Amsterdam Christmas Market 2025: Know Before You Go

Amsterdam is one of the best choices for a Christmas trip abroad. They not only have a world-famous Christmas Market, but they also have Christmas activities all over the city that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

We created this guide to answer any and all questions you might have about the Amsterdam Christmas Market, whether you're planning to spend your holiday there this year or next.

Christmas Market Amsterdam, Museumplein

Every December, the space in front of the Rijksmuseum is transformed into a Christmas feast for the eyes.

This space becomes a Christmas market, complete with little chalets filled with artisan goods and foods, decor, and an ice skating rink, as you can see in the photo above.

The entire ambiance is cozy, and it is an especially memorable experience if it is snowing.

The Christmas market typically opens the second week of December and continues until just after the holiday.

Information about the exact dates and hours can be found on their official website.

The market is on the Museumplein, the largest public square in Amsterdam, named so because there are a lot of museums surrounding it.

What to do at Amsterdam's Christmas Market

There are more than 45 chalets in the square with several different options for things to eat and drink, like a European Christmas favorite - mulled wine.

It's right next to the ice skating rink, so that can be a fun activity to do as well. Keep in mind that while the Christmas Market is free to peruse, if you want to ice skate, tickets are required.

As mentioned above, there are lots of different museums that you can explore too. This can be a great way to warm up a little bit between your Christmas shopping and snowy activities.

• Try local foods (stroopwafel!)
• Try mulled wine and other hot beverages.
• Get tickets to go ice skating.
• Buy Christmas gifts and souvenirs at the 40+ stalls.
• Take photos of all of the beautiful Christmas decorations.
• Visit one of the many on-site museums.

What to do in Amsterdam at Christmas

You may have seen a website called Winter Festival Amsterdam. This isn't one event, but instead what the entire series of Christmas and holiday events is referred to as in the city.

From late November to early January, there are several different holiday events and attractions in the city, like the Christmas Market, more than one ice skating rink, Christmas lights throughout the city, festival boat tours, and more.

The Ice Bar

One of the things that the official Winter Festival Amsterdam account highlights is the Amsterdam Ice Bar. The entire thing - even the glasses - is carved from ice.

The bar is kept at 14 ℉ (-10 ℃), but don't worry, they provide you with coats and gloves to help make sure you're comfortable.

The drinks in the bar don't freeze because they're all made from high-proof spirits.

Light festival cruises

Available through multiple providers, there are boat cruises all over the city that allow you to see all of the lights put up along the waterways and canals.

Every year, there is a different theme, and artists are brought in from all over the world to design the light installations.

Keep in mind that these boat cruises are not free, and tickets are required.

The light festival on foot

The light festival is a fan-favorite in Amsterdam. There are walking paths (as well as biking paths!) mapped out for you to see it all.

You can do a self-guided walk or even book tours when they have availability, for both walking and biking. These tours vary in price depending on the company facilitating and the length of the tour.

There is usually around 6-7 kilometers of lights to see (around 4 miles).

If you're walking around the city to see it all on your own, it is free!

FAQs about Christmas in Amsterdam

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