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 the 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. From Winter Wonderland, both indoor and outdoor options, with a winter market, ice village and mulled wine, there are plenty of great options available this winter. 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!

At Ice*Amsterdam you can combine two fantastic activities during your Christmas holidays: ice skating and enjoying some delightful snacks. Try a traditional Dutch pea soup, or a portion of poffertjes, or enjoy a cheese fondue for two.

The location of Ice*Amsterdam is just perfect too! You can find the Christmas market in the city centre, at Museum Square, surrounded by the city’s best known museums. Ice*Amsterdam is one of the most magical Christmas markets in Amsterdam!

Open from 12 November 2022 till 5 February 2023, enter the skating rink and rent skates from € 14.50.

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. 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 15 December 2022 till 1 January 2023.

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 six weeks. During this time the Stadsplein will be the centre of a spacious but above all very festive Winter Village. This Christmas market comes with a cosy terrace, an ice rink and sixty stalls with gifts, winter and Christmas items.

Open from 3 December 2022 till 8 January 2023.

Of course, there are many more magical Christmas Markets in the Netherlands, including some smaller ones around Amsterdam, such as the Funky Xmas Market. However, if you’re staying in Amsterdam, these Christmas markets are the closest 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 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.