After the leaves fall, the crisp winter air and earlier sunsets turn Amsterdam into the coziest city. The lights lining the canals seem to sparkle and the city transforms into a dreamy, festive wonderland without the snow. December in Amsterdam is full of cozy moments like cups of warme chocomel (hot chocolate) met slagroom ( with whipped cream), the smell of oliebollen in the air, and light art installations reflected on the water.
Whether you’re here for the holidays, craving a winter escape, or living in my favorite city, this is one of the most charming times to experience the city. So, bundle up, grab your scarves, and let’s dive into the best things to do in Amsterdam in December.
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Go Ice Skating at Museumplein
There are few things that feel more festive than ice skating in front of the Rijksmuseum. I’m not the best ice skater but I still try my best to get around the rink! Museumplein is one of the city’s most iconic winter scenes with so many skaters zipping around the loop. So, rent a pair of skates, grab a friend’s hand, and soak in the view of one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful backdrops while attempting to not fall on your tush!
When you’ve had your fill of skating, warm up with a cup of hot chocomel (hot chocolate) or glühwein (mulled wine) from one of the stalls. It’s the perfect cozy reward for trying your best on the rink!
Want more inspiration for what to do in Amsterdam in December? I made a free 25 days of Christmas calendar filled with awesome things to do spaced out over the month.
Enjoy some Oliebollen
The perfect little winter Dutch treat awaits! You’ll smell them before you see them because oliebollen stands pop up all around Amsterdam, in every neighborhood, on bridges, and on the edge of squares. These deep-fried dough balls (usually sprinkled with powdered sugar and sometimes filled with raisins or other goodies) are a must-try when in the Netherlands
Take a Canal Cruise During the Amsterdam Light Festival
Each winter, stunning art installations are created from light and are sprinkled throughout the canals as the Amsterdam Light Festival takes over the center city. This annual event showcases arts from around the world and is best experienced on a canal cruise!
This year is the 14th edition and the art will all have something to do with the theme “Legacy”. We can expect 20 different installations lighting up the city with a different interpretation of this theme. It’s always such a treat and is my favorite thing to do in the winter in Amsterdam!
When booking a cruise, just check whether it’s open, covered, heated, and if it includes drinks because some offer hot beverages.
Join a Food Tour
Food tours are always a good idea so winter is no exception because they double as a meal, a tour, and gives you some warm and dry spots to get out of the chilly weather.
Local guides will lead you to the best bites, but they each have their own theme. You might get some fresh stroopwafels, famous Dutch cheese, pea soup, and more!
We love tours by Eating Europe and Devour Tours because they’re intimate, authentic, and perfect for getting to know the city through its food culture. Or you can do a more DIY version by watching my video 😉
Enjoy a Slice of Dutch Appeltaart
Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you get this on your food tour or not, because you should enjoy appeltaart as much as your heart (and stomach desires). It’s a must on a cold day thanks to the warm spices and flavors that just taste like winter. I highly recommend getting it with whipped cream! It’s the best Dutch comfort food, in my opinion.
Most blogs, YouTube videos, etc, tell you to go to Winkel 43. I’m pretty sure I’ve said that before, too. It’s Sean’s favorite appeltaart in the city, but mine is just down the canal at Café Papeneiland. Many people pair it with hot chocolate, though it’s a bit too rich for me, go with whatever you are feeling in the moment.
Treat Yourself to a Festive Afternoon Tea
Need a break from sightseeing and feeling a bit fancy and posh? Treat yourself to a winter or holiday themed afternoon tea in one of Amsterdam’s beautiful hotels. Many of the higher-end hotels offer afternoon tea, but these usually have a fun winter theme.
The Duchess – chic and sophisticated, with my favorite tea brand, Mariage Frères.
I haven’t had the opportunity to try this one yet, but it might just be the favorite in Amsterdam. If someone asks where to have afternoon tea, The Duchess is typically the first answer.
Peacock Alley in Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam – indulgent and always a work of art.
We got the take-away version during the pandemic, and each piece was truly a work of art. You can really tell when a restaurant has an actual pastry chef!
An afternoon tea is the perfect way to escape the cold for a few hours while feeling absolutely spoiled. I suggest going all out and dressing up for the occasion. Keep in mind that these are a bit pricey and should fill you up. You might even want to take some of it away because it’s a bit too much food.
Sip on Winter Cocktails with a View
If cocktails with a view are more your style, head to LuminAir (formerly the SkyLounge) above DoubleTree by Hilton near Amsterdam Centraal Station. The panoramic city views are breathtaking especially with all the warm lights below.
Ask about their seasonal cocktails or festive drinks. Another cozy option is the W Lounge near Dam Square with its indoor fireplace, unique views of the Royal Palace, and cozy corners.
Visit Amsterdam’s Christmas Markets
Amsterdam’s Christmas markets aren’t what you think of when you think of European Christmas markets. Those are either in Germany or heavily influenced by Germany Christmas markets. The ones you’ll find in Amsterdam are usually small areas with some food stalls and maybe an ice rink. You can find those on Rembrandtplein and Leidesplein.
We also have some fun themed markets on various weekends. I love the Sunday Market holiday edition called Funky Christmas Market which is on 21 December at the Westergas. The Christmas Village is probably the most similar to what you’d expect from a European Christmas Market and it’s on Museumplein from 4-28 December. The Maker Market is held each month at De Hallen and on 20 & 21 December, it has a Christmas theme. A couple pop-up markets are in Amsterdam Noord, Christmas Maker’s Market on 13 December at Stretch & Fold, and De Ceuvel is hosting Sustainable Christmas Market also on 13 December.
Admire the Dam Square Tree and De Bijenkorf Lights
In December, Dam Square becomes the city’s centerpiece for festive vibes. A massive Christmas tree stands tall in front of the Royal Palace and De Bijenkorf (department store) twinkles with thousands of lights.
Visit just after sunset for the best photos! If you’re lucky, you might catch the moment the lights turn on for the night.
Stroll Along the Canals
Bundle up, grab a hot drink, and take an evening stroll through the canals. The reflections of lights on the water, cozy cafés glowing with candlelight, and the quiet charm of the city in winter make it feel almost magical. It’s seriously calm along the canals in the evenings and is also calming for the soul. Every time Sean and I are out in the evening, especially along the canals, we marvel at how few people there are and how truly unique the experience is and how wonderful it makes us feel.
Explore the Museums
There are dozens of museums in Amsterdam, so you are pretty spoiled for choice. If you live in the Netherlands, invest in the Museumkaart. It’s absolutely worth it. If not, just be sure to book early for the famous museums like the Anne Frank House, The Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum, especially if there’s a special exhibition!
Catch a Holiday Concert or Show
We have a few incredible locations for shows and concerts that I can’t list them all, but you’ll want to check out Het Concertgebouw for orchestras and more classical concerts, the Nationale Opera & Ballet for The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and the Royal Theater Carré for the World Christmas Circus.
While the weather tends to scare people away from visiting Amsterdam in December, it really shouldn’t! Just employ the old adage of there’s no bad weather, only bad clothes (or something like that).
It can be pure magic with cozy vibes, sparkling lights, and simple pleasures. Whether you’re on the canals sipping warme Chocomel, ice skating next to the Dutch Masters, or dressed up enjoying a Christmas show, you’ll find yourself falling in love with Amsterdam all over again.
So, slow down, embrace the season, and discover the quieter, more intimate side of Amsterdam.
Wishing you joy and travels!
