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Amsterdam
Amsterdam Christmas Markets
Amsterdam Christmas Markets
Amsterdam glistens with joy and cheer every Christmastime. Pay the city a visit and you’ll be in for more than twinkling canals, market stalls and merriment. No matter how old you are, embrace the spirit of it all and see whimsical window displays, the lights switch-on, and Sinterklaas himself. There’s even ice-skating!
Museumplein (Dec*)
Welcome to the very core of Christmas. All the happenings mingle – and jingle – here in Museumplein. We’re talking the festive-style village, ice rink, and market stalls. There’s even a mini replica of Skinny Bridge! Enjoy yummy seasonal treats while you walk, including pancakes, classic German sausages, and mugs of mulled wine.
Winter Parade (20-22/12 & 25-29/12*)
Sit down, get cosy, and enjoy a parade like no other! A 120-metre table is all decked out with candles and place settings, so you can enjoy watching actors, dancers and musicians steal the limelight. There’s even a silent disco! As part of the event, you’ll be served festive food and wine.
Amsterdam Light Festival (Nov – Dec*)
Things get seriously decorative in Amsterdam when the Light Festival kicks off in November! Picture this urban centre all brightly lit with twinkling colours. Over 35 works of art and installations embellish the canals and central belts of the city. It doesn’t get much more picturesque than this!
Amsterdamsche Christmas Market (22-23/12*)
This mega-market is teeming with independent stalls selling handmade crafts and gifts, and a wide range of authentic local produce. Be entertained by music and bingo once you’ve finished browsing. Throughout the day, refuel with mulled wine, hot chocolate, craft beer and wintry food like artisanal sausages and veggie options.
Funky X-Mas Market (10/12*)
The Sunday Market can be regularly found in Westergasfabriek, but it gets all merry on one December date, to put on a fashionably festive spread. You can hunt for bargains among the various art and design stalls. There’s an indoor area as well as outdoor, in case you get too chilly.
Castle Christmas Fair, Heemskerk (Nov – Dec*)
Get cosy just 30 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam. The farmlands and historic castle gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland on a yearly basis, where you can explore the Christmas bazaar, tuck into tasty snacks, and not to mention also soak up the castle’s history.
*All dates are subject to change. 2019 Christmas Markets dates are to be confirmed.
from
£324pp
Based on
- Leeds Bradford, Sun 09 Dec 2018
- 3 Nights, Room Only
- 2 Adults, 0 Children
Swissotel Amsterdam
Amsterdam City, Amsterdam
Our rating
Based on 1021 reviews
0.1 Km to Amsterdam Christmas Markets
- Great for sightseeing
- Prime location
- 900m from Anne Frank House
- Located by Dam Square
- Great for couples and friends
from
£291pp
Based on
- Leeds Bradford, Tue 11 Dec 2018
- 3 Nights, Room Only
- 2 Adults, 0 Children
Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw
Amsterdam City, Amsterdam
Our rating
Based on 1054 reviews
0.1 Km to Amsterdam Christmas Markets
- Great for sightseeing
- 150m from Dam Square
- 50m from the nearest tram stop
- Traditional Dutch style
- Great restaurant
from
£357pp
Based on
- Leeds Bradford, Sun 27 Jan 2019
- 3 Nights, Room Only
- 2 Adults, 0 Children
NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
Amsterdam City, Amsterdam
Our rating
Based on 2642 reviews
0.1 Km to Amsterdam Christmas Markets
- Great for sightseeing
- Located on Dam Square
- 100m from the nearest tram stop
- 950m from Anne Frank House
- Luxurious rooms
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Hang out with the stars at Madame Tussauds' Amsterdam and get your photo taken with the incredibly lifelike wax sculptures of world leaders, sports heroes, musicians and A-listers. Check out the new,...
0.1 Km to Amsterdam Christmas Markets - Map
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Walk in the footsteps of Dutch royalty with a tour of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam in Dam Square. Learn more about the history of the building and the capital itself, as you explore the lavishly decorated,...
0.1 Km to Amsterdam Christmas Markets - Map
Dam Square
Amsterdam
Visit historic Dam Square to marvel at the impressive architecture of the Neoclassical Royal Palace and the Gothic, 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk church. Street performers congregate here ready to entertain, and the...
0.1 Km to Amsterdam Christmas Markets - Map
More to explore
1. Turn on the lights
Every year in November, crowds gather together in their woollens, in the centre of Dam Square, to gaze up as the Christmas lights are switched on. This marks the start of all the festivities, so grab yourself a takeaway coffee or hot chocolate, and get involved in this enchanting event.
2. Lighting the Christmas tree
Another annual tradition is the lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony, which takes place in early December. If you weren’t feeling festive already, you will be, after seeing this 20-metre centrepiece steal the show in Dam Square! It’s typically illuminated with gold-glowing fairy lights, and carol singers really set the scene.
3. Fabulously floral
Bag yourself some plants at the Flower Market! Here, you’ll find a range of flowers, succulents and trees, in all shapes and sizes, to buy for yourself or as a gift. Although it’s a permanent feature among Amsterdam’s shopping offering throughout the year, it’s especially pretty and colourful at Christmas.
4. Festive feasts and tempting treats
From buying tasty goodies in the food halls to dining at special sit-down dinners, you can make mealtimes fabulously festive. Sample local favourites like deep-fried meatballs called Bitterballen, thick-cut fries, or even raw herring. You might want to swig Glühwein while you meander around the markets.
5. Ice, ice… maybe?
It’s time to get your skates on! Amsterdam’s super-smooth rink sits just outside the Rijksmuseum in Museumplein, between November and February, so you can take to the ice. Hone your skills or try out this fun-filled activity for the first time. Refuel afterwards at one of the wintry refreshment stands.
6. Cruise control
To really squeeze the most out of all the lights, artwork and installations across the city, why not consider setting sail on a canal cruise? This is a great way to not only see Amsterdam all lit up, but to have an experienced guide talk you through the landmarks you’ll pass.