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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
Here are some quick must-knows for Amsterdam‘s Christmas Market scene this year:
- Dates: Vary by market. Visit our Netherlands Xmas Market Opening Dates List for more info
- Official websites: Amsterdam Winter Paradise, Funky Xmas Market, Amsterdam Kerstmarkt, Ice*Village
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
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.
Amsterdam Christmas Market (De Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt) at Westergas
This popular event is hands down one of the top Christmas markets to visit in Amsterdam, with a fun party vibe ft. an ice rink, food trucks, children’s activities and even live performances and music.
While this isn’t your typical cozy Christmas market, it’s definitely a fun and unique Amsterdam take, and one well worth checking out.
Ice*Village Amsterdam at Museumplein
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!
Funky Xmas Market at Westergas
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.
Other Christmas Markets near Amsterdam
The Netherlands is a fairly compact country, which makes day trips very easy.
So, if you’re willing to venture a little further afield, there are some more excellent Christmas markets to visit in:
- Amstelveen
- Haarlem
- De Haar Castle
- Alkmaar
- Edam
Visit our Netherlands Xmas Market Opening Dates List for more info
More Photos from Amsterdam’s Christmas Markets
Looking for more Amsterdam Christmas market eye candy? Here are some additional photos we captured during our visit:
Funky Xmas Market
Ice*Village Amsterdam
Amsterdam Winter Paradise
We hope you enjoyed this Amsterdam Christmas Markets Guide!
Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions about your trip – we’re always happy to help.
