdam run all through December, especially as Sinterklaas comes early in mid-November. The Christmas markets are a sight to behold with exquisite shopping and unique food experiences. Ice Skating rinks, Christmas concerts, and New Year’s Eve parties will make sure your days are fully occupied in Amsterdam in December.
• Local charm – International tourists are far and few around Christmas especially in Amsterdam, given the cold weather. This means fewer crowds at Amsterdam’s many museums and attractions, which are usually chock-a-bloc in the summer season. It is an ideal time for backpackers and budget travelers to visit Amsterdam, especially in the first couple of weeks of December.

Amsterdam in December : Weather

Winter has arrived in Amsterdam in December and the temperatures are cold! The city witnesses a lot of rain, however there isn’t much snow, you can only expect a day or two of frosty snow. The average daytime temperatures are around 7°C, while night time temperatures around 2°C. The days are shorter and it is the time of the winter solstice!

Van Gogh Museum

The Dutch have a glorious history of art and Van Gogh is one of the few who are credited with putting it on the global map. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is an ode to the artist and offers a peek into his life and work. The museum has the largest collection of his artwork.

December Timings Every Day : 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday : 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands Getting There ›

Rijksmuseum

Your first visit to Amsterdam is incomplete with a stop at the Rijksmuseum. The vast museum contains a treasure of Dutch history, especially the Golden Age, and you can enjoy viewing the works of Masters like Rembrandt and Frans Hals. A skip the line ticket is the best way to beat the rush.

December Timings Every day – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Dam 20, 1012 KW Amsterdam, Netherlands Getting There ›

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Canals are the lifeline of Amsterdam and were the reason for the booming of the city during the 17th Century Dutch Golden Age. Witness the wealth of architecture in over 1,500 monumental buildings on display alongside the canals and watch how the city has planned itself around these water bodies.

December Timings Cruise timings depend on tour chosen

Amsterdam, Netherlands Getting There ›

Anne Frank House and Walking Tour

Anne Frank is known the world over for her book ‘The Secret Diary of Anne Frank’ which was an account of her life during the Nazi occupation in the house on Prinsengracht 263. A tour of the house will take you through her living quarters and help learn more about life during the Second World War.

December Timings Every day – 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands Getting There ›

A Day Trip to Zaanse Schans and Volendam

Windmills dotting the endless countryside and Gingerbread Dutch architecture in the fishing villages are the most iconic landscapes of Netherlands. Experience these sights firsthand in a day trip from Amsterdam in December. Enjoy a planned itinerary and a comfortable bus ride to travel despite the cold weather!

December Timings Depends on the chosen tour

Zaanse Schans, Zaandam Netherlands Getting There ›

Heineken Experience

Beat the cold in Amsterdam in December by heading to the warm interiors of the Heineken Factory. Take a guided tour and find out what goes behind the making of the world’s favorite beer. Learn more about the history of the brewery and get to sample free beer at the end of the tour.

December Timings Monday – Thursday – 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM) Friday – Sunday – 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Last admission at 7:00 PM)

Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands Getting There ›

Amsterdam Icebar

Amsterdam in December does not experience much snow like other European cities, to make up for it instead head to the Amsterdam Icebar for a ‘cool’ experience. The theme bar is perfect for Instagram-lovers who can enjoy the unique offerings like the ice furniture, sculptures and ice cutlery!

December Timings Sunday – Thursday – 11:45 AM – 1:00 AM Friday – Saturday – 11:45 AM – 2:40 AM

Amstel 194, 1017 AG Amsterdam, Netherlands Getting There ›

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Increase the heat in Amsterdam in December by heading for selfies with A-list celebrities like George Clooney, Zayn Malik, Michiel Huisman, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, and Ariana Grande. The likeness of the wax statues will stun you and make for incredible memories of your holidays in Amsterdam.

December Timings Daily, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

ARTIS Royal Zoo

The ARTIS Royal Zoo is a wonderful space for viewing flora and fauna from around the world and to learn about their habitat and life cycle. There is also an Aquarium and Planetarium that will make your visit much more interesting. Don’t miss out on the daily zoo activities with the staff!

Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands Getting There ›

Red Light District Tour

The Red Light District is one of the most happening areas in the city and has a long history dating back centuries. Take a guided tour to explore the streets of this area, especially the Warmoesstraat and ChinaTown. Admire the historic buildings and neon-lit shop fronts alike!

De Wallen, Amsterdam, Netherlands Getting There ›

Amsterdam Light Festival

All through December Amsterdam’s Canal Ring and River Amstel are transformed every winter with beautiful light structures and art work by artists from across the world. The best way to view these sculptures is by taking a canal cruise and admiring the creativity that goes behind these amazing pieces.

Christmas Markets

All through December Christmas markets are the highlights of every European City and Amsterdam is not far behind. It’s best Christmas Markets are at Funky Xmas Market (Westergas), Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt (Amsterdam Noord), Ice Village (Museumplein), Winter Village (Amstelveen), and Amsterdam Winter Paradise (RAI Amsterdam).

BLACKPINK Concert

22 December 2022 The world famous Korean girl group is currently the most subscribed music act on YouTube with over 75 million followers. Lisa, Jennie, Rosé and Jisoo also have two Guinness World Records to their name, including the most watched music video within the first 24 hours of release and the deserved status of the most followed girl group on Spotify.

26 December 2022 – 2 January 2023 Amsterdam holds one of the biggest Tango festivals where professionals and amateurs come together to enjoy and learn Tango. Whether it is just to watch or participate, the week-long Tango Train festival is the perfect place to spend your evenings in Amsterdam.

Canal Cruise

Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Rembrandt House Museum

Day trip to Keukenhof

Anne Frank House

Red Light District

Amsterdam Museum

Albert Cuyp Market

Amsterdam essentials in december.

Language Dutch

Time zone GMT+1

Country Code +31

Socket Type C, E and F

Currency Euros €

Amsterdam does not experience a lot of snow throughout the year, especially not snow storms or blizzards. The city itself might experience a couple of days of snow that won’t last long. The days are overcast and cloudy, and incredibly short with sunrise around 8:30 AM and sunset around 4:30 PM, leaving you little time to explore the outdoors.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam during December

Amsterdam is a spread out city and zigzagged with canals, however the city is well connected through public transportation and you can easily get around within minutes. Each of the areas in Amsterdam offers something unique, stay in the Historic centre to be closer to the canals or in The Jordaan for postcard views. Oud-West offers a chic neighborhood with shopping, while Amsterdam-Noord has eclectic establishments by the riverside. Here are our favorite places to stay in Amsterdam -

• Luxury - W Amsterdam , De L’Europe Amsterdam , Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
• Mid-range - Mercure Amsterdam , Hotel Luxer , Leonardo Hotel
• Budget - Botel , Via Amsterdam , WOW Hostel Amsterdam

What to Pack for Amsterdam in December

Rain continues to be a feature in Amsterdam in December and it is one of the wettest months. Pack an umbrella or buy one in the city, and add waterproof jacket, a windcheater, and waterproof shoes or boots. The temperatures plunge in December so ensure you are carrying enough warm clothing like gloves, scarves, and sweaters. Cycling might not be an option in this weather so you can avoid planning for it.

Getting Around Amsterdam in December

Biking is a popular in Amsterdam but with the cold and rain, you are better off using public transport in Amsterdam in December. The city is very well-connected through a variety of public transport means, the popular among which are –

• Metro – Quick and easy, its four routes cover the Greater Amsterdam region.
• Tram – Fast and cheap, they are perfect for hopping on and off between attractions and most of the sights in Amsterdam are along the Tram Route #2.
• Bus – With both day and night buses, you are never far from your destination.
• Train – A convenient option to head to the airport and other European cities.

Don’t forget to buy the I Amsterdam City Card where you can travel for free across all public transportation.

Amsterdam in December - Must-Try Delicacies

Glühwein is a kind of mulled wine that is sold across Christmas markets and restaurants in Amsterdam come December. The wine is flavoured with spices like anise, cinnamon and nutmeg and served with an orange slice. The wine is the perfect antidote to the cold nights of December. Where To Order: Cafe-Restaurant IL Panorama

High calorific food is what winters are about! Oliebollen, literally translating to oil balls in English, are a rich tasty treat that are akin to deep fried doughtnuts. These doughnuts often have fillings of raisins, currants and sultanas and are served with powdered sugar. Be careful, you just can’t stop at one! Where To Order: Banketbakkerij Lanskroon

The long winter days of December in Amsterdam call for heart-warming dishes and the Dutch have just the recipe for it – Hachee Stew! This dish is made of minced beef, fish or any other meat that is simmered with caramelised onions and herbs and spices. It served on a platter of mashed potatoes or rice. Where To Order: Bistro Bij Ons

Winter is the best time to eat hearty meat dishes and Suddervlees is the most iconic Dutch dish you can sample. The dish is mainly braised beef and ale stew that is served with a side of fries. The meat is slow cooked with beer, onions and seasonings that bring out the rich flavour. Where To Order: Moeders

Christmas is the time to sing and be merry and a drink that can help you do that is the Advocaat! Made from sugar, eggs and brandy, Advocaat is a smooth liqueur that has a custard-like consistency and is a staple in pubs and restaurants in Amsterdam in December. Where To Order: Hap-Hmm

Tips to visit Amsterdam in December

• On 14th December the Christmas tree at Dam Square, infront of the Amsterdam Royal Palace, will be lit up with more than 40,000 LED fairy lights.
• For a truly magical Christmas you should head out of Amsterdam for the day to the Royal Christmas Fair in Hague. The fair is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Netherlands and has over 100 businesses offering a variety of goodies.
• St. Nicholas Day is celebrated with much gaiety across Europe. In Amsterdam it is celebrated a day earlier with Sinterklaas making an appearance in homes on 5th December and indulging in gift-giving with the evening known as ‘sinterklaasavond' or Sinterklaas Evening.
• Plan ahead to bring in the New Year at one of the numerous New Year Eve parties in the city, reservations run out quickly! Be sure to catch the fireworks from Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) or at Kop Van Java.

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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Things to Do in Amsterdam in December

This post covers the best things to do in Amsterdam in December, updated for 2024.

We include Christmas activities, free things to do, nighttime events, and family-friendly events.

As local tour guides, we have been leading tours of Amsterdam during this festive season for many years.

So, we've put together this guide of activities for you to consider for your visit.

TOP 20 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO

This section will feature our top 10 activities to enjoy in Amsterdam throughout December.

Be sure to also check out our post on the weather in December .

For tips on the most popular activities in Amsterdam, check out these popular posts:

• Walking Tours  
• Canal Cruises

Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass . 

1. Amsterdam Light Festival 

During Christmas in Amsterdam, stunning lights decorate the streets.

But more than just Christmas decorations will transform the city from November 30th, 2023 to January 21st, 2024.

The 12th annual Amsterdam Light Festival brings amazing artwork from both international and Dutch artists to canals, buildings, and squares. 

The best way to enjoy the lights is by taking  tours by bus  or  canal tours .

Some companies also offer Light Festival bike tours !

Since the sun goes down pretty early this time of year, there are also walking tours  you can take while it's dark out to admire the bright installations. 

TIP: Tiqets is offers a digital pass they call the Amsterdam Winter Card which includes a Light Festival canal cruise, admission to Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs, an audio guide, and more.

2. Take a Tour of the City & Popular Sites

There are a lot of great ways to tour Amsterdam, and although it might be chilly at this time of year, you might want to consider one of the following options.

One of the best and most affordable options is of course a pay-what-you-want walking tour .

Currently, there are free walking tours covering the main city center, the Red Light District, notable WW2 sites, and other interesting subjects.

If you're adventurous enough to brave the cold weather, you can experience Dutch culture by  taking a bike tour !

If you'd rather stay out of the wind,  hop-on hop-off bus tours  are a great way to explore the city with narration about Amsterdam's sights and history.

Popular spots to see on bus tour routes include  the Red Light District  and Rembrandtplein, which offers ice skating in December !

If you're interested in The Heineken Experience , there are bus or boat combo packages that include Heineken tickets!

The city also has popular  food tours .

Of course, you could take yourself on a tour of Amsterdam's Christmas markets and the Foodhallen for a great sampling of wintry street food.

And of course, we recommend taking a  free walking tour of Amsterdam!

3. See a Football Match

There are several professional sporting matches to attend in Amsterdam this December.

If you've never seen a European football match, now is a great opportunity.

You can buy Ajax Amsterdam football tickets here and Feyenoord football tickets here.

Kids might enjoy taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the official Ajax arena, a tour free for  I Amsterdam City Pass  holders.

You can find all the Amsterdam sporting events here .

4. Take a Christmas Cruise

There are several Amsterdam cruise companies offering cruises down the canals all year.

But the city certainly takes on a different look and feel during the holiday season, and some cruise companies offer special services for Christmas.

One popular service is a Light Festival Boat Tour which takes you through the canals during the Amsterdam Light Festival.

If you have a large group, you can have up to 15 people on a Private Group Light Festival Boat Tour .

 5. Grab a Holiday Treat

There are several great festive treats you can find in Amsterdam during the holidays. 

One of the most popular options is a Windmill cookie or speculaas , similar to gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies.

You’ll find them in most bakeries in the city.

Here are a few other tasty snacks you might want to try:

• Gevulde Speculaas
• Bischopswijn

6. Go to the Christmas Square at Museumplein

Throughout the year, there is a special open market called Museum Market hosted at the public space Museumplein located in the Museumkwartier neighbourhood.

And they have a special festive version of this event during the holiday season.

In addition to a wide range of unique products and special gifts, they also play Christmas music and there are plenty of stalls offering delicious holiday snacks and drinks.

The Christmas Market Amsterdam will be taking place from December 13th - 26th.

7. Go to a Concert 

Amsterdam in December will host a few different concerts of varying genres. You can find them all here . 

Rock/Pop Concerts

• Madonna | December 1st, 2nd
• Sting | November 30th, December 1st

Holiday Concerts

• Winter of Love | December 9th
• Bach's Christmas Oratorio with Netherlands Chamber Choir | December 12th
• Christmas with the Choir of St. John's College | December 17th
• Have Faith in Trance Christmas Edition | December 23rd
• Christmas Classics at the Movies | December 27th

You can find all the Amsterdam concerts here .

8. See Fireworks on New Year's Eve

In Amsterdam, you can find New Year’s celebrations all around.

At around 21:30, people gather at some of the city’s bigger public squares to ring in the New Year.

We recommend Leidseplein, Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, and Nieuwmarkt squares.

Just keep in mind that these spots are popular and will attract crowds earlier in the day.

Don't miss the amazing free fireworks sponsored by the City at Kop van Java (Java Island) along the IJ waters, just East of Central Station.

The festivities start at 23:00 on December 31st.

9. Christmas Tree Lighting in Dam Square 

Each year, a massive Christmas tree is placed on Dam Square.

At 20 meters high, it requires lots of lights, in this case, 40,000 LED lights. That is a four-kilometer string of lights!

The backdrop of the Royal Palace makes for great picture opportunities.

There will be Christmas carolers, lots of holiday foods available at stalls, and holiday jolliness all around!

The date for the lighting is December 8th.

10. Save with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass

The easiest way to see more attractions in Amsterdam is by purchasing a discount pass. These tourist passes  work by allowing you to bundle admission tickets for heavy discounts.

You could get up to 50% off retail prices on several passes – or get in for free with an all-inclusive pass.

If you're planning on visiting as many paid attractions as you can over multiple days, an all-inclusive pass might be your best option to save the most.

If you're looking at just a few select museums and experiences, take a look at the build-your-own passes.

Attractions on Various Passes Include:

• Rijksmuseum
• Rembrandt House Museum
• Heineken Experience
• Hop-On-Hop-Off Boat or Bus Tour
• Madame Tussauds (with Fast Track Entry)
• Amsterdam Dungeon

See which pass can save you the most on your trip  with our in-depth comparison post .

11. World Christmas Circus

Every holiday season, the World Christmas Circus returns to Theater Carre in Amsterdam. 

All of the acts in this circus are top-ranked performers who have been hand-picked by the Golden Clown Awards.

This is a very popular activity, and tickets tend to sell out well in advance, so we recommend planning your trip to the circus ahead of time.

12. Go to Holiday on Ice

From December 8th, 2023 through January 7th, 2024 the festive ice skating show A New Day will be performed in Amsterdam.

This event features 40 international skaters performing a variety of sophisticated moves at an Olympic level.

Tickets can be purchased through Groupon .

If you’re looking for something affordable and family-friendly, you won’t find much better!

13. Enjoy Church Concerts & Performances

If you’re looking for another opportunity to enjoy some classic Christmas Carols, several churches will be either hosting concerts or leading visitors in holiday songs.

In the past, some historic churches, such as Noorderkerk, have welcomed notable artists to perform special Christmas concerts.

Most churches will provide this type of service on Christmas Eve, so even if you don't want to worry about a ticket, there should be several free opportunities to enjoy this activity. 

14. Skate at the Rembrandtplein Ice Rink

Though not free, it is pretty cheap to go ice skating at the rink at Rembrandtplein.

Last year, for just €2.50 you could skate for the whole day on the ice (or €5.00 if you don't have your own skate).

The square is decorated for the holidays with Christmas trees around the skating rink.

There will also be food stalls serving traditional Dutch winter foods and mulled wine.

The rink typically opens in November and stays open into January.

Check out the Rembrandtplein website for more details.

TIP : There will be a free Christmas market right next to the ice rink with live entertainment, trinkets, clothing, and food for purchase.

15. See Raymonda

The well-reviewed ballet Raymonda will be performed from December 9th, 2023 through January 1st, 2024.

What is being called "the ideal new Christmas classic" and the "best production of the year is danced by the Dutch National Ballet.

The Dutch Ballet Orchestra will be providing the music for the performances.

To see pictures and videos and to purchase tickets, visit the website .

16. Enjoy Some Holiday Shopping

Everyone needs to do a bit of holiday shopping at some point, and there are a lot of great places to find that last-minute gift in Amsterdam. 

If you’re looking for a wide range of items, consider going to De Bijenkorf in Dam Square. 

This department store sells a variety of things that would make perfect gifts. 

You may also want to consider stopping at the Magna Plaza, a shopping center that typically erects a Christmas tree at the center and includes a variety of interesting shops.

17. Go to the Ice Village at the Rijksmuseum

There are always Christmas markets in various locations around Amsterdam each year.

One of the most popular examples is the Ice Village, which opens up in front of the  Rijksmuseum  at Museumplein.

In addition to great holiday treats, this market also includes an ice rink where the family can enjoy some ice skating. Entrance is entirely free!

18. Discover Christmas Light Displays

When it comes to Christmas lights, the Amsterdam Light Festival is arguably the main event, and there will be installations all over the city.

However, in addition to this festival, you’ll also find plenty of interesting lighting displays in the shop windows and storefronts all throughout Amsterdam. 

No matter where you go, see some pretty cool holiday lights!

19. See Holiday Displays in the Red Light District

Just like everywhere else in the city, the  Red Light District  celebrates the holiday season as well. 

Cafes and coffee shops put up Christmas trees, the erotic museum dresses up a mannequin-like Santa Claus, and more.

No matter where you go in this part of town, chances are you’ll see or experience at least a few festive (and potentially erotic) attractions during the winter.

20. Visit Other Christmas Markets

In addition to the Ice Village, we also recommend these markets:

• Amsterdam Christmas Market | Westergas
• Pure Market Winter Market | Park Frankendael
• Funky Xmas Market | Watergas
• Christmas Market | Haarlem
• Royal Christmas Fair | The Hauge

RELATED POSTS: 

• Where to Store Luggage
• How is the weather in December in Amsterdam?
• Free Walking Tours
• Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
• Amsterdam Bus Tours

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Amsterdam in December – Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Winter Vacation

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands is a popular city all around the world. Earlier, in the 17th century the Dutch golden age transformed a small fishing village into a beautiful city. Over the years, the city has transformed a lot and the canals are used as a way of living and is now known as “Venice of the north”. In December, nature decorates the city pretty buildings and canals with white fog making it more special. Also, the festive and the winter season starts in December so the city is more vibrant. You can often hear Christmas bells ringing giving the festive vibes to all the people.

Reasons to Visit Amsterdam in December

A cold winter season in Amsterdam and the city is covered with white snow making it White Christmas. Also, the light Festival adds more beauty to the Canal rings making the Christmas lights and trees across the town look more special.

The Christmas festivities run all through December, especially as Sinterklaas comes early in mid-November. You can take a walk through the buzzing streets of the city and experience unique food of the Netherlands.

With the city loaded with many activities such as Ice Skating, Christmas concerts and New Year Eve special parties all these will make sure your vacation in Amsterdam is fully occupied in December. In the first two weeks of December you can experience less crowd which makes an ideal time to visit Amsterdam for budget travelers.

Weather in Amsterdam in December

It is winter season in Amsterdam and you can expect cold weather with a bit of rain and snow. The daytime temperatures are anywhere around 6-7°C, while night time temperatures are around 2-3°C. It offers you the best chilling experience when your visit in December. We definitely recommend you to carry plenty of woolen cloths to keep yourself warm in your Amsterdam Vacation. During this time of year the weather is overcast and cloudy and you can see sunrise around 8:30 AM and sunset around 4:30 PM, leaving you only little time to explore the outdoors.

Events in Amsterdam in December

1. Christmas Markets

The festive season comes in the month of December with Christmas and the entire city goes into the carnival mood. During this festive time, the first thing that comes to your mind is shopping gifts for your loved ones. You can take a walk and explore all the different types of markets to buy the best drinks and cuisines for the Christmas eve.

You can also get clothes from trendy to traditional wears at a reasonable price in the city. The shopkeepers will make sure you get the best quality on this occasion to gift your loved ones.

2. Amsterdam Light Festival

The light festival is one of the highlights of winter which happens in Amsterdam. You can see artist from different parts of world register them self and exhibit there marvelous work in this festival. More than thousands of unique lights in different artforms will be pleasing to watch for the visitors during the night time. You can look at these beautiful lightings from a boat or cruise to get the best experience.

3. Ice Skating in Rembrandtplein

Temperature drops down during the winter season and if you are travelling to Amsterdam during this season, then there is a great opportunity for you to skate in Rembrandtplein. The canals freezes due to cold winter and the water gets fixed giving you chance to ice walk or skate on it 🙂 This activity with your friends and loved ones will give you lifetime experience to cherish for.

4. The Concertgebouw : Main Hall, Amsterdam

One more special place in city is the Concertgebouw. Your Amsterdam trip will be truly memorable if you are concertgoer lover. You can often see the lots of concerts happening in the city’s classical venues and halls. Whole of December month you can hear the authentic and the traditional chorals will organized to give festive vibe around the city.

The famous 3 days concert in Concertgebouwplein is one of the best musical concerts which will give you the most astonishing and royal experience. So be there to get the royal vibes 😉

Also, with the Christmas and new year time coming in December you must visit “The Lobby” and “Doubletree by Hilton” to get the best cuisines in the city.

Other major attraction to explore in Amsterdam are:

• Van Gogh Museum
• Rijksmuseum
• Anne Frank House and Walking Tour
• Heineken Factory Visit.
• Amsterdam Canal Cruise
• Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
• ARTIS Royal Zoo

What to pack for your Amsterdam in December

You might experience rain during the December month and the temperature might get cold so make sure you have the below essentials well packed in advance for your trip:

• Waterproof jacket
• Windcheater
• Boots or waterproof shoes
• Scarves & Sweaters.

Getting Around Amsterdam

Getting around the Amsterdam city during the rains can be quite tricky in the December month. Biking is the easy and popular mode of transport for most people in Amsterdam, but we would recommend you take the public transports during this time of year. All the public transports are well connected from one destination to other making it easy for all the international tourists.

The different modes of transport to explore Amsterdam is through Metro, Bus, Train or Tram. Out of all the 4, Tram being the easiest and cheaper mode to travel.

Note : You can buy an Amsterdam City Card where you can get free across for all public transportation to roam around the city.

Must Eat Food in Amsterdam

Everyone would love to taste and experience the local foods when they travel to there dream destination. Similarly, Amsterdam is place which showers you with many unique dishes for you to experience.

The popular dishes to taste during your Amsterdam visit are Hachee Stew, Oliebollen, Suddervelees, Gluhwein and many more in the bucket list.

Ready to experience the light Festival and go on a boat ride through the elaborated canals of Amsterdam? We at Pickyourtrail.com will plan out a perfect Amsterdam package and ensure you have a memorable holiday.

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December In Amsterdam: How To Best Enjoy This European City

December in Amsterdam is magical and a great time to celebrate the holidays. Here's what to do and see to make the festivities more pleasant.

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The weather in amsterdam during a typical december, why visit amsterdam in december, activities to enjoy in amsterdam in december.

Good news for those who want to visit Amsterdam in Winter: the Dutch capital is a city full of experiences no matter the time of day, but it is especially enchanting in December.

Travelers interested in art and history, those curious about cuisine and drink, and those eager to kick back and discover a fantastic city will all find something to love in Amsterdam . It's lovely all year round, too, because each season brings unique activities and attractions. Here are a few remarkable features of a December visit to Amsterdam.

Related: 10 Reasons Amsterdam Should Be On Your 2022 Bucket List

The weather in Amsterdam in December can be somewhat variable, but tourists should generally prepare for lower temperatures and higher amounts of precipitation. The temperature in Amsterdam in December typically ranges between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius; however, dress warmly because the temperatures might dip to near zero degrees Celsius.

If travelers plan to go to the city in December, they should bring a raincoat because it rains 14 out of the month's 31 days. It is possible to have magnificent snowfall in Amsterdam during the holiday season, but this is only sometimes the case.

Amsterdam is still lovely to come at Christmastime, rain or shine. When snow falls, the city looks like a winter wonderland adding a romantic air to any trip there. Visit one of the city's major parks, like Vondelpark or Westerpark, for a full mile upon miles of snow experience.

Amsterdam's snowy streets aren't the only reason the city is picture-perfect in December. Fewer visitors during this month of the year make it a great time to explore the city at one's own pace. It can be challenging to have a genuine experience in Amsterdam during the other seasons, particularly the summer when the city sees its most significant number of visitors.

In contrast, the winter months—especially December—provide a slower, more sustainable pace that allows tourists to blend in almost seamlessly with the locals. One of the best things about visiting Amsterdam in the winter is all the fun events happening throughout the city. In addition, December is a great time to visit Amsterdam because hotels are cheaper and flight costs are lower than during other times of the year.

Related: 10 Things To Do In Amsterdam That Only Locals Know

In December, the city of Amsterdam's famed canals takes on an extra shimmer, making for an unforgettable experience for holidaymakers. One of the most lovely things to do is to take in the Amsterdam Light Festival, where some of the world's most unique and magnificent light displays are showcased along the city's famous canals each winter.

The entire city transforms into a stage for this celebration between November and January. Relaxed visitors may now take in the city's ambiance thanks to the abundance of bright, vivid, and occasionally multicolored strands of lights draped up and down on buildings and along storefronts and sometimes hung in the air directly across the canals that crisscross the city.

Active tourists can participate in one of Amsterdam's most popular winter pastimes: ice skating. If risking it on the canals isn't their thing, visitors can skate at Rembrandtplein or Rijksmuseum. From November until early February, the Rijksmuseum, one of the most popular sites to rent skates, sets up shop in Museumplein against the beautiful backdrop of the museum.

Additionally, the lively drinking square of Rembrandtplein is home to a temporary ice rink where visitors may buy refreshments and seasonal wares. Visitors and residents can enjoy their time at the ice rink while sipping mulled wine and snacking on traditional winter treats provided by the many restaurants and cafes located around Rembrandtplein.

Amsterdam's many winter markets provide the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying some retail therapy and delicious Dutch sweets. Museum Square hosts one of the city's best markets, with a massive ice rink and numerous booths selling a wide range of goods and services and providing entertainment in the form of live music and refreshments.

Furthermore, the Amsterdam Winter Paradise is always a blast, thanks to its abundance of festive winter activities and joyful holiday spirit. As well as the traditional Christmas market, the Amsterdam Winter Paradise features an enormous indoor and outdoor skating rink, a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round, and cross-country skiing.

Amsterdam is one of the top museum cities in Europe, making it an excellent option for a rainy day inside activity. All three museums—the Van Gogh, Anne Frank House, and Rijkmuseum—are conveniently located near one another. The Rijksmuseum is one of the world's top museums and one of Europe's largest and most comprehensive.

A trip to the Van Gogh Museum is a must for anyone remotely interested in art; similarly, the Rembrandt House Museum, despite its modest size, is a beautiful experience for art enthusiasts. Though it is technically not a museum, a visit to the Anne Frank House is essential because of its historical significance and humbling effect.

Visitors can take a relaxing cruise around Amsterdam's canals throughout the year with one of several boat companies. However, the city takes on a new vibe during Christmas, and some cruise lines even provide festively themed extras for their passengers. At the annual Amsterdam Light Festival, boat tours around the city's canals are a popular option.

• Where to stay: The Hoxton, Amsterdam. Herengracht 255, 1016 BJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Where to eat: Jansz . Reestraat 8, 1016 DN Amsterdam, Netherlands
• For more information: iamsterdam.com

Amsterdam in December | Best Travel Guide

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If you are planning a visit to Amsterdam in December be sure to use this post to prepare for everything this month has to offer. December is a beautiful month to visit Amsterdam and there are a lot of exciting things to do and unique events to enjoy.

In the month of December Amsterdam is chilly and romantic. The streets are less full of people and the brisk air and glowing cafes make for the ultimate cozy atmosphere.

Every month of the year offers something unique and different in Amsterdam. As the capital city of the Netherlands and one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, it is a hub of excitement with something to offer for everyone. If you are visiting Amsterdam in December be sure to use this post as your ultimate monthly travel guide!

(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)

In This Post

General Information for Amsterdam in December

Weather in december.

The winter weather in Amsterdam during the month of December is quite mild. This is surprising to most as Amsterdam is located quite north, but its location along the ocean makes the temperatures rarely go below 0°. During the month of December, you can expect highs of 7° and lows of 2°. However, Amsterdam’s air has a heavy chill in it during the winter, and bundling up is a must!

Winter in Amsterdam is when the country welcomes the most rainfall. You can expect a few rainy days in Amsterdam during your visit but with the proper rain gear, this should not be a problem.

Why you should visit Amsterdam in December

December is a beautiful month to visit Amsterdam. During this time the streets are full of magical festive lights, everyone is bundled up all cozy, and all the cafes in the city are serving warm drinks by the dozen. This is one of the best winter months to visit Amsterdam . If you are looking for a beautiful winter getaway this is the perfect place to go! It is one of the most romantic months to visit Amsterdam and the perfect time to go on a romantic date in Amsterdam .

What’s even better is the December is the month the welcomes some of the fewest tourists. Amsterdam is an extremely touristy city and most months, the streets are packed with people. In December there are fewer tourists so you can enjoy some attractions in a more intimate way. Plus, the prices for accommodations and flights are significantly lower which is perfect for anyone traveling on a budget.

Events and Holidays in Amsterdam in December

Sinterklaas.

Sinterklaas is a holiday widely celebrated by the Dutch. For most Dutch children this day is more important than Christmas! Sinterklaas (also known as Saint Nicholas) is a Dutch character that arrives each year bringing gifts for children. This holiday is quite similar to Christmas but has a few differences in traditions and is celebrated on December 5th.

Sinterklaas is not an official holiday in the Netherlands but it is celebrated by almost all Dutchies and you will see its influence all around Amsterdam. To immerse yourself in this Dutch tradition be sure to pick up and enjoy some traditional sweets like pepernoten, spiced biscuits, and chocolate letters.

Christmas Season

Amsterdam is a city that loves Christmas! All month long the city is in full festive mode, making it the perfect place to enjoy the wonderful Christmas season. All around the city, you will find festive light installations, Christmas shops, and festive treats. There are also a few special Christmas events to enjoy.

One of the most interesting and fun Christmas celebrations is the Christmas tree lighting in Dam Square. This is an annual event that happens on the 15th of December where a giant Christmas tree in the center of Amsterdam’s most lively square is lit up in thousands of Christmas lights.

In addition to this, you can find various other Christmas celebrations around Amsterdam that will surely put you in the Christmas spirit.

Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is a yearly event that takes place in Amsterdam from December to January. This event is very unique and special to the city of Amsterdam and is something you don’t want to miss. During the Light Festival, various art exhibitions from artists from around the world are placed all around the city. Each year has a different theme and the exhibitions follow it.

You can enjoy the Light Festival either by foot, bike, or boat. You can find a map online of where the exhibitions are and find them yourself. Or join one of the many canal cruise tours that bring you around the city to see the art installations. The canal cruises are nice because they often also provide free drinks. The winter is quite cold so if you decide to walk or bike be sure to bundle up!

Rijksmuseum Skating

There is no better way to feel the festive season in Amsterdam than by going for a skate on the Rijksmuseum skating rink! From mid-November – February a giant skating rink is built behind the famous Rijksmuseum. This is the perfect place to visit in Amsterdam in December for some outdoor, open-air skating in one of the most magical locations in the city.

If you don’t want to skate you can also visit the rink to walk over the bridge that passes over top of it, drink warm hot chocolate, or even have a glass of wine!

New Years Eve

New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam is definitely something else. Ringing in the New Year in the packed streets of Amsterdam with fireworks going off in every direction is as wild and crazy as it gets. During New Years in Amsterdam, firework displays are put off by everyone and everywhere. You will likely walk right beside some fireworks going off by locals! It is quite hectic.

If you are not interested in walking the packed streets, you can also buy a ticket to go to an NYE party at one of Amsterdam’s may clubs. The tickets for this can get quite pricey but its the best way to ensure entrance to a party full of celebrations.

Other things to do in Amsterdam in December

Go to a museum.

Visiting Amsterdam in December promises cold days and at least one day of rain. With this in mind, it is a good idea to plan a few indoor activities for your visits. One of the best indoor activities to be had in Amsterdam is going to one of the many museums in the city. Amsterdam is full of amazing museums from art museums to science to history and more.

There truly is a museum for every type of traveler and some of them are pretty unique. Check out this post for a full Amsterdam museum guide !

*IMPORTANT: The Anne Frank House has now limited its amount of guests to 1 million a year. As a result, tickets ONLY go on sale ONLINE on the first Tuesday of the Month*

Winter Canal Cruise

Cruising through the canals of Amsterdam is a year-long activity to enjoy. In the winter month of December sailing through the calm and stunning canals of Amsterdam is still one of the best ways to enjoy the city. In December it is arguably better to take a canal tour around the city to walk because you often get warm drinks or alcohol on board to keep you warm!

If you decide to take a canal cruise be sure to bundle up. Plus, check what your tour company offers – drinks, blankets, heating. With all these amenities a comfortable and enjoyable ride is promised.

Cafe Hopping

With the frigid December air, finding places to warm up around the city is needed. The best places to escape to are the cozy and comfortable cafes scatted on every street in the city. Amsterdam is full of amazing cafes that serve delicious drinks like coffees, teas, and more.

Plus, they often serve delicious sweet treats and small bites to eat. Escaping the cold for a warm drink in the heart of Amsterdam is one of the best things to do!

Check out this post for a complete Amsterdam cafe guide !

Go on a Day Trip

Amsterdam is in the perfect location for making quick day trips to nearby cities in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam in December taking a day trip is the perfect way to spend a day. There are a ton of amazing places to visit just an hour or less from Amsterdam with will wow you! Some of the best are Muiderslot Castle , Utrecht, Haarlem, and more!

Evidently, Amsterdam in December is a wonderful time of year to visit. If you are looking to feel the ultimate winter festive feelings and enjoy lower prices for visiting one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, this is the place for you!

More Amsterdam:

• 7 Days in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam at Night
• Best Pancakes in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Date Ideas

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Samantha Karen is the owner and author of the travel blog Sam Sees World, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the world's most beautiful and unique travel destinations. As a full time traveled she has visited over 50 countries with more on the way.

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Things to Do in Amsterdam in December

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Essential Information for Visiting Amsterdam in December

Why to visit amsterdam in december.

Amsterdam Weather in December

Things to Do & Places to Visit in Amsterdam in December

Stroll around christmas markets.

A visit to the Christmas markets is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December with your friends and family to enjoy the Christmas spirit. These are innovative seasonal markets which are organised this time to help you indulge in the Christmas festivities. Apart from offering you some splendid Christmas souvenirs and delicious street food, these markets are a hub of recreational activity with events like live music, DJ music, winter cinema etc. Location: -Funky Xmas Market, -RAI, -Slot Assumburg Castle etc. Highlights: -Festive markets, -Live Music, -Season Parties, -Shopping etc. You can Also Book:  Anne Frank Walking Tour

Experience the Artworks at Amsterdam Light Festival

Find yourself amazed with the beauty of Amsterdam in December by watching the Amsterdam Light Festival which is held from mid-November to mid-January. Amsterdam Light festival is organised for about 7 weeks in a year and one of the best ways to see the beauty of the city without paying a penny. Showcasing a dazzling work of light art, this is a stunning event to see some amazing artists from all over the world bringing life to the night landscape of Amsterdam. Walking along the canal ring of Amsterdam, this event is sure to leave everyone spellbound as they see the light sculptures emerging from water and sparkling in the sky. Location: Across the square from Amsterdam Central Station. Timings: Evening. Highlights: -Boat tour, -Walking, etc. Also Book:  Glow MiniGolf Amsterdam Tickets  

Rijksmuseum Tickets, Amsterdam

Explore Amsterdam's famous Rijksmuseum, which is among the world's finest art museums. See around 8,000 masterpieces, including the famous paintings by artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Visit different exhibits and get insights about the Dutch culture.

Get to know about Dutch history and artistic evolution at Amsterdam's famous, Rijksmuseum. Admire iconic masterpieces like Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's Milkmaid, alongside beautiful Dutch Golden Age paintings. Explore diverse collections, from Asian art in the dedicated pavilion to sculptures and decorative pieces.

Concerts at Het Koninklijk Concertgebouw

One of the most remarkable places to visit in Amsterdam in December is the Royal Concertgebouw of Amsterdam. This is a place which has been known to host many famous musicians of the world in its concert hall that boasts of incredible acoustics and an enchanting vibe. It is lauded as one of the best concert halls in the world due to its high quality programming and its unique sound. If you are a classical music fan with the love for orchestras, Concertgebouw is a great place to escape the winter chills and enjoy a dramatic performance while Amsterdam is doused with its quota of rainy days. Location: Concertgebouwplein 10,1071 LN Amsterdam. Highlights: -Live music, -Orchestra, -Guided tour etc. You can Also Book:   Volendam Marken and Windmills Tour

Van Gogh Museum Tickets, Amsterdam | Last-Minute Entrance

Explore Amsterdam's famous Dutch art and stroll through the world's largest art collection of Van Gogh. Admire 500 drawings and 750 letters as you roam around various areas of the museum. See more than 200 famous paintings like Almond Blossoms, Bedrooms in Arles, and many others.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Amsterdam Canal Cruise Location: Prins Hendrikkade 25, 1012 TM Amsterdam, Netherlands

Operational Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Monday - Sunday)

Activity Duration: 1 Hour (Approx.)

About the Amsterdam Canal Cruise:

The Amsterdam canal cruise comes with an amazing 1-hour cruising experience through the pristine waters of Amsterdam. Witness the grand merchant houses, churches, and other notable landmarks as you pass under the beautiful bridges that are located on the waterways. Get a chance to sail across the most prominent canals in Amsterdam, including Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. Plus, you get a multi-lingual GPS audio guide to help you get important information about the landmarks in your preferred language.

Go to the Natural History Museum for Ice Skating

Ice Skating in winter makes the National History Museum one of the Places to visit in London in November. As London’s most spectacular winter attraction, both the main and the kid’s ice rinks, with the backdrop of the museum, are spectacular and enjoyable for both adults and children indulging in skating activities. Adding to its charm is the traditional carousel next to it. Location: The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road,  London. Price: Entry to Museum is free. Timing: -The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5:50 pm, L ast entry at 5:30 pm. -Closed from 24th to 26th December. Also Book:  Amsterdam Hop On Hop Off Bus & Boat Tour  

Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House is a museum that has been transformed from the hiding place of the Frank family, who were forced to hide in the house to escape the Nazis during World War II. Situated on a canal in Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, this biographical museum houses the personal belongings of Anne and possessions of the people who were in hiding with her during the war. 

Madame Tussauds

Enjoy an opportunity to see all your favorite stars in wax at the incredible Madame Tussauds Museum Amsterdam. You can explore the 6 different zones of the museum such as A- list, Royals, Music, Fashion, Marvel Avengers and I am art. Click pictures, sing and dance, or join the Avengers to save the world with famous personalities from across the globe. 

Top Experiences To Do in Madame Tussauds

Red Light Secrets Museum Tickets, Amsterdam

Activity Location: Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60h, 1012 DP Amsterdam, Netherlands

Red Light Secret Museum Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Activity Duration: 50 Minutes (Approx.)

Last admission: 45 minutes before closing

About Red Light Secrets Museum, Amsterdam:

Visit the Red Light Secret Museum, housed in a former 17th-century brothel near the city's oldest church in Amsterdam. It reveals the most intimate and darkest secrets of the world's most famous and oldest profession. The Red Light Secret, the only and one of its kind museum offers a unique and enlightening perspective on the world of prostitution. Book your Red Light Secrets Museum Tickets and prepare to get fascinated.

Seated in Amsterdam's historical center, Dam Square is a bustling gathering place for both locals and tourists. It is jam-packed with museums, the Royal Palace, food carts, restaurants, and retail establishments. An entertainment hub, hosting daily events like comedy performances, fire shows, live music, dance acts, and a variety of other events, it is always full of enthusiasm.

Artis Royal Zoo

Built in 1838, the ARTIS Royal Zoo was the first zoo in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This zoo provides shelter to more than 900 animal species, including zebras, ostriches, giraffes, springboks, and much more. Visitors can admire the beauty of the historical city park with its centuries-old trees and wealth of plants, a planetarium, and the butterfly pavilion.

Top Experiences To Do in Artis Royal Zoo

Eat Oliebollen

Grab a bite of olienbolen and enjoy one of the most mouth watering delicacies of Amsterdam in December. Oliebollen is an absolute delight for the foodies and this amazing treat is best served during New Year’s eve in Amsterdam. This drool worthy snack is served on many street stores and best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee. The traditional Dutch delicacy is the best comfort food to enjoy in Amsterdam when you want to enjoy a calorie laden laid-back day on your vacation. Location: -Banketbakkerij Lanskroon, -Hartog’s Volkoren, -Hollandse Gebakkraam Heinekenplein. Highlights: -Gastronomic delight, -Traditional recipes etc Must Book:   Moco Museum Tickets, Amsterdam

Walking Along the Canals

One of the most surreal things to enjoy a day in Amsterdam in December is taking a casual stroll along the canals of Amsterdam to witness its picturesque beauty. Dotted with a landscape filled with beautiful buildings along the crescent shaped waterway, these canals of Amsterdam are sure to leave you spellbound. While taking a walk through these canals, one can spot many notable places of Amsterdam and admire their architecture.  While wandering through this gorgeous stretch, one will come across various boutiques and restaurants that offer a place to sit, shop and grab a quick bite. Location: Canal ring of Amsterdam. Highlights: -Walking, -Nature, -Sightseeing etc. Also Book:  THIS IS HOLLAND Tickets in Amsterdam

Get Cosy in a Brown Café

Relive the old-world charm with a visit to a brown café in Amsterdam. A brown café is a place in Amsterdam which people visit to grab a drink after office hours or to meet with friends  during the evenings.These places are an essential part of the Dutch culture, with its noticeable wooden interiors, brown walls and serving traditional snacks. The brown cafes are some of the best places to visit in Amsterdam in December to enjoy the cosy ambience while it's chilly outside and make new friends in the city. Location: -Café De Twee Zwaantjes, -Café ‘t Smalle, -Café De Pieper, -Café In ‘t Aepjen, -Café Hoppe, -Café ‘t Loosje, -Café Reynders etc. Highlights: -Beer, -Traditional Dutch snacks etc. You can Also Book:   Pub Crawl in Amsterdam

Ice-Rinks In Rijksmuseum

People Also Ask About Amsterdam

Is december a good time to visit amsterdam, does it snow in amsterdam at christmas, how cold is the netherlands in december, is amsterdam good at christmas, what are the best things to do in amsterdam in november.

1. Enjoy Amsterdam Light Festival:  Amsterdam has its best festive season celebrating Light Festival with no cost which begins on the 26th of November and runs till January 17 of next year. Since early sunset during winters of the year, you can adore the bright nighttime activities in the city all for free. You can take a walking tour around the streets and canals of Amsterdam enjoying a lot of diverse and illuminated artwork by different artists. 2. Amsterdam Canal Cruise:  It's a one-hour mesmerising canal cruise, which lets you indulge in one of the signatures and popular things to do. Amsterdam Canal Cruise takes you on a ride through the wonderful city of Amsterdam. You will witness the greatest merchant houses, churches and pass by many famous canals like Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht and also pass under many beautiful bridges over the waterways. Click Here to Book:  Amsterdam Canal Cruise 3. Visit The Red Light District Secrets Museum:  The Red Light District Secrets Museum is an erstwhile 17th-century old whorehouse located near the oldest church in the Dutch city. It reveals the deepest and utmost secrecy of the famous profession in the history of the world. Red Light District is the only museum in the world that will leave you with a profound understanding and fathomless respect for the profession of a prostitute. Click Here to Book:  Red Light Secrets Museum Tickets 4. Enjoy Edge Festival:  While in Amsterdam enjoying the very famous fun festival is a must-do thing. This festival happens every two years and gives a wide platform to showcase bottomless dance, art, music and whatnot. It also encourages artistic ideas and culture from different parts of the world and helps people to connect creative minds which even makes it more enlightening.

Which are the best things to do in Amsterdam with family?

1. Enjoy Efteling Park:  Efteling Theme Park in Amsterdam is a magical fairy tale world with a lot of amusing stories and thrilling rides prolly is the best things to do in Amsterdam in December. This place is perfect for scouting with family. Kids love this sparkling place as they are engaged with tv characters and cartoons whereas adults have a great time enjoying icy entertainment and warming bonfires. Click Here to Book:   Efteling Park Tickets in Amsterdam 2. Shop at the Christmas Markets:  Shopping with family and adoring Christmas vibes is the best thing to do in Amsterdam in December. There are several Christmas markets likewise in other major cities. Must go to the Ice Village in Museumplein for something enthralling. You can enjoy a Christmas game with many surreal entertainment settings. 3. Visit Dam Square:  Dam Square is one of the most famous spots in the Dutch city known as the heartbeat of Amsterdam city. This place has walkways where you can walk and watch many activities like comedy shows, street dance performances and many more that will make you feel lively and occupied. It is also a main shopping centre where shopaholics can buy a lot of things. 4. Enjoy Church Concerts Performances:  Enjoying Christmas Carols with family together is another memorable and holy thing to do in Amsterdam in December. Frommerkerst perform at the Noorderkerk Church on every 12th of December. You will get an ideal opportunity to sing Christmas Carols with Noorderkerk on Christmas Eve as Noorderkerk holds special services on Christmas Eve.

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Amsterdam Top Attractions

Designed by the Dutch architect Wim Quist, the Cobra Museum of Modern Art is a world of fundamental artwork collection from the artists belonging to the avant-garde Cobra art movement, like Asger Jorn, Constant, Corneille, Karel Appel, and Pierre Alechinsky. In our Europe holiday packages the museum displays permanent and several other temporary exhibitions of modern art, the collection of which is regularly supplemented with own purchases, donations, and long-term loans. Some of the best exhibitions held at the Cobra Museum of Modern Art are Cobra and North Africa, Visions from Ukraine, Corneille 100, and Cosmogony.Besides this, the Cobra Museum hosts different kinds of activities for children so they can learn about the Cobra Movement through interactive and engaging sessions. Some of the best activities offered by the Cobra Museum of Modern Art are Atelier CoBrA, CoBrA Workshop for Adults, Guided Tours, BSO Special: Cobra Drawing Tour, and Birthday Party at Atelier CoBrA. The children can participate in the BSO Special: Cobra Drawing Tour or celebrate their birthday parties at Atelier Cobra.Also Checkout: Amsterdam Nightlife

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is home to a vast collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s artworks in the world that is a retreat to the eyes of art lovers. This museum includes the personal effects of the artist, along with his 200 paintings and 500 drawings. In our Europe holiday packages you will also find contemporaries, like Bernard-Van Gogh’s renowned works, ‘The Potato Eaters’ and ‘Wheatfield with Crows’. Gaugin, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec. Visitors can learn about the driving ideas and ambitions of the artist through the letters and drawings while from the paintings one can know about the conjecture of his life.The Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam portrays the fundamental events in Van Gogh’s life and stories that led to the inspiration and success of the Van Gogh Museum. You can also walk through the galleries to behold the sight of some of the most notable artworks of Vincent Van Gogh, like The Almond Blossom, The Bedroom Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, and much more. Being displayed since 2014, visitors can also have a look at the temporary exhibitions that took inspiration from the works of Van Gogh, including the landscapes of Vincent Van Gogh and the Impressionists named the Compressed Landscapes by Jan Robert Leegte.Also Checkout: Museums in Amsterdam

Constructed in 1864, the Tropenmuseum, or the Tropical Museum is one of the most beautiful museum buildings in the Netherlands that houses a vast collection of about 175000 objects representing world cultures. Located in the city center of Amsterdam in Oosterpark, this museum gives insight into the everyday life and diverse cultures of people from across the globe.When you enter the museum, you will come across an imposing central Light Hall that provides a wide glimpse of the offerings of the museum. The exhibits of the museum include eight permanent exhibitions and several other temporary exhibitions that narrate a different human story. By booking our Europe holiday packages these stories are attributed to universal human themes, like celebrating, decorating, fighting, mourning, or praying. Each of the exhibits of the museum will make you feel curious about the enormous cultural diversity in the world. The museum teaches you the fact that no matter what the difference is, we are all human beings. Besides exhibitions, the Tropenmuseum also conducts tours and workshops to provide an interactive experience for visitors.Not only adults but kids can also spend a wonderful time in the Tropenmuseum Junior, which is the oldest children’s museum in the Netherlands. This part of the museum lets children see, touch, experience, and participate to stimulate an open view of the world.Also Checkout: Amsterdam Nightlife

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Amsterdam in Winter: how to plan the perfect 3 days itinerary

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Amsterdam, I love you every season, but there is something special about Amsterdam in winter. (Guide updated in December,2023)

We have visited this incredible city many times, and there is always something new to see and do, and each season brings a unique experience. So the first thing I can tell you is three days in Amsterdam will fly by, trust me!

Most of the places to visit in Amsterdam, Netherlands , are open all year round, so why should you choose to travel to Amsterdam in November, December, or any other winter months?

The answer is easy:

Amsterdam in winter is stunning! Plus, you can avoid the huge summer crowds, experience that lovely Christmas feeling, and be part of a beautiful festival.

There are many cool things to do in Amsterdam in winter, in fact, Amsterdam is one of our favorite cities in Europe! It’s open-minded and packed with art, culture, good food and incredible architecture.

How many days in Amsterdam? 

On our many trips to Amsterdam, we spent different amounts of days, from a weekend getaway to over seven days there.

I can say that by spending 3 days in Amsterdam you can explore the city’s best attractions and some local spots. But of course, if you can stay longer the better.

Now let’s get down to business. Here is our 3-day Amsterdam Winter itinerary, a mix of tourist spots, personal recommendations, winter activities and travel trips.

Important Info: this is a long Amsterdam Winter Guide and we’ll answer:

• What are the top things to do in Amsterdam in winter?
• Where to stay in Amsterdam during the colder months?
• How cold does it get in Amsterdam? How to be prepared?
• How to get around Amsterdam?
• Why you should buy an I Amsterdam city card? How to use it?
• More travel tips to Amsterdam.

Things to do in Amsterdam Winter Season

As I said, there are tons of things to do and places to visit in Amsterdam, especially in the coldest months. 

Our list is a selection of fun things to do in Amsterdam, unique experiences, and incredible museums we visited there and that we think are worth adding to your itinerary.

We’ll start with one of the most iconic winter activities in Amsterdam, and later we talk about museums, architecture and more.

Ice Skating in Amsterdam

During Amsterdam winter some of the canals become an ice skating rink and it’s an incredible experience. But keep in mind that not every frozen canal is an ice rink, you need to be sure it’s safe and that you can do it, better to follow the locals and keep an eye on the news.

On the other hand, the ICE* Amsterdam opens every winter and it’s fun for all ages. The beautiful ice rink is located at the Museumplein (Museum Square) in front of the Rijksmuseum Museum.

You can go there for ice skating, to have some drinks with friends and Dutch winter food. Even if you don’t like (or don’t know how to ) ice skating it’s still great fun.

Amsterdam Light Festival

During our winter trip to Amsterdam, we experienced the Amsterdam Light Festival which happens from December to January. And I would recommend you to visit it as many nights as possible.

Big and colorful light installations brighten up the canals at night, the bridges and some buildings. You can follow the illuminated walking route and discover some of the light sculptures on foot or do a boat tour to see the installations.

There are many installations all over the city, it’s quite hard to see all of them in one night unless you are brave enough to spend many hours walking in the cold nights.

What we did was have dinner and a few drinks, then go to see the lights from the Festival and also the Christmas festive lights. We spent all our nights doing this, and it was amazing.

Another option is to join one of the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Unlimited Drinks , click on the name to check out the tour. 

Walk around the city and explore the unique architecture

Amsterdam has a distinctive architecture, narrow buildings with big windows and leaning facades. The city is a perfect example of architectural pornography, with pretty buildings, cute bridges, floating houses and beautiful people everywhere.

I know we are talking about traveling to Amsterdam in wintertime, but one of the things you must do is to walk around and contemplate the unique beauty of the city.

My suggestion is to stroll around the city and have some strategic stops at the museums we are mentioning below. This way you can have a break from the cold temperatures and experience Amsterdam as a whole.

Don’t forget to wander around Jordaan, Pijp neighborhoods, and Dam Square, which are close to the Amsterdam city center. 

Our fave museums in Amsterdam

Below is a list of the best museums in Amsterdam, you can choose the ones that you like the most and add to your trip. The list starts with famous museums and then we add our faves.

Some of them are included on the I Amsterdam Card which is a money-saving option. I’ll explain more about the card later on. 

Talking about saving money, don’t forget to read our Amsterdam Travel Costs Guide here . Now back to the museums.

• Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is the largest collection and most famous of all museums in the Netherlands. Its collections and exhibitions will surpass your expectations. The museum is crowded even during winter, so buy your ticket online to save time. 

The best times to visit the museum are before 10 AM and after 3 PM. There is also an online booking that allows you to skip the line .

Free entrance with I Amsterdam Card

• Van Gogh Museum

Another place that you need to visit during your 3 days in Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum treasures a stunning collection of over 200 paintings, sketches, drawings and notes left by one of Netherlands’ favorite painters. Divided into 7 different periods, the collection presents the progress of the artist, as well as his mental collapse.

You can buy your Van Gogh ticket in advance here .

• Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt House Museum is a very interesting place to visit, especially for art lovers and fans of the famous painter. The museum consists of the old Rembrandt house where he lived in the 17th century.

• Anne Frank Museum

Visiting the Anne Frank Museum is a very special and touching experience. This famous writer described in her personal diary the horrors three Jewish families went through during the Holocaust, hiding from Nazis in a house in Amsterdam.

A visit to the Anne Frank Museum is one of the top things to do in Amsterdam and the queue to buy the tickets and enter the museum are huge and last for hours. The smartest option is to book the ticket online and arrive early, if you miss your visit slot you will need to queue to enter.

The tickets are sold out one month in advance, so as soon as you buy your flights to Amsterdam go online and make your booking for the Anne Frank Museum. In addition to the museum, consider joining this tour to learn more about Anne Frank .

If you like history and different museums, the next ones are really interesting and not so famous among tourists. Even better, they have free entrance with the I Amsterdam Card and you can reach them by tram or a few minutes walking through the old town.

• Foam – Photography Museum

Foam is a photography museum in Amsterdam where you can find all kinds of photography and different genres by local and international artists. The museum is inside a traditional Dutch canal house, perfect to get to know a bit more of Amsterdam’s iconic architecture.

• Amsterdam Museum

Amsterdam Museum (click here to get your skip the line ticket) gives you a unique experience of discovering the city through time, getting to know its past, present and future. The different exhibitions, tours and presentations will help you understand why Amsterdam is such a unique city.

• Stadsarchief Museum

Stadsarchief Museum or the Amsterdam City Archives is a place where you can dig into the history of the city, relevant documents and important historical papers that shaped Dutch culture and life. You can also find temporary exhibitions and different activities.

Book your visit in advance here!

• NEMO Science Museum

NEMO Science Museum is an experience that will bring fun and joy to the cold Amsterdam winter. No matter if you are an adult or a kid, you can take part in the exhibitions and experiments that will make you feel like a child again.

Book your ticket in advance here!

Got more time in the Netherlands? Go for a day trip to Rotterdam – here is your guide

More things to do in Amsterdam in Winter

We are done with museums, let’s talk about other fun things to do in Amsterdam during winter.

Amsterdam Boat Tour and Canal Cruise

Another must-do in Amsterdam in winter is to go on a boat tour through the canals. I would suggest doing the boat cruise around 4 pm so you can see the sunset from the boat.

The boat tour itself is a delightful experience, but it becomes even more special when the soft light of the sun makes the big windows of the beautiful canal houses shine like gold.

The boat rides are a good break from Amsterdam’s chilly weather, as the covered boats are heated and cozy.

Many companies offer boat cruises in Amsterdam canals and many of them will give you an hour cruise for free with I Amsterdam Card . It’s a quick tour that will take you to the famous canals and it’s worth doing.

However, if you fancy something truly special, you can do an evening Pizza Boat Cruise or a Cheese Boat Tour . Another possibility is The Bulldog Boat Smoke-Friendly Winter Cruise . In Amsterdam the possibilities are endless.

Heineken Experience

Heineken Experience is a true national monument in Amsterdam and a part of the European industrial heritage. When the brewery moved from here to Zoeterwoude, the building was completely renovated and turned into the Heineken Experience.

You can book your tickets in advance here , or if you have the I Amsterdam Card the simple visit is free. Keep in mind that Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the busiest days so you might need to queue for a bit.

For an extraordinary experience check out this Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket or this Exclusive Heineken Experience VIP Tour Ticket .

Visit the Dam Square

A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without one (or more) stop at the iconic Dam Square.  You will find at this central square many places to visit, and a meeting point for locals and tourists.

Here are the landmarks and activities that happen at Dam Square and you can’t. miss:

• Royal Palace: it’a a 17th century palace that once was Amsterdam Town Hall. Today you can visit its interior and have a glimpse of the opulent past of the city.
• Nieuwe Kerk: it dates back to the 15th century, it was a regular church where coronations and royal weddings happened, but today is a place for exhibitions, concerts and events. We saw amazing photo exhibitions there including the World Press Photo Exhibition. This place is incredible.
• National Monument: It’s an obelisk commemorates the Dutch victims of World War II. You will see that it is a meeting point for younger people with many street food carts around.
• A place to shop: there are many shops around Dam Square selling everything you can imagine, from souvenirs to local brands and boutique shops. The De Bijenkorf is a famous department store and a must-visit for shopaholics. Take a stroll down Kalverstraat, Amsterdam’s main shopping street, or explore the luxury boutiques in the nearby Magna Plaza shopping center.
• Don’t miss the winter events: as we are talking about winter in Amsterdam, Dam Square is a must-visit. There you can find one of the many Christmas Markets in Amsterdam in December. It’s also one of the places to see the Light Festival and in other seasons it’s a meeting point for the Pride Amsterdam and other events.

Stroll around Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a natural oasis of the city and its largest park. Less crowded in the winter, it’s nice to walk around or sip a cup of warm coffee in some of the nearby cafes. You will see many couples strolling around the park, Amsterdam is a romantic city after all. 

The park becomes a winter wonderland when it’s snowing. Saturdays and Sundays are perfect for watching artists performing, so keep an eye on the Vondelpark event calendar because there is always something happening at the park.

IJ-Hallen Flea Market

IJ-Hallen Flea Market is a place where you can find countless second-hand items at affordable prices. If you like treasure hunting and love to bargain, this is the place for you.

It is one of the biggest flea markets in Europe and it happens once or twice a month. When planning your itinerary for 3 days in Amsterdam, check on their website when it will be the next market and book a ticket. There is a small entrance fee.

Red Light District, Coffee Shops and Cannabis

We can’t plan a trip to Amsterdam without talking about the Red Light District and the Coffeeshops.

Amsterdam is a melting pot of cultures, beliefs and behavior. Doesn’t matter if you like it or not, you should look at it with open eyes and no prejudice.

The iconic Red Light district has shining windows and ladies offering a warm welcome to the city. During your days in Amsterdam, take one evening and go explore the streets of the district, drink a beer at one of the bars, visit the local design shops and appreciate some of the oldest buildings in town.

The Red Light District is not only about sex and prostitution, there are many more interesting things in this area. Just be aware of pickpockets, respect the girls and have fun!

Wanna get high in one of the coffee shops? Go for it!

Remember, buying weed inside the coffee shops is legal, smoking weed within the premises of the coffee shops is legal too.

Buying truffles at the head shops is also legal, but be careful of what you buy and how you use them. There are many weed and truffles specialist shops, before buying ask all the questions, and have all the info you need to have a fantastic time in Amsterdam.

Look after yourself, respect your limits, and follow the rules. Amsterdam is great fun, but don’t ruin your trip to this amazing city because you get wasted or break the law.

If you have any doubt about coffee shops, soft drugs and cannabis in Amsterdam read this easy guide: Amsterdam Rules and Regulation .

Amsterdam Clubs and Bars

Amsterdam has bars and clubs for all styles of travelers, check Resident Advisor   and this page from I Amsterdam events for the best night out. If you are looking for techno clubs in Amsterdam, De School is a great option. Just be careful to not miss your flight the next morning. (not that happened to us. lol) 

Where to eat and drink in Amsterdam Winter

In Amsterdam the options for food, drinks and bars are endless.

The city is very democratic and you can find places from high-end restaurants, to hipster cafes and unpretentious bars. Choose your style and go for it.

We discovered in our last 3 days in Amsterdam a few nice places, and I believe you might like them too. Check them out:

TEDS: good food and a local vibe

If it’s Sunday you must go to TEDS for brunch, if it’s another day of the week you should go there too. Delicious food, reasonable prices, and a great local atmosphere.

It’s a small cafe, so you might need to wait for a table, don’t give up, you will be rewarded with yummy food, and lovely drinks.

Café de Jaren: a great place for breakfast, lunch, and a quick bite

Located in the center of Amsterdam with canal views, Café de Jaren is a great place for a meal or a quick bite.

Apart from the beautiful location, the menu has something for everyone, from snacks to lunch and dinner, international cuisine and Dutch food, like the famous Bitterballen (crip meatballs) that goes really well with local beers. 

Keep in mind that if you are traveling in a group, or if you want to have lunch or dinner during the weekend, reservation is advised. Also, they only accept cards. 

FoodHallen: for lunch, happy hour and dinner

The first indoor food market in The Netherlands, the FoodHallen is a hip complex of gourmet street food (international and Dutch cuisine) served in a historical building. Go for lunch, afternoon snacks or happy hour.

You will find locals, expats, and a few tourists there.

Now that you know what to do in Amsterdam, places to add to your itinerary, and delicious places to eat, let’s talk about traveling to this incredible city in winter.

Where to stay in Amsterdam in Winter

If you travel to Amsterdam in winter you need to choose your hotel location wisely. On cold days you don’t want to spend a lot of time walking back to your hotel after a long day visiting Amsterdam tourist spots.

Also, you don’t want to spend a lot of time taking taxis or public transport, especially if you only have a weekend or 3 days in Amsterdam.

Even if you are traveling to Amsterdam any other season, a well-located hotel/accommodation can save you time and money (apart from public transportation, taxis and Uber in Amsterdam can be expensive).

The best bet is to choose a hotel in Amsterdam Centrum district. This is the central part of Amsterdam and comprises small neighborhoods like:

• Dam Square: dating from 1270 it’s packed with historic buildings and attractions. 
• Jordaan: a picturesque and trendy area.
• Grachtengordel or Canal Belt: the famous houses lined up in front of the canal ring. Anne Frank House is located in this area.
• Spui: it offers a good mix of restaurants, cafes, and trendy shops and it’s close to the Amsterdam Museum, Flower Market, and Beginjhof, the historic wooden house.
• Rembrandtplein: it’s a lively place famous for its nightlife. Here you can find many bars, theaters and cafes. We stayed here on our last trip.

Of course, there are other areas to stay in Amsterdam that are unique and interesting. Also, as far as you go from the city center the cheaper hotels, apartments and hostels will be.

We travel in an affordable luxury style and love boutique hotels that don’t cost a fortune, so we choose to stay at Albus Hotel and love it.

Our hotel in Amsterdam

First I will give you my impressions about the Albus Hotel and why I think it’s one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam. Then I will give other options, hotel/hostels we also stayed in and others we visited.

Albus Hotel Amsterdam City Center – 4 star hotel (Very Good on Booking.com)

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Albus Hotel is close to many museums, a walk distance to the central train station and Red Light District. What I liked was the sexy and intimate décor, so Amsterdam!

The service is great and you can have your own Heineken Torp machine in the room, perfect to get in the mood for your tour at Heineken Brewery.

Seriously, it can’t get better than this: comfy room, coffee machine, beer tap, and delicious breakfast. We stayed at the Large Family Suite and had a great time, the 2 PM check-out was a bonus too.

The Best hotels in Amsterdam

Pulitzer Amsterdam – 5 star hotel (Fabulous on Booking.com)

Treating yourself with a nice trip to Amsterdam, or maybe traveling as a couple? Then check out Pulitzer Hotel. The property consists of 25 interlinked canal houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. 

It was newly restored and you can feel the 5 star touch and comfort everywhere. 

A great mix of traditional and modern Dutch design, that you can see from the room decor to the restaurant menu. 

Location is perfect, only 15 minutes walking to Anne Frank House, Dam Square and the Jordaan neighborhood.

Hotel Aalders – 3-star hotel (Fabulous on Booking.com)

The Aalders Hotel is a great option for those who want a strategic location for a good price. Rooms are on the small side, but the hotel is only 3 minutes walking to Van Gogh Museum and 6 minutes to Vondelpark.

You can book your room with or without breakfast, and the hotel offers a bar and free wifi. 

Van Gogh Hotel – 3 star hotel (Very Good on Booking.com)

If you are traveling to Amsterdam on a budget, this might be a good option. On our first trip to Amsterdam, we stayed at the Van Gogh Hotel and liked it a lot, and the central location is great.

Clean, spacious, safe and close to 3 of the most visited museums in town (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam). Plus you will be close to the outdoor rink for ice skating.

That time we were traveling with friends, so we got a 4-bed room and had it just for us. They also have private rooms.

Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark (Very Good on Booking.com)

For those who really want to save on accommodation, hostels are your best bet. But do your research because private rooms in hostels cost almost the same as in a hotel where you can have better amenities. 

However, if you prefer to stay at a hostel in Amsterdam not only because of costs but also to interact with other travelers, then Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark is worth checking out. 

It’s located in the city’s main park and only 8 minutes on foot to the Van Gogh Museum. It offers private rooms for singles and groups of people, and also mixed dorms. Don’t forget your padlock for the lockers.

If on your last day, you want to stay close to the airport to catch an early flight, there are a few hotels near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport that you can book. 

If none of the Amsterdam hotels above shook your boat, my suggestion is to keep searching at Booking.com or Agoda , they have many options for accommodation in Amsterdam, and you can find some winter or mid-season deals.

Amsterdam in winter, how cold does it get?

In winter the temperatures in Amsterdam are between 0º to 5º C but the real feel can be as cold as -10ºC. When it snows, Amsterdam looks magical, like a fairytale city.

You will need a good winter coat, thermals, wool socks, and good gloves. But don’t fear the cold, if we – two Brazilians who were living in Thailand – survived the Amsterdam winter, you can do it too.

Here are the average temperatures in Amsterdam during the winter months and the average of rainy days per month:

November: 10° / 4° – 13 rainy days

December: 7° / 2° – 13 rainy days

January:  6° / 1° – 12 rainy days

February: 6° / 0° –  9 rainy days

As you saw above in the guide, there are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam in winter, the secret is to plan an itinerary mixing outdoor and indoor activities, some strategic stops to warm up, and have a coffee or beer.

How to get around Amsterdam during wintertime

Amsterdam is world-famous for bicycles and they are everywhere. Locals ride their bikes throughout the winter, facing the cold and snow, on the other hand, tourists tend to avoid them during the freezing months.

If you get a bit of sunshine during your 3 days in Amsterdam go for a bike ride, it’s a must. But don’t rely on it as a transportation mode, during the Amsterdam winter public transport is the best option.

Trams, buses, metro, trains, and ferries connect the whole city and Amsterdam attractions. It’s super easy to get around the city.

Before boarding a tram or bus you need to buy the ticket at the machines. To avoid the hassle and to travel freely across the city the best option is to purchase the I Amsterdam City Card, it saves time and money.

How to get and use the I Amsterdam Card

For our 3 days in Amsterdam, we got the I Amsterdam Card 72 hours ,enjoyed free public transportation, free entrance to many of Amsterdam’s attractions (most of the places we mentioned above), and discounts on others.

If you are planning to visit more than 3 attractions in Amsterdam and use public transportation within the city, the investment on the card is worth it.

They have city cards from 24 hours up to 5 days.

It’s easy to get the card, you order it from the GetYourGuide website (where you can read the reviews) or from the I Amsterdam website, and choose which one you want [24h, 48h, 72h, 96h or 120. hours] and pay via credit card.

How to use the Amsterdam City Card:

• The I Amsterdam City Card is digital and after the purchase, to use it you need to download the I Amsterdam City Card App.
• You only activate your card when you are in Amsterdam and ready to use it, so you won’t lose any time.
• Some attractions, especially museums, require a timeslot to visit. Timeslots can be booked in advance (before activating your city card). Book your visits well in advance.

Travel Advice:

Don’t forget your Travel Insurance! You don’t want anything to ruin your trip, right? So don’t take the risk! Reliable travel insurance can help you in case of travel issues, from accidents to health problems, travel delays, and lost luggage.

There are many insurances in the market, our picks are  HeyMondo  and  SafetyWing . We used both and always had a good experience. Click on the insurance names to get a quote.

Getting to Amsterdam, Netherlands

The last thing you need to know is how to travel to Amsterdam.

International and budget airlines fly to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. To search for the best flights use Skyscanner .

From the airport, there is a train that runs directly to the Amsterdam Central Station, and from there you can get a bus, tram or taxi to your hotel.

For those who are already in Europe and like to travel by train or bus, keep in mind that Amsterdam is very well connected. 

Check the prices and timetable for buses and trains to Amsterdam on OMIO , Bookaway or 12Go . We use these websites to book our buses and trains across Europe.

Now you know what to do in Amsterdam in winter, the best hotels, and how to get around, it’s time to pack your bags and enjoy winter, the festive season and Amsterdam Christmas!

FYI, if you are traveling around the Netherlands, read all our Netherlands Guides and Travel Tips here .

Leave your thoughts and doubts in the comments below, and happy travels!

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28 thoughts on “Amsterdam in Winter: how to plan the perfect 3 days itinerary”

Never visit Amsterdam in Winter but it look gorgeous!

Its wonderful! If you have a chance, pls go 🙂

wonderful. Amsterdam is one of the most amazing places I have visited. I hope a lot of people will find it the same.

Agreed! Amsterdam is amazing!!!!

one of our favourite city in Europe.. its never a dull place even though we visited for so many times.. even our children love it… especially when they go on a bicycle ride during winter… 🙂

Hi Meilany! That’s so true, we never get tired of Amsterdam! So cool that you kids love the city too. All the best, Nat

I’d love to see this place in the winter guys. My wife visited during warmer months and adored the place. I’d enjoy seeing it blanketed in snow. Nice little change up from the hot, steamy places I tend to visit in SE Asia and Central America as I am blogging from paradise 🙂

Hi Ryan, It is really amazing! Even better that there aren’t many tourists. Cheers,

Hi good morning! I’m from the Philippines. My family is planning to visit Amsterdam Jan 1-5, 2018 coming from Paris and Brussels. This is our first time to travel Europe. With me is my husband and 2 sons 17 and 21 yrs old. Will it be snowing by that time? We would welcome any tips or suggestions.

Thanks Edna

Hello Edna, We visited Amsterdam on the first week of January and got 2 nights of snow 🙂 It’s hard to predict the snow but for sure it will be very cold! Enjoy your travels!

Very happy to have found this post. I am researching Amsterdam for a trip in December. This destination was my 21 years old request and I was reluctant because its winter time, but I am now looking forward to seeing Amsterdam. You provided quite a bit of helpful information

Hi Brenda, Glad you liked it and enjoy Amsterdam! Cheers

Good read, there’s some great tips in here! 🙂

But just a heads up it’s not actually ‘legal’ to smoke weed in the streets here, although it is quite liberal here. It’s also frowned upon by locals and can be quite disrespectful if ppl are smoking right next to you when you’re trying to have lunch.

Hi Alicia, I meant that you are allowed to smoke within the coffeeshop premises, just re wrote to make it clear 😉 And agreed that is disrespectful. Cheers,

I will be landing in Amsterdam on Christmas day this year, staying for two days before leaving for Paris. This Article is great! I am travelling alone, and it is my first time overseas, so this will be a big help! Thank you.

Glad to help Stefan! Enjoy Amsterdam!

Hi guys, We are planning to visit Amsterdam for 2 days during the first week of December. We are family of four, with two girls, 1yr and 4 yr…. is not too cold for the girls???. We are from Mexico…. We visited Europe with my oldest girl when she was 1yr during Winter (February) but we were in Madrid, South of italy and the coldest city was Paris, I’m taking Paris weather in February as reference. I’ll appreciate your comments….

Hola Roberto, December in Amsterdam is usually between 0C to 10C. If you guys survived Paris during February I believe you will do fine 😉 Buenas viajes!

Winter in Netherlands are quite warm and it doesn’t snow too much. That why last year I traveled to Warsaw. Here I can really feel this magical Christmas atmosphere in the town covered with snow and beautiful decorations all around the streets. Moreover I spend super cool NYE night in New Orleans Club. One of the best clubs I’ve ever been to.

Warsaw is awesome indeed!

Thanks for the good info 🙂 I will be in Amsterdam from 20Dec-24Dec. So wondering if a Palladium boots with water resistant spray is good enough walking in the city?

Hi Joanne, I would suggest getting thermal socks as well.

hello Rob glad to see you are replying each asking. We are members of four. My boy is just 5 months and my Daughter is 5 years. can you suggest about weather condition in december and places to visits and photography. We are from France. Thanks buddy Cordially paul

Hi Paul, It will definitely be cold, expect temperatures ranging from 2C to 10C. The places to visit and photos we listed in the article above. Enjoy Amsterdam!

Great Article. Too many advrts. Difficult to read

The ads help us to pay the bills ?

I absolutely love your articles! Gets me so excited about planning a trip to Amsterdam 😀 Your tips and experiences are SOO helpful

Hi!! We are glad you like the travel tips. Amsterdam is an amazing destination and one of our fave cities in Europe! Have fun!

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