Christmas 2025

Late November to early January

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.

When: The illuminated Christmas tree on the Dam will be placed on Saturday, 13 December 2025.

World Christmas Circus

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, 17 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026
Where: Royal Theatre Carré
Website: www.carre.nl

Christmas events near Amsterdam

Take your wishlist and swap Amsterdam for a day out at one of these magical Christmas markets nearby. In addition to an endless array of unique gifts, you can also indulge in all sorts of festive treats. Savour, shop, and browse.

Light Festival Amsterdam

The canals and streets of Amsterdam are transformed into a magical museum of light each year.

Beautiful winter event – The canals and streets of Amsterdam are transformed annually into a magical light museum.
International light art – Admire the large light installations created by artists from various countries.
All around the city centre – Light sculptures are spread throughout the heart of Amsterdam, perfect for a special evening walk.
Unique boat route – Take a special festival boat tour and see all the highlights from the water.

Where: Prins Hendrikkade

Amsterdam Winter Paradise

The Amsterdamse Winterparadijs immerses you in a cosy winter village full of Christmas lights, pine trees and festive winter decorations.

Covered ice rink: A large ice rink with real winter charm forms the heart of the festival. Skates can be rented on site.
Attractions and games: Spread across the grounds are fun attractions, winter themed games and great photo spots.
Winter decorations: Thousands of lights and atmospheric decorations create a warm and festive ambiance.

When: December
Where: RAI, Europaplein 1

Ice rink on the Museumplein

With its nostalgic drawbridge, sparkling lights and the iconic view of the Rijksmuseum, this is one of the most atmospheric places in the city to go ice skating.

Iconic location: Skate in the cultural heart of Amsterdam, surrounded by the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Concertgebouw.
Amsterdam winter tradition: For nearly three months, the ice rink forms the centre of winter cheer on the Museumplein.
For all ages: Whether you're skating your first laps or have years of experience, the rink is suitable for all ages and levels.

When: Middle of November to early January
Where: Museumplein
Website: www.schaatsbaanmuseumplein.nl

Pure Markt

Whether you want to shop for Christmas dinner or simply fancy a leisurely stroll and some tasty treats, you'll find the freshest and purest products at the wintry edition of the Pure Markt in Amsterdam. There are multiple editions of the Winter Market in the atmospheric Park Frankendael.

When: December
Where: Park Frankendael
Website: puremarkt.nl

Funky Xmas Market

In December, the well-known Sunday Market gets decked out for the Funky Xmas Market. As usual, you can browse stalls for artisanal products, quirky home accessories, homemade sweets, savoury dishes, and unique gifts. Don't forget to take a breather and enjoy some live music and a cup of hot chocolate in between.

When: December
Where: Westergas, Polonceaukade 27
Website: www.sundaymarket.nl

Neem je wishlist mee en verruil Amsterdam voor een dagje uit naar een van deze magische kerstmarkten in de omgeving. Naast een oneindig aanbod aan bijzondere cadeautjes, kun je er ook snoepen van allerlei feestelijke lekkernijen. Smul, shop en snuffel rond.

Location Christmas

Rembrandtplein & RAI

Display Christmas
on the map

Other events in Amsterdam

Light Festival Amsterdam;
Kwaku Festival;
End July
Open Garden Days;
Friday 19 – Sunday 21 June 2026
Ice Fun at Rembrandtplein;
Canal Festival;
Friday 7 – Sunday 16 August 2026
Funky Xmas Market;
December

Entire list