Amsterdam Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Santa hats, stroopwafels, and fairy lights on every corner, Christmas in Amsterdam doesn’t hold back. The city flips into full festive mode, with market stalls filling the squares, canals glowing under twinkling lights, and the smell of roasted chestnuts chasing you down the cobbled streets. It’s where Dutch tradition meets holiday magic, and every turn gives you something to smile about (and probably eat). Whether you’re here for the ice rinks, the quirky gifts, or just an excuse to wear mittens and sip glühwein, Amsterdam makes winter feel like the best season of the year.
Where are the Amsterdam Christmas markets located?
Amsterdam is home to some of the most enchanting Christmas markets, each offering a unique festive experience. Here are some of the top Christmas markets to visit this season:
- Christmas Market at Museumplein: Known as Ice Village, this market is set up every December in front of the Rijksmuseum, offering everyone a delightful experience filled with mulled wine, trinkets, Christmas accessories, live entertainment, and delicious food. The charming atmosphere is perfect for capturing festive memories with family and friends, all enhanced by the stunning backdrop of the Rijksmuseum.
- Christmas Market at Leidseplein: Leidseplein transforms into a vibrant holiday hub during the Christmas season, making it one of Amsterdam’s most popular festive destinations. The market features a variety of handmade crafts, winter accessories, and holiday decorations, alongside a beloved ice rink. The lively atmosphere here makes it a great spot for families and friends to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit while enjoying skating and sipping warm drinks from nearby stalls.
- Christmas Market at Rembrandtplein: The famous Rembrandtplein will host an atmospheric ice rink and festive market, where you can skate surrounded by holiday lights and wooden chalets while enjoying the unique Christmas ambience. With numerous restaurants and bars nearby, it’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of festivities.
- Funky Xmas Market: The Funky Xmas Market adds a festive twist to the popular Sunday Market, featuring stalls filled with artisanal products and quirky gifts. Here, you can shop for unique items in a cheerful setting while enjoying live music and warm beverages. This market is an excellent choice for those seeking special gifts and appreciating local talent during the holiday season.
- Pure Markt Winter Market: The winter edition of the Pure Markt pops up in Park Frankendael, offering fresh products and artisanal goods. This cosy farmers market showcases passionate vendors and provides a lovely atmosphere to enjoy music, bites, and drinks. It’s a wonderful place to support local vendors while indulging in seasonal treats. The picturesque park setting enhances the festive experience, making it a delightful outing for all.
Things to do at the Amsterdam Christmas Markets
The Amsterdam Christmas Market is more than just a festive shopping spot, it’s part of a city-wide celebration filled with twinkling lights, seasonal food, and holiday fun. Here’s what you can look forward to both at the market and nearby:
- Tuck into festive street food: You can savour traditional treats like Oliebollen, Poffertjes, Stroopwafels, Kibbeling, and Bitterballen, alongside grilled sausages, roasted chestnuts, and Frites served with an array of dipping sauces. To keep warm while exploring, indulge in hot chocolate, mulled wine, or spiced apple cider.
- Amsterdam Winter Paradise: The Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI delivers a full-on festive experience with ice skating, cross-country skiing, a merry-go-round, and plenty more. Families can dive into the fun with kids’ shows, a mini ferris wheel, a silent disco just for little ones, and live performances to keep everyone entertained.
- Amsterdam Light Festival: The canals of Amsterdam come alive with over 20 dazzling light installations during the Amsterdam Light Festival. With this year’s theme, ‘World of Rituals’, the city blends culture, history, and future dreams into a glowing outdoor gallery. For the best view, Hop on a canal cruise and see the artwork sparkle from the water.
How to reach the Amsterdam Christmas market?
The Amsterdam Christmas Markets are conveniently located near the town centre, easily accessible by train, bus, and car.
- By train: Amsterdam Centraal is the city’s main rail hub, with frequent services from across the Netherlands and direct international connections from cities like Brussels, Paris, and Berlin. From Centraal Station, you can hop on trams or the metro to reach the market areas, or even walk to the canal-side installations of the Light Festival.
- By tram or metro: The city’s excellent GVB transport network connects all major Christmas hotspots. For the Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI, take Metro 52 to Europaplein or Tram 4 from Centraal. For the Light Festival, Trams 2, 4, 12, and 14 stop near popular viewing areas like Damrak, Waterlooplein, and Museumplein.
- By bike: Amsterdam is famously bike-friendly, and cycling is one of the quickest ways to get around the festive sites. There are plenty of cycle lanes and parking spots near all major attractions.
- By car: Driving in central Amsterdam isn’t recommended due to traffic and limited parking, especially during the festive season. However, if you’re coming by car, use one of the Park and Ride locations on the outskirts of the city, then switch to public transport for a smooth trip into the centre.
Is it worth going to Amsterdam for the Christmas Markets?
Yes, Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are well worth a visit, with beautifully decorated stalls, festive foods, and a lively atmosphere. Spread across the city from Museumplein to Rembrandtplein, these markets offer everything from handcrafted gifts and Dutch treats to ice skating and live performances. The city’s canals and historic squares create a unique backdrop, while illuminated light displays and mulled wine stalls add to the festive charm, making it an unforgettable holiday experience.
Where to stay in Amsterdam?
If you’re looking for a festive getaway in Amsterdam, you’ll find a wide selection of excellent hotels for your stay. To be close to the Christmas markets and all the city’s attractions, choose accommodations near the city centre. Check out exclusive discounts on hotel stays on this page for the most memorable Amsterdam Christmas market break.
Other things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers a variety of activities beyond the enchanting Christmas markets and light displays.
- Visit world-class museums: Warm up indoors at the Rijksmuseum, home to over 8,000 works of art, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, and the Van Gogh Museum, which showcases the world's largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings, drawings, and letters.
- Experience the Amsterdam Ice Bar: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at the Ice Bar, where you can sip three drinks served in ice glasses, surrounded by intricate ice sculptures and chill out in a temperature of -10°C.
- Explore Ripley’s Believe it or Not: Step into the odd and unusual at Ripley’s, featuring over 500 exhibits, including shrunken heads, rare artefacts, and interactive displays across 19 themed galleries.
- Marvel at Madame Tussauds: See lifelike wax figures of global icons such as the royal family, Hollywood stars, and sports legends at Madame Tussauds, one of the world’s most famous wax museums.
Christmas Essentials: Christmas Shop | Christmas Gifts | Christmas Pyjamas | Christmas Decorations | Christmas Market Breaks | Christmas Jumpers | Christmas Trees