Amsterdam in December

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Robert Heaney
Snowed-covered bicycle leaning against a bridge over an Amsterdam canal

Should you happen to visit Amsterdam in December, you’ll find the city transformed in an embrace of the festive season. You’ll see the streets decorated with all manner of lights and holiday displays, and many of the city’s key squares become host to a number of festivals and markets.

Visiting Amsterdam in December

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Average Temperature: 36 - 43°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/month • Average Sunshine: 1 hour/day

While many other cities see a significant dip in tourism by the winter period, this is not so much the case for Amsterdam. In contrast to destinations like Barcelona, where much of their appeal is dependent on their peak summertime weather, Amsterdam’s charm comes entirely from its evergreen historical and cultural value.

Of course, you can still expect a noticeable drop in visitors, with many tourists and families visiting exclusively in summer. Naturally, that also means you may benefit from lower accommodation than in summer. However, Amsterdam in December is far from quiet, particularly given its festive appeal around the holiday season.

Amsterdam’s festive appeal comes in part from the weather in December. With average temperatures resting between 36°F and 43°F, you can expect a winter chill, but little chance of snow. Be sure to pack both warm and waterproof clothing, as you’re likely to encounter at least one day of rain per week.

Things to Do in December

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Pair the colder and wetter weather with limited sunshine and shorter days, and you’ve got a recipe ideal for either embracing the outdoor winter spirit or keeping warm indoors. Fortunately, Amsterdam caters to both preferences in droves.

Those looking for a piece of Amsterdam’s famous holiday festivities should head to Ice*Amsterdam on the Museumplein. Between mid-November and January, this popular square transforms into a veritable winter wonderland, with an impressive ice-skating rink at its core. You’ll also find a number of market stalls and festive bars where you can grab a cup of hot chocolate and a winter snack.

If you’re looking for a little more excitement, then the Amsterdam Winter Paradise is the event for you. Complete with fairground rides, ice-skating rinks, snow tubing and cross-country skiing across real snow, as well as all of the market stalls and carnival games you’d expect from any Christmas event, this is an event for all ages to enjoy.

If you’d prefer to keep warm and dry, then Amsterdam’s wealth of renowned museums should be more than enough to keep you busy. Explore more than 8,000 artworks and historical artefacts at the Rijksmuseum, and awe at the 1,400-strong collection of Van Gogh’s works at the Van Gogh Museum. Or for your modern art fix, head to the MOCO Museum to discover the popular works of Banksy and his contemporaries.

Events in December

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Sinterklaas

Should you happen to visit Amsterdam in the first week of December, you’ll be instantly aware of the ongoing festivities taking place throughout the city. In the lead-up to Sinterklaas on December 5, the Netherlands is host to a series of parades welcoming Sinterklaas himself (Saint Nicholas) to the country.

You’ll find stores filled to the brim with all manner of Sinterklaas-themed treats alongside all of the other festive fare. Among the most common of these are pepernoten and kruidnoten (tiny gingerbread cookies), large solid chocolate letters, schuimpjes (foam-like sugary candies), speculaas cookies and various marzipan-based cakes.

If you get the chance, be sure to attend one of the festive parades, where Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as Pieten (Peters), greet the onlooking families and visitors by throwing candies and treats out to the crowds.

Don’t fret if you don’t have anybody to celebrate with on the day of Sinterklaas, as it isn’t a public holiday, so most cafés, bars and restaurants will still be open if you want to share in the festivities!

Christmas Markets

As you’d expect from just about any major European city, Amsterdam is no stranger to its fair share of festive events and Christmas markets. If you’re looking for traditional markets, then the Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is the event for you, offering just about everything you’d expect – mulled wine, local artisan crafts and unique festive gifts galore.

In the same vein, Amsterdam’s monthly Sunday market also offers up two festive-themed editions of its Westergasfabriek market throughout December. The first runs alongside or slightly ahead of Sinterklaas, and the other takes place shortly before Christmas Day. Alongside their regular assortment of stalls, these editions of the Sunday market are also host to various holiday treats and gifts made by local artists and designers.

Amsterdam Light Festival

Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with impressive light displays by designers, artists and architects from around the world. Taking place throughout December and January, the festival typically showcases around 30 unique art installations, bringing an even more magical touch to an already festive city.

One of the most popular activities of the Light Festival is to take a canal cruise in the evening. These boat tours offer a chance for visitors and locals alike to see the city from a different perspective, offering unique insights into the history of prominent neighborhoods while also exploring the artworks lining the banks of the canals.

New Year’s Eve

As one of the most popular European cities for tourists to ring in the new year, Amsterdam offers a whole host of events to cater for all manner of preferences. You’ll find everything from black tie events to buzzing raves to rooftop parties taking place throughout the city. Many restaurants and bars also offer special bookings as a more intimate way to see out the year.

Among some of the most widespread New Year’s traditions in the Netherlands is the consumption of oliebollen (fried dough balls) dipped in icing sugar and washed down with a hearty glass of champagne. You’ll find street stalls selling these treats all over Amsterdam on December 31.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, head to the likes of Zandvoort aan Zee just west of Amsterdam early on January 1, where thousands of locals and visitors alike get ready to take part in the New Year Swim in the North Sea. This freezing dip is considered a refreshing way to celebrate the New Year, after which you can grab a hot cup of pea soup to restore your shivering spirits.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Amsterdam to Keukenhof Transport and Best Time to Visit

Keukenhof opens to the general public between March and May every year. Dates vary a little year on year but, in general, we’re talking roughly March 21 to May 12. During this period, the gardens open daily from 8AM-7.30PM, with half hourly entry slots available to book in advance here. The best time to visit kind of depends on your point of view. If you’re looking to dodge the larger crowds, the official website recommends pitching up on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday when the gardens are at their quietest, though bear in mind it’s all relative and you’re unlikely to have completely unobstructed views of the exhibits at any time. Arrive before 10.30am or after 4pm for some of the least busy times and for Insta-perfect snaps courtesy of that special morning and evening light. The flowers themselves bloom when they’re ready. That means daffs, crocuses, hyacinths and some types of tulip will be at their best early in the season while others, like the bigger tulip varieties, bloom later. Keukenhof’s visitor numbers peak during the Easter holidays and in April, when you’re most likely to catch the largest selection of bulbs in full flower. There’s also a one-day flower parade in the middle of the month, when beautiful floats crammed with fragrant flowers weave their way along a 42-kilometer route between Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing Keukenhof along the way. While obviously a great time to be at Keukenhof, this does mean multiple road closures, and its recommended you’re in the park by 11am on the day of the parade. Discover more about the flower festival and parade here. How to Get to Keukenhof There’s a bewildering variety of Amsterdam to Keukenhof transport options, from straightforward coach-and-ticket packages to going it alone on two wheels. We break down the options below. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Coach This is hands-down the most straightforward way of getting to Keukenhof from Amsterdam and it doesn’t take a Googling genius to discover that there are almost as many tour operators offering coach+entry packages as there are tulips in the bulb fields. It’s also an option to book direct via the official Keukenhof website, here. Prices are competitive, too. You’ll only pay a premium of around €2 (vs paying for your transport and ticket separately) for the priceless privilege of having someone else do all the organizing for you. All you have to do then is pitch up at the departure point (RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre) on time, and you’re good to go. It’s also worth noting that this is the only way to travel direct from central Amsterdam to Keukenhof via public transport as all other options require a combination of train and bus. There’s a coach+entry package included with the Go City Amsterdam attraction pass, which can save you money if you’re in town for a few days and plan to avail yourself of several tours, attractions and other activities, such as an Amsterdam canal cruise, the Rijksmuseum, and Madame Tussauds. Find out more about the Amsterdam pass here. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Public Transport There are a couple of other ways to get to Keukenhof via Amsterdam’s reliable public transport system, depending where you’re traveling from. These include Keukenhof express buses from Schiphol Airport, Leiden and Haarlem, again available via the Keukenhof website. Alternatively, savvy travelers can save a euro or two by catching the 397 bus from the city center and connecting to the Keukenhof express bus at Hoofddorp, the cheapest way to make the journey. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Car If you want to beat the morning crowds, having your own set of wheels will definitely give you the edge over your fellow flower fanatics. The 40-minute drive to Keukenhof, sandwiched between Amsterdam and The Hague, is a fairly straightforward one, and the gardens are of course well signposted. However, there’s a reason most Amsterdammers favor getting around on two wheels (or indeed legs). Parking in the city comes at a premium and it’s very easy to rack up an eye-watering bill if you have a rental car for even a few days – all of which assumes you can find a parking spot in the first place. In happier news, it's possible to pre-book a parking spot for your visit to Keukenhof via the official website, for a relatively acceptable €7. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Bike The Netherlands is one of the world’s best countries for cycling, with an excellent infrastructure and relatively flat landscape that makes it easy and convenient to bike to most destinations. There are 400km of lanes in Amsterdam alone, where driving is positively discouraged and most of the population gets around on two wheels. That said, it’s around 25 miles from Amsterdam to Keukenhof so this option is really only for those with a working knowledge of Dutch road regulations, who are also fit and healthy enough to make the journey there and back. It’s well worth doing though: the experience of arriving in the sensory saturnalia that is the Keukenhof flower fields, the air heavy with the scent of a million blooming tulips, crocuses, orchids (and the rest), is not one you’ll forget in a hurry. There are plenty of bike rental stores dotted around Amsterdam and your hotel may also operate its own rental service. Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Amsterdam in April

For those that don’t mind braving the Dutch springtime weather, a trip to Amsterdam in April can be a real treat. You’ll be able to experience the capital’s wealth of culture and explore its iconic sights during its quieter shoulder season. And if that wasn’t quite enough, April offers the perfect opportunity to see the Netherlands in full bloom. Just be sure to pack for the weather! Visiting Amsterdam in April Average Temperature: 39 - 54°F • Average Rainfall: 12 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 5 hours/day Should you happen to visit Amsterdam in April, you’ll find yourself perfectly in the middle of the country’s springtime shoulder season. While the city will certainly be bustling, it should still be quiet enough for you to explore its top attractions without quite so many crowds. What’s more, you’ll have the beautiful added perk of off-season hotel rates and airfare! With temperatures between the high-30s and low-50s, you’re looking at a mild month at best. Spring may be reaching its peak, but you’d be best advised to continue wrapping up for April. Be sure to pack an umbrella and maybe some waterproofs, too, as you can expect around a third of the month to be dominated by rain. Things to Do in April Art Galleries & Museums No guide to Amsterdam is complete without mentioning some of the city’s famous cultural hubs. Towering over much of the city center, the Rijksmuseum’s impressive Gothic-Renaissance exterior hides an even more impressive selection of artworks and historical artifacts within. Among its vast collection are renowned pieces by the likes of Vermeer and Rembrandt. Second only to the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum is a monument to the famous Dutch painter’s life and works, housing one of the largest collections of his pieces. Just down the road, the MOCO Museum offers an exploration of modern and contemporary art, from Banksy to Hirst to upcoming independent artists. Aside from its wealth of art, the Dutch capital is nothing without its rich and diverse history, which it makes sure to publicly chronicle. The Amsterdam Museum is your best resource if you’re looking to discover the history of the city from the middle ages, while the Anne Frank House serves as a potent documentation of life in the Netherlands during World War Two, told from the eyes of the famous Jewish diarist. Outdoor Activities If you find yourself in Amsterdam on a clear day or simply want to brave the springtime weather, there are few better ways to explore the city than on your own two wheels. With more bikes than residents, Amsterdam is literally built for cycling. You’ll find a wide selection of bike rental shops dotted throughout the city where you can typically rent a bike for somewhere around €10/day. Bikes aren’t the only iconic symbols of the Dutch capital. If you’re looking for a truly alternative way to explore the city, then a canal boat tour is the way to go. Suitable for any weather, with both open- and closed-top options available, these tours offer a new way to see the city from its famous waterways. Audio commentary will often accompany the tour, providing unique insights into Amsterdam’s key sights and history. On the topic of Dutch icons, there are few things more emblematically Dutch than the graceful tulip, and visiting Amsterdam in April lands you slap-bang in the middle of tulip season. If you’re up for a delightful day out, then make your way to Keukenhof Park, known also as the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find one of the Netherlands’ best displays of tulips and other flowers. Events in April Easter As a majority Catholic country, the Netherlands is no stranger to its share of Easter celebrations. Easter in the Netherlands looks very much like it does in many countries. The weekend is dominated by festivities for those that celebrate, with many bakeries and retailers brimming with all manner of Easter goodies, gifts and flowers. Those visiting with children will find a wealth of local Easter activities, from egg hunts to Easter decorating. The nearby ARTIS Royal Zoo puts on a whole program of Easter-themed events, including hands-on workshops with the animals. Be sure to note that Easter Weekend is likely to be very busy when compared with the rest of April. Hotel rates will often be higher, and many parks and markets will be more crowded. Easter Monday is also a public holiday in the Netherlands, meaning many businesses and services will be closed for the day. Huishoudbeurs The word gezellig is a unique Dutch term with no direct equivalent in English, though it’s often used to describe something cozy and warm. And it’s without a doubt the best word to describe Huishoudbeurs. Held over the course of roughly a week in April, this fair is one of the Netherlands’ most anticipated annual events. Best summarized as a household and lifestyle expo, the event converts the RAI Amsterdam convention center into one giant household. Hundreds of exhibitors set up shop each year to offer their individual lifestyle products, while a selection of vendors also offer refreshments for every palate – often with an emphasis on vegan and vegetarian alternatives. Alongside the feast of shopping potential, the event is also host to a diverse program of activities. Visitors can participate in workshops to learn about the likes of meditation and yoga, while various performances and demos from popular artists and industry experts offer insights into good housekeeping practices. KunstRAI The longest-running art fair in the Netherlands, KunstRAI is a love letter to modern and contemporary art forms. The event serves as a leading platform for artists and art aficionados alike to come together to discuss their shared passion and explore developments in the art world. Formerly known as Amsterdam Art, KunstRAI consists of two major parts. On one hand, the event serves as a gallery and exhibition in which to showcase various works of modern art, from sculptures to photography to mixed media pieces. On the other side, it’s also a major forum for buying and selling new artworks from both established and upcoming artists.
Robert Heaney
Line of iconic Amsterdam canal houses
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Amsterdam in March

If you’re looking to visit the Netherlands outside of the peak season, then a trip to Amsterdam in March might be just the ticket. Offering all of the gems of the Dutch capital without quite so many crowds and with slightly better weather conditions than the preceding winter months, March is a fantastic time to see the city at one of its most authentic times. Visiting Amsterdam in March Average Temperature: 36 - 46°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 4 hours/day Seeing in the spring season, March is about as transitional a month as you can get in Amsterdam. While the trends of winter are still largely present – cold weather, high rainfall and short days – signs of the coming change are ever present. Running parallel to the changes in weather is the larger-scale changes in tourism rates, with March very much in the trough of off-season travel. Throughout this period, tourism rates will still very much be experiencing a lull. While Amsterdam is never truly empty, this is among one of the quietest times to visit the city. There’ll still be enough visitors to give the Dutch capital a buzz, but you’ll be able to benefit from smaller queues for top attractions and low-season accommodation rates and airfare. While the city is clearly beginning to warm up, it’s still very much worth wrapping up for Amsterdam in March. At the same time, an umbrella and some waterproofs will likely also go a long way, as you can expect at least one day of rain per week. On the literal bright side, you can also look forward to more sunshine on average, allowing for better photo opportunities and better conditions to explore the city’s iconic streets. Things to Do in March A trip to Amsterdam in March is likely to be a cold and often wet one. As such, you may find yourself drawn more toward exploring the city’s inner world of history and culture, leaving its emblematic streets and canals for a warmer day. For your fill of Dutch history, make your way to the Amsterdam Museum, where you’ll be able to explore a vast collection of art and historical artifacts chronicling the city’s history from medieval times to present. Follow that up with a visit to the Maritime Museum to discover the Netherlands’ impressive history of nautical endeavors and the part it played in the Age of Exploration. Romanticized somewhat by its throughput of renowned artists, Amsterdam is also home to a wealth of art galleries. At the forefront is of course the Rijksmuseum, home to the Netherlands’ largest collection of artworks and historical artifacts. Following close behind is the Van Gogh Museum, where you can explore the biggest public collection of the famous Dutch painter’s works. If there’s anything you’re likely to notice on your trip to the Netherlands, it’s the huge prominence of bicycles. With more bikes than people, one of the best ways to see Amsterdam is on your own pair of wheels. Those interested in a more active approach to their visit will find a plethora of bike rental stores scattered throughout the city, typically offering day rates in the region of €10/day. With weather on a general upcurve from this point onward, you might find March a perfect time to take a canal boat tour to see the city from a brand new perspective. These tours are likely to be quieter now than around peak-season, so if you’re willing to brave the likely chill, you’ll be rewarded with some unique views of the Dutch capital along with expert insights into the surrounding history. Events in March Cinedans Fest Over the course of roughly a week in March, Amsterdam hosts the world’s largest and most diverse dance-related film festival in the world. Cinedans serves as a celebration of the medium of dance, showcasing developments in the dance world and looking toward the future of such artistic expression. The festival is spread across an impressive program of feature-length dance film screenings, short films and documentaries, expert lectures, debates and workshops for those looking to explore the world of dance theatre. Hosted within the EYE Film Museum, the festival also offers various interactive installations throughout the week. Kaboom Animation Festival Held in late March, the Kaboom Animation Festival is the amalgamation of two similar festivals, the KLIK Amsterdam Animation Festival and the Holland Animation Film Festival. For roughly a week, cinemas in Amsterdam and Utrecht become the home of the many unique animated feature films and shorts showcased by the festival. The event serves to bring together fans and industry professionals to share in their passion for the animated arts and showcase the works of established and upcoming animators. Celebrating the Dutch animation industry in particular, the festival encourages animators to submit their work to be judged by experts for the chance to win one of a plethora of prestigious awards covering various genres, mediums and themes. The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) Held in Maastricht, just a couple hours’ train ride from Amsterdam, TEFAF serves as one of Europe’s biggest art fairs and is widely considered to be the premier hub for fine art, antiques and design. The event is a platform from which to gather an international community of collectors, dealers and vendors from all areas of the art world. Featuring over 280 prestigious dealers from around the world, the exhibition focuses largely on the classics and traditional Old Master paintings and antiques. However, the event also maintains a policy of diversity and modernity, showcasing contemporary artworks, photography exhibits and jewelry alongside many of its classic pieces. Taking place over roughly one week, the event also offers a diverse cultural program which serves to provide insights into key aspects of the industry across various disciplines and genres. Visitors are welcome to attend lectures by industry professionals and experts and engage in debates into ongoing issues throughout the art world.
Robert Heaney

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