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Amsterdam Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Amsterdam is a fantastic destination for Christmas markets, with its charming squares filled with festive stalls and seasonal treats. The city's holiday spirit lights up the streets, offering you a magical winter experience.
Is it worth going to Amsterdam for the Christmas Markets?
Yes, Amsterdam's Christmas markets are well worth a visit, with beautifully decorated stalls, festive foods, and a lively atmosphere. Spread across the city from Museumplein to Rembrandtplein, these markets offer everything from handcrafted gifts and Dutch treats to ice skating and live performances. The city's canals and historic squares create a unique backdrop, while illuminated light displays and mulled wine stalls add to the festive charm, making it an unforgettable holiday experience.
The best Christmas markets in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is home to some of the most enchanting Christmas markets, each offering a unique festive experience. From bustling squares filled with delightful stalls to ice rinks that spark joy, here you can find everything from handmade crafts to delicious seasonal treats. Here are some of the top Christmas markets to visit this season:
- Christmas Market at Museumplein: Known as Ice Village, this market is set up every December in front of the Rijksmuseum, offering everyone a delightful experience filled with mulled wine, trinkets, Christmas accessories, live entertainment, and delicious food. The charming atmosphere is perfect for capturing festive memories with family and friends, all enhanced by the stunning backdrop of the Rijksmuseum.
- Dates: Thursday 12 December 2024 to Thursday 26 December 2024
- Opening Hours: 12 pm - 9 pm (on 25 and 26 December from 12 pm - 7 pm)
- Entry: Free
- Christmas Market at Leidseplein: Leidseplein transforms into a vibrant holiday hub during the Christmas season, making it one of Amsterdam's most popular festive destinations. The market features a variety of handmade crafts, winter accessories, and holiday decorations, alongside a beloved ice rink. The lively atmosphere here makes it a great spot for families and friends to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit while enjoying skating and sipping warm drinks from nearby stalls.
- Dates: Wednesday 15 November 2024 to Sunday 12 January 2025
- Opening Hours: 10 am - 11 pm, Monday to Sunday
- Entry: The market stalls are free to visit; however, tickets are required for the ice rink.
- Christmas Market at Rembrandtplein: The famous Rembrandtplein will host an atmospheric ice rink and festive market, where you can skate surrounded by holiday lights and wooden chalets while enjoying the unique Christmas ambience. With numerous restaurants and bars nearby, it's an ideal spot to unwind after a day of festivities.
- Dates: 15 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
- Opening Hours: 10 am - 11 pm, Monday to Sunday
- Entry: The market stalls are free to visit; however, tickets are required for the ice rink.
- Funky Xmas Market: The Funky Xmas Market adds a festive twist to the popular Sunday Market, featuring stalls filled with artisanal products and quirky gifts. Here, you can shop for unique items in a cheerful setting while enjoying live music and warm beverages. This market is an excellent choice for those seeking special gifts and appreciating local talent during the holiday season.
- Dates: Sunday 15 December 2024
- Opening Hours: 12 pm - 6 pm
- Entry: Free
- Pure Markt Winter Market: The winter edition of the Pure Markt pops up in Park Frankendael, offering fresh products and artisanal goods. This cosy farmers market showcases passionate vendors and provides a lovely atmosphere to enjoy music, bites, and drinks. It's a wonderful place to support local vendors while indulging in seasonal treats. The picturesque park setting enhances the festive experience, making it a delightful outing for all.
- Dates: Sunday 22 December 2024
- Opening Hours: 11 am - 5 pm
- Entry: Free
What to expect at the Amsterdam Christmas Markets?
The Amsterdam Christmas markets offer a delightful blend of festive cheer and culinary delights, perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories. Here, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with unique gifts, delicious food, and exciting activities for all ages.
Christmas Food and Drinks
Amsterdam's Christmas markets are a culinary delight, offering a diverse range of street food to satisfy various tastes. You can savour traditional treats like Oliebollen, Poffertjes, Stroopwafels, Kibbeling, and Bitterballen, alongside grilled sausages, roasted chestnuts, and Frites served with an array of dipping sauces. To keep warm while exploring, indulge in hot chocolate, mulled wine (glühwein), or spiced apple cider.
Things to do
While there are numerous things to do at the Christmas markets in Amsterdam, here are the ones that are a must-visit:
- Amsterdam Winter Paradise: From 18 December 2024 to 4 January 2025, the Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI offers a festive experience with ice skating, cross-country skiing, a merry-go-round, and more. Families can enjoy kids' shows, a mini ferris wheel, a kids silent disco, and live performances.
- Amsterdam Light Festival: From 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025, the Amsterdam Light Festival lights up the canals with over 20 stunning installations. This year's theme, ‘World of Rituals’, blends culture, history, and future aspirations. The best way to enjoy this magical spectacle is by taking a canal cruise.
Where to stay in Amsterdam?
If you're looking for a festive getaway in Amsterdam, you'll find a wide selection of excellent hotels for your stay. To be close to the Christmas markets and all the city's attractions, choose accommodations near the city centre. Look no further - check out exclusive discounts on hotel stays on this page for the most memorable Amsterdam Christmas market break.
Other things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers a variety of activities beyond the enchanting Christmas markets and light displays.
- Visit world-class museums: Warm up indoors at the Rijksmuseum, home to over 8,000 works of art, including Rembrandt's The Night Watch, and the Van Gogh Museum, which showcases the world's largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings, drawings, and letters.
- Experience the Amsterdam Ice Bar: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at the Ice Bar, where you can sip three drinks served in ice glasses, surrounded by intricate ice sculptures and chill out in a temperature of -10°C.
- Explore Ripley's Believe it or Not: Dive into the odd and unusual at Ripley's, featuring over 500 exhibits, including shrunken heads, rare artefacts, and interactive displays across 19 themed galleries.
- Marvel at Madame Tussauds: See lifelike wax figures of global icons such as the royal family, Hollywood stars, and sports legends at Madame Tussauds, one of the world's most famous wax museums.
Where else to go in the Netherlands for Christmas Markets?
Consider a delightful day trip from Amsterdam to one of these enchanting Christmas markets in the surrounding areas. Each location is easily accessible and offers unique gifts alongside an abundance of festive treats to enhance your holiday experience.
- Christmas Market Haarlem: Begin your festive adventure in Haarlem, where the historic centre and picturesque canals create a charming atmosphere for the celebrations. The traditional Christmas Market delights people of all ages with festive sweets and handmade treasures.
- When: Friday 13 December 2024 to Sunday 15 December 2024
- Entry: Free
- Where: Grote Markt, Haarlem
- Royal Christmas Fair, The Hague: Embrace the festive spirit in the political capital of the Netherlands, where cosy stalls line the streets, offering flammkuchen, wooden carvings, and winter essentials. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, complete with storytelling and performances by children's choirs.
- When: Thursday 5 December 2024 to Monday 23 December 2024
- Opening Hours: 12 pm to 9 pm
- Entry: Free
- Where: Lange Voorhout, The Hague
- Nostalgic Christmas Market, Leiden: Experience the charm of the beautiful Hooglandse Kerkgracht, where you can browse delightful Christmas gifts while sipping on mulled wine or hot chocolate. This market provides a picturesque setting for a memorable festive outing.
- When: 14 & 15 and 18 to 22 December 2024
- Opening Hours: 12 pm - 5 pm
- Entry: Free
- Where: Hooglandse Kerkgracht, Leiden
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