Celebrate Your Christmas And New Year At Amsterdam in December

Want to know what’s on in Amsterdam in December? Well its only time to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Europe winters are magical. Between the markets, the fairy lights, ice skating, and glue wine, The Netherlands are the ideal place for a festive escape. Here we are not just looking at the top things to do in Amsterdam, the best Christmas highlights around Amsterdam. 

1: Christmas Markets

You are spoilt for choice! You can go to the Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt, in North of the city, for shopping, beer, music, and free gift wrapping! Head to Haarlem, for one of the largest Christmas markets in the whole of the Netherland. The Haarlem Christmas market is a must-see, must-do experience. Or, take a train 30 minutes out of Amsterdam and go to the Lelystad Christmas Market. 

With just a 30 minute drive from Amsterdam, visit the magical Hague for their Christmas markets. These are the only Christmas market of its kind in the Netherlands!  Or go to a large floating festival during Leiden’s winter wonder week. It is the perfect spot to get into the Christmas spirit. There are almost 100 cosy winter chalets hosting shopping, snacks and drinks. It is well worth the 45-minute drive from Amsterdam to enjoy the waterfront atmosphere while you sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate.

We HIGHLY recommend making booking a private Christmas market tour with us, and we can take you to the best places, with no stress and no fuss!

2: EAT!

Stroopwafels may get all the international fame, but true Dutch food lovers will tell you that the best way to fill a hole in your heart and appetite is with an oliebol. This delicious Dutch treat is traditionally served on New Year’s Eve. However the oliebollenkramen (oliebollen stalls) start popping up in the lead up to Christmas. Book your food tour with us!

3: ICE Amsterdam

On 17 November the winter ice experience Ice Amsterdam will open on one of the city’s most beautiful locations: right in front of the Rijksmuseum. Ice-skate underneath a replica of the famous Magere Brug (The Skinny Bridge) and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or glue wine. Their restaurant offers all sorts of delicious hot treats to keep you warm and comfortable.

4: Light Festival on the Canals

Take a private canal cruise with us, and see the light festival from the water. It is the best way to see this stunning city. From the 29th of November, the Amsterdam Light Festival will light up the city center with 30 artworks designed by artists from all over the world. Be amazed by the beauty during a canal tour.

5: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Be prepared to take part in impromptu street parties with throngs of people from all over the world joining in the festivities. Fireworks traditionally illuminate the night sky above the Amstel. And be prepared for the locals to be setting them off anywhere in the street! It is truly a one of a kind place to ring in the New Year!