skiplink
Explore Amsterdam
Winter in Amsterdam
Christmas decorations at the Utrechtsestraat shopping street
Image from Koen Smilde Photography

Winter in Amsterdam

Amsterdam comes into its own in the winter months with a festive atmosphere, cosy pubs and plenty of events to enjoy as the nights draw in. Check out I amsterdam's tips for what to do when temperatures drop in Amsterdam.

Winter inspiration

Bike parked on the bridge at Reguliersgracht in Winter

Reasons to visit Amsterdam in winter

Amsterdam Light Festival projection display of the Starry Night

Cultural tips for Amsterdam this winter

Orchestra of Santa's at Chrismas Market Haarlem 2016

Winter day trips from Amsterdam

Winter events and highlights

14
nov '26
-
07
feb '27

Ice Rink at Museumplein

At various times
Museumplein
Tickets Available
12
dec '26
-
02
jan '27

The Amsterdam Winter Paradise

09:00 - 23:00
RAI Amsterdam
Accessibility facilities
Tickets Available
20
dec '26

Funky Xmas Market

12:00 - 18:00
Westerpark
Free entrance
01
jan '27

New Year's Swim

12:00 - 15:00
Strandafgang De

Lunar New Year

Diverse locaties / Various locations
16
jan '27
-
17
jan '27

Amsterdam Hotel Night

At various times
Mastercard Hotelnacht

Things to do this season

Westergas Christmas market in Westerpark.

Christmas markets in and around Amsterdam

09 December 2025

Festive season

Ice* child ice skating at Museumplein

Ice skating in Amsterdam

22 May 2025

Must-watch documentaries during IDFA 2025

06 November 2025

Bregtje Schudel
Festive market stalls on Rembrandtplein, surrounded by trees festooned in Christmas lights.

All lit up: best spots to see holiday lights in Amsterdam

24 November 2025

Christmas lights at the Canal 2016

Tips for New Year's Eve in Amsterdam

27 December 2025

Ice skating on the Canal Ring

Ice skating on the Canal Ring - Video thumbnail

A taste of winter

Potatoes stall at a Nieuwmarkt market stall.

Potatoes, stews and zuurkool: winter season specialities in Amsterdam

10 July 2025

Irene de Bruijne
Café-Restaurant de Plantage in the evening with sparkly lights.

Most romantic restaurants in Amsterdam

12 February 2026

Pllek café-restaurant interior

Cosy campfire terraces in Amsterdam

02 April 2025

Best oliebollen in and around Amsterdam

04 November 2025

The Lobby Nes signature dishes

Cosy spots for comfort food in Amsterdam

13 March 2025

Puccini chocolaterie Amaretto Hor

Amsterdam for chocoholics

22 May 2025

A couple checks-in at the museum desk with the digital City Card app.

Get your key to the city

Discover Amsterdam with the City Card

Access to over 70 world class museums, top attractions and activities.
  • Free city-wide public transport by metro, tram, bus and ferry
  • Unique boat cruise over Amsterdam’s historic canals
  • Exclusive discounts at attractions and concerts
See all benefits