Celebrate the Holidays in Amsterdam: Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets and Winter Fun

Published on December 9, 2025

When December arrives in Amsterdam, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, filled with festive lights, seasonal decorations, and the warm buzz of Christmas cheer. Streets glow a little brighter, canals sparkle under twinkling lights, and nearly every neighborhood unveils its own interpretation of a Christmas market. These gatherings have become much more than simple holiday stalls; they now serve as social rituals, where people gather to choose gifts, sample festive treats, and enjoy the seasonal spirit. If you’re visiting Amsterdam during the holiday season, here’s your ultimate guide to the city’s best Christmas markets and festive hot spots.

1. The Ice Village Amsterdam at Museumplein

One of the most iconic holiday attractions in Amsterdam is the Ice Village, located at the famous Museumplein, which is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Concertgebouw. This charming ice rink draws skaters of all levels and is beautifully set against the backdrop of these historic landmarks. In addition to ice skating, the Ice Village features a traditional Christmas market with wooden stalls offering an assortment of artisanal gifts, delicious Dutch winter treats, and warming drinks like hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Visitors can also enjoy the festive atmosphere while shopping for unique gifts, from hand-crafted ornaments to local artisanal products. The Ice Village is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a quintessentially Dutch Christmas in the heart of Amsterdam.

2. Amsterdam Christmas Market at the Rembrandtplein

Located in the lively Rembrandtplein, this Christmas market is one of the most popular spots for locals and tourists alike. The market offers a festive atmosphere with beautifully decorated stalls selling everything from holiday decorations to Dutch treats such as oliebollen (deep-fried dough balls) and poffertjes (miniature fluffy pancakes).

The Rembrandtplein market is also home to a giant Christmas tree and twinkling lights that fill the square with a warm glow. If you’re in the mood for holiday shopping, the market provides a great variety of gifts, from local crafts to handmade jewelry, making it an ideal spot to find something special for friends and family.

3. The Winter Parade at the Jordaan District

The Jordaan District, one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods, is a wonderful place to explore during the festive season. With its narrow streets, historic buildings, and canals, the Jordaan creates a cozy setting for a Christmas outing. The Winter Parade in the Jordaan is a local favorite, offering a delightful mix of Christmas market stalls, live music performances, and street food vendors.

Walking along the canals lined with Christmas lights, visitors can enjoy hot drinks, festive snacks, and browse through the market stalls selling local handicrafts and holiday goods. The atmosphere here is more laid-back compared to the larger Christmas markets, offering a more intimate and cozy holiday experience.

4. The Christmas Market at the Noordermarkt

For those looking to escape the more tourist-heavy areas, the Christmas market at the Noordermarkt is a great alternative. Located in the heart of the Jordaan, this market is known for its authentic vibe and locally sourced goods. Vendors offer everything from fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to homemade gifts and decorations.

In addition to the market, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby where you can warm up with a traditional Dutch winter dish like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables). If you’re seeking a more authentic experience of Amsterdam’s holiday season, the Noordermarkt is the perfect destination.

5. The Christmas Canal Cruise

Amsterdam’s canals are famous year-round, but during the holiday season, they take on a magical quality when illuminated by the city’s Christmas lights. One of the best ways to experience this festive transformation is with a Christmas canal cruise. Several operators offer seasonal cruises that take you through Amsterdam’s historic canals, where you can admire the twinkling lights and the city’s festive decorations from the comfort of a heated boat.

Many Christmas canal cruises also include holiday treats like warm mulled wine or cider, making for a cozy and unique way to explore the city. For those wanting to see the sights from a different perspective, a canal cruise is a must-do activity during your visit to Amsterdam.

6. The Holiday Lights on the Canal Belt

The Amsterdam Light Festival, which runs through the winter months, coincides beautifully with the Christmas season. The canal belt area of the city becomes an outdoor gallery, with stunning light installations and sculptures lighting up the waterways and historic bridges. Many of these artworks are designed to interact with the water and architecture, creating a magical atmosphere that is perfect for a nighttime stroll.

Visitors can walk or take a canal cruise through this illuminated art exhibit, which offers an extraordinary way to experience the beauty of Amsterdam during the festive season. The combination of the Christmas lights and the art installations makes the canal belt one of the most enchanting spots to visit during the holidays.

7. Festive Shopping at De Bijenkorf

For those looking to do some holiday shopping, De Bijenkorf is Amsterdam’s premier department store and a festive hotspot during the Christmas season. Located on Dam Square, this luxury department store goes all out with its Christmas window displays, showcasing elaborate scenes that capture the spirit of the season. Inside, the store is filled with holiday decorations and festive promotions, offering a wide range of gifts, from designer items to local souvenirs.

De Bijenkorf is the perfect place to shop for high-quality gifts while enjoying the holiday atmosphere, and the store’s central location makes it an easy stop after exploring the nearby Christmas markets.

Conclusion: A Magical Holiday Experience in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s Christmas markets and festive attractions offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking to enjoy traditional Dutch treats, shop for unique holiday gifts, or soak in the city’s festive ambiance. The combination of historical sites, Christmas lights, and seasonal activities creates an unforgettable holiday experience that makes Amsterdam one of the best destinations for Christmas tourism in Europe. From ice skating at Museumplein to cozying up in the Jordaan, Amsterdam’s holiday season promises to enchant visitors at every turn.