Amsterdam is a city that exudes charm and vibrancy year-round, but there is something extra magical about visiting in the winter. With its picturesque canals, festive lights and cozy cafes, Amsterdam transforms into a winter wonderland that offers a memorable experience. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here is a guide to some of the best things to discover in Amsterdam during winter.
Embrace the festive spirit
Amsterdam Light Festival
Running from late November to early January, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the city with stunning light installations created by artists from around the world. Wander through the illuminated streets and canals or take a special boat tour to see the artworks from the water, creating a magical and surreal experience.
Christmas markets
Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are a must-visit for anyone looking to soak up the festive atmosphere. Some popular markets include:
- Ice Village Amsterdam: Located in Museumplein, this market features charming stalls selling holiday treats, crafts, and gifts. The adjacent ice rink adds to the festive fun.
- Funky Xmas Market: Held at the Westergasfabriek, this market offers handmade gifts, delicious food, and live entertainment, making it a perfect spot for some Christmas shopping.
Winter sports and activities
Ice skating
Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity in Amsterdam. Every winter the Dutch are hoping for another frozen winter and the prospect of ice skating on the canals, unfortunately it does not occur every year. But several locations offer picturesque rinks in December and January where you can glide on the ice:
- The large ice rink in front of the Rijksmuseum offers a scenic backdrop, making the square Museumplein a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
- Enjoy ice skating and winter fun in the heart of Amsterdam at the squares Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Afterwards, warm up with some glühwein, a hot oliebol, or a sandwich.
Canal cruising
While canal cruises are popular year-round, winter brings a special charm to these tours. Some boats offer heated interiors and blankets, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city’s frosty canals, Christmas decorations and illuminated bridges in comfort.
Indoor attractions
Amsterdam Winter Paradise RAI
During the last weeks of the year, the venue RAI offers a large indoor and outdoor skating rink, Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, cross-country skiing, winter snacks and drinks. In the evening you can celebrate in the Après-Ski Village or at the winter party with various artists.
Royal Concertgebouw
Experience world-class music at the Concertgebouw, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. The holiday season often features classical Christmas concerts and special performances, creating a festive and cultural treat. Tickets can be purchased online.
Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ
The modern building has a small and big hall, with a ceiling, walls and floor panels that are moveable, and unprecedented acoustics. Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ offers concerts of contemporary classical music, jazz and electronic music. Before and after a concert have a drink or a bite at the grand café on the ground floor with a water view over ’t IJ.
Theatre and ballet
Amsterdam’s theatres and ballet companies offer a range of performances during the winter months. At the Dutch National Opera & Ballet you can enjoy enchanting performances such as The Nutcracker, perfect for the holiday season. The venue is housed in the same building as Amsterdam’s City Hall at Waterlooplein.
Museums
Amsterdam’s rich cultural scene is ideal for escaping the winter chill. Some must-visit indoor attractions include:
- Rijksmuseum: Home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, the Rijksmuseum offers an extensive collection of Dutch art and history.
- Van Gogh Museum: Explore the life and works of Vincent van Gogh in this dedicated museum housing the largest collection of his art.
- Stedelijk Museum: Enjoy modern and contemporary art of artists such as Marlene Dumas, Jeff Koons, Lichtenstein, Warhol, Picasso and Karel Appel. Tickets are exclusively available online through their website.
Cinemas
Amsterdam’s diverse cinema scene offers something for everyone, whether you are a fan of blockbuster hits, independent films, or classic cinema. Each venue provides its own unique experience, from the historic grandeur of Pathé Tuschinski, the oldest cinema of Amsterdam which is The Movies, to the modern cultural hub of EYE Filmmuseum.
Drinks and food in winter
Amsterdam’s cozy cafes and restaurants provide the perfect refuge from the cold. Enjoy a hot drink and a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie (‘appeltaart’) or hotchpotch at one of these welcoming spots:
- Café de Jaren: Known for its spacious interiors and beautiful canal views, it is a great place to relax with a hot beverage.
- Winkel 43: Famous for its legendary apple pie, this café at the square Noordermarkt is a must-visit.
- Café ‘t Papeneiland: One of Amsterdam’s oldest cafes, is situated in the Jordaan district. Have a coffee with homemade apple pie or a beer with a Dutch fried snack like ‘bitterballen’.
- Café De Blaffende Vis: This typical brown café, open all day for drinks, snacks and food, has been popular with locals for years.
- Koffie en de Koeck: Fully vegan cakes and patisserie, lunch, afternoon tea, specialty coffee and breakfast. This lovely place is located on the Haarlemmerweg, near Westerpark.
- Moeders (‘mothers’): Since 1990 a well-known restaurant for traditional Dutch food and several Dutch winter specialities such as green pea soup and hotchpotch (mashed potatoes with vegetables served with a sausage and meatball, or the vegetarian version).
- Restaurant Smelt: A cozy cheese fondue restaurant that uses the best French, Dutch and Swiss cheeses from their neighbors: De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam (‘The cheese room of Amsterdam’).
- Meatless District: A popular plant-based restaurant since many years. They serve a shared dining menu, all delicious and flavourful, paired with cocktails if you are up for it.
- The Pancake Bakery: Located in a 17th-century warehouse on one of the main canals, this restaurant serves traditional Dutch favorites and pancakes, hence the name.
Explore winter landscapes
Vondelpark
Amsterdam’s largest park, Vondelpark, turns into a serene winter landscape, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a brisk walk. If you are lucky, you might catch a light snowfall that transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Afterwards have a warm drink at ‘t Blauwe Theehuis or enjoy a delicious all-day brunch at Dignita Vondelpark on the Koninginneweg, near the south park entrance.
Zaanse Schans
Take a short trip to Zaanse Schans, a historic village featuring traditional Dutch windmills, wooden houses, and artisanal workshops. The winter setting adds a magical touch to this picturesque location, offering beautiful photo opportunities and a glimpse into Dutch heritage.
Haarlem
Located just a fifteen minutes train ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a picturesque city that offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and modern charm, often referred to as a smaller, more intimate version of Amsterdam. At the heart of Haarlem lies the Grote Markt, a central square surrounded by historic buildings. The impressive St. Bavokerk (St. Bavo’s Church) dominates the square with its gothic architecture. In December downtown Haarlem will be transformed into a Christmas market.
Shopping for winter delights
De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets)
Explore the boutiques and specialty shops in the Nine Streets area, situated between the main canals in the city centre, perfect for finding gifts and winter fashion. The picturesque narrow streets are beautifully decorated during the holiday season, adding to the festive shopping experience.
Department stores and shopping centers
Visit iconic department stores like De Bijenkorf on Dam Square, which features elaborate holiday decorations and a wide range of high-end products. The nearby Magna Plaza, housed in a historic building, offers a variety of shops and a festive atmosphere.
Shopping street Utrechtsestraat
In this charming street, which starts on Rembrandtplein, you will find all kinds of shops, restaurants and cafés. During the holidays, the street is decorated with festive lights and beautiful decorations.
Amsterdam in winter is a magical experience, offering a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to all interests. From festive markets and ice skating to world-class museums and cozy cafes, the city provides a perfect blend of cultural enrichment and winter fun. Wrap up warm, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover Amsterdam in winter.
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