Cultural tips for Amsterdam this winter

Hortus Winter Evenings

This winter (from 27-30 December & 2-3 January), it’s time to get cosy at one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, Hortus Botanicus, as the doors remain open until late for Hortus Winter Evenings (Winteravonden and formerly Hortus by Night). Venture through the beautifully lit greenhouses as you discover ancient palms, tropical plants and the new Climate Greenhouse. Cuddle up by the campfire with a hot chocolate on the winter terrace and experience exclusive exhibitions featuring night-blooming flowers and much more. 

World Christmas Circus

For decades, the World Christmas Circus (18 December-5 January) at Royal Theater Carré has been one of the most popular family outings during the festive period. Marvel at the flying trapeze artists, star clowns, enchanting costumes, horse whisperers, and daredevils as award-winning acts from the most prominent circus festivals worldwide join forces in one spectacular show.

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

The beloved narrative of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is reimagined on the Dutch National Opera and Ballet stage this festive season. With its lively characters and beautifully choreographed sequences created by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling, this enchanted classic (12 December - 2 January) promises a magical outing at the Dutch National Opera & Ballet this winter.

Amsterdam Light Festival

Throughout history, light has been used as a symbol of celebration to mark the sacred passage of time. Amsterdam Light Festival, now entering its 14th year, does just that. From 27 November to 18 January, light artworks will form a 6.5km walkable trail along the streets and canals of this luminous city, designed with the theme of legacy in mind. And with the city ending the celebrations of its 750th year around the sun, this edition rounds out a momentous year for the capital.

Winter Paradise

The RAI transforms into a winter wonderland during Winterparadijs (Winter Paradise) (17 December - 3 January) with indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks, parties in the Après-Ski Village, dining options galore and fairground rides overlooking the city. Glide down a snowy slope on a tubing ride, cross-country ski through a grove of evergreen fir trees, roast marshmallows over a crackling fire, hone your curling skills or goof off in a playful snowball fight. When it’s time to take a break from all the fun, head to the Winter Cinema and cosy up with nostalgic festive classics

National Tulip Day

Already anticipating the arrival of spring? Prepare to celebrate the start of tulip season when Dutch tulip growers invite everyone to partake in a delightful tradition – picking your own bouquet of tulips for free at a picking garden in Museumplein, all in honour of National Tulip Day on January 17, 2025. This coming day marks the 13th edition of this beloved event. Join tens of thousands of fellow flower enthusiasts as they herald the new season's arrival.

Get cultural at Museumplein

As the name suggests, you’ll find some of the city’s most famous museums gathered around this square in Oud-Zuid:

• The Van Gogh Museum presents Metamorphoses, where passion, desire, lust, jealousy, cunning and deceit come to life in this Ovid-inspired showcase (from 6 February).
• This exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum looks to paint yellow in a different way, as something more than just a pretty shade. Through works by Van Gogh and his contemporaries, this exploration examines the meaning of yellow as a symbol of light and courage (13 February onwards).
• The Stedelijk Museum, one of the country's premier contemporary art museums, presents works by Erwin Olaf, exploring the life and legacy of one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated photographers (until 1 March).

See the best photography

Amsterdam packs a punch when it comes to photography. With several museums dedicated to the medium, along with major festivals and commercial galleries, there’s always something to see:

• Explore the subterranean and ethereal world of female Japanese divers, as captured by photographer Kusukazu Uraguchi at Huis Marseille's Shima no Ama exhibition. For thirty years, Uraguchi dedicated himself to capturing the ama (woman of the sea). What he was left with is this exhibition: a collection of eighty photographs that examine the otherworldly vocation of these women and their lesser-known lives (until 8 February).
• Head to Foam for Co Rentmeester's Witnessing Life, a Dutch photographer who helped shape the 20th century's visual culture, namely through his award-winning sports photography, including the now world-famous Jumpman image of Michael Jordan from 1984 (until 11 February).

Get out of town

• This November marks 50 years of Surinamese independence. And Museum Cobra is commemorating that milestone with a special exhibition dedicated entirely to Surinamese Art, where around 24 artists and one collective will present their works on what Surinamese freedom means (until 1 March).
• At Singer Laren, follow Vivian Ammerlaan, a Dutch painter, and her journey into the Rocky Mountains, as told through moody, spectral paintings (25 Nov - 18 January).
• The Teyler's Museum, just a stone's throw from Amsterdam in the heart of historic Haarlem, is the Netherlands' oldest museum and features an expansive collection of art, natural history and science. Check out ‘Michelangelo and Men’ as one of the world's oldest thinkers takes centre stage (until 25 January).