For a Christmas atmosphere with Christmas shopping, ice skating and hot chocolate you can visit the following squares in Amsterdam:
Dam
Every year in December there is traditionally a big Christmas tree on the Dam square. This 20-meter high tree stands in front of the Royal Palace and is decorated with 40,000 energy-efficient LED lights.
Together with the beautifully illuminated Bijenkorf they form the symbol of all festive activities organized in the month of December in Amsterdam.
Rembrandtplein
Also this year it's enjoy the beautiful Rembrandtplein. The ice rink will be setup in winter atmosphere again, just like every year. With the surrounding restaurants, the fresh oliebollen (a variety of dumpling), waffle and sausage stalls and of course the beautiful appearance of the Rembrandtplein itself which make this place the perfect winter experience. Winter Plaza on Rembrandtplein guarantees an unforgettable Dutch winter experience!
The streets are decorated with many lights during Christmas in Amsterdam during the Amsterdam Light Festival. But not only the streets light up. Dozens of artworks and installations from national and international artists decorate the canals in the city center of Amsterdam. There are different departure points, so there is always one that fits your itinerary.
When: Thursday, 28 November to Sunday, 19 January 2025
In December there are Christmas trees in all shapes and sizes for sale on the flower market. For the ultimate Christmas feeling there's Christmas Palace, Amsterdam's unique shop where the 365 days of the year is Christmas. Here you score easily a nice gift for under the tree.
The RAI (in- & outdoor) will be transformed once again into your Ultimate Winter experience in Amsterdam. There is plenty to do, both during the day and in the evening. You can skate on both the indoor and outdoor track, do some cross-country skiing, curling, or if you're not really planning on being active, you can visit the après-ski, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, go to the cinema or the theatre, or listen to the live music. In short, Amsterdam's Winter Paradise promises to be a great place to be.
Featuring only the crème de la crème of the circus world, the internationally renowned World Christmas Circus returns to Amsterdam’s Royal Theatre Carré for a run of shows.
When: Wednesday 18 December to Sunday 5 January 2025
The Museumplein transforms into a cute winter village each year as Ice Village descends on the square. You will discover all kinds of gadgets, Christmas accessories, live entertainment and finger-licking food in the cozy winter chalets.
When: Thursday, 12 December until Thursday, 26 December 2024
Opening times: 12:00-21:00 (on 25 & 26 December from 12:00 to 19:00)
Important Update: The iconic ice rink on the Museumplein, famous for its nostalgic drawbridge and stunning view of the Rijksmuseum, will not be set up this winter (2023/2024). Due to a requirement for European tendering by the municipality, there will be a hiatus in the annual winter joy that both tourists and local Amsterdammers are accustomed to. However, the Museumplein is still worth a visit even without the ice rink, boasting its impressive museums, cosy winter terraces, and breathtaking architecture.
And fret not, dear winter enthusiasts, the expectation is that the ice rink will return to the Museumplein in the winter of 2024/2025, ready to make heartwarming memories once again.
Rembrandtplein & RAI
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