Amsterdam Winter Paradise 2025

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

Highlights for visitors

The combination of ice skating, attractions, music and good food makes the event appealing to families, groups of friends and couples.

Covered ice rink: A large ice rink with real winter charm forms the heart of the festival. Skates can be rented on site.
Ferris wheel: Take a ride on the Ferris wheel and enjoy a lovely view over the illuminated winter paradise and the RAI.
Attractions and games: Spread across the grounds are fun attractions, winter themed games and great photo spots, especially popular with children.
Winter decorations: Thousands of lights and atmospheric decorations create a warm and festive ambiance.

Food and drinks in winter style

Winter classics: Enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate and fresh Dutch doughnuts.
Food trucks and stalls: A varied selection of international dishes, savoury snacks and sweet treats.
Cosy bars: Heated seating areas and bars make it easy to warm up and relax.

Music and entertainment

During the day there is plenty of family entertainment, while the evenings feature live performances by well known Dutch artists and DJs. At night the winter paradise often transforms into a festive winter club, attracting a more adult audience.

Practical information

Location: RAI Amsterdam, easily accessible by public transport.
Tickets: A range of ticket options is available, such as day tickets, skating tickets and evening tickets for live performances. It is recommended to book online in advance.

The Amsterdamse Winterparadijs is an ideal winter outing for tourists who want to experience Amsterdam in a different way.

When

Saturday 13 December 2025 – Saturday 3 January 2026.

Where

RAI, Europaplein 1

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.

Christmas Market in Haarlem

Hop on the sleigh to Haarlem. Your Christmas adventure starts in Haarlem, where the historic centre and old canals add an extra sprinkle of magic to the festivities. The traditional Christmas Market Haarlem brings a smile to the face of visitors of all ages. Indulge in festive sweets, pick up handmade trinkets, and enjoy Christmas carols sung by a choir in between.

When: Friday, 12 to Sunday, 14 December 2025
Free Entry
Where: Grote Markt, Haarlem
Public Transport: ±40 min. / ±20 km
Website: www.visithaarlem.com/en/kerstmarkt

Nostalgic Christmas Market, Leiden

A charming scene will be set up on the beautiful Hooglandse Kerkgracht where lovely Christmas gifts can be purchased. Of course, the option to enjoy a delicious warm mulled wine or hot chocolate will not be missing.

When:
– Friday 12 – Sunday 14 December 2025
– Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 December 2025
Opening Hours: 12:00–17:00
Free Entry
Where: Hooglandse Kerkgracht, Leiden
Public Transport: ±49 min. / ±50 km
Website: www.visitleiden.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: Sunday 21 December 2025
Where: Park Frankendael
Website: puremarkt.nl

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: Saturday 15 November 2025 – Friday 6 February 2026
Where: Museumplein
Website: www.schaatsbaanmuseumplein.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: Sunday 21 December 2025
Where: Westergas, Polonceaukade 27
Website: www.sundaymarket.nl

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.

When: Thursday 27 November 2025 – Sunday 18 January 2026
Where: Prins Hendrikkade

Ice Rink in Scheveningen

Every winter, Scheveningen transforms into a magical winter paradise during the Cool Event. Right on the Kurhausplein, a covered ice rink of no less than 600 m² sparkles, with the iconic Kurhaus hotel in the background.

When: Saturday 8 November 2025 – Sunday 8 February 2026
Where: Kurhausplein, Scheveningen
Website: www.cooleventscheveningen.nl

Royal Christmas Fair, The Hague

In December, you can soak up the atmosphere, smell, and ultimate Christmas spirit in the Dutch political capital. Come and listen to one of the many storytellers and children's choirs. The Lange Voorhout is filled with cosy stalls offering flammkuchen, wood carvings, and wintry pelts.

When: Thursday 4 – Tuesday 23 December 2025
Where: Lange Voorhout, Den Haag
Website: www.royalchristmasfair.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 Amsterdam Winter Paradise

marker RAI, Europaplein 1

Display Amsterdam Winter Paradise
on the map

Other events in Amsterdam

Christmas;
Late November to early January
King's Day in Amsterdam;
Monday 27 April 2026
Open Monuments Day in Amsterdam;
Second Saturday and / or second Sunday in September
National Remembrance Day;
Monday 4 May 2026
Tulip Day;
Saturday 17 January 2026
Ice Fun at Rembrandtplein;
Friday 14 November 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026

Entire list