By Malavika Libish
Winter in Amsterdam is a truly magical time, filled with lights, food and Christmas markets. To help you get into the winter spirit, The Herring is back with its annual winter guide. Follow the path of this map to visit these winter landmarks. Travel throughout the city to make a festive day out of it, either with friends or yourself!
30 November 2023 to 21 January 2024
17.00-22.00 Sunday – Tuesday; 17.00-23.00 Wednesday – Saturday
Christmas Opening Time (23 December 2023 – 7 January 2024): 17.00-23.00
The annual Amsterdam Light Festival is a beautiful addition to the winter, making it the perfect time to explore Amsterdam Central on your feet or through a cruise. The theme for the light festival this season is Artificial Intelligence, with plenty of art works related to the theme on display around Amsterdam. The lights are completely switched off on 31 December for New Year’s Eve. For those who prefer to explore the streets of Amsterdam, a Light Festival bike tour is also available.
Ice Skating on Rembrandtplein
17 November 2023 to 7 January 2024
10.00 – 23.00 Everyday
Winter in Amsterdam is not complete without ice skating, and the ice rink in Rembrandtplein is perfect for this. With the festive season right around the corner, Winter plaza surrounding the rink sets the mood for the winter. Tickets can be purchased for € 3.50 for an entire day and skates can be rented for € 6.50.
Westergasfabriek Christmas Market
17 December 2023
12.00 – 18.00 Sunday
The famous funky Christmas market is a must-visit part of the Christmas festivities. Full of live music, food and drinks, this Sunday Market is the perfect place to enjoy the festive season.
Visit the Willet-Holthuysen Museum
10.00 – 17.00 Everyday
This museum located in a UNESCO World Heritage site is an interesting place to visit during the Christmas season. This grand canal house is all decked up for the holidays and is a wonderful site to visit to get a taste of winter in the time of Amsterdam’s aristocracy. Ticket prices vary from € 19.50 to € 29.50.
RAI Amsterdam Convention Center Amsterdam Winter Paradise
14 December 2023 to 30 December 2023
09.00 – 23.00 Everyday; 12.00 – 23.00 on the Opening Day
This edition of the Winter paradise is bigger than ever, with an ice rink, ferris wheel, live performances, Christmas stalls, food, drinks and so much more! Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Christmas Concert at Concertgebouw
24 December 2023 & 27 December 2023
Get into the Christmas spirit, enjoy various Christmas shows at the Concertgebouw, one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world.
24 December – Classical Christmas Concert with Jan Vayne
27 December – The Afternoon Concert on Christmas Day: Christmas Classics at the Movies
Museumplein Ice Village
13 December 2023 to 26 December 2023
12.00 – 21.00 Everyday
11.00 – 21.00 on 16-17 and 23-26 December
This special annual Christmas market is a fun spot to visit with friends, with shops, snacks and plenty to drink. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas Spirit. Entry to the Ice Village is free of charge.
Christmas Snacks & Sinterklaas
- Oliebollen
A Christmas speciality in Amsterdam, the oliebollen, is often referred to as the Dutch donut. These little treats come in a variety of flavours and are a speciality that must be tried. You can find these oliebollen at various bakeries, Christmas markets and in festive-themed food trucks in Amsterdam.
- Pepernoten
Try another winter favourite, pepernoten, tiny spiced cookies to get you in the Winter mood. You can find these little cookies in bakeries around Amsterdam, including Van Stapele Koekmakerij and Tony’s Chocolonely Super Store.
- Welcoming Sinterklaas
Besides the popular festivities of Christmas, The Netherlands also celebrates St. Nicholas Day on 5 December. On this day, Sinterklaas visits and is welcomed to Amsterdam by all of its residents.
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