Amsterdam's Winter guide 2025

When the days grow shorter and the canals glisten under festive lights, Amsterdam transforms into a winter wonderland. Our Winter Package is designed to help you make the most of the season — and our Winter Guide is your ticket to discovering the magic that fills the city. From the arrival of Sinterklaas to the sparkling Amsterdam Light Festival, every week brings something new. You’ll find cozy cafés serving warm Dutch classics, open-air ice rinks beneath the Rijksmuseum, and winter markets where the scent of glühwein drifts through the air. Amsterdam in winter isn’t just beautiful — it’s full of energy, creativity, and connection.

Inside our Winter Guide, you’ll find more than 30 hand-picked recommendations to help you experience the city like a local. Think festive markets, light installations, and hidden cafés where you can warm up after a frosty walk. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet stroll through the Amsterdamse Bos, an evening of music and laughter at one of the city’s winter festivals, or a simple Dutch meal shared with friends, there’s something in these pages for every kind of winter soul. It’s not just a list — it’s an invitation to slow down, explore, and fall for the softer, cozier side of Amsterdam.

🎄 Sfeermakers & Winter Events

1. Arrival of Sinterklaas Parade — 16 November 2025
Sinterklaas arrives by boat via the Amstel, then parades through the city to Leidseplein. The official start of the Dutch festive season, full of candy, music, and cheer.

2. Het Amsterdamse Winterterras — 14–30 November 2025 (Olympisch Stadion)
Experience Amsterdam’s biggest winter terrace with food, drinks & live entertainment! Join Nov 14–16, 21–23 & 28–30, 2025.
👉 Tickets: hetamsterdamsewinterterras.nl

3. Amsterdam Light Festival — 27 November 2025 – 18 January 2026
Theme: Legacy. Experience 20 stunning light installations along the canals, best viewed by boat or on foot. Most routes start near Central Station, perfect for an evening walk or canal cruise.

4. Winter Village Amstelveen — 29 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
A cozy winter market just outside the city with ice skating, stalls, and festive food. Easily reachable by tram or metro.

5. Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs — 13 December 2025 – 3 January 2026 (RAI Amsterdam)
A massive winter festival with live music, bars, and fun for all ages. Enjoy a full indoor & outdoor winter experience with ice skating, food, and festive vibes.
👉 Tickets: hetamsterdamsewinterparadijs.nl/tickets

6. Bijenkorf Winterwereld — December 2025
De Bijenkorf department store transforms into a winter wonderland with decorations, glühwein, and festive gifts.

7. Nationale Tulpendag — 17 January 2026 (Museumplein)
Kickoff of tulip season with a free tulip-picking garden on Museumplein — this year celebrating Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary.

8. Record & CD Fair — 18 January 2026 (RAI Amsterdam)
Over 100 stalls of vinyl, CDs, and music collectibles.

9. Jumping Amsterdam — 22–25 January 2026 (RAI Amsterdam)
World-class show jumping, dressage, lifestyle, and gourmet food stands.
👉 Tickets: jumpingamsterdam.nl/tickets-3

10. Chocolate Festival Amsterdam — 7 & 8 February 2026 (Beurs van Berlage)
Taste, learn, and discover chocolate from over 100 makers across 35 countries.
👉 Tickets: chocoladefestival.amsterdam

11. “Yellow. More than Van Gogh’s Favourite Colour” — 13 February – 17 May 2026 (Van Gogh Museum)
An exploration of how Van Gogh used yellow to express emotion and identity.

12. “American Identities” at H’ART Museum — 14 February – 2 September 2026
A thought-provoking photography and cultural identity exhibition.
👉 Tickets: hartmuseum.nl

13. IMPRO Amsterdam — 21–28 February 2026
International improvisation theatre festival across multiple venues.

14. Art On Paper — 12–15 February 2026 (De Kromhouthal)
A contemporary art fair dedicated to works on paper: drawings, collages, and minimalist creations.

🧊 Ice Skating & Outdoor Fun

15. ICE*Amsterdam (Museumplein)
Open all winter. Skate with a view of the Rijksmuseum and enjoy the cozy winter terrace.

16. Jaap Edenbaan
A classic outdoor ice rink for locals and visitors alike. Skate like a true Amsterdammer.

17. Amsterdamse Bos Winter Walks
Peaceful walking routes through the Amsterdam Forest.

18. Blauwe Theehuis, Vondelpark
Perfect for coffee after a winter walk through the city’s most famous park.

✨ Christmas Markets (Chronological Order)

19. Buitenmarkt Noordoogst – Kersteditie — 6 December 2025 (Amsterdam-Noord)
Family-friendly market with festive food, drinks, and a cozy atmosphere.

20. Christmas Village Museumplein — 4–28 December 2025
Amsterdam’s most iconic Christmas market, open even on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

21. Museum Market – Christmas Edition — 14 December 2025 (Museumplein)
Open-air design market with art, crafts, and local designers.

22. Le Temps Perdu Brocante Kerstmarkt — 14 December 2025 (Restaurant De Willem)
French-inspired vintage Christmas market with food, wine & antique finds.

23. Kerst op het Plein — 13 December 2025 (Purmerplein)
Neighborhood market with local makers, music, and festive drinks.

24. De Duurzame Ceuvel Kerstmarkt — 14–15 & 21–22 December 2025 (Amsterdam-Noord)
Eco-friendly market with handmade crafts, green gifts, and campfires.

25. Funky Xmas Market — 21 December 2025 (Westergas)
Creative and festive Sunday market filled with handmade gifts and food.

26. Wintermarkt – Pure Markt — 21 December 2025 (Park Frankendael)
Outdoor market with local delicacies and cozy seating.

27. Maker Market – Christmas Edition — 20–21 December 2025 (De Hallen)
Indoor market with local makers and last-minute gift ideas.

🎄 Lights, Trees & Festive City Sights

28. Christmas Tree on Dam Square
The city’s biggest and brightest Christmas tree, surrounded by lights and music.

29. Illuminated Canals
Take a canal cruise or walk to enjoy the glowing reflections during the Light Festival.

🍽️ Cozy Restaurants & Dutch Winter Food

30. Restaurant Smelt – Cozy fondue restaurant with a warm atmosphere.
31. Restaurant De Struisvogel – Affordable three-course menu in a charming canal cellar.
32. Eetsalon Van Dobben – Amsterdam’s oldest diner, serving croquettes & Dutch classics.
33. Café Cook – Comfort food in a relaxed, local setting.
34. Restaurant September – Intimate spot run by friends; reservation recommended.
35. Eetcafé De Rijger – Simple yet refined, great for families.
36. Café De Jaren – Canal-view café perfect for lunch or coffee.
37. JVO Lekkernijen – Local favorite in the Jordaan for sandwiches.
38. Restaurant Moeders – Traditional Dutch home cooking in a cozy, nostalgic space.