Just like everywhere else in the city, the Red Light District celebrates the holiday season as well. Amsterdam gears up for the season with Sinterklaas, Christmas and New Year's Eve, the taste of chocolate letters, pepernoten and speculaas on the tongues of children, mulled wine on the tongues of the older kids, a rosy glow in the cheeks of everyone and plenty of Christmas markets, holiday concerts, plays and … Required fields are marked *. Kerstmarkt Gemeentegrot is one of the most unique Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Ice*Amsterdam Christmas Market (dates TBA) The market features dozens of vendors and craft displays. Christmas Palace Singel 508-510 1017 AX Amsterdam. Amsterdam Christmas Markets from £234pp! (For 2019, the Castle Christmas Fair will occur between November 29th and December 2nd. This floating Christmas market is a foodie’s paradise with numerous stands for food and drinks that aren’t just your standard gluhwein and oliebollen… Click for my guide to the Leiden Christmas market! We recommend staying in Maastricht and booking soon as many hotels are sold out.). The easiest way to see more attractions in Amsterdam is by purchasing a discount pass. Now, living in The Hague, the Netherlands. 7. The new location is ushering in fresh look for the popular market, with an ice rink, live music, food trucks and winter bars, children's activities, a rotating roster of cultural … If you're a female travel or lifestyle blogger, join my Facebook group for bloggers! The biggest Christmas Markets in Amsterdam are: Sinterklaas Market or so-called Funky Christmas Market (open on Sunday the 1st of December and Sunday the 15th of December) Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt (open on the 22nd and 23rd of December) Ice Village (open from the 13th of December until the 26th, included) In this Christmas market, you’ll find more than 75 adorable stalls that you can enjoy from December 16th until January 5th. }); In 2020, the date for the lighting is December 6th at 17:00 (5:00 pm). Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. The name itself indicates the purest market of winter. The square is decorated for the holidays with Christmas trees around the skating rink. callback: cb There will be live entertainment as well as trinkets, clothing, and food for purchase. This charming Christmas fair near Utrecht takes place at the stunning Kasteel de Haar. And they have a special festive version of this event during the holiday season. A free event for all ages annually in December, at the iconic Westergas site. Visit the Ice Village on Museumplein for one of the best Christmas experiences … In addition to great holiday treats, this market also includes an ice rink where the family can enjoy some ice skating. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amsterdam in December will host several concerts of different genres. In addition to great holiday treats, this market also includes an ice rink where the family can enjoy some ice skating. Just imagine them all lit up! window.mc4wp.listeners.push( American expat and cat lover from New York City who lived in Amsterdam…. There are always Christmas markets in various locations around Amsterdam each year. Although the Christmas market only lasts one weekend (December 8th and 9th), the city center of Haarlem comes alive during this free Christmas market! Noorderkerk will also hold special services on Christmas Eve, including the opportunity to sing Christmas Carols with all the other visitors. Our guides have given tours to over 3 million guests around the world. It’s the perfect place for last minute Christmas shopping and getting into the Holiday spirit! If you’re looking for another opportunity to enjoy some classic Christmas Carols, There are several Amsterdam cruise companies offering. The Dordrecht Christmas market will be between December 13th and December 15th for 2019. Leave this field empty if you're human: Another Christmas fair near a castle! Pure market winter market. Every week the Sunday Market in Amsterdam is the place for designers, a… The entire city center is taken over by stalls, so don’t miss this chance to see Dordrecht during this festive time. This performance is danced by the Dutch Ballet, and the music performed by the Dutch Orchestra. This Dutch holiday starts sometime around the 14th of November- thanks to Sinterklass and the “Zwarte Pieten” (Black Peters). VIEW ALL PRODUCTS forms: { My Dutch friends have raved about the Magical Maastricht Christmas market. With amazing Christmas lights, Ice*Amsterdam Market is perfect for an evening stroll. This section will feature our top 10 activities to enjoy in Amsterdam throughout December. Because of tourism and the growing popularity of Christmas in the Netherlands, there are now many special markets in Amsterdam to buy special food, drinks, Christmas decoration, and gifts. This underground Christmas market is home to the largest, oldest, and most popular underground Christmas market in Europe. } Spending Christmas in Amsterdam is simply magical. Festive Dutch foods, Christmas markets and glorious festive cheer that takes over the whole city throughout December. })(); behind-the-scenes tour of the official Ajax arena, Click here to get tickets and more information. If you’re looking for a wide range of items, consider going to De Bijenkorf in Dam Square. Beyond the Christmas market, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere starting as early as the 15th of November (2019) until early January. However, all around the city, you’ll find smaller Christmas markets in the various neighborhoods. It is worth the admission cost of €2.50 gives you a whole day on the ice! The best way to enjoy the lights is by taking tours by bus or canal tours. Click for my guide to Dordrecht’s Christmas market. For more free things to do in Amsterdam, check out our full article. Unrelated to Christmas, you’ll be able to enjoy the city all lit up at night for the Amsterdam Light Festival. Click to read more about visiting the Valkenburg Christmas markets. There are several great festive treats you can find in Amsterdam during the holidays. listeners: [], ️ Departing from Edinburgh 2nd December 2021 3 Nights Mai Amsterdam Hotel - Bed & Breakfast All this from only £234 per person. Amsterdam's ultimate Christmas market and festival. NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Found in the heart of the city, this 5 star stunner is the perfect base for exploring the city’s Christmas markets. There’s nothing as romantic as strolling down Lange Voorhout, the Hague’s most lovely street, underneath the trees with a warm drink in your hand. One of the most popular options is a Windmill Cookie, or. Throughout the year, there is a special open market called Museum Market hosted at the public space Museumplein located in the Museumkwartier neighbourhood. This Christmas market, which starts on November 29th and runs until New Year’s Eve, is one of the largest in the Netherlands. The Hague has one of the loveliest Christmas markets in the Netherlands. The tickets start at €15. At the Funky Xmas Market at the Westergasfabriek you’ll find stalls selling cheerful decorations, a range of crafts and gifts and delicious food. Click for my guide to Dordrecht’s Christmas market. Amsterdam Christmas Markets Amsterdam glistens with joy and cheer every Christmastime. See the Nutcracker with the Dutch National Opera & Ballet. There will also be food stalls serving traditional Dutch winter foods and mulled wine. Though not free, it is pretty cheap to go ice skating at the Ice Rink at Rembrandtplein. The Only Xmas Store in Amsterdam near the Flower Market. And truth be told: Maastricht is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, but especially so around Christmas time when the beautiful central square Vrijthof has been turned into a winter wonderland village. Karen. At the end of the year, the RAI in Amsterdam is all … Viennese Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria. Ice Village is a traditional Dutch Christmas market in the centre of Amsterdam, … ); You will get to experience authentic cozy Amsterdam vibes here, with lots of food, live entertainment and a market for young and old. No matter where you go in this part of town, chances are you’ll see or experience at least a few festive (and potentially erotic) attractions during the winter. Amsterdam’s biggest and best can be found on Museumplein at the Ice* Village, with live entertainment and ice skating (see below) in one of the city’s most stunning settings. From December 12th to December 23rd, the Royal Christmas Fair will be open. This department store sells a variety of things that would make perfect gifts. Closer to a fair, it has rides and a Ferris wheel to give you views over the market. Beyond the Dickens Festival, Deventer holds a charming Christmas market close to the Grotekerk. During Christmas, this magical setting is turned into a Christmas fair with music and more than 150 stands. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Be sure to not miss the amazing free fireworks sponsored by the City at Kop van Java (Java Island) along the IJ waters, just East of Central Station. This post covers the best things to do in Amsterdam in December, including Christmas activities,  free things to do, nighttime, and family-friendly events. There will be live entertainment as well as trinkets, clothing, and food for purchase. You can, If the kids are sports fans, they’ll love going to the game and taking a. Amsterdam throws itself into the spirit of Christmas in great style. You can find all the Amsterdam sporting events here. There’s nothing like watching the lights twinkle from the trees above as you browse the adorable stores for gifts. And of course, we recommend taking a free walking tour of Amsterdam! Amsterdam Christmas markets. (function() { Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more. Not as famous as its German or even Belgian neighbours but there are some very decent Christmas markets to be found in the Netherlands. Join my facebook group for advice for traveling in Europe. One of the most popular options is a Windmill Cookie, or speculaas, and they’re similar to gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies. The main market takes place at the Botermarket, a large square. « Valkenburg Christmas Market: The most unique christmas market in the Netherlands! Maastricht is beloved for its stunning medieval city center and its charming atmosphere. However, in addition to this festival, you’ll also find plenty of interesting lighting displays in the shop windows and storefronts all throughout Amsterdam. The Maastricht Christmas market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in The Netherlands. Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of, The best way to enjoy the lights is by taking, Since the sun goes down pretty early this time of year, there are also, Amsterdam in December will host several concerts of different genres. October 21, 2019 by Karen Leave a Comment. The first Christmas market is the Funky Xmas Market Amsterdam. If you don’t have your own skates you can rent them for €5. ga && ga('send', 'event', 'Forms', 'Sign-up', 'Name: ' + form.name + ' URL: ' + window.location.href); Unfortunately the Christmas market itself is not free, but tickets cost 3 euros for adults (kids get in free). Each year in Amsterdam a massive Christmas tree is placed on Dam Square. The Dickens festival is free to enjoy although lines to enter the festive (but crowded) streets can be long. Sign up for our Travel Newsletter! At 20-meters high, it requires lots of lights – in this case, 40,000 LED lights! If you’re driving, you’ll save a lot by staying in the surrounding towns. Amsterdam Christmas Market is taking place at Westergas this year. There are several Amsterdam cruise companies offering cruises down the canals all year long. ️ Amsterdam glistens with joy and cheer every Christmastime. In 2019, the Deventer Dickens Festival will be held on December 14th and 15th. The charm only grows with a warm gluhwein (or hot chocolate) in your hands as you browse the many stalls of this market. If you’re adventurous enough to brave the cold weather, you can experience Dutch culture by, Popular spots to see on bus tour routes include, Prices: €22 – €100+, dependent upon date and time, The easiest way to see more attractions in Amsterdam is by purchasing a discount pass. That is a four-kilometer string of lights. In addition to playing classic holiday tunes and Christmas Carols, you’re also invited to join in and sing along with their performers. As a thank you, you'll receive our Amsterdam Travel Guide! The whole scenery cannot help but make you feel the holiday spirit as you enjoy the nice food and buy gifts for your loved ones. ICE VILLAGE. For 2019, it will be held on December 7th and 8th! These, See which pass can save you the most on your trip, Every holiday season, the World Christmas Circus returns to. But more than just Christmas decorations will transform the city from November 28, 2019, until January 19, 2020. on: function(evt, cb) { But, the city can certainly take on a different look and feel during the holiday season, and some cruise companies actually offer special services for Christmas. Although the Dutch Christmas markets are not as famous as their German counterparts, the Christmas markets in the Netherlands are absolutely charming. For tips on the most popular activities in Amsterdam, check out these popular posts: Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass. Please check our disclosure page for more information. Christmas on ice: A huge skating rink is part of … Your email address will not be published. } on December 19th, 22nd, and 30th. We also have other fun suggestions for nighttime activities. Amsterdam has multiple Christmas markets for those looking for some holiday cheer in the Dutch capital. Visit the Christmas Markets of Amsterdam to do your shopping or explore Holland's more out of the way Christmas Markets in Deventer and Dordrecht. Wander past historic landmarks, meandering canals, and gabled houses as you marvel at the storybook atmosphere of Christmas markets in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. (I doubted for a moment that there were others, but there are!) we were in Amsterdam at the begining of November last year and the christmas decorations were being put up, some already lit, and the site for the christmas market in rembrantplein was being errected and taking shape. You may also want to consider stopping at the Magna Plaza, a shopping center that typically erects a Christmas tree at the centre and includes a variety of interesting shops. I’ve included ten Christmas markets in the Netherlands and I’ll be updating this post with more experiences/photos this year! One of the most popular examples is the Ice Village which opens up in front of the Rijksmuseum at Museumplein. } This indoor Christmas market is at one of the biggest and … (You can easily combine Maastricht with Valkenburg over a weekend if you’re hoping to see as many Christmas markets in the Netherlands as possible. You’ll need to purchase entry tickets ahead or wait in line for the Christmas market. Take a train and come to Haarlem’s main square, Grote Markt, to experience all the joy of a traditional, non-touristic Christmas market in the Netherlands. The Haarlem Christmas market is known for its Christmas cheer, in particular, the sing-a-along. Funky Xmas Market. There will be over 45 musicians and a beautiful, unique stage design that includes ice skaters on Dutch canals. The Christmas Market of Haarlem is one of the biggest in the Netherlands. In December, Deventer shines with its Dickens festival. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Every holiday season, the World Christmas Circus returns to Theater Carre in Amsterdam. You’ll find typical stalls, food, and Christmas cheer. Since the sun goes down pretty early this time of year, there are also walking tours you can take while it’s dark out to admire the bright installations. (The market will be open until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.) There is also an ice rink which is open well into the evening. Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. One popular service is a Light Festival Boat Tour which takes you through the canals during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Christmas in Amsterdam starts early as the Dutch day for gift-giving isn't Christmas day, it's the 5th December. Everyone needs to do a bit of holiday shopping at some point, and there are a lot of great places to find that last-minute gift in Amsterdam. In addition to the Ice Village, we also recommend these markets: The Dutch National Opera will also be hosting Alice’s Adventures Under Ground on December 19th, 22nd, and 30th. } Though Christmas markets are not originally from Amsterdam, the love of these great markets in Amsterdam is rising! Haarlem is Amsterdam’s neighbor. The festivities start at 23:00 on December 31st. The most famous Dutch Christmas market is in the Museumplein at Ice Amsterdam Museumplein where revelers can enjoy a warm drink, some stalls, and ice skating with a view of the Museumplein. This is based on the tale of Alice in Wonderland. At this Christmas fair, you’ll find an emphasis on lifestyle, household decorations, clothing, and beauty products. At around 21:30, people gather at some of the city’s bigger public square to ring in the New Year. There are always Christmas markets in various locations around Amsterdam each year. (You can save a bit by going mid-week.) The most famous Dutch Christmas market is in the Museumplein at Ice Amsterdam Museumplein where revelers can enjoy a warm drink, some stalls, and ice skating with a view of the Museumplein. Just keep in mind that these spots are popular and will attract crowds earlier in the day. This may not be the case in 2020 due to the pandemic, but we recommend keeping an eye out on their calendar anyway. New Yorker–born and raised. If you’re looking for another opportunity to enjoy some classic Christmas Carols, Frommerkerst will be performing at the Noorderkerk Church on December 12th. How is the weather in December in Amsterdam. Planning a trip to Europe? If you have time, take a tour of the Velvet caves and see the castle ruins. The eighth annual Amsterdam Light Festival brings amazing artwork from both international and Dutch artists to canals, buildings, and squares. , and they’re similar to gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies. If you intend to stay over in Valkenburg (or Maastricht), book your hotel as soon as possible as prices can be quite high on the weekends. Amsterdam festivals, events & exhibitions in December. For 2018, Valkenburg was named the “European City of Christmas.”  Click to read more about visiting the Valkenburg Christmas markets. If you’ve never seen a European football match, now is a great opportunity as Amsterdam’s AJAX team is one of the best football teams in the Netherlands. So, if you’re looking for the best things to do in Amsterdam in December, then visiting these Christmas markets should be included in your itinerary. In case you’re not familiar with Leiden, Leiden is easily one of the charming cities in the Netherlands with its picturesque canals and stunning canal houses. If you’ll be busy during the holiday season, don’t worry: you can’t visit this Christmas market on the first day of Christmas. The Dutch National Opera & Ballet offers a special Christmas concert on December 16th which is entirely free to attend. I was told that the celebrations start earlier in amsterdam as their main celebration is a week before christmas day, so start earlier too, so you may be lucky in seeing … Christmas market in the city center of Haarlem. Entrance is entirely free! // analytics.js Housed in a 19th century building, the hotel has a sense of understated glamour with rooms dressed in … The Amsterdam Christmas Market (Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt) will welcome you to their festive event on the North part of town on 22 and 23 December. If you are spending Christmas in Amsterdam this year, hop over to Haarlem, it’s only 30 minutes away by train. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. There is no main Christmas market, but many of the city’s squares transform into Christmas markets packed with stalls selling food, mulled wine and seasonal gifts. You could get up to 50% off retail prices on several passes – or get in for free with an all-inclusive pass. Christmas Markets in Amsterdam 2019 Traditionally, Christmas markets are not common in Amsterdam. Leiden is known for having a special Christmas market as it’s a floating Christmas market that goes on top of Leiden’s stunning Nieuwe Rijn canal. The city also has popular food tours. TIP: There will be a free Christmas market right next to the ice rink! Christmas socks on! Free Tours by Foot is the original pay-what-you-like walking tour. In addition to a wide range of unique products and special gifts, they also play Christmas music and there are plenty of stalls offering delicious holiday snacks and drinks. Here are a few other tasty snacks you might want to try: If you’re adventurous enough to brave the cold weather, you can experience Dutch culture by taking a bike tour! Pay the city a visit and you’ll be in for more than twinkling canals, market stalls and merriment. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); During Christmas in Amsterdam, stunning lights decorate the streets. If you’re interested in The Heineken Experience, there are bus or boat combo-packages that include Heineken tickets! Celebrate the yuletide in three charming cities. Popular spots to see on bus tour routes include the Red Light District and Rembrandtplein, which offers ice skating in December! In case you are not familiar with Dordrecht, this stunning city in South Holland is known as the “Venice of Holland.” Although the Christmas market here goes on a considerably shorter period than some other Dutch Christmas markets, the Dordrecht market has more than 300 stalls, sing-a-longs, and entertainment for all ages. One of the most popular examples is the Ice Village which opens up in front of the Rijksmuseum at Museumplein. If you’re looking for something affordable and family-friendly, you won’t find much better! Enjoy Amsterdam's Christmas Markets. Pay the city a visit and you’ll be in for more than twinkling canals, market stalls and merriment. (You can also enjoy special winter beers from Jopen, Haarlem’s well-known brewery during this time!). However, the following two are my favourites. These tourist passes work by allowing you to bundle admission tickets for heavy discounts. event : evt, Over the last few years, the markets have grown and become much more popular. I ended up not ranking these strictly as people look for different things in different Christmas markets, but I’ve grouped it based on the opinions of friends. Celebrating Christmas in Amsterdam is certainly a once in a lifetime experience and something you will cherish for years to come. There are usually several professional sporting matches to attend in Amsterdam this December. We have a supportive community. [December 5-8] Winter Fair Ahoy. Museumplein is turned into Amsterdam Christmas Square every year, boasting a market and craft-making displays perfect for passing an afternoon. Amsterdam has multiple Christmas markets for those looking for some holiday cheer in the Dutch capital. Be warned that this is quite a busy event and hotels in the area are almost sold out as early as September. Christmas Market in Haarlem. Prices per person start at € 20.50 up to € 72.50. Of course, you could take yourself on a tour of Amsterdam’s Christmas markets and the Foodhallen for a great sampling of wintry street food. We recommend Leidseplein, Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, and Nieuwmarkt. Insider tips for visiting Keukenhof from a local, The best 15+ travel games for your phone that work offline. There are quite some Christmas markets that you can visit in Amsterdam. There are stalls with handmade goods, gluhwein, and a spooky fairytale forest for visiting families. ), Filed Under: Amsterdam, Day Trips from Amsterdam, Europe, Holland, The Hague, The Netherlands, Uncategorized, Weekend Trips from Amsterdam. (My personal favorites are the Haarlemmerstraat Kerstmarkt as well as the Funky Xmas Market at Westergasterrein where you can find some interesting and sustainable gifts.). Sip on mulled wine at the Ice Village, wander the … You can find all the Amsterdam concerts here. This is a very popular activity, and tickets tend to sell out well in advance, so we recommend planning out your trip to the circus ahead of time. If you’re planning on visiting as many paid attractions as you can over multiple days, an all-inclusive pass might be your best option to save the most. It will give … For castle lovers, the County and Castle Fair is a dream come true! Two days in New York City: Your perfect 48-hour NYC itinerary by a local ». The rink is open starting in November and goes through the entire month of December, ending on January 5, 2020. During this time, the stunning Bergkwartier comes alive with Dickens characters, carolers, and Christmas decorations. Amsterdam is full of Christmas markets during this time of the year. If you’re looking at just a few select museums and experiences, take a look at the build-your-own passes. which takes you through the canals during the Amsterdam Light Festival. This is based on the tale of Alice in Wonderland. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. The traditional Nutcracker ballet will be performed for most of the month. If you’d rather stay out of the wind, hop-on hop-off bus tours are a great way to explore the city with narration about Amsterdam’s sights and history. Ice*Village at Museum Square, 13 – 26 December 2019 This castle now operates as a hostel today (really!). If you’re looking for a wide range of items, consider going to De Bijenkorf in Dam Square. You’ll find them in most bakeries in the city. One of the most popular examples is the Ice Village which opens up in front of the, Just like everywhere else in the city, the, Pure Market Winter Market | Park Frankendael, The Dutch National Opera will also be hosting. The backdrop of the Royal Palace makes for great picture opportunities. Markets are not only spread across the city but also in nearby places like Haarlem and Leiden. Guests will also be treated to free hot drinks and other holiday treats. Where: Haarlem When: in 2020 there will be no Christmas market in Haarlem. You can find them all here. Cafes and coffee shops put up Christmas trees, the erotic museum dresses up a mannequin-like Santa Claus and more. The beautiful city of Haarlem is just 15 minutes away from the center of Amsterdam. Fast becoming a yuletide tradition in Amsterdam, the Funky Sunday Market is back with a special Christmas edition. { See which pass can save you the most on your trip with our in-depth comparison post. The Amsterdam Winter Paradise – Rai. Heemskerk is a beautiful town outside of Amsterdam where the 13th-century castle, Slot Assumburg, sits. If the kids are sports fans, they’ll love going to the game and taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the official Ajax arena, and the tour is free for Amsterdam Pass holders. This is a great family show which is appropriate for children ages 8 and up. Happily married to Jacob. Christmas Markets It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a few traditional markets dishing out unique gifts, mulled wine, and warming winter snacks. Ice Village. Then, Paris. Most churches will provide this type of service on Christmas Eve. When it comes to Christmas lights, the Amsterdam Light Festival is arguably the main event, and there will be installations all over the city. If you’re thinking of spending the festive season in Amsterdam, there are some incredible Christmas markets and winter events that you simply must visit. There will be Christmas carolers, lots of holiday foods available at stalls, and holiday jolliness all around! mc4wp.forms.on('subscribed', function(form) { In Amsterdam, you can find New Year’s celebrations all around. Your email address will not be published. Entrance is entirely free! Browse an assortment of Christmas items, from traditional Dutch food to hand-painted Christmas ornaments and transform your Christmas experience into one you'll always remember. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { This department store sells a variety of things that would make perfect gifts. For those seeking the perfect gift for Sinterklaas (or for Christmas), this fair that occurs over a week in late November has more than 200 stands for those seeking something special. Click for my guide to the Leiden Christmas market! Be sure to also check out our post on the weather in December. Dordrecht has the largest Christmas market in the Netherlands. No matter where you go, you’ll probably see some pretty cool holiday lights! This market in Amsterdam is located at the venue of the Sunday Market. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam.