Christmas in Amsterdam

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Robert Heaney
Fireworks over the iconic Amsterdam canal houses

The festive period sees the historical streets of Amsterdam transform almost entirely, embracing the festive period in any way it can. Should you find yourself in Amsterdam around the holidays, you’ll see the streets lined with all manner of light and art displays, and many busy squares occupied by different holiday-themed events, festivals and markets.

As the Netherlands celebrates more than just Christmas Day, the festive atmosphere is all the more electric in Amsterdam all through December. If you’re looking for somewhere to truly embrace the holiday spirit, then Christmas in Amsterdam could be the trip for you.

Sinterklaas

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Should you find yourself spending the holiday season in Amsterdam, you may be in for a treat, with not just one but two Christmases to celebrate. This is the reality for children throughout the Netherlands who, in addition to celebrating Christmas Day, also look forward to a visit from Sinterklaas on December 5. In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is the main day for gift-giving, while Christmas is more commonly reserved as a day to celebrate with family over a traditional dinner.

Unlike Santa Claus, who elsewhere visits in secret on the night of the 24th, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) makes a very public and grand entrance in mid-November. Arriving in the Netherlands on his iconic steam boat, Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as ‘Pieten’, parade through the country’s major cities, throwing candies and festive treats to the onlooking children.

These festivities continue all the way up to the day of Sinterklaas on December 5, when children across the country wait excitedly to hear a knock on their front door. If they’ve been good that year, they should find their gifts on the other side. It’s also traditional for children to leave a shoe or boot by the fireplace or door, which they may find filled with small gifts when they wake the next day.

Unlike Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Sinterklaas isn’t recognized as a public holiday. As such, don’t fret if you have nobody to celebrate with, as most cafés, bars and restaurants will still be open should you want to share in the festivities!

Christmas Markets

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It’s become somewhat of an unspoken rule for major European cities to offer up a vast selection of Christmas markets and festive celebrations throughout the holiday period, and Amsterdam certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Where Amsterdam departs from the European trend is in the absence of German-style Christmas markets. While you’re bound to find some similarities, Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are traditionally Dutch through and through.

Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt

The Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is perhaps the most emblematic Christmas market in Amsterdam. Held over the course of a few days shortly before Christmas Day, the event is host to various stalls selling all manner of festive fare and local artisan crafts.

In addition to the market stalls, you’ll also find an ice skating rink, various children’s activities, cultural events and workshops, as well as food stalls and winter bars, all often accompanied by live festive music. Be sure to check for updates from the organizers to find details as to the location and dates of this event.

Sinterklaas & Funky Xmas Sunday Markets

Early in December, Amsterdam’s monthly Sunday market transforms into a more holiday-themed market in celebration of Sinterklaas. Head to the Westergasfabriek to find a selection of handmade crafts and gifts, alongside all manner of festive treats and food.

This market makes a return later in the month for the Funky Xmas market when, as per its name, it takes on a more groovy and Christmassy theme. Often taking place shortly before Christmas day, this is a chance to find those last-minute, quirky gifts made by local artists and designers to bring home to your loved ones.

Of course, you’ll still find all of the typical staples of the Sunday market present at these special editions. For some traditional Dutch street food, be sure to try out the likes of kibbeling cod bites and poffertje pancakes.

Christmas Treats

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If sweet Dutch treats are something you’re keen to try, there’s no better time to visit Amsterdam than during the festive period. Throughout November and December, stores and bakeries will be brimming with Sinterklaas- and Christmas-themed candies.

Among the most common Sinterklaas treats are pepernoten and kruidnoten (tiny gingerbread cookies), large solid chocolate letters, schuimpjes (foam-like sugary candies), speculaas cookies and various marzipan-based cakes.

You can also expect to find many festive European staples on offer throughout the city, such as smoked sausage (rookwurst), mulled wine (gluhwein) smoked sausage and warme Chocomel (hot chocolate). Be sure to try oliebollen (fried dough balls) and appelbeignets (fried apple slices) dipped in icing sugar, too!

Christmas Activities & Events

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Ice*Amsterdam

If there’s anything that best reflects Christmas in Amsterdam, it's the Ice*Amsterdam festival. Taking over the busy Museumplein, this event typically starts in mid-November and lasts all the way until late January.

With an ice-skating rink at its core beneath a replica of the well-known Skinny Bridge, people of all ages flock to the area to share in some festive fun. The rink is accompanied by a healthy selection of winter bars where you can grab a hot cup of chocolate milk and a Christmas snack, alongside various market stalls selling all manner of seasonal gifts and products.

Amsterdam Winter Paradise

Those looking for that little bit of extra excitement should head for RAI Amsterdam which, from late December, becomes host to a huge indoor and outdoor holiday festival. Alongside the usual smattering of seasonal market stalls, street food and winter bars, the Winter Paradise offers an impressive array of festive activities.

You can expect fairground rides to accompany the giant Ferris wheel overlooking the city, alongside various carnival games and activities. There are also indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks, curling lanes and competitions, as well as an area filled with real snow for tubing, skiing and snowball fights. If you’re the competitive type, be sure to join in on the Winter Games, too.

Amsterdam Light Festival

Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with an impressive array of light displays from 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.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Sunflowers in front of a sign pointing to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
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Van Gogh Museum vs Rembrandthuis Museum Comparison Amsterdam

Ask anyone to name all the Dutch painters they’ve ever heard of and you can guarantee the first two out of their mouths will be Rembrandt and Van Gogh; one the leading artist of the Dutch Golden Age, the other the OG ‘tortured artist’ of Post-Impressionism who, in death, became one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of western art. Unsurprisingly, given their incalculable contribution to Dutch and European art and culture, both have been honored with their own dedicated museums in the Netherlands’ capital. But which of these essential Amsterdam attractions is best? Read on for the lowdown as we pit the Van Gogh Museum vs the Rembrandthuis (aka the Rembrandt House Museum)...  Van Gogh Museum vs Rembrandthuis Museum: Vital Statistics Size: Compared to Amsterdam’s main art museums – the Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk among them – both Rembrandt’s House and the Van Gogh Museum are relatively small, requiring only 1-2 hours of your time to get a real feel for the life and work of these visual virtuosos. Age: The Rembrandt House Museum opened in 1911, welcoming the Netherland’s Queen Wilhelmina and Prince Hendrik as its very first visitors; the Van Gogh Museum opened at Amsterdam’s Museumplein in 1973. Artworks: The collections are quite different, in that – as the name suggests – the Rembrandt House Museum is Rembrandt’s actual former home, where he lived with his family (and various lovers) from 1639 until bankruptcy forced him to give it up in 1658. Inside, you can experience the house roughly as it would have looked in Rembrandt’s day, the furniture having been carefully sourced and replaced, based on a 1656 auction inventory of its art, furnishings and various other household items.  There’s also a near-complete collection of Rembrandt etchings here (260 of the approximate 290 he created in his lifetime), plus paintings by his students, teacher and contemporaries, as well as a pair of pots used to mix quartz and clay for canvas preparation by Rembrandt himself. The Van Gogh Museum on the other hand, is a straightforward gallery of the Post-Impressionist prodigy’s work. There’s nothing ordinary about the collection here though, which comprises some 1,300 Van Gogh paintings, drawings and letters, including iconic works like The Potato Eaters and Sunflowers. Alongside this, the largest collection of Van Gogh pieces on the planet, the museum also showcases notable works by his Impressionist and Post-Impressionist contemporaries, among them paintings by Monet, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec, and sculptures by Rodin. Annual visitors: The Van Gogh Museum outflanks most of the local competition here, pulling in around 2.2 million visitors every year to Rembrandt’s 250,000. The Van Gogh Museum vs Rembrandt House: Highlights We’re talking about two of the greatest all-time wizards of western art here, so your expectations are likely to be high, and the Van Gogh Museum does not disappoint. Here’s where you can view some 200 of the maestro’s paintings, among them his beautiful Almond Blossom which – if you like it – is also available to purchase in a gazillion different formats in the museum’s gift shop. Then there’s his Sunflowers, his Irises, his Wheat Field with Crows, his Self Portrait with Pipe, and the challenging masterpiece that is The Potato Eaters, Van Gogh’s depiction of 18th-century Dutch peasants at dinner. Add to this some 400 drawings and 700 letters, and Van Gogh votaries will be in clover. The Rembrandt House Museum is more of an immersive experience, one in which you can step into the Golden Age master’s former home and experience the living quarters and studio roughly as Rembrandt and his family would have done in the 17th Century. Authentic contemporary furnishings and artworks adorn the rooms, including pieces by Rembrand’s teacher Pieter Lastman, and his students Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck. Rembrandt’s etchings were far better-known than his paintings during his lifetime (due to the relative ease of mass reproduction), and are considered some of the greatest examples of the art form to this day. The museum owns the vast majority of these, and some of them can be viewed here, alongside relics including pots used by the artist, as well as his funeral medallion. If it’s an insight into Rembrandt’s life you’re after, this is very much the place for you. If, however, you want to ogle some of the artist’s most celebrated works up close, you’ll need to hit up the nearby Rijksmuseum, home of The Night Watch pictured above), Self Portrait with Disheveled Hair and other world-famous Rembrandt masterpieces. Van Gogh Museum vs Rembrandt House: Which is Better? Well, it’s less a question of which is better and more a case of whether you have a particular fondness for the (very different) work of Rembrandt or Van Gogh. Of course, you could kill two birds with one stone and see works by both of them (and many many more) at the Rijksmuseum, but if you’re looking for a deep dive into the life and works of these Dutch masters in particular, you’ll find no better place on the planet than the Van Gogh Museum and Rembrandt House in Amsterdam. Rembrandt House and the Van Gogh Museum: Fun Facts Did you know? In 1656, Rembrandt’s spiraling debts led to him petitioning for bankruptcy. The contents of his house were meticulously cataloged for sale, making it much simpler, 250 years later, for the house to be restored to its original state before opening as a museum in 1911. Did you know? Van Gogh is one of the original selfie takers, painting some 36 self-portraits across his brief 10-year career. His tally is topped only by – you guessed it – Rembrandt, who racked up around 100 paintings, etchings and drawings of his own fair phizog, but over a much longer period. 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
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
View of the Rijksmuseum from across a canal
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Amsterdam in February

Those harboring some winter wanderlust may find Amsterdam in February to be the ideal trip to scratch that itch. Offering all of the city’s best gems without the summertime or festive season crowds, February serves as a fantastic time to experience the Dutch capital at its most genuine. Just be prepared to dress for the weather! Visiting Amsterdam in February Average Temperature: 31 – 45°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 2 hours/day If you’re looking to visit Amsterdam in its true low season, this is the time for it. Amsterdam in February sees some of its lowest tourism rates of the year, owing to the natural absence of peak-season travelers and the European winter chill. That can be a huge boon for those looking to get their fill of Dutch delights. Amsterdam’s core attractions are evergreen – think picturesque canals, cultural hubs and nightlife – which means the city is never truly without its crowds. However, the off-season lull means you’ll get to experience many of its top sights at one of their quietest times. Add to that low-season accommodation prices and airfare, and you’ve got a pretty solid, budget-friendly trip on your hands. Seeing out the winter season, February makes sure to keep things cool right up to the end. With averages ranging between sub-zero and pretty cold, you’ll want to wrap up just as much as for the rest of the winter period. Be sure to pack an umbrella and some waterproofs too, as you’re almost guaranteed at least a couple days of rain per week. Things to Do in February Amsterdam’s cooler and wetter weather in February may put somewhat of a dampener on many plans of spending your trip exploring the iconic canals and squares of the city, but that also makes it a perfect time to explore the inner world of the Dutch capital. Known particularly for its cultural hubs, Amsterdam has a wealth of art galleries to offer. Taking pride of place is the famous Rijksmuseum, where you can explore the Netherlands’ largest collection of art and historical artifacts, including many pieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No exploration of Amsterdam’s artistic fortune would be complete without visiting the Van Gogh Museum, housing the largest public collection of the renowned Dutch artist’s works. Fans of contemporary art should also spend some time at the MOCO Museum, where you’ll find the works of such visionaries as Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and many other modern artists. On the other side of the culture coin sits Amsterdam’s impressive collection of historical hubs. Among some of the most popular destinations are the Amsterdam Museum and the Maritime Museum, offering insights into the respective histories of the city and of Dutch nautical endeavors. Anybody with a keen interest in local and continental history will also be well aware of the famous Anne Frank House. Once the home where the famous Jewish wartime diarist managed to evade capture, the site now serves as both a museum to her life and writings and a monument to the endurance of discriminated groups throughout the darkest time in recent European history. Events in February Carnival The one exception to the Netherlands’ tranquility in February is Carnival. Originally a pagan celebration held in the lead-up to Lent, the modern-day festival began in Italy and spread to the likes of Spain, Portugal, France and, of course, the Netherlands. While primarily only recognized in the majority-Catholic provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, smaller events can be found dotted around the country. For all its religious symbolism, Carnival is anything but a modest celebration. Over the course of several days in mid- to late-February, a number of major Dutch cities engage in all-out city-wide street parties. The event is usually kicked off with some form of ceremony, often involving the burning of an effigy and a speech by the so-called Prince of Carnival and other local authorities. The largest celebration is held in Maastricht, which sees thousands of visitors flock from around the country and even the continent for up to a week of day drinking and partying. Other major events take place in Den Bosch, Breda, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Venlo and Enschede, though the exact dates of celebrations may differ between locations. Although Amsterdam itself doesn’t typically engage in Carnival celebrations, you’re still likely to find some localized parties and events throughout the city. But for the true Carnival experience, make your way to a participating city in your choice of fancy dress and prepare for the street party of the year. All of the above cities are reachable within a few hours by train – though be aware that public transport will be jam-packed on festival days. Chocoa Chocolade Festival This indulgence-focused event is a must for visitors with a particularly sweet tooth. Held over two day in the heart of Amsterdam, the Chocoa Festival brings together renowned chocolate makers, industry experts and chocoholics to celebrate their shared passion for our favorite sweet treat. With over 85 unique stalls piled high with free samples, the festival encourages visitors to try out new chocolate flavors. Various types of wine, coffee and craft beer are often also on offer to help you discover the perfect indulgent pairing. Expert-led lectures and presentations are also mixed into the program to provide insights into the history of chocolate, how it’s made and the state of the industry in the modern day. Those with a keen interest can also engage in debates surrounding the ethics and practises of the industry, while also learning about developments in sustainable practises throughout various aspects of production.
Robert Heaney

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