Ice skating in Amsterdam
When the temperature drops, the Dutch start dreaming of another frozen winter and the prospect of ice skating outdoors. Weather forecasts are watched eagerly and skates sharpened just in case! But even if the canals don’t freeze this year, there are plenty of spots in Amsterdam to practice your jumps and twirls.
Ice-skating on Rembrandtplein
During the winter months, Rembrandtplein is decked out with snow cannons, chalets and twinkly lights, all surrounding a giant skating rink that finds its home on the square. After an afternoon of trying to stay upright on the ice, head to the winter plaza for a glass of mulled wine and typical delicacies, which looks particularly special lit up as the evening drops. The surrounding restaurants and bars guarantee an evening of unforgettable Dutch winter fun.
Open: 17 November 2023 - 7 January 2024, 10:00 - 23:00
Ice skating on Rembrandtplein | Rembrandtplein
Winter Village Amstelveen
Venture out to the city centre of Amstelveen where the Winter Village reigns for the entirety of the Christmas season. With a big ice skating rink, perfect for children, and more than 60 market stalls for handcrafted gifts, it is the perfect gathering place for family and friends alike.
Winter Village | Winkelcentrum Stadshart, Amstelveen | 2 December 2023 - 7 January 2024
Jaap Eden Ice Rink
This colossal rink in Amsterdam Oost is the go-to spot for amateurs and pros alike to really develop their skills. Budding speedskaters can make use of the 400-metre track which allows you to glide through quite a few laps in your own lane without having to swerve for children. But don’t worry, if you haven’t nailed your double axels yet, there’s also an indoor rink and a beginners corner. Jaap is the home turf of the Amstel Tijgers, so be sure to check the agenda for ice hockey matches, discos and a variety of other public activities.
Open: 21 October 2023 to 24 March 2024
Jaap Eden Ice Rink | Radioweg 64
Winterparadijs
Whilst this jolly wonderland took a short hiatus during the pandemic, Winterparadijs is due to return to RAI Amsterdam in 2022. Along with a giant indoor and outdoor rink - which was no less than 2800m2 in previous years - you’ll also find opportunities for cross-country skiing, curling, a tube track, slides, a cinema, theatre and a giant Ferris wheel. Or if you or if you don't really plan to exert yourself, head to the après-ski village for mulled wine by the fire pit and a bite to eat. We’ll meet you in the karaoke bar or silent disco!
Open: 14-30 December 2023
RAI Amsterdam | Europaboulevard 22
ICE* Amsterdam at Museumplein
In 2023, the Christmas village on Museumplein will be going forward without the ice skating rink. Every winter, Amsterdam’s iconic Museumplein is transformed into a wintery paradise for the arrival of Ice*Amsterdam. Perhaps the cosiest skating rink in the capital welcomes everyone young and old, skilled or beginner to enjoy the opportunity to slide about with breathtaking views of the Rijksmuseum. Non-skaters can grab a warming mug of hot chocolate or snacks from the bistro if they simply want to watch the frosty mayhem. And in December, you’ll find a Christmas market complete with crackling fires and festive stalls.
Ice*Amsterdam | Museumplein | No ice skating rink in 2023
Winter landscapes in art
For a glimpse into Amsterdam’s winters of the past, look no further than the 17th-century masterpieces on display in the Rijksmuseum. Dutch landscape artists such as Hendrick Avercamp, Adam van Breen and Jan van Goyen painted emotive scenes of entire communities wrapped up warm and enjoying ice-skating, sledging, socialising and even ice fishing.
