As winter descends on Amsterdam, the city embraces a gentler pace as tourists peter out and locals gear up to usher in Christmas. For the discerning traveller, December in Amsterdam offers the chance to experience the city uniquely. During this month, Amsterdam glows with the twinkle of festive lights, thrums with the hustle and bustle of Christmas markets, extends family-style merrymaking at its age-old drinking establishments and exudes warmth even as dropping temperatures chill your bones. For a first-time visit, you also get the added luxury of browsing through its famed museums and wandering its picturesque streets without bumping into another tourist every step of the way! If you are heading to this beloved travel destination, this December, this guide unpacks the best of Amsterdam.
What makes Amsterdam in December special?
- Christmas is in the air: The festive season unwraps a whole new side to Amsterdam. At Dam Square, a lofty Christmas Tree looms with the Royal Palace as its picture-perfect background. Busy Christmas markets and cheerily, dressed-up shop windows add beauty and charm to the city’s historic neighbourhoods and old-world streets while locals gather with friends and families at traditional brown cafes and beloved eateries. The festive calendar brims over with events like The Amsterdam Winter Paradise and Holiday on Ice along with concerts and parties that ensure you revel in the spirit of the season.
- A city aglow: Gear up for a truly lit December in Amsterdam! Festive lights take over every bit of the city – from the barren trees to the canals, the shops, homes and beyond. Shopping districts like Utrechtsestraat, Spiegelgracht, Haarlemmerstraat, 9 Streets and others feature overhead arches of bedazzling lights. However, the unmissable Amsterdam Light Festival is a seasonal highlight that enthrals with lit-up artworks and light installations that can be experienced from a canal cruise.
- Winter treats: In the cold winter months, you can savour warm, hearty stews, braised meats, apple tarts, syrupy pancakes and delicious fondue that, undoubtedly, add to your experience of the city. A must-have is Oliebollen – sugar-dusted fried balls of doughnuts that promise to make you giddy with delight.
- Laidback vibes: Amsterdam minus the endless crowds of tourists can be savoured at leisure. While the tourists disappear, Amsterdam’s delightful experiences – including its stellar museums, historical sites, and offbeat attractions – remain open to visitors. You can enjoy them without worrying too much about being overwhelmed by long lines or packs of people obscuring your view of the city’s most spectacular offerings.
Amsterdam in December: Weather
Decembers in Amsterdam are usually rainy and chilly. Temperatures during the day dip to around 7°C while nights register temperatures around 2°C. The days are short and the sun sets around 4.30 in the afternoon.
Amsterdam in December: Things to do
1
Van Gogh Museum
Admire Van Gogh’s unparalleled artistry at this new-age museum dedicated to him. Soak in his genius as you go through the largest collection of his paintings, sketches and writings. The collections here spotlight his evolution as a master artist from his subdued by evocative Potato Eaters to his later workers bursting with colour, including, Sunflowers, The Yellow House and the serene Almond Blossoms.
December Timings
December 1-20: 9am-5pm, Fridays until 9pm
December 21-23: 9am-6pm
December 24-26: 9am-5pm
December 27: 9am-9pm
December 28-30: 9am-6pm
December 31: 9am-5pm
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
2
Rijksmuseum
The Netherland’s national museum is a spellbinding showcase of Dutch artistry through the ages. Over 8,000 pieces of art from as far back as AD 1200 line the elegant walls and rooms of Rijksmuseum. Notable names include Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals with Rembrandt’s Night Watchmen grabbing the highest attention.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 9am–5pm
Dam 20, 1012 KW Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
3
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
A quintessential Amsterdam experience, a cruise through the city’s historic canal network is a lovely way to take in the city and its festive fervour in December. Evening canal cruises, in December, are made even more special since the waterways are adorned with lights and feature fascinating light installations.
December Timings
Depends on tour chosen
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting There ›
4
Anne Frank House and Walking Tour
Weave your way through Amsterdam’s centuries-old Jewish quarter to learn about Amsterdam’s history, the contributions of the Jews, and the short-lived life of its most famous citizen – Anne Frank. The Anne Frank walking tour vividly paints a picture of Amsterdam during World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust. Finally, at Anne Frank House, the former hideout of Frank and her family, spend time retracing their lives in the cramped rooms as the Nazi threat loomed and as Frank produced the pages of her moving diary.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 9am–10pm
Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
5
Day Trip to Zaanse Schans and Volendam
Amsterdam’s picturesque countryside dotted with windmills and colourfully charming houses is the perfect way to enjoy a day outside the city. At Zaanse Schans and Volendam, you can savour rural Dutch life and indulge in cheese tastings and traditional shoe-making sessions.
December Timings
Depends on the chosen tour
Zaanse Schans, Zaandam
Netherlands
Getting There ›
6
Heineken Experience
Let your mug froth over with delight as you tour the Heineken brewery. Learn about the Dutch pilsner brand’s history, try your hand at interactive games, and kick back with beers at the end of your experience.
December Timings
Sun-Thu: 10:30am–7:30pm
Fri–Sat: 10:30am–9pm
Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
7
Amsterdam Icebar
Embrace the chill at Amsterdam’s unique Icebar where everything from your cutlery to the décor is carved from ice. The bar recreates a 16th-century voyage undertaken by Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz where he and his crew were stranded in the Arctic Pole, surrounded by icebergs and polar bears, for over a year. This sure is one of Amsterdam’s “coolest” experiences!
December Timings
Mon–Wed: 3:45pm–10:45pm
Thu-Sun: 11:45am–1am
Amstel 194, 1017 AG Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
8
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Add a dash of glamour to your December with a trip to Madame Tussauds where you can pout and pose next to life-like models of famous celebrities from across the ages.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 10am–8pm
Dam 20, 1012 KW Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
9
ARTIS Royal Zoo
Tour one of the oldest zoos in the world and get a closer look at living creatures – from microbes to jaguars and beyond – at the ARTIS Royal Zoo. Studded with historical buildings and bridges, ARTIS celebrates the link between humans, animals and the environment with educative displays at its Groote Museum, guided tours, and its one-of-a-kind microbe museum.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 9am-5pm
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
10
Red Light District Tour
Give flight to your fantasies and explore Amsterdam’s kinky side at its historical red-light district – De Wallen. Admire the swaying silhouettes of seductresses in red-lit, brothel windows, swing by the Museum of Prostitution for an eye-opening education into the world’s oldest trade, and spend a night walking on Amsterdam’s salacious side.
December Timings
Depends on the chosen tour
De Wallen, Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
Amsterdam in December: Events to look out for
Amsterdam Light Festival
All through December
Amsterdam’s Canal Ring and River Amstel are transformed every winter with beautiful light structures and art work by artists from across the world. The best way to view these sculptures is by taking a canal cruise and admiring the creativity that goes behind these amazing pieces.
Christmas Markets
All through December
Christmas markets are the highlights of every European City and Amsterdam is not far behind. It’s best Christmas Markets are at Funky Xmas Market (Westergas), Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt (Amsterdam Noord), Ice Village (Museumplein), Winter Village (Amstelveen), and Amsterdam Winter Paradise (RAI Amsterdam).
Amsterdam in December: 5-day itinerary
1
Amsterdam essentials in December
LanguageDutch
Time zoneGMT+1
Country Code+31
Socket Type C, E and F
CurrencyEuros €
Amsterdam Weather in December
Amsterdam does not experience a lot of snow throughout the year, especially not snow storms or blizzards. The city itself might experience a couple of days of snow that won’t last long. The days are overcast and cloudy, and incredibly short with sunrise around 8:30am and sunset around 4:30pm, leaving you little time to explore the outdoors.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam during December
Even though it is not peak tourist season, stay options in Amsterdam remain pricey in December. However, you can choose from a range of options and also from a variety of neighbourhoods. Typically, tourists choose the historic centre or the snazzy Jordaan area to feel the pulse of the city. You can also opt for the upscale Oud-West or the riverside Amsterdam-Noord that offer a lovely mix of eateries, boutiques and charming wine bars.
- Luxury - W Amsterdam, De L’Europe Amsterdam, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
- Mid-range - Mercure Amsterdam, Hotel Luxer, Leonardo Hotel
- Budget - Botel, Via Amsterdam, WOW Hostel Amsterdam
What to Pack for Amsterdam in December
Wintery and rainy Amsterdam demands that you bulk up your suitcase with raincoats, thick jackets, gloves, and woolly scarves and mufflers. Umbrellas, waterproof boots and shoes are essential.
Getting Around Amsterdam in December
A reliable and extensive public transport network makes Amsterdam easy to navigate. Your options include:
- Metro: Covering a little over 42 kilometres, the metro network includes five routes and 39 stations. The metro is ideal for quick travel.
- Tram: Perfect for budget-friendly travel, the extensive tram network provides easy access to the city’s leading attractions.
- Bus: Buses cover long routes across the city but may be time-consuming.
- Train: Best mode to connect to the airport, nearby cities and other European destinations.
Amsterdam in December: Must-try delicacies
Amsterdam’s version of mulled wine – popular at Christmas markets and served in homes. The wine’s boozy warmth is enhanced with spices like star anise, cinnamon and nutmeg making it the perfect winter drink.
Where To Order: Cafe-Restaurant IL Panorama
Sink your teeth into downy balls of deep-fried doughnuts covered in a generous coating of powdered sugar and decorated with raisins and sultans. This special winter treat, which translates to “oily balls” in English, is just the sugar-filled high you need.
Where To Order: Banketbakkerij Lanskroon
Known popularly as Snert, this green soup is hearty and warms you in the cold months. Packed with peas, smoked sausages and veggies, this slurp-worthy dish is a local favourite.
Where To Order: Moeders
What’s not to love about a flavour-jammed stew made of braised beef and ale? Heady and delightful, this slow-cooked dish is best followed by a long nap.
Where To Order: Moeders
Dutch for ‘eggnog’, this is Christmas in a glass! A fine blend of brandy, eggs and sugar, Advocaat is the perfect accompaniment to your merrymaking while visiting Amsterdam in December.
Where To Order: Hap-Hmm
Tips to visit Amsterdam in December
- Around on December 14? Then, make sure you drop by Dam Square for the traditional lighting of the tree marking the festive season. With the Royal Palace in the background, the gorgeous tree decked up in over 40,000 lights is worth watching.
- Brown cafes – traditional ale houses – are where locals gather in the winter to soak in the warmth and guzzle down beers. Drop by these atmospheric cafes to immerse yourself in local culture and get cosy.
- Popular skating rinks, like Jaap Eden and Museum Square, have announced they won’t be opening in 2024. If you are keen on taking the ice, then, make sure you confirm opening hours before heading there.
- For those of you planning to ring in the New Year here, we recommend you make your bookings at restaurants and parties at the earliest so that you don’t miss out.
Explore Amsterdam through the year
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