Winter
Amsterdam at Christmas
Winter
Amsterdam at Christmas
Amsterdam
A FESTIVE CITY BREAK
Wondering what Christmas time might be like in Amsterdam?
Wet? Probably. Delicious? Definitely. Anything but boring? You bet!
Are you feeling festive? Keep reading to find out what Amsterdam is like at Christmas… Amsterdam may not be at the top of your list for a winter break. We get it – you know it’s going to be cold and there’s more chance of rain than snow. But we promise you won’t regret visiting the Dutch capital even at this time of year.
THE TRADITIONS
AND TO DOS!
Sinterklaas
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AMSTERDAM LIGHT FESTIVAL
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CHRISTMAS MARKETS & Co.
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CHRISTMAS EVE
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NEW YEAR’S EVE
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For kids
SINTERKLAAS
The build-up to Christmas starts in November in Amsterdam. That early? Really?
Absolutely! Because that’s when Sinterklaas travels over from his home in Spain. People of all ages – the young and the young at heart – flock to the banks of the River Amstel to watch Saint Nicholas and his little helpers go past on their boat.
They’re getting everything ready for 6 December, which is when Sinterklaas and his helpers pay the children a visit.
We’ll come back to Sinterklaas later because you might be surprised by some of the traditions involving him…
This year, Amsterdam Light Festival will be running between 28. November 2024 bis 19. Januar 2025.
Now, this light festival might not actually have anything to do with Christmas, but it does light up the city beautifully for almost two months. The festival is based on and around the canals, so you can take it all in on foot or on a boat tour.
2021/2022 marked the tenth anniversary of the festival, so it was a real shame that restrictions were still in place at that point. But all the restrictions have been lifted in plenty of time for the 2022/2023 festival!
All information about the 2024/2025 Festival of Lights under the motto ‘Rituals’ can also be found here!
All ages
AMSTERDAM LIGHT FESTIVAL
Amsterdam Christmas markets:
Yes, they have Christmas markets in Amsterdam too. And they’re all over the city, so you’re never far from a huge selection of sweet treats and savoury snacks. And you’ll be pleased to hear they sell mulled wine! What more do you need to know, hey?
Christmas market at Museumsplein: 12 December to 26 December 2024
Winter Wonderland at Europaplein: 18 December 2024 to 4 January 2025 (buy your tickets here)
Funky Xmas Shopping (Westergas, Amsterdam, slightly off the beaten track): Starts on 15 December 2024
Amsterdam Christmas market &
ICE SKATNG RINKS
Ice skating rinks:
Every year, a huge ice skating rink is set up on Museumsplein and Rembrandtplein. Head here for plenty of fun for all the family and a good opportunity to brush up on your skating skills.
Museumsplein: 15 November 2024 to 5 February 2025; opening times: 10.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday: 9.00 – 22.00 + Friday and Saturday: 9.00 – 23.00 (information subject to change, there is reportedly no ice rink on the Museumsplein in 2024/25)
Rembrandtplein: 15 November 2024 to 5 January 2025; Opening hours: Daily from 10.00 – 23.00 h
Leidesplein: 18 December 2024 to 12 January 2025; Opening hours: Daily from 10.00 – 23.00 hrs
Amsterdam RAI: 18 December 2024 until 4 January 2025
Ice skating on the canals: but only if they are really frozen. Not possible every year.
Christmas tree on Dam Square: already there
Opening times for most museums: Most of the museums are opening in the morning on 24/25/26 December
24–26 DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS EVE
Now, here’s a tradition that might surprise you… In Amsterdam, Sinterklaas delivers all his gifts on 5/6 December, so there’s no visit from Father Christmas on 24/25 December.
On Christmas Eve or Kerstavond, people celebrate with their families, go to church and eat a lot.
Kerstmis, 25 December, is a day for visiting relatives and exchanging Christmas stollen. But there are no presents in sight! It’s all so much more chilled out.
Can you imagine?
PARTY TIME IN AMSTERDAM
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Boris has put together a quick overview of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Amsterdam for us. Here are the headlines:
- Oliebollen (little doughnuts) are eaten all day long. What better way to line your stomach ready for a big night?!
- If you want to party properly to welcome in the new year, Amsterdam is the place to go. Fireworks are set off and the bars and restaurants are heaving. The official New Year’s Eve party happens on Dam Square. But Rembrandtplein, Leidesplein and Nieuwmarkt are popular spots for celebrations too. Amsterdam’s official firework display is held in the city centre – between Prinsengracht and Bloemgracht. It’s one you won’t want to miss!
- The morning after the night before, the best way to soak up some of the excess alcohol is to eat tompouce – a traditional Dutch pastry that’s a bit like mille-feuille. You’ll be feeling human again in no time!
SUMMARY
Are you surprised to read about some of the Christmas traditions in Amsterdam?
One thing that isn’t likely to take you by surprise is the weather. It’s definitely more likely to be a wet Christmas in Amsterdam than a white one.
But what about the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas delivering his presents on 6 December? And you might not have been expecting some of the food on the menu either…
To be honest, Amsterdam Light Festival is reason enough to visit the city in December. You can’t imagine a more beautiful stroll or boat tour along the canals!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Céline
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2021 – 2024
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