How to Celebrate Christmas in Amsterdam 2025
Christmas in Amsterdam feels cozy and a little magical. Twinkly lights hang over the canals, skaters glide across pop-up rinks, and the smell of warm waffles and oliebollen (Dutch donuts) drifts through the streets.
I’ve been to Amsterdam many times, but being there at Christmas is my favorite—the city is so friendly and cheerful, it’s really not that cold (seriously!), there are so many festive things to do, and hopefully a little snow for a white Christmas!
In the Netherlands, the Christmas holidays run from December 24th to December 26th. You’ll hear people talk about Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), First Christmas Day (Dec. 25), and Second Christmas Day (Dec. 26). Most holiday events happen across these three days, so you can plan a simple, fun weekend around them.
If you’re dreaming of a simple, feel-good Christmas trip with canal views, cute markets, and plenty of cozy cafés, Christmas in Amsterdam is a great pick.
This guide shows you exactly what’s on during Christmas weekend—ice skating spots, Christmas markets, what places are still open, and where to stay. I’ll also answer common questions and share my own tips from experience, so you skip lines, avoid surprises, and get the best out of your time.
I keep this list updated as needed because new events pop up and schedules can shift. You’ll find clear tables with dates and booking links, plus short notes to help you decide fast.
What’s On During Christmas Weekend?
Christmas in Amsterdam (Dec 24–26) is all about skating under fairy lights and wandering cute markets with a hot chocolate in hand. Here’s what’s actually on those days:
Ice Skating:
| Activity | Date(s) | Booking Link |
| Ice*Amsterdam (Museumplein) | Wed. Dec. 24th 10:00–22:00, Thurs. Dec. 25th 10:00–22:00, Fri. Dec. 26th 09:00–22:00 | Book Ice*Amsterdam tickets |
| Amsterdam Winter Paradise (RAI) – big indoor/outdoor rink + rides | Dec. 24th–26th open 09:00–00:00. Attractions/outdoor area close at 22:00 | Tickets & info |
| Jaap Eden Ice Rink (400-m track, Oost) | Dec. 24th–26th (open during the Christmas school holiday | Buy Jaap Eden tickets |
🔥Important Tips for Ice Skating:
⭐Book your skating slot ahead— they sell out incredibly fast!
⭐I recommend you wear gloves, especially for the kids.
⭐If you want those classic photos with the Rijksmuseum in the background, go right when Ice*Amsterdam opens.
⭐If you’re a serious skater then Jaap Eden’s 400-metre track is smoother and less touristy.
⭐Make sure to bring a contactless card—many rinks are cashless.
Christmas Markets:
| Activity | Date(s) | Booking link |
| Christmas Village Amsterdam (Museumplein) – market beside the rink | Dec. 11th–26th, 2025 12:00–21:00 most days, Dec. 25th–26th 12:00–18:00) | Info (free entry) |
| Amsterdam Winter Paradise (RAI) – market + shows + rides | Dec. 17th, 2025 – Jan. 3rd, 2026-daily and evening party atmosphere | Tickets & info |
| Winter Village – Stadshart Amstelveen (easy tram/metro) | Late Nov.–early Jan. + Dec. 24th–26th (2025 dates TBA) | Official site |
🔥Amsterdam Christmas Market Tips:
⭐Museumplein is packed from about 14:00–18:00. Go right at opening for calm browsing, or after dark for the lights.
⭐Want a calmer market day with plenty of space to sit? Head to Amstelveen’s Winter Village.
⭐If it’s freezing or wet, pick the RAI—it’s mostly indoors and still festive. Dress up a bit for Winter Paradise in the evening; they have a “no sweatpants after 18:00” policy.
What’s Open at Christmas in Amsterdam?
You’ve got lots of choices for Dec. 24th–26th. Big museums and top attractions stay open (some with shorter hours), and you can still hop on a canal cruise. Here are the essentials to book first:
Key Attractions & Museums
| Activity | Date(s) | Booking Link |
| Rijksmuseum | Dec. 24th–26th: Regular hours | ⭐Book Rijksmuseum! |
| Van Gogh Museum | Dec. 24th–26th: 09:00–17:00 | ⭐Book Van Gogh Museum! |
| Anne Frank House (Dec 25 usually shorter hours) | Dec. 24th–26th: 09:00–17:00 | ⭐Book Anne Frank House! |
| MOCO Museum | Dec. 24th–26th: Regular hours | ⭐Book MOCO! |
| Stedelijk Museum | Dec. 24th–26th: Regular hours | ⭐Book Stedelijk! |
| ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo | Dec. 24th–26th: Regular hours | ⭐Book ARTIS! |
| A’DAM LOOKOUT | Dec. 24th–26th: 10:00–22:00 | ⭐Book A’DAM LOOKOUT! |
| THIS IS HOLLAND (5D Flight) | Dec. 24th–26th: Regular hours | ⭐Book THIS IS HOLLAND! |
| 1-hour Canal Cruise (Captain Jack’s) | Dec. 24th–26th: Regular hours | ⭐Book Captain Jack’s cruise! |
| Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise | Dec. 24th & 26th | ⭐Book Amsterdam Light Festival cruise! |
🔥 Hot Tips:
⭐Book time slots early for Van Gogh and the Anne Frank House—they sell out fast around Christmas.
⭐Leave a buffer for coat check and security, and plan meals ahead: restaurants fill up for festive menus.
⭐If you need groceries on the day, your best bet is a supermarket near a big station—some stay open, but hours are limited.
Does Public Transport work on Christmas Day?
The short answer is yes. On Christmas Day (Dec 25) and Boxing Day (Dec 26), Amsterdam’s public transport runs on a holiday/Sunday-style timetable.
Trams, buses, and the metro still get you around—just a bit less often than usual. Ferries across the IJ also run on a holiday timetable. Trains (including Schiphol ↔ Amsterdam) operate too, with fewer peak services.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam for Christmas?
You’ve got lots of great bases for Dec. 24th–26th. Below, I’ve picked my favorite areas, with one budget-friendly place and one “splurge but good value” pick in each. Every hotel here has a 9.0+ score on Booking.
By the way, Christmas week is peak. “Budget-friendly” here usually means roughly €180–€300+ per night, and “splurge” can run €350–€700+. However, I still recommend you stay in central Amsterdam during this time, simply because it’s so much easier to get around without relying on transport timings during the holiday rush.
If you’re looking for more on this, check out this post on where to stay in Amsterdam.
Canal Belt & The Nine Streets (super scenic, central)
✅ Why Stay Here: Classic canal views, cute boutiques and cafés, quick tram links, and easy walks to Dam Square and the Light Festival cruises.
| Place | Why you’ll like it | Book |
| ’t Hotel — budget-friendly boutique (Booking 9.1) | Small, charming rooms right on Leliegracht; very walkable, cozy for winter nights. | ⭐See ’t Hotel |
| Hotel Estheréa — splurge, still good value (Booking 9.2) | Gorgeous lounge, canal-house atmosphere, and top location for Christmas strolling. | ⭐See Hotel Estheréa |
Jordaan- Local vibe, Canals, Indie Shops
✅Why Stay Here: quiet streets, great cafés, charming bridges; close to Anne Frank House and an easy walk to the center.
| Place | Why You’ll Like It | Book |
| Mr. Jordaan — budget-friendly (Booking 9.1) | Warm design, friendly team, canal setting; great value for the location. | ⭐See Mr. Jordaan |
| Hotel Sebastians — splurge, still good value (Booking 9.0) | Boutique feel on Brouwersgracht; larger rooms than many canal houses. | ⭐See Hotel Sebastians |
Museum Quarter & Vondelpark- For skating & Art
✅Why Stay Here: walk to Ice*Amsterdam at Museumplein, the Christmas Village, and the big three museums: Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk.
| Place | Why You’ll Like It | Book |
| Hotel Aalders — budget-friendly (Booking 9.0) | Classic Dutch townhouse on a quiet street steps from Museumplein. | ⭐See Hotel Aalders |
| De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel — splurge, good value (Booking 9.1) | Stylish rooms in Oud-Zuid, easy tram to everywhere, calm after busy market hours. | ⭐See De Ware Jacob |
Oosterpark & Plantage- Calmer, Leafy, Great for Light Walks
✅Why Stay Here: peaceful park paths, cute neighborhood restaurants, easy tram to the center; good for Amsterdam Light Festival evenings.
| Place | Why You’ll Like It | Book |
| Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam — budget-friendly (Booking 9.0) | Modern, comfy, near canals east of the center; handy for festive cruises. | ⭐See Monet Garden |
| Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park — splurge (Booking 9.3) | Five-star polish inside Oosterpark; lovely winter atmosphere and service. | ⭐See Pillows Maurits at the Park |
Old Center & Nieuwmarkt (Best for First-Timers, Super Connected)
✅Why Stay Here: quick hop from Centraal Station (great on Dec 25–26 with holiday timetables), close to canal cruises, Dam Square, and Chinatown eats.
| Place | Why you’ll like it | Book |
| Hotel V Nesplein — budget-friendly (Booking 9.0) | Boutique style on a quiet street right by Dam Square; great on-foot sightseeing base. | ⭐See V Nesplein |
| The Hendrick’s Hotel — splurge, good value (Booking 9.1) | Elegant rooms a short walk from Centraal; perfect if you’re arriving by train. | ⭐See The Hendrick’s |
🔥 Hot Tip: If you’re arriving late on Dec 25, the Old Center near Centraal makes check-in and bags drop super easy.
Amsterdam at Christmas FAQ
Is Amsterdam Very Cold in December?
Yes—plan for chilly, damp weather, but nothing too cold. Average highs hover around 6–7°C (43–44°F) and lows near 1–3°C (34–37°F), with frequent cloud and some rain. Daylight is short too (about 7h 41m around Dec 21–25), so pack a waterproof coat, warm layers, hat, and gloves.
Where is the Christmas Village in Amsterdam?
On Museumplein, right by the Ice*Amsterdam rink, in front of the Rijksmuseum. For 2025, it’s scheduled to run Dec. 11th–26th. It’s easy to reach from the center by tram or metro, and is great for skating plus gift stalls.
Is the Red Light District in Amsterdam Open on Christmas?
Yes. The Red Light District is a public neighborhood and stays open year-round, including Christmas. Some businesses may run shorter hours, and it can be busy in the holidays—be respectful and follow local rules.
Are Shops and Supermarkets Open on December 25–26?
Christmas Day (Dec. 25th) is very quiet: most shops close, but some big-city supermarkets open with reduced hours. On Dec. 26th (Tweede Kerstdag), many more places open with holiday/Sunday hours.
Can I Attend a Christmas Church Service (in English)?
Yes. The English Reformed Church (Begijnhof) usually has a Christmas Eve service, and the Basilica of St. Nicholas holds Midnight Mass (free tickets required, collected from Dec 1). Plan ahead—capacity is limited.
Do I Need Restaurant Reservations for Christmas Dinner?
100% yes. A subset of restaurants opens on Dec 25 with special menus—book early. You can filter for “Christmas Day” on platforms like OpenTable or TheFork.
Christmas in Amsterdam 2025:The Wrap-Up
If you love cozy streets, pretty lights, and slow, happy days, you’ll feel right at home here in December. Give yourself time to wander, duck into warm cafés, and let the city set the pace.
Book a couple of key things, keep your evenings open for surprises, and say yes to the small moments—an extra oliebollen (always!), a last-minute canal cruise, a quiet museum hour while the snow (or rain) taps the windows.
Pack layers, waterproof shoes, and a good mood. You’ll be fine.
I’ll keep this guide fresh as plans land for 2025, so you can plan with confidence and still leave space for magic. When you’re ready, grab your gloves, tap in with your card, and step into the lights—Christmas in Amsterdam looks even better in person.
