Amsterdam Beats Valkenburg, Maastricht, Utrecht, Groningen, Leiden, The Hague, and Flevoland for This Years Ultimate Christmas Wonderland in Netherlander: Ice Rinks, Christmas Markets, Ferris Wheels, and More!

Published on December 12, 2025

Amsterdam beats Valkenburg, Maastricht, Utrecht, Groningen, Leiden, The Hague, and Flevoland for this year’s ultimate Christmas wonderland in the Netherlands. The city takes the lead with its festive atmosphere, offering a dazzling array of ice rinks, Christmas markets, Ferris wheels, and so much more. While each city has its charm, Amsterdam’s winter experience stands out with its unique combination of holiday activities and magical settings. From skating on iconic ice rinks to shopping for gifts at bustling Christmas markets, the city embraces the season like no other. The sparkling lights and festive decorations create a picture-perfect scene that will leave visitors mesmerised. Whether you’re skating, shopping, or enjoying warm treats, Amsterdam offers everything for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience. This year, Amsterdam is truly the place to be for those seeking the ultimate holiday adventure in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam: Ice Villages, Christmas Markets, and Winter Paradise

As one of the most popular destinations for a winter escape, Amsterdam shines brightly during Christmas. With several Christmas-themed attractions across the city, it offers a festive holiday experience like no other. From 4 to 28 December 2025, Museumplein will be home to the Christmas Village (Ice Village), where over 45 vendors offer a variety of gifts, food, and festive treats. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment and explore the winter stalls, creating the perfect holiday atmosphere. The village’s charm is enhanced by the city’s festive spirit, where Amsterdam’s picturesque streets are lined with twinkling lights, creating a magical vibe for all who visit.

Just a stone’s throw away, Ice*Amsterdam opens with a large ice rink featuring a replica of the Skinny Bridge. Admission to the rink costs around €16, which includes skate rental. For those looking for even more winter fun, the Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI will run from 17 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, offering both indoor and outdoor skating, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and a giant Ferris wheel. Tickets start at €18.50, with discounts for off-peak slots.

Amsterdam also hosts several special Christmas events, such as the Funky Xmas Market at Westergasfabriek on 21 December, and the Pure Markt Wintermarkt at Park Frankendael on 30 November and 21 December. These events feature unique gifts, food stalls, and plenty of opportunities for enjoying Christmas in one of the world’s most charming cities. With its blend of ice activities, Christmas markets, and festive events, Amsterdam offers a truly magical experience.

Valkenburg: A Christmas Wonderland Underground

Valkenburg, a picturesque town in the Limburg region, is one of the most unique Christmas destinations in the Netherlands. From 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, Valkenburg transforms into a magical Christmas town, with festive markets set inside two remarkable underground caves. The Velvet Cave is home to 50 stalls selling Christmas decorations and handcrafted gifts, surrounded by illuminated marlstone murals, which creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Admission to the Velvet Cave costs €9 from Monday to Thursday, and €10 on Fridays and Sundays for adults, with children under four entering for free.

The Municipal Cave, known for being home to Europe’s largest underground Christmas market, offers a similar experience, with dozens of stalls offering everything from artisanal crafts to delicious festive treats. Tickets here are also priced at €9 or €10, depending on the day. The Landal Christmas Parade, which takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 15 November to 27 December 2025, adds another level of magic to the town. This free parade features dazzling floats, dancers, and Christmas music that wind through the cobbled streets of Valkenburg. Valkenburg’s combination of underground markets, festive lights, and lively parades creates a truly magical atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience.

Maastricht: Ice Skating and a Giant Ferris Wheel

Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. During the Christmas season, Maastricht also transforms into a festive paradise. From 28 November to 29 December 2025, Vrijthof Square in Maastricht becomes a winter wonderland. The square is home to a massive 1,000 m² covered ice rink, complete with a replica of the Saint Servatius Bridge. The rink offers not only ice skating but also a street curling rink and a funhouse, providing entertainment for the whole family. Entry is free, but visitors will need a €1 “Magische Cashcard” to make purchases.

New to Maastricht’s Christmas celebrations is a 45-metre Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views of the historic city. Visitors can enjoy the festive ambiance from above while indulging in traditional Christmas treats, such as crêpes, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and poffertjes (mini pancakes). For the perfect break from skating and shopping, head to the Almhütte bar, where live performances add to the festive atmosphere. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit on weekdays. Maastricht is easily accessible by train, and public transport offers an easy way to get to this festive hotspot.

Utrecht: A Winter Station and a Nostalgic Christmas

Utrecht, a charming city known for its picturesque canals and stunning architecture, offers a unique and nostalgic Christmas experience. From 13 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, the Spoorwegmuseum (Railway Museum) is transformed into a winter station, featuring a real ice rink where visitors can skate around an antique train. The museum halls are decked out with Christmas trees, garlands, and festive lights, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The smell of roasting poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes) and marshmallows fills the air, adding to the festive charm.

Admission to the Winter Station is €2.50, and off-peak museum tickets are available for €15. Families can enjoy a separate child-friendly ice rink, and skate rentals are free. With extended opening hours during the Christmas holidays, Utrecht’s Winter Station is the perfect family outing. The museum is accessible by a shuttle train from Utrecht Central, adding to the experience. A visit to Utrecht offers a magical, snowy day out with a delightful mix of history, ice skating, and holiday cheer.

Groningen: Illuminated Ships and Canal Festivities

For those seeking a more offbeat and unique Christmas experience, Groningen offers the perfect winter adventure. From 19 to 21 December 2025, the historic A‑kwartier in Groningen hosts Winter Welvaart, a celebration of the city’s maritime heritage. The event features around twenty historic ships that are moored along the canals, illuminated with festive lights. Visitors can board the ships and enjoy cultural activities such as music, theatre, exhibitions, and creative workshops.

The event is free, and the illuminated ships create a magical backdrop for a festive stroll along the canals. With fewer crowds than larger Christmas markets, Groningen’s Winter Welvaart provides a peaceful and enchanting way to enjoy the holiday season. This hidden gem blends the best of Dutch maritime history with the warmth of Christmas, making it a unique destination for those seeking something different during the holidays.

Leiden: Skating on the Floating Ice Rink

Leiden, known for its charming canals and beautiful architecture, is transformed into a winter wonderland during the Winter Wonder Weeks. From 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, the Nieuwe Rijn in Leiden hosts a unique floating ice rink, where visitors can skate while enjoying the scenic beauty of the city. Tickets for the rink cost €9.50, including skate rental. Gloves are required for skating.

Nearby, the Nostalgic Christmas Market runs from 12 to 14 and 18 to 21 December 2025, offering a traditional winter village with charming chalets, food trucks, and a cosy terrace. Leiden also hosts festive activities such as silent discos, Santa runs, and choir weekends, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere. Leiden is a great place to enjoy skating, shopping, and soaking up the Christmas cheer while exploring its picturesque streets.

The Hague: Royal Christmas at Paleis Het Loo

For a regal and elegant Christmas experience, head to The Hague, the political heart of the Netherlands. Paleis Het Loo, the royal palace in Apeldoorn, is transformed for the Winter Palace event, running from 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. The stable yard features a monumental Christmas tree, while an avenue of fir trees leads to the palace, beautifully illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations. Inside the palace, visitors can explore winter-themed displays, including royal table settings and festive greenery.

The Winter Palace event offers family-friendly activities such as treasure hunts, craft workshops, and visits to the Junior Palace. Evening openings allow visitors to experience the palace in its full Christmas glory, offering a sophisticated yet festive atmosphere. For those seeking a royal Christmas experience, Paleis Het Loo provides a one-of-a-kind destination.

Flevoland: Ice Sculptures and Frozen Art

For a truly icy Christmas experience, head to the Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival in Flevoland. From 13 December 2025 to 8 March 2026, visitors can explore an incredible gallery of ice sculptures, each created by international artists. The festival is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours during the Christmas holidays.

Tickets cost €21.95 for adults and €15.95 for children aged 4–10. Visitors can expect to see winter scenes and fairytale characters sculpted entirely from snow and ice. The festival is accessible to all, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the stunning art on display. The ice sculptures offer a stunning, icy backdrop for your Christmas experience, making Flevoland a must-visit destination for art and winter enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion: A Dutch Christmas Like No Other

In conclusion, Amsterdam beats Valkenburg, Maastricht, Utrecht, Groningen, Leiden, The Hague, and Flevoland for this year’s ultimate Christmas wonderland in the Netherlands. With its stunning ice rinks, vibrant Christmas markets, giant Ferris wheels, and more, Amsterdam offers an unparalleled festive experience. While each city has its own charm, Amsterdam’s unique blend of holiday attractions and magical atmosphere makes it the top destination for those seeking the most unforgettable Christmas adventure in the Netherlands this season.