Where to find the best Christmas markets in 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!

Christmas Village Amsterdam

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 lights and the Rijksmuseum in the background make it a beautiful Christmas setting for skating. Collect your skates at the entrance, as they are included in your ticket, and let the magic begin! If you want a break from skating you can head into the restaurant for some classic winter dishes and warm drinks. 

The Ice Rink is open from 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027. On weekdays, the rink is open from 12:00 to 21:00, and on weekends from 10:00 to 22:00. On Sundays, the rink is open from 10:00 to 21:00. The Christmas Village is open from 3 December till 27 December 2026. 

If you get too cold here you can easily visit one 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.

Amsterdam Winter Paradise

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 17 December 2026 till 2 January 2027.

More Christmas events in Amsterdam

Of course, there are plenty more magical Christmas markets and festive events to enjoy in Amsterdam. Restaurant De Willem, located on Haarlemmerplein, is hosting an indulgent Christmas Eve dinner and a festive Christmas lunch on Boxing Day. To make the occasion extra special, the restaurant has put together a seasonal menu featuring three or four courses, with an optional wine pairing to complement each dish. For those looking to make the most of the festive celebrations, there is also a more elaborate five- or six-course menu, accompanied by carefully selected wines for the ultimate Christmas dining experience. 

Or visit the Funky Xmas Market in the Westergasfabriek on 21 December between 12:00 and 18:00. At this Christmas market, various designers and artists come together to sell their creations in a space filled with funky Christmas vibes.

Christmas Market in Haarlem

The famous Haarlem Christmas Market is back this year, bringing plenty of festive cheer to the city centre! With almost 350 stalls spread throughout the streets, you can easily spend hours browsing Christmas decorations, gifts and seasonal treats. There are also various live performances to enjoy along the way.

Our tip? Start at Haarlem Station and walk towards the city centre to explore the market. Getting there from Amsterdam is super easy: the train from Amsterdam Central Station takes just 18 minutes! The Haarlem Christmas Market takes place on Friday 11 December (10:30 am – 8:00 pm), Saturday 12 December (10:30 am – 8:00 pm) and Sunday 13 December (10:30 am – 7:00 pm).

Metamorfaunes by Luminariste (Amsterdam Light Festival 2025 - 2026, edition 14)

Fun things to do this winter

Aside from visiting the magical Christmas Markets of Amsterdam, there are more fun things to do this winter. For example, admire the spectacular light installations from the water during the Amsterdam Light Festival 2026-2027. You can also immerse yourself in the fascinating artistic connection between two Dutch masters at the Van Gogh & Rembrandt Experience, an immersive light show in the Noorderkerk, or explore the city at your own pace aboard a Hop-on Hop-off bus. Happy Holidays!