Amsterdam Christmas Markets | 2024 Dates, Locations & Must-Knows!

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While not as well-known for Christmas markets as its neighbours in Germany, Amsterdam is an absolutely magical city that comes alive at Christmas time, with plenty of festive activities to do for visitors of all ages.

Looking to learn more about Amsterdam’s Christmas markets, or perhaps need some guidance on planning your own trip there?

In this post, we’ll be covering…

Practical Info for Amsterdam’s Christmas Markets
Where to Stay While Visiting Amsterdam’s Christmas Markets
Why Visit Amsterdam’s Christmas Markets?
Christmas Markets in Amsterdam to Visit

We hope you find it helpful and interesting!

Practical Info for Amsterdam’s Christmas Markets 2024

Here are some quick must-knows for Amsterdam‘s Christmas Market scene this year:

2024 Dates: Vary by market. Visit our Netherlands Xmas Market Opening Dates List for more info
Official websites: Amsterdam Winter Paradise, Funky Xmas Market, Ice*Village, The Sustainable Christmas Market, Pure Markt Wintermarkt

Where to Stay While Visiting Amsterdam’s Christmas Markets

In need of a place to stay while exploring Amsterdam’s Xmas market scene? Here are some quick hotel recommendations:

Budget: Check prices and availability
Mid-Range: Check prices and availability
Luxury: Check prices and availability

Why Visit Amsterdam’s Christmas Markets?

If you’re wondering whether or not Amsterdam is worth a trip during Christmas market season, here are some compelling reasons to visit!

Amsterdam in winter is magical

Amsterdam is one of the busiest tourist cities in Europe, and while there’s no true “off-season” here, winter is probably the closest you can get.

With the relatively thinner crowds, the potential of fresh snow on the city’s iconic canal-lined streets, and plenty of cafes and bars to cozy into after a long day of exploring, Amsterdam is truly a treat to visit in the winter time.

You may get to ice skate on Amsterdam’s iconic canals!

While it’s quite rare, winter is the only time you even have a chance of experiencing the phenomenon of frozen canals in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is an amazing city

Honestly, if you wanted to visit Amsterdam exclusively to see its Christmas markets, we would recommend you head elsewhere because there are certainly other cities that embrace the Christmas market tradition far more than Amsterdam does.

BUT (and this is a big but), Amsterdam is a truly incredible city, with a lot to offer visitors besides Christmas markets, from world class museums and important historic sights to an abundance of cozy bars and ‘coffee shops’.

There’s no city in the world quite like Amsterdam, and winter is a great time to experience it.

Think of all the Christmas markets in Amsterdam as a happy bonus!

Christmas Markets in Amsterdam to Visit

Wondering where to find the best Christmas markets in Amsterdam? Here’s an overview.

Amsterdam Winter Paradise (Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs) at the RAI

Official Website

NOTE: This is a ticketed event so make sure to buy a ticket in advance!

While not a traditional Christmas market, one winter event you can’t miss in Amsterdam is the Amsterdam Winter Paradise, a fun fair-type event similar to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London.

Here, you’ll find plenty of fun outdoor activities like tubing, ice skating rinks, a helter-skelter, fires to cook marshmallows and even a giant Ferris wheel with incredible city views. Then, if you head inside the RAI convention center there is another ice skating rink, many food and drink stalls with seating in front of the main stage, an indoor snow tube ride, snow-play area for kids, fun-fair games and even a cozy Christmas cinema that shows classics like Home Alone!

This is an excellent event to take kids to during the day, but in the evening it becomes more of an adult playground as there are bars, live music and even a silent disco.

Ice*Village Amsterdam at Museumplein

Official Website

Another signature Amsterdam Christmas market event is the Ice*Village ion the city’s iconic Museumplein, which becomes an enchanting Christmas village throughout the festive season.

Here you’ll find a central ice rink in front of the famous Rijksmuseum, along with a variety of market stalls selling tasty treats and gifts, as well as a live entertainment programme and other fun events and activities. This is one Amsterdam Xmas event you cannot miss!

The Sustainable Christmas Market at De Ceuvel

Official Website

For those who want to be environmentally conscious with their Christmas gift-buying, there’s the Sustainable Christmas Market! It’s held at a unique office park with a sustainable cafe on-site in the hip Noord neighbourhood.

This is quite a small market, but everything on offer is sustainable, with some lovely local artisans along with live music, yummy food and drink and even a small waterside sauna if you fancy some extra relaxation! The whole event has a very local vibe, plus the park with it’s on-land boats that house creative spaces are definitely worth exploring while you’re there.

Pure Wintermarkt

Official Website

Pure Markt is a monthly ‘green’ market which takes place in different parks around Amsterdam throughout the year (on the last Sunday of each month). There’s a special Christmas ‘Wintermarkt’ edition held each December that’s always at Park Frankendael – and not on the last Sunday of the month because then it would be too late for Christmas!

This market is where to get gifts for the foodie in your life, as 70% of the stalls focus on gourmet food items, although there are also plenty of lovely non-food gift ideas to shop for as well. This is also a great market to visit for lunch as there are so many delicious things to eat while there, from Japanese street food to Greek gyros in pita.

Funky Xmas Market at Westergas

Official Website

Lastly, if it’s shopping opportunities you’re looking for, make sure to visit Amsterdam’s Funky Xmas Market, which is a festive edition of the Westergas’ monthly Sunday market that showcases art, gifts, and goods made with love by local artisans, designers, and creatives. You can find very unique (and funky) gift ideas here, along with food trucks, live music and even circus performers to entertain the kids!