Top 5 things to do this Christmas in Amsterdam to warm your soul
Christmas in Amsterdam always makes me fall in love with the city all over again. I’ve spent my entire life here, and somehow, the magic never fades.
There’s just something magical about the soft glow of fairy lights twinkling along the canals and the sweet sound of carols echoing from hidden churches that feels like a warm hug in the middle of winter.
Each year, I discover new experiences—some festive, cosy, and just unexpectedly wonderful.
So, if you’re thinking about spending the holidays here, let me share what makes Amsterdam truly special. You might just find yourself starting a new holiday tradition of your own.
1. Feel the magic at Museumplein Christmas Market
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Website: https://www.museumplein.nl/
Address: Museumplein, 1071 DJ
Contact: +31 20 624 1111
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: Free
The Museumplein Christmas Market is truly one of the most delightful spots in Amsterdam during the holiday season. The square comes alive with charming wooden chalets, each one brimming with handmade gifts, cosy winter accessories, and festive home decor.
As you wander through the stalls, you’ll find locally crafted gifts and souvenirs and indulge in a mouthwatering array of gourmet foods, from artisanal cheeses to warm, gooey stroopwafels.
I couldn’t resist trying their oliebollen for only €5. It’s soft, warm, and just what you need to combat the chilly weather. The market’s lit up with beautiful lights and has cosy corners with heaters.
Best of all, it’s free to enter.
Pro Tip:
Come just before sunset to enjoy the market in daylight and see it light up beautifully at night without the heavy crowds.
2. Skate into the season at Ice Village
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Website: https://www.museumplein.nl/
Address: Museumplein, 1071 DJ
Contact: +31 20 624 1111
Hours: Thursday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: €
Ice Village transforms Museumplein into a winter wonderland that offers so much more than just skating. The ice rink, with an admission fee of €7.50 and skate rentals at €6.50, is surrounded by charming festive stalls.
I absolutely adored the holiday-themed backdrops near the rink, especially the giant ornaments and the enchanting glowing tunnels. Visitors can also groove to live DJ sets and sip on hot drinks at festive pop-up bars featuring local brews.
There’s even a cosy seasonal lounge where you can snuggle up with fleece blankets and enjoy your snacks in comfort. For families, there are adorable child-friendly skating aids shaped like seals that make it a fun and safe experience for the little ones.
Pro Tip:
Weekday evenings are the best time to go—fewer people, prettier lights, and the whole place just feels more chill and festive.
3. Sail through the lights with Lovers Canal Cruises
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Website: https://www.lovers.nl/en/
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 20B, 1012 TL
Contact: +31 20 214 3111
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: €€
If you want to truly enjoy the magic of the Amsterdam Light Festival, I highly recommend hopping on a Lovers Canal Cruises. These covered boats leave every 20 minutes. You’ll cruise past beautiful light installations all along Amsterdam’s famous canals.
Tickets start at €26 for adults, and they even come with an audio guide that tells you the story behind each piece as you glide by. What really got me was how calm and peaceful the ride felt, especially drifting under all the flowing bridges.
Plus, you can grab some snacks and drinks on board for a complete winter adventure.
Pro Tip:
If you can, go for the 6 PM cruise. It’s the perfect time to catch that dreamy twilight glow and all the lights starting to shine.
4. Enjoy the lights at Dam Square’s Christmas tree
Media credit: winterfestivalamsterdam
Website: https://www.amsterdam.info/sights/dam_square/
Address: Dam, 1012 RJ
Contact: +31 20 624 9771
Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
Every December, Dam Square transforms into the sparkling heart of Amsterdam. There’s this huge Christmas tree, like over 20 meters tall, and it’s covered in more than 40,000 twinkling LED Lights.
The official lighting usually happens on a Saturday evening in mid-December. It’s usually complete with brass bands, carol singers, and sometimes fireworks.
It’s set up right in front of the Royal Palace, and everyone comes to check it out. People stop to take photos, vibe with the festive mood, and just enjoy that classic Christmas feeling.
Pro Tip:
Right after checking out the tree, pop into De Bijenkorf and head to the top-floor cafe. You’ll get a warm drink with a bonus view over the square. It’s cosy and underrated.
5. Watch the light dance at De Bijenkorf Amsterdam
@amsterdam.explores Christmas vibes in Amsterdam 🎄 the streets are decorated with Christmas lights and you feel that the vibes are changing in Christmas 🎅🏼 with who you gonna visit Amsterdam this year? Tag your friends 🙌 ❌❌❌ IG:when.in.amsterdam #amsterdam #amsterdamcity #christmasvibes #amsterdamstreets #christmas #photographers #christmasdecor #winter #nederland #christmastime #travel #travelphotography #travelgram #travelamsterdam
♬ original sound – Amsterdam
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Website: https://www.debijenkorf.nl/amsterdam
Address: Dam 1, 1012 JS
Contact: +31 20 808 9333
Hours: Monday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: Free
De Bijenkorf looks amazing during Christmas. Every night, the whole building lights up with tons of twinkling LEDs that flash along with the music. It’s super cool and makes Dam Square feel even more festive.
The best part? It’s totally free. The lights start right after sunset, and a bunch of people show up just to watch. I went during golden hour, and seeing the lights slowly turn on as the sky got dark was honestly so cool.
And did you know that De Bijenkorf is the only place in the Netherlands where tourists from outside the EU can get their VAT refund right in the store? Yes, no need to wait in line at the airport. Just drop by and get your money back on the spot if you spend over €50.
Pro Tip:
Try to arrive 10–15 minutes early to snag a prime viewing spot right across the street for the best photos and a full view of the show.