Magical Christmas markets in and near Amsterdam

The most wonderful time of the year is almost here: Christmas! The Dutch capital started putting up its Christmas decorations in early November and is completely ready for this joyful holiday season to start. The dark days of winter will be brightened by the lighting of the Christmas tree on Dam Square, the Amsterdam Light Festival and several lovely Christmas markets.

If you look for the different Christmas markets in Amsterdam you might find yourself overwhelmed with choice. There are plenty of great options available this winter, with both indoor and outdoor markets, skating rinks, mulled wine, and more. But not to worry, we have made a list of the best Christmas markets around. So grab a blanket, your favourite cup of hot chocolate and read on!

For a Christmas market in the centre of Amsterdam, head to the Museumplein to visit the Christmas Village. the Christmas market promises a fun day for all. There will be over 45 stands where you can buy great presents, and various food and drinks.

Next to the Christmas Village, you can skate on the Ice Rink at the Museumplein. The rink is open from 10 in the morning to 10 at night and your ticket to the rink includes rental skates. If you want a break from skating you can head into the restaurant for some classic winter dishes and warm drinks.

The Christmas Village is open from 12 December till 26 December 2024. The Ice Rink is open from 15 November 2024 to 2 February 2025.

If you get too cold here you can easily visit on of the many great museums that surround the square. Amongst the many museums here, you will find the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, and the Van Gogh Museum. You can buy your museum tickets online or at our shop on the square.

Convention centre RAI Amsterdam will once again become the ultimate winter experience, and this year it is bigger and better than ever. The Amsterdam Winter Paradise takes place both inside and outside the convention centre. Here, you can show your skating skills on the ice-skating rinks, try your hand at curling, grab the mic for some karaoke, do your Christmas shopping or enjoy the view over the city of Amsterdam from the giant Ferris wheel.

These are only a few of the activities you can enjoy when you visit the Amsterdam Winter Paradise, there will also be live performances and lots of food and drinks options. And if all that doesn’t make your Christmas heart beat a little faster, then the following will: no matter the weather there is snow! Time for a classic snowball fight.

Open from 18 December 2024 till 5 January 2025.

A bit further from the Amsterdam city centre, in the heart of Amstelveen (a suburb of Amsterdam) lovers of the festive season can feast their eyes for no less than five weeks. During this time the Stadsplein will be the centre of a spacious but above all very festive Winter Village. The village has a large ice rink as well as a cosy terrace, making it the perfect place to get into the winter and Christmas spirit.

Open from 30 November 2024 till 5 January 2025.

Of course, there are many more magical Christmas Markets in the Netherlands, including some smaller ones around Amsterdam, such as the Funky Xmas Market at the Westergasfabriek on 3 and 17 December. One of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands can be found in Haarlem from 13 to 15 December, a twenty minute train ride from Amsterdam. However, if you’re staying in Amsterdam, one of the bigger and longer lasting Christmas markets in the city are the easiest and nicest to visit!

Aside from visiting the magical Christmas Markets of Amsterdam, there are more fun things to do this winter. Do you want to make sure you don’t miss anything fun during your stay in Amsterdam? Then you could use a local friend to help you find your way around!

And we would love to be your local guide. Start by making sure you are properly packed for your visit to Amsterdam this winter season and reading up on Dutch Christmas traditions. Then explore all the great things to do in Amsterdam to plan your trip.