Visit Amsterdam during Christmas break

As the Christmas holiday period arrives, you may decide that the best way to celebrate is by heading to Amsterdam. While this is a great idea, you need a solid plan to make the most of your trip. That’s why it’s essential to discover what activities and attractions the city offers during this festive season. 

Christmas is too special to celebrate in the same way as during the rest of the year when it comes to vacation, something that is especially important when you travel to Amsterdam, since it is a city that, as we will see, stands out for its Christmas traditions.

How is Christmas celebrated in Amsterdam?

Being in Amsterdam at Christmas time implies that you will join various events and traditions. Throughout the Netherlands, Christmas is welcomed when Sinterklaas arrives in mid-November. This is followed by Sinterklaas on December 5, where families traditionally get together and exchange gifts. 

It is after this date when Christmas begins to look more like the typical universal tradition, through Christmas decorations with Nativity figures, lights, trees, candles, among many other things. Also, on December 25, Christmas is celebrated in the same way as in the rest of the world. 

It is important to note that for the Dutch, December 26 is an important date and is considered the second day of Christmas, so it is dedicated mainly to activities to share with family. Our recommendation is that you take into account all these key dates to plan an itinerary and feel part of the traditions while vacationing in Amsterdam. 

However, the existence of these special dates does not mean that during the rest of the days there is nothing to do. In fact, Christmas activities abound throughout the city. There are Christmas markets such as the Museumplein, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein, ice rinks, and the Festival of Light, among many other establishments where the festive atmosphere permeates every corner. 

Amsterdam Light Festival 

First of all, we will talk about the Amsterdam Festival of Light, one of its most important Christmas events, to the point that it is known worldwide. In fact, for many people it is precisely the reason why they decide to travel to this city at this time of the year. 

As its name indicates, light is its most characteristic feature. It has more than 40 light installations for the projection of international artists. In addition, you can attend workshops, special events and watch live performances.

The impact it has on the city is such that different light sculptures are installed along all the canals in the old part of the city. It should be noted that the festival also offers two routes for visitors, "The Water Colors" and "The Illuminade". In the first one you can enjoy a boat ride through the canals and in the second one you can walk.

Although it is true that the boat route may seem more attractive, the walking route is completely free, so it is highly recommended to do both. You won't regret it! 

Regarding the duration of the festival, it starts in mid-November and ends in mid-January. Therefore, it is long enough for you to have plenty of options to have fun.

Ice skating

Ice skating is also very popular in Amsterdam, especially during the Christmas season, so it is also an activity to consider. Among the different places to skate, we highly recommend Museumplein on Museum Square. A free rink is installed there every year for children under 12 years old. 

In the case of people over that age, it will be necessary to pay a small fee to use it. On the other hand, if you prefer a track that is out of the ordinary, it is also allowed to use the canals of Amsterdam for skating. However, this will depend on weather conditions, so you will have to be attentive to know if the naval authorities have decided to block any Canal. 

The Christmas markets of Amsterdam at Christmas time 

As in other corners of Europe, there are multiple markets that you can visit in Amsterdam during Christmas. All are characterized by their festive atmosphere, craft stores and gifts of the season, so they are highly recommended visits. Among the main ones, we have to recommend: 

● Ice Village Christmas Market in Museumplein Park: It is located in Museumplein Square, in front of the Rijksmuseum. There you can enjoy the best of Dutch Christmas cuisine. Also, as already mentioned, it is home to an ice rink that is installed there every year. 

● Rembrandtplein Christmas Market: Another option near the Rijksmuseum. It stands out for offering multiple handicraft stores. It also has fashion galleries and high-quality cafes. 

● Christmas Market in Leidseplein: As its name suggests, you can find it in the Leidseplein square. Of our recommendations, it is one of the most varied. However, its real strength is that it is usually a point where special events and concerts are held. 

● Christmas market in Haarlem: It is not one of the most popular, as it is located on the outskirts of Amsterdam. However, it is worth mentioning because of its typical food options and handmade products. In addition, it is one of the largest, perfect to spend a whole afternoon there.

Pubs in Amsterdam at Christmas 

They may not be the most famous in the world, but Amsterdam's pubs have a festive Christmas atmosphere strong enough to make them worth a visit during this season. Plus, they're usually great for a good Christmas drink. To make it easier to find the ideal one for you, we have to recommend the following: 

● Café Chris: Do you like craft beers? If so, this is an almost mandatory visit, because the beers on the menu are excellent. In addition, the Christmas decorations that are placed every year will fill you with Christmas spirit. 

● Café de Dokter: Famous for being one of the oldest in the city and its Belgian beers, this is another place you will love to visit at Christmas. 

● Café 't Smalle: In this case we are referring to one of the coziest pubs, with comfortable facilities that stand out for their beauty when Christmas decorations and festive lights are added. It also has the best local beers.

Dam Square Christmas tree

Going to the Christmas tree at Dam Square should be a must if you visit Amsterdam during Christmas as a tourist. It happens to be a real tourist treasure of the city during Christmas. It is not just any tree, as it is more than 20 meters high, which is surrounded by LED lights. In other words, we are talking about a visually impressive spectacle. 

Be sure to bring your camera, as having the Royal Palace and the 15th century Nieuwe Kerk church in the background greatly enhances the views. While it is true that visiting the tree and strolling around it may seem too simple an activity, you should keep in mind that it is also an ideal place to do some shopping and taste the typical food, as small Christmas market stalls are also set up in Dam Square.

Hortus Botanicus

It is not possible to talk about things to do in Amsterdam for a weekend without mentioning the Amsterdam Botanical Garden, better known as Hortus Botanicus. It is a quiet place, perfect to connect with nature at this time of the year and take a walk with the family to clear the mind.

New Year's Eve fireworks

In most parts of the world, fireworks bring the curtain down on the year and Amsterdam is no exception. Every New Year's Eve, as the year draws to a close, the sky is illuminated by breathtaking firework displays. 

Although you can see this spectacle from virtually anywhere in Amsterdam, the best places to do so are Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt, Museumplein, Leidseplein and Dam Square, where the excitement of the fireworks is complemented by sound equipment and the beautiful lights of the Christmas season. Basically, it's just what you need to welcome the year with good energy. 

As an extra recommendation, you can take the opportunity to visit clubs, pubs or discos after watching the show. There are places of this type for all tastes that work during New Year's Eve and are the perfect complement to celebrate full of good vibes that the year is about to end.

Typical dishes that you must eat in Amsterdam during Christmas

The typical Christmas food is something so important that it requires a special section to talk about it. In Amsterdam at Christmas time the markets offer a variety of dishes that will make your mouth water, especially if you are a tourist. In fact, regardless of whether your palate is fine or all-rounder, there is food for all tastes. 

However, there are three typical Christmas dishes that deserve a special mention. This is not only because of their taste, but also because they are the perfect gateway to Amsterdam's traditions. Just what you need to feel part of this gastronomic culture during your vacation:

Oliebollen

A great delicacy is the oliebollen. They are fried dumplings reminiscent of fritters and are typical of Christmas. Despite how simple they are, they are quite delicious and it is common to eat them at the end of the year all over the country. 

Best of all, they are not hard to find. They abound in street food stalls all over the city. So, you should have no trouble finding good ones at any of the Christmas markets we have recommended.

Glühwein

Not every typical Christmas delicacy is edible, since in Amsterdam drinks also have an important impact on its gastronomy. In this sense, when it comes to Christmas, glühwein is the big star. 

It consists of a hot drink with spices that is consumed in abundance throughout the Christmas season. In detail, it is a kind of red wine that mixes cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Optionally, lemon, sugar or orange slices can be added to intensify its flavor. 

It is the best companion for such a cold season as this one, since it can help you warm up. Generally, you can find it in any coffee shop in Amsterdam, although the most popular to consume it are Café de Jaren, Café de Prins and Café de Zwart. Therefore, we recommend you to try them in case you are not sure where you can taste a good Glühwein.

Dutch sausages

It is also typical of Christmas that the different options of Dutch sausages are served at street food stalls. The most recommended are the frikandel. These are sausage chips created from a combination of spices and minced beef. 

Alternatively, you can try the rookworst if you like smoked meat or, if you prefer the classic, the knakworst, which consists of the world-famous frankfurters.

In conclusion, visiting Amsterdam during Christmas is an exciting and highly enriching experience. Whether you go with your family or with friends, you can try all the activities we have recommended to make sure your visit is unforgettable. Just remember to plan your itinerary in advance to make sure you have enough time to do all the things we have recommended.

Author: Lana de Wit

Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!