Amsterdam is a beautiful city that is often visited in spring or summer, to admire it’s flower markets and it’s tulips. But the city also has a lot of charm in the winter, when the Dutch capital is less crowded by tourists the atmosphere in the city is very pleasant and will make you forget the cold weather. The streets are lit up, the parks have small ice rinks, pubs and restaurants are filled with a warm atmosphere. If you are looking for thrills, rides and live entertainment, the Efteling will fit your expectations. In addition to the roller coasters, you will find ice skating, cross-country skiing and snow hill rides. This illuminated theme park will bring even more magic to your trip.
Here are the must-dos for winter in Amsterdam, before the evening closures (5:00 pm to 5:00 am)
Covid-19: the situation in the Netherlands is rapidly evolving. Check the official measures on this page.Enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival
If there is an event not to be missed in Amsterdam that puts a little cheerfulness in the winter nights, it is the Amsterdam Light Festival. Imagine… beautiful light decorations invade the city, from the buildings to the bridges and picturesque streets. Roads and bike paths are even specially designated to jump from one piece of art to another in order to admire the splendid lights. A great way to take advantage of this festival is to cruise on the canals at the end of the day in the « Venice of the North ». You can even go to Amsterdam Light Festival on a Donkey bike!Download the Donkey Republic App
and start riding
Skate on Ice Amsterdam
Who says winter, says ice rink! The most well-known one is Ice Amsterdam, located on Museumplein, the big square next to the unmissable Rijksmuseum. There, you can skate while admiring the Christmas decorations, drink a hot drink, or taste a Dutch specialty. The place is really charming with its wooden fences, its lanterns and its replica of the “Magere Brug”. Don’t forget to climb the stairs to enjoy the view and take some pictures. Some years, when the canals of the city are frozen, the municipality even allows both locals and visitors to skate on them!Discover the winter markets
Discovering the Christmas markets in Amsterdam is one of the city’s top attractions in December. The Christmas markets are also real amusement parks with craft stands, wooden huts, street food, delicacies, ice rinks and music! In short, the Christmas markets in Amsterdam are 100% « gezellig ». For those who are late to the party, it’s also the ideal place to find last-minute gifts for your loved ones. Keep in mind that those events usually begin from mid-December, as the Dutch celebrate Saint Nicholas (5-6 of December). While Copenhagen or Berlin Christmas markets close their door before New Year Eve, Amsterdam Christmas markets last until late January!- L’Ice Village : the unmissable one, in front of the Rijksmuseum.
- De Amsterdamsche Kersmarkt : this market, located at Westergasfabriek, is well known for its quality products from independent sellers.
- Le Funky X-Mas : for a slightly funkier edition. At the Funky X-mas, you will find stalls of local designers and small craftsmen offering a wide range of fashion, jewelry and accessories.
- Het Amsterdam Winterparadijs : the biggest and the craziest of Amsterdam, with its 25-meter sled run.
- De Pure Markt Winter Edition : this market is a real community of lovers of gastronomy and good products.