Looking for something fun to do this winter in Amsterdam? Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a fun outing with friends, or simply want to discover something new, there’s so much to enjoy during the colder months. From ice skating to atmospheric concerts, scenic walks, and more exciting activities to get you through the chilly season.
I always find winter in Amsterdam to have something magical and cozy about it. Even though the days are shorter, the atmosphere during the holidays in Amsterdam is so lovely. And now that it gets dark so early, the streetlights you see everywhere add extra charm. Plus, there’s plenty to do in Amsterdam during winter, which is why we’ve created a list of activities that are even more enjoyable in the colder months with your friends or your lover. What are you planning to do this winter?
Enjoy these tips for things to do in Amsterdam this winter!
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23 x things to do this Winter in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city into a magical light spectacle every year. From late November to mid-January, you can enjoy impressive light installations throughout the city. Opt for a walking route or view the artworks from the water during an open or closed boat cruise. Want to make your experience extra special this year? Upgrade your visit with Le Food Walk! This culinary walk combines the Light Festival with 5 stops at different restaurants, where you’ll enjoy 5 bites and 1 drink. Perfect for a unique outing with friends or a cosy date. Stroll through illuminated Amsterdam and enjoy tasty surprises along the way – an evening full of ambiance, delicious food, and stunning artworks!
When: November 28, 2024, to January 19, 2025
Where: Amsterdam
© Amsterdam Light Festival 2024
Ice Skating at Museumplein
During the holiday season, Museumplein transforms into a charming winter wonderland with a large ice rink. After a year’s absence, the rink is back – perfect for a fun skating date. Stick around after skating for a warm hot chocolate with whipped cream or a mulled wine and enjoy all the amateur skaters. Read our detailed article about the ice rink here >>
When: November 15, 2024, to February 2, 2025
Where: Museumplein
For more info: ijsbaanmuseumplein.nl
| TIP: check out this list with 6 more tips for fun ice skating rinks in Amsterdam >>
© IJsbaan Museumplein
A visit to the Amsterdam Christmas markets
In December, and often even into early January, the Christmas markets in Amsterdam are an absolute must-visit! From Ice Village at Museumplein to De Duurzame Ceuvel Christmas Market and the Funky Xmas Market at Westergas, you’ll find stalls full of winter bites like bratwurst with sauerkraut, oliebollen, and mulled wine to warm you up. Stroll along the stalls to find original Christmas gifts and fully immerse yourself in the cosy Christmas atmosphere.
Check out our list of all the Christmas markets in Amsterdam this December >>
© Sunday market
Winter Festival at H’ART Museum
Experience the magic of winter at the Winter Festival at H’ART Museum! Enjoy live music, movie nights, and a beautifully illuminated garden. With a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine in hand, winter feels even cosier at the H’ART Museum.
When: December 19, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 2024, and January 3, 4 & 5, 2025
Where: H’ART Museum, Amsterdam
For more information, visit the website: hartmuseum.nl
© H’ART Museum
World Christmas Circus in December and January
The World Christmas Circus at Royal Theater Carré is a true tradition for December and January! From December 18 to January 5, you can enjoy an award-winning program full of spectacle. Perfect for the whole family or a cosy date night. Tickets often sell out quickly, so make sure to book yours on time.
When: December 18, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Where: Amsterdam
For more info, visit the website: carre.nl
Hortus by Night
When was the last time you visited the Hortus in Amsterdam? Maybe never? This winter, discover the magic of Hortus by Night! In the evenings, you can enjoy a walk along the light installations designed by artist Tim Vermeulen. His light art takes you on a journey through time, from the Big Bang to primordial plants, showing how everything is connected. After the walk, you can relax by the campfire with a mulled wine or hot chocolate (with or without a splash of rum).
When: December 19–23, December 27–30, 2024, and January 2–5, 2025
Where: Hortus Botanicus
For more info, visit the website: dehortus.nl
© Hortus by Night
Christmas Concerts at the Concertgebouw
During the festive season, the Concertgebouw hosts various Christmas concerts, ranging from classical music to modern performances. A wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. Dance along to the songs of Berget Lewis during her Celebrate Christmas with Berget Lewis and Friends concert, enjoy jazzy tunes from Winter Wonderland with the Jazz Orchestra, Madeline Bell, James Carter, and Marjorie Barnes, or dive into the magic of Christmas Classics at the Movies. On Christmas Eve, attend the Christmas Eve Service with music and traditional storytelling.
When: Throughout December
Where: Check out the YLBB shortlist of beautiful Christmas concerts in Amsterdam >>
© Concertgebouw
The Amsterdam Winter Paradise
The Amsterdam Winter Paradise at the RAI is the ultimate spot to get into the winter spirit during the holiday season! Enjoy indoor and outdoor ice skating, a ride on the Big wheel, or a fun round of curling. For the ultimate festive vibe, visit the après-ski bar or sing your heart out in the karaoke bar. In the evening, enjoy live performances by artists such as Xander de Buisonjé, Tino Martin, and Yves Berendse. Between activities, you can enjoy delicious winter snacks at the various stalls.
When: December 18, 2024, to January 4, 2025
Where: RAI Amsterdam
For more info: hetamsterdamsewinterparadijs.nl
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Book a Boozy Brunch
In London or Dubai, the boozy brunch has been a hit for years, and now the trend has made its way to Amsterdam. And we couldn’t be happier! Start your boozy brunch around 12:00 and spend the entire afternoon indulging in delicious food and cocktails. Check out the best boozy brunches in Amsterdam >>
© Volare
More fun winter activities in Amsterdam
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea
So festive and cosy in the winter to enjoy a proper afternoon tea. Luckily, Amsterdam offers plenty of choices, from budget-friendly options to super chic venues. A famous one is at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, but other spots are gaining popularity too. Ready to make plans? Check out our list of the best afternoon teas in Amsterdam.
© Waldorf
Amsterdam Genesis Light Show
Experience the story of creation in a completely new way during the Amsterdam Genesis Lightshow. In the Oosterkerk, you’ll be taken on a journey through the origins of our planet. With light and sound effects, discover in a 30-minute show how light, air, water, nature, animals, and humans come to life. A fascinating experience where technology and art come together in a unique setting.
When: December 19, 2024
Where: Kleine Wittenburgerstraat 1, Amsterdam
For more info: Facebook event
© Amsterdam Genesis Light Show
More tips for fun things to do during winter in Amsterdam
Go treasure hunting at the IJhallen
The IJhallen is a massive flea market where individuals and professional sellers offer their clothing and home goods for sale. Often for a bargain, with hidden gems guaranteed. During winter, the market is held indoors in the former shipyard, making it a perfect outing even on a rainy day!
Winter walk at Artis
During the winter months, Artis organizes special winter tours. Discover how animals prepare for the cold and experience the winter wonderland of this charming zoo.
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam
Even more fun activities during winter in Amsterdam
Visit a museum
Amsterdam is home to countless excellent museums for a reason. Just at Museumplein, the choices are overwhelming, but be sure to explore museums along the canals, like Museum Van Loon and the Embassy of the Free Mind. Looking for inspiration? Check out the YLBB museum lists below:
© Van Gogh Museum
Walking through the Vondelpark
This park isn’t just great for walks in the summer. Especially when covered in snow, it looks cozy and magical! A perfect way to start your day, wouldn’t you agree? Even better: nowadays you’ll find various coffee carts offering fresh coffee and hot chocolate. A treat for young and old alike! Check out these spots near Vondelpark for a bite or drink afterward.
More tips for fun things to do in winter in Amsterdam
Visit a theater performance
When was the last time you went to the theater? Especially when it’s cold and gloomy outside, a theater visit is incredibly enjoyable and cozy. Curious about what’s playing in Amsterdam right now? Check out all the must-see shows in Amsterdam here >>
Stroll through the Lindengracht and Noordermarkt
This remains one of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam on weekends, especially in winter when there are so many beautiful seasonal products. Take a stroll through the Lindengracht Market and Noordermarkt to pick up the best treats for home. Did you know these markets also have various stalls with delicious goodies you can eat on the spot? Read here about the culinary stalls we never skip >>
Free things to do in Amsterdam
I get it—December can be an expensive month! Chances are you want to cut back for the rest of winter. That’s why YLBB’s list of the best free things to do in Amsterdam is a must-read! Check out all the tips here >>
Enjoy some fondue
Winter and winter food go hand in hand. And since it’ll still be a few months before you need to be bikini-ready, you can guilt-free enjoy cheese fondue. The options are endless: with truffle, blue cheese, or Gruyère… we love it! Check our list of the 15 best spots for cheese fondue in Amsterdam.
Smelt Westerpark © Your Little Black Book
More tips for fun things to do in winter in Amsterdam
Take a fun (city) walk in Noord
Walking through Amsterdam and discovering new places never gets boring, if you ask me. Especially for everyone who loves exploring more of Amsterdam than just their own neighborhood, we’ve written a fun walking route through Amsterdam Noord. Check out the route here >>
Walking near Amsterdam
Visit the Amsterdamse Bos or go for a walk near Amsterdam, for example in one of these sixteen walking areas. Perfect for getting some fresh air on a cozy day spent at home during winter.
Wine tasting at Chateau Amsterdam
Do you know urban winery Chateau Amsterdam yet? I’ve written about it before, but if you haven’t made your way to Noord to visit this wine cellar, now’s the time to finally do so. Especially in the autumn when the new harvest arrives. Imagine: in Chateau Amsterdam’s wine warehouse, about 44,000 kilos of grapes from seven different countries are turned into wine. At their new location, you can not only enjoy delicious Italian food but also take part in a wine tasting!
Warm up by the Fireplace
What’s cozier than snuggling up by the fireplace with a warm drink? When it’s cold outside, a fireplace indoors creates the perfect atmosphere. Don’t have a fireplace at home? Luckily, there are several spots in Amsterdam with fireplaces; we’ve listed 18 of them for you in Amsterdam.
© Lion Noir
For you: Amsterdam tips to keep top of mind
The essential tips and (restaurant) shortlists that you always want to have on hand for a dose of Amsterdam inspiration.
► Restaurant hit-list:
new restaurants |
favorite restaurants |
wine bars |
lunch &
brunch |
breakfast |
coffee |
terraces |
coming soon |
more tips >>
► TOP-5 hotels:
The Hoxton LLOYD |
Hotel Jakarta |
Pulitzer |
Volkshotel |
Sir Adam|
more tips >>
► TOP-5 museums & experiences:
Le Foodwalk |
STRAAT Museum |
Fabrique des Lumières |
MOCO |
Amaze |
more tips >>
| PS: don’t live in Amsterdam? Rent a bike here >>
► Fun city trips by train from Amsterdam:
Paris (from €35,-),
Antwerp (from €21,-),
London (from €103,- round trip),
Berlin (from €38,-) &
Düsseldorf (from €20,-)
► Weekend getaway? Discover the most beautiful hotels and
holiday homes in the Netherlands.
Holiday Gift Guide
Hét spel van 2024: Hitster
Boekentip: Fortune Cookie Boek
Boekentip: Colourful – Iris Apfel
With love,
Danique
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