December transforms Amsterdam into a fairytale postcard: the facades decorated with garlands, the canals reflecting the holiday lights, the cold and clean air.
During theholidays in Amsterdamin winter, the city offers a unique atmosphere, filled with Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, hot chocolate, and the unmissable Amsterdam Light Festival. This guide explores everything to see and do in December, with tips to enjoy the cold without giving up the warmth of the holidays.
Why Visit Amsterdam in December
December is the month of thegezellig(a Dutch term meaning "cozy, convivial, warm"). The summer crowds are gone, flight and hotel prices are lower (except during Christmas and New Year), and the city lights up with thousands of little lights. Even though the weather is cold (temperatures between 0°C and 7°C) and often rainy, with the right clothing, you can experience a magical time.
What to Do in December
1. Amsterdam Light Festival (from late November to mid-January)
It is the main event of winter. Light installations by international artists along the canals (see article cluster no. 14). The best way to see it is on anevening cruise(warm and sheltered from the rain) or on thefree walking route(colder but picturesque). Book the cruise at least a week in advance.
2. Christmas Markets (Kerstmarkten)
Amsterdam does not have a single large Christmas market like other European cities (Cologne, Vienna), but it has several smaller, more intimate, and authentic ones.
Museumplein (Ice Village):the largest and most touristy. Ice skating rink (for a fee), Ferris wheel, craft stalls, food (oliebollen – Dutch doughnuts, glühwein – mulled wine). Festive atmosphere. Open throughout December.
Westergasfabriek (Pure Markt):design market, quality food, and crafts, one Sunday a month. In December, it has a special Christmas edition (Pure Winter Market) with stalls and music.
Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein:squares with small markets and temporary ice skating rinks.
Plantage (near the Artis Zoo):a quieter market, suitable for families.
3. Ice Skating
Museumplein:the largest and most scenic rink (with skate rental). Open from mid-November to early January.
Jaap Edenbaan (suburbs):indoor rink for speed skating and hockey (for experts).
Frozen canals (rare):if the temperature drops below -5°C for several consecutive days, the canals freeze and you can skate outdoors for free. A rare event (last time in 2018, partially in 2021). Follow the municipality's guidelines (for ice safety).
4. Christmas Concerts and Shows
Concertgebouw:Christmas and New Year's concert (book weeks in advance).
Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ:classical and jazz music with a Christmas theme.
Tuschinski Theater:Christmas movie screenings (The Holiday, Love Actually, Miracle on 34th Street) in one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world. The building itself is already an attraction.
5. Oliebollen and Glühwein (Winter Street Food)
Oliebollen:soft doughnuts, similar to beignets, with raisins and apples, dusted with powdered sugar. They can be found at stalls (oliebollenkraam) throughout the city center. They are the typical street food for New Year's.
Glühwein (mulled wine):spiced hot wine (cloves, cinnamon, orange). Served in paper cups. Caution: it's hot, but the alcohol partially evaporates.
Erwtensoep (split pea soup):a thick soup with peas, smoked bacon, celery, and carrots. It is the quintessential winter dish, very hearty.
How to Dress for December
In layers:thermal shirt + sweater + waterproof jacket (with hood).
Shoes:waterproof and non-slip (the streets are wet and slippery). Heels are not recommended.
Accessories:gloves, wool hat, scarf. The wind and humidity make the perceived temperature much lower.
Umbrella:essential. Better to have a sturdy umbrella (cheap ones break in the wind). Alternatively, a waterproof poncho.
Hours and Openings in December
Museums:open regularly, but close on December 25th (Christmas) and January 1st (New Year's Day). On December 26th (Boxing Day) and December 31st, they are open with reduced hours. Check individual museums.
Shops:closed on December 25th and January 1st. On December 26th and December 31st, they open with reduced hours (often until 5:00 PM). On Sundays in December, shops open regularly (from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM).
Public transport:operates on holiday schedules on December 25th and January 1st (less frequent). On New Year's Eve (December 31st), services reduce from 8:00 PM and then stop for the fireworks, resuming on January 1st in the morning.
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam (Oud en Nieuw)
December 31st (Oudejaarsdag) is a very special day. During the day, the city is unusually quiet (many are at home preparing). In the evening, people flood the streets withillegal fireworks(loud firecrackers) – the atmosphere can be chaotic and dangerous for those not used to it. The busiest areas are Dam, Rembrandtplein, and Museumplein (free concert and countdown). Many venues organize costume parties with paid entry (reserve). Caution: do not bring valuables, stay away from firecrackers, cover ears.
On January 1st (Nieuwjaarsdag), the city is sleepy: everything is closed until noon. The traditional event is theNieuwjaarsduik(New Year's dive) at Scheveningen beach (outside Amsterdam) or at the IJ (some points). People jump into the icy water at 12:00 PM – not for everyone, but a spectacle to see.
2-Day Itinerary in December
Day 1:Morning at the Rijksmuseum, afternoon at the Museumplein markets (ice skating and oliebollen), evening cruise at the Light Festival.
Day 2:Morning at the Anne Frank House (booked), afternoon at Vondelpark (winter walk) and a stop for glühwein at Westergasfabriek, evening concert or Tuschinski cinema.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam in December
Are the museums very crowded in December?
Less than in summer, but the period between Christmas and New Year's (December 27-30) is very crowded (holiday tourists). Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1) are closed or half-empty. Still, book in advance for the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.
Does it always rain in December?
Not always, but the likelihood is high (about 15-18 days of rain per month). The rain is often light and intermittent, it doesn't pour for hours. Always bring an umbrella.
Can I rent a bike in December?
Yes, but it is uncomfortable and cold. With ice, the bike paths can be slippery. Most tourists prefer trams and the subway in winter.
What typical food is eaten at Christmas?
Christmas lunch (Kerstmis) is often agourmetten: an electric grill at the table with small pieces of meat, fish, vegetables, and sauces – it is a social activity, not a dish. In restaurants, you often findrollade(rolled pork roast) orkonijn(rabbit). But for tourists, the oliebollen and pea soup are more accessible.
Are there official fireworks on New Year's Eve?
There is no large centralized show like in London or Sydney. Fireworks are set off privately by citizens (legal only on December 31 until 1:00 AM on January 1). The area around the Dam and Museumplein becomes dangerous due to firecrackers being launched into the air. It's better to watch from a distance (for example, from the Amstel bridge).
What are the holiday closing periods?
December 25 (Christmas) and January 1 (New Year's Day):all museums, shops, and many restaurants are closed.December 26 (Boxing Day):open, but with reduced hours.December 31:shops close at 5:00 PM, museums at 4:00 PM. Plan accordingly.
Amsterdam in December
December is a magical month to visit Amsterdam. If you love the Christmas atmosphere, the lights, the markets, and don't mind the cold, you will discover a city that is more intimate, romantic, and welcoming than usual. During theholidays in Amsterdamin winter, the days are short but intense: take advantage of the daylight hours to explore the museums and stroll around, and dedicate the evenings to the Light Festival, ice skating, and mulled wine. Gezellig!
To plan every aspect of your trip to the Dutch capital in any season, read our complete guide to Amsterdam.
Revision date:November 15, 2025