Amsterdam is especially atmospheric around Christmas, with illuminated canals, festive markets, winter events and cosy restaurants throughout the city. If you’re visiting in December, these are some of the best things to do in Amsterdam around Christmas.
1. Visit the Christmas markets
Amsterdam has several festive markets during the Christmas period. Christmas Village at Museumplein is one of the best-known, with Christmas stalls, food and drinks in the Museum Quarter.
Combine it with a visit to the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum to make a full afternoon of it.
2. Experience Amsterdam Light Festival from the water
One of the highlights of winter in Amsterdam is the Amsterdam Light Festival, when artworks and light installations illuminate the city’s waterways.
Although you can see some of the installations on foot, experiencing the festival from a boat is particularly special. For a more intimate experience, Private Boat Tour Amsterdam offers private cruises aboard heated historic salon boats. Instead of sharing a large sightseeing boat with other visitors, you have the boat exclusively for your own group.
For an even more special Christmas evening, you can combine the Amsterdam Light Festival with a private dinner cruise. Dinner and drinks are served on board while you cruise through illuminated Amsterdam. This is a particularly nice option for couples, families, groups of friends and expats living in Amsterdam who have family or friends visiting over the Christmas holidays.
It also works well as a festive get-together or end-of-year celebration with colleagues.
3. Go ice skating
Ice skating is a classic winter activity in Amsterdam. During the festive season, temporary ice rinks usually appear around the city, making this a fun option for couples, families and groups of friends.
Follow it with hot chocolate, mulled wine or dinner somewhere warm.
4. Walk through Amsterdam’s illuminated canals
Amsterdam is beautiful after dark throughout the year, but around Christmas the historic canal houses, bridges and streets become particularly atmospheric.
Take an evening walk through the Jordaan, Nine Streets, Herengracht and Reguliersgracht. The view towards the famous Seven Bridges is especially beautiful at night.
5. Have a special Christmas dinner
Amsterdam has plenty of atmospheric restaurants for a Christmas or end-of-year dinner. Restaurants such as De Belhamel are particularly suited to a cosy, romantic evening, while De Kas is a good choice if the food itself is the main event.
For something less conventional than a restaurant, consider a private dinner aboard a historic salon boat. You can combine dinner, wine, Amsterdam’s canals and — during the festival period — the Amsterdam Light Festival in one evening.
6. Explore the Jordaan and Nine Streets
Spend a winter afternoon wandering through the Jordaan and De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets). You’ll find independent boutiques, cafés, small restaurants and historic canal houses, making this one of the nicest areas to explore around Christmas.
7. Visit Amsterdam’s museums
Cold or rainy weather is a good excuse to explore Amsterdam’s museums. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House are obvious choices, while smaller museums and historic canal houses can be good alternatives if you’ve already visited the major attractions.
8. Enjoy a winter or Christmas event
Amsterdam normally has a busy festive calendar with concerts, performances, winter events and special Christmas activities. Check what is taking place during your exact travel dates, as programmes change from year to year.
If I had to choose three experiences for a Christmas visit to Amsterdam: spend an afternoon exploring the Christmas markets, visit one of the major museums, and save one evening for the Amsterdam Light Festival. For a special occasion, experiencing the festival from a heated private boat — optionally combined with dinner and wine — is one of the most memorable ways to experience Amsterdam at Christmas.