When daylight saving time ends, evenings suddenly start to feel much darker in the Netherlands.
By December, as the winter solstice approaches, it already starts getting dark a little after 4 PM.
Luckily, the beautiful winter illumination brightens up the long nights. Shopping streets glow with festive lights, and huge gift-box decorations appear around the city — perfect photo spots for winter strolls.
One of my favorite illuminations is on Leidsestraat, where tree-shaped lights hang above the street.
And the night view from Spiegelgracht, looking toward the Rijksmuseum, is stunning. Even though the nights are long, there’s something magical about going out during the holiday season.
In Amsterdam, Christmas really begins in mid-December, after the Sinterklaas celebrations are over. And unlike many European cities, ice skating plays a bigger role than Christmas markets here.
Here’s a roundup of the best Christmas and winter events in Amsterdam for 2025. Use it as a guide for your winter outings!
- Weekends in November–December “Christmas Events” / Boven ’t Y
- November 14 – January 4 “Ice Rink” / Rembrandtplein
- November 27 – January 18 “Light Festival” / Canals
- November 29 – January 4 “Winter Village” / Amstelveen
- December “Christmas Trees” / Dam Square Area
- December 4 – December 28 “Christmas Market” / Museumplein
- December 13 – January 3 “Winter Paradise” / RAI
- December 17 – January 4 “World Christmas Circus” / Carré
- December 21 “Funky Christmas Market” / Westerpark
- December 21 “Pure Market” / Frankendael Park
Weekends in November–December “Christmas Events” / Boven ’t Y
Boven ’t Y, a shopping mall located in Amsterdam Noord, hosts Christmas-themed events on weekends throughout November and December.
In November, there is a lively parade by Sinterklaas’ helpers, Sinterklaas himself visits on November 23rd, and in December you can enjoy a Dickens-style orchestra, Christmas parades, and lots of festive entertainment.
Since the events take place inside the mall, you can enjoy them while shopping.
November 14 – January 4 “Ice Rink” / Rembrandtplein
Every year, an ice rink quietly appears at Rembrandtplein — a bit of a hidden gem despite being right in the city center. It tends to be less crowded with tourists, making it a fun and relaxed place to skate.
The square is surrounded by restaurants, so it’s perfect for after-dinner skating.
There are also stands selling oliebollen (traditional Dutch doughnuts) and hot chocolate. It’s a great spot to swing by while sightseeing or shopping.
November 27 – January 18 “Light Festival” / Canals
The Amsterdam Light Festival is a signature winter event where artworks and light installations illuminate the canals. Special canal cruises are especially popular for viewing the displays.
The route is quite large, so walking the entire thing is tough — cycling or taking a boat tour is recommended.
For a quick look, check near the Amstel River (around Waterlooplein to the Skinny Bridge).
November 29 – January 4 “Winter Village” / Amstelveen
Winter Village Amstelveen is held at the shopping mall in the neighboring town of Amstelveen. You can shop, skate, relax, and enjoy a full festive day here.
A bar opens beside the skating rink, so you can sip glühwein while enjoying the Christmas atmosphere.
December “Christmas Trees” / Dam Square Area
The big Christmas tree at Dam Square usually goes up after Sinterklaas returns to Spain, so it appears around December 10–15.
Inside the nearby shopping mall Magna Plaza, a massive Christmas tree is suspended from the ceiling — definitely worth seeing.
At de Bijenkorf department store, Christmas sales begin, making it the perfect place to shop for ornaments and holiday gifts.
December 4 – December 28 “Christmas Market” / Museumplein
The Christmas Village at Museumplein is Amsterdam’s classic Christmas market. Every year it feels a little more authentic and festive.
Museumplein is both a major tourist spot and a favorite place for locals. A large ice rink is set up in the center, surrounded by lodge-style stalls, giving the whole square a cozy winter-village vibe.
It’s also open on Christmas Day.
The ice rink itself is open from November 15 to February 6.
Skating website >>
December 13 – January 3 “Winter Paradise” / RAI
The Winter Paradise (Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs) takes over the RAI convention center with endless activities — ice skating, curling, a Christmas market, beer garden, karaoke, a cinema, and more.
You can easily spend the whole day here having fun. It’s open on Christmas Day and New Year’s too.
(Note: All food and drink payments inside are PIN-only.)
Check the official site for details.
December 17 – January 4 “World Christmas Circus” / Carré
The Royal Theater Carré hosts the World Christmas Circus, where world-class performers and circus champions present top-level acts.
It’s an amazing chance to experience a true international circus in Amsterdam.
December 21 “Funky Christmas Market” / Westerpark
Westerpark hosts monthly themed markets featuring local artists, designers, and creators.
In December, the special Funky Xmas Market takes place — and as the name suggests, you might find something wonderfully quirky.
NOTE: There will also be a Sinterklaas Market on December 7.
December 21 “Pure Market” / Frankendael Park
The Pure Market is held every Sunday, rotating between Amstelpark, Amsterdamse Bos, and Frankendael Park.
Around Christmas, it often takes on a festive, Christmas-market style. In 2025, it will be held at Frankendael Park on December 21.