The magic of Amsterdam in December

Let’s wander through the most charming Christmas markets in Amsterdam, places where you can feel just a little bit like a child again.

Museumplein Winter Village

Each winter, Museumplein becomes a small winter wonderland. A shimmering ice rink, wooden chalets breathing out warm scents of cinnamon and firewood, and a soft hum of laughter under thousands of tiny lights.

This market is a blend of classic holiday charm and Amsterdam’s independent creative spirit. You’ll find local makers, boutique gifts, and more than enough sweet and savory treats to keep you warm. Perfect for an afternoon wander or a romantic stroll at dusk.

Amsterdam Christmas Market at Westergas

Westergas is known for its artistic energy year-round, but during December it becomes even more vibrant. Picture stalls filled with handmade jewelry, sustainable gifts, ceramics, indie prints, vintage treasures, the kind of presents that feel like they carry a story with them.

And the food? Abundant and irresistible. From vegan street food to hot flammkuchen and steaming cups of glühwein that warm your hands as much as your mood.

Funky Xmas Market

The beloved Sunday Market at Westergas gets a festive twist in December with the funky Xmas Market.

This isn’t your traditional Christmas market. It’s bold, colorful, energetic, a blend of live performances, designers sketching in real time, and makers sharing the inspiration behind their work. It feels more like a small festival than a marketplace, and it’s perfect for anyone craving something a little different this season.

Ice*Village at Leidseplein

At the heart of one of Amsterdam’s busiest squares sits Ice*Village, a charming, compact Christmas market that glows between theaters, cafés, and passing trams.

Warm waffles scent the air, lights hang like soft ribbons across the square, and locals mingle with travelers in search of a moment of winter comfort. Small, cozy, and effortlessly festive, ideal for a spontaneous date or a quick stop while shopping.

Amsterdam Light Festival

Not a Christmas market, but the Amsterdam Light Festival has become an essential part of winter in the city.

Sculptural light installations glimmer along the canals, turning the night into a gallery of reflections and stories. Whether you walk or take a boat, the experience feels immersive.

And if you’re drawn to sensory, emotion-driven light experiences… there’s one more place in Amsterdam you shouldn’t miss.

AMAZE Amsterdam

After a day of markets, your senses are already buzzing. But sometimes you want something that goes beyond twinkling lights, something you feel.

AMAZE Amsterdam, located in the city’s western docklands, is a 3,000 m² immersive experience where light, sound, and emotion collide. It’s not traditional “holiday cozy,” but it’s powerful, warm, overwhelming in the best way. A place where you let go of your thoughts and let your senses lead.

It’s the perfect finale to any winter day in the city.

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