Amsterdam, now officially one of Europe's most festive cities, has so much to offer. during the Christmas period.
Lights, skating rinks galore and steaming cups of hot glühwein - what more could you ask for?
Today, let's find out what you can do in Amsterdam at Christmas.
Christmas Amsterdam: article summary
Christmas in Amsterdam: take a stroll and experience the festival of lights
Visit Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual festival of light art that transforms the city center into a luminous masterpiece!
From December 1ᵉʳ to January 22, it's an inspiring way to discover the city. We all know how picturesque Amsterdam's canals are, so why not see them in a different light at Christmas?
Art installations are illuminated daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.This makes for a perfect evening stroll during the Christmas season.
Attend a Christmas concert
What could be more festive than a magnificent Christmas concert? Christmas classics are played in the sumptuous rooms of the Amsterdam National Opera and Ballet.
Most of Amsterdam's churches will also be hosting their own choirs and carol performances. Visit Nieuw Kerk on the Dam square organizes a wonderful night of Christmas carols by candlelight on Christmas Day.
Christmas in Amsterdam: skate all day long
Sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the Christmas spirit isn't exactly festive anymore. But how about adding an hour of ice skating at your holiday parties?
In Amsterdam, you can spend your Christmas ice skating, building ice sculptures and even curling in the many ice rinks. Bring your warmest clothes and ice skates for a fun-filled day.
Buy seasonal treats at Christmas markets
What better way to spend Christmas in Amsterdam than visiting one of the many Christmas markets? Amsterdam offers a selection of cosy Christmas markets.
RAI Amsterdam is held in Amsterdam's huge convention center. The event offers you a little Christmas paradise with concerts, an ice rink and even a festive Ferris wheel, where you can spend a whole day shopping.
Ice Village Amsterdam is located on the famous Museumplein. Here you can go shopping at the stalls and enjoy a glass of mulled wine, typical of the region.
Christmas in Amsterdam: feast on Dutch winter specialities
If you're in Amsterdam during the winter season, there's one thing you absolutely must do: eat good Dutch food!
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam over Christmas is to fill your belly with warm, delicious oliebollen.
It's a doughy treat that's sure to fill you up. You can buy a portion of oliebollen at various street stalls.
Shop Amsterdam's iconic streets
During Christmas, the streets are covered in lights, and the atmosphere is perfect with excited tourists and Dutch people wandering the streets.
Christmas-themed decorations fill the storefronts. The latter open a little later, until 9 p.m., and shopping will fill you with joy.
After you've tired yourself out shopping in the streets and burning oliebollen ice skating, be sure to try a glass of Dutch beer in a cozy pub, then, like a true Dutchman, talk things over on your way home. You'll have make a success of your Christmas in one of Europe's most beautiful cities!
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