Amsterdam christmas market 2025
🎄 Amsterdam Christmas Market 2025 — A Complete Guide to Festive Magic in the Dutch Capital
When December arrives, Amsterdam transforms into a glowing wonderland of lights, canals, and cozy winter markets. The city’s charming streets, bridges, and squares sparkle with Christmas decorations, the smell of warm stroopwafels fills the air, and the sound of carols echoes from every corner.
If you’re planning a holiday trip to the Netherlands, the Amsterdam Christmas Market 2025 is one of the most magical experiences you can have — a mix of Dutch tradition, international food, skating rinks, and unique local crafts.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: dates, locations, highlights, local treats, hotels, travel tips, and insider recommendations to make the most of your festive visit to Amsterdam in 2025.
🕯️ When Is the Amsterdam Christmas Market 2025?
Most Christmas markets in Amsterdam open in mid-November 2025 and run until early January 2026.
While there isn’t one single central market, the city features several festive squares and winter events spread across multiple neighborhoods.
📅 Key Dates (Expected 2025–2026 Season)
- Opening: Around November 15, 2025
- Closing: Around January 5, 2026
- Peak Season: December 10–26, 2025
- Christmas Day: December 25 (some stalls closed)
- New Year’s Eve Celebrations: December 31, 2025 (special fireworks & events)
💡 Tip: Visit between December 10 and 23 for the best atmosphere — everything is open, lights are at full brightness, and crowds are festive but not overwhelming.
🏙️ Where to Find Christmas Markets in Amsterdam (2025 Edition)
Unlike cities like Vienna or Prague, Amsterdam has multiple smaller Christmas markets instead of one big central one. Each has its own theme, atmosphere, and specialties. Here are the most popular ones for 2025:
🎡 1. Ice Village Amsterdam (Museumplein)
📍 Location: Museumplein (in front of the Rijksmuseum)
📅 Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 5, 2026
The Ice Village is Amsterdam’s most famous Christmas market — a postcard-perfect scene with wooden chalets, twinkling lights, and an outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by museums.
What to Expect:
- Dozens of wooden stalls selling Dutch snacks, gifts, and handmade crafts.
- Ice rink (Ice*Amsterdam) open daily from morning to late evening.
- Cozy bars serving mulled wine (glühwein), hot chocolate, and oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts).
- Views of the Rijksmuseum, lit up beautifully at night.
🎶 Evening skating with live DJs and light shows make this market one of Amsterdam’s best winter experiences.
🧣 2. Amsterdam Winter Paradise (RAI Amsterdam)
📍 Location: Europaplein, RAI Exhibition Centre
📅 Dates: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026
The Amsterdam Winter Paradise is the biggest indoor-outdoor Christmas event in the city — part fair, part festival.
Highlights:
- Massive indoor ice rink and real snow ski slope.
- Ferris wheel, carousel, and winter-themed rides.
- Live music, Dutch singers, and kids’ entertainment.
- Stalls selling snacks like poffertjes, stroopwafels, and Bratwurst.
- Indoor sections for families and cozy evening bars for adults.
💡 Perfect for cold or rainy days — everything is under one roof!
🎁 3. Funky Xmas Market (Westergas)
📍 Location: Westergasfabriek, Westerpark
📅 Dates: December 14–15, 2025
For a hip, artsy take on Christmas, head to the Funky Xmas Market — a creative fair inside the Westergas cultural complex.
What You’ll Find:
- Handmade gifts, jewelry, ceramics, and sustainable fashion.
- Local designers and Amsterdam-based artists selling one-of-a-kind products.
- Vintage vinyl records, crafts, and street food.
- Festive atmosphere with live DJs and mulled wine.
🧵 Ideal for unique Christmas gifts and supporting local artisans.
🌉 4. Amsterdam Light Festival (Canal District)
📍 Location: Along the canals (city center)
📅 Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 19, 2026
Although technically not a Christmas market, the Amsterdam Light Festival adds pure magic to the season.
More than 20 light artworks and installations illuminate the canals, bridges, and houseboats.
You can:
- Take a canal cruise under the glowing artworks.
- Walk or cycle the “Light Route” connecting the installations.
- Combine it with a visit to nearby markets like Spui or Rembrandtplein.
🌠 The 2025 edition will celebrate “Bridges of Light”, highlighting Amsterdam’s connection between people and places.
⛪ 5. Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt (NDSM Wharf, Amsterdam-Noord)
📍 Location: NDSM Werf, Amsterdam North (ferry from Central Station)
📅 Dates: December 20–22, 2025
Held in a repurposed shipyard, this urban Christmas market is edgy, creative, and full of atmosphere.
What Makes It Unique:
- Local DJs, street art, and food trucks.
- Vintage stalls, design pop-ups, and handmade crafts.
- A giant Christmas tree made of recycled materials.
- Great riverside views of the IJ and the city skyline.
🚢 Take the free ferry to NDSM — it’s part of the fun!
🎠 6. Pure Markt (Amstelpark)
📍 Location: Amstelpark
📅 Dates: December 21, 2025
A local favorite, Pure Markt focuses on organic food, local producers, and sustainable gifts.
Expect a laid-back vibe with artisan stalls, live music, and fresh regional dishes.
🧀 Try Dutch cheese platters, local honey, handmade soaps, and Christmas jams.
🍷 What to Eat & Drink at Amsterdam’s Christmas Markets
The markets in Amsterdam combine Dutch winter comfort food with international Christmas classics.
Here are must-try treats in 2025:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Oliebollen | Deep-fried Dutch dough balls with powdered sugar — traditional for New Year’s. |
| Poffertjes | Mini fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. |
| Stroopwafels | Thin caramel-filled waffles, best enjoyed warm with coffee. |
| Erwtensoep (Snert) | Thick pea soup with sausage — perfect for cold evenings. |
| Speculaas | Spiced Christmas biscuits flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg. |
| Glühwein | Traditional hot mulled wine with orange and clove. |
| Hot chocolate with whipped cream | A must-have for kids and sweet lovers. |
| Cheese fondue cups | A new favorite among visitors — gooey, warm, and delicious. |
🍷 Tip: Visit food stalls near the skating rink at Museumplein for the best variety.
🛍️ Christmas Shopping in Amsterdam
If you love shopping, December is the perfect time to explore both Christmas markets and local boutiques.
- De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets) – Chic independent shops and vintage stores.
- Kalverstraat & Leidsestraat – Main shopping streets for big brands.
- Spiegelkwartier – Ideal for art, antiques, and unique Christmas gifts.
- Westergas & NDSM Markets – Trendy areas for design, crafts, and sustainable gifts.
Stores usually stay open later during December — some until 9 p.m. in the week before Christmas.
⛸️ Ice Skating in Amsterdam
Ice skating is a beloved Dutch winter tradition, and Amsterdam sets up beautiful rinks across the city.
- Museumplein (Ice*Amsterdam) – Most popular and photogenic rink.
- RAI Winter Paradise – Indoor and outdoor skating combined with music and food.
- Jaap Eden Ice Rink – Professional oval rink for experienced skaters (East Amsterdam).
Rent skates on-site for about €7–€10, and warm up afterward with hot chocolate and whipped cream.
🌟 Special Christmas Events 2025
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dam Square | Dec 8, 2025 | Amsterdam’s main Christmas tree lights up — 20m tall and 40,000 LED lights. |
| Amsterdam Light Festival | Canals | Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 19, 2026 | 20+ glowing artworks along the canals. |
| Carols by Candlelight | English Reformed Church (Begijnhof) | Dec 24, 2025 | Traditional Christmas carol service. |
| New Year’s Eve Fireworks | Museumplein & Dam Square | Dec 31, 2025 | Fireworks, DJs, and party atmosphere. |
🏨 Where to Stay Near the Markets
| Hotel | Area | Why Stay Here |
|---|---|---|
| Conservatorium Hotel | Museumplein | Luxury, close to Ice Village. |
| NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky | Dam Square | In the heart of the city, near lights & shops. |
| Sir Adam Hotel | NDSM Wharf | Trendy, great for the Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt. |
| The Hoxton | Herengracht Canal | Stylish boutique hotel near canal lights. |
| Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark | Budget option | Affordable & near skating rinks. |
Book 3–4 months in advance — Christmas season is one of Amsterdam’s busiest times.
🚆 Getting Around
Amsterdam is compact, walkable, and beautifully lit during Christmas.
Transportation Tips:
- Trams & Buses: Use your OV-chipkaart or contactless card.
- Metro: Great for reaching RAI and Amstelpark.
- Bike rentals: Possible even in winter, but watch for slippery roads.
- Canal Cruises: Evening “Light Festival Cruises” offer the best views.
🚋 Trams run until midnight; night buses operate hourly routes after 1 a.m.
❄️ Weather & What to Wear
December temperatures in Amsterdam average 2°C to 7°C (36°F – 44°F).
It rarely snows heavily, but you can expect chilly wind and light rain.
Pack:
- Warm coat and scarf
- Waterproof boots
- Gloves and hat
- Layers for comfort indoors/outdoors
- Umbrella or rain jacket
💡 Pro Tip: Dutch cafés are warm and cozy — pop in for a hot chocolate or erwtensoep between markets.
📸 Best Photo Spots During Christmas
- Rijksmuseum reflection on the ice rink (Museumplein)
- Dam Square Christmas tree glowing at night
- Amsterdam canals during the Light Festival
- NDSM Wharf’s industrial Christmas tree
- De 9 Straatjes bridges decorated with fairy lights
📷 Bring a tripod if you want to capture the city’s glowing reflections after dark.
❤️ Why You’ll Love Amsterdam at Christmas
- The atmosphere — cozy, romantic, and friendly.
- The lights and canals — picture-perfect winter scenery.
- The food — a delicious mix of Dutch and European flavors.
- The creativity — from art markets to modern light displays.
- The people — open, cheerful, and always up for a winter toast.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, the Amsterdam Christmas Market 2025 promises an unforgettable mix of culture, charm, and festive cheer.
🧭 Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Market | Ice Village Amsterdam (Museumplein) |
| Dates | Mid-November 2025 – Early January 2026 |
| Tickets | Free entry (some attractions paid) |
| Top Food | Stroopwafels, oliebollen, poffertjes |
| Top Event | Amsterdam Light Festival 2025 |
| Best Visit Time | Mid-December evenings |
| Weather | 2–7°C (cold, possible rain) |
🏆 Final Thoughts
The Amsterdam Christmas Market 2025 combines the magic of winter with Dutch charm — from skating under the stars at Museumplein to sipping hot chocolate by the canals.
It’s not just a market — it’s an atmosphere, a feeling, and a celebration of light, creativity, and joy.
Whether you come for the lights, the food, or the festive spirit, you’ll leave with memories of a city that knows exactly how to make winter feel warm.