Christmas markets in and around Amsterdam
Throughout the month of December, the Netherlands overflows with the Christmas spirit. Markets become more than a place to buy food and trinkets – they become a place to warm up with glühwein and oliebollen, find the perfect gifts for friends and family, and spend time with those you love. Here's our roundup of festive markets that are usually hosted in and around Amsterdam each year.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise
The RAI transforms into a winter wonderland in December with both indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks, seasonal parties, dining galore and a giant Ferris wheel that looks out over the city of Amsterdam. You can tube across real snow, cross-country ski between Christmas trees or goof off with a classic snowball fight.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise | RAI Amsterdam | 15 December 2022 - 1 January 2023
Funky Xmas Market
The monthly Sunday market, which highlights the work of local artists, fashion designers and creatives, gets a little bit groovy with the special Funky Xmas Market in mid-December. Head to the Westergasfabriek to browse through a heap of handmade art and accessories, or simply sit back and enjoy the artsy atmosphere.
Sunday Market | Westergasfabriek | 4 December 2022 - Sinterklaas Market; 18 December 2022 - Funky Xmas Market
Ice*Village Amsterdam
Each year, Amsterdam’s Museumplein transforms into a charming Christmas village, complete with an ice rink, live entertainment, market stalls and plenty of festive food and drink to keep you warm. Take a spin on the ice – or play some human bowling – in one of the most breath-taking (and not just because of the cold!) Christmas markets in Amsterdam.
ICE Village | Museumplein | 14-26 December 2022
Pure Markt Wintermarkt
This cosy farmers market which regularly travels around the city will be popping up in Park Frankendael this December for its unmissable Winter edition. The market is populated by a community of remarkable participants from all across the country, all of whom are deeply passionate about the products they grow, harvest, craft and cook. Don’t miss your chance to shop for stunning hand-made goods,plenty of foodie delicacies to stock your refrigerator with over the festive period and music, bites and drinks to help you soak up the festive atmosphere.
Pure Markt Wintermarkt | Park Frankendael | 18 December 2022
The Sustainable Christmas Market
Shop for the best sustainable Christmas gifts to put under your tree at De Ceuvel’s very own pop-up market. You’ll find everything ethically-sourced coffee to handmade soaps, as you stroll around dazzling stalls among the twinkling lights. Make a wish at the Christmas tree, enjoy live music, drink glüwein by the log fire and taste homemade snert (Dutch pea soup) from the vegan kitchen.
Sustainable Christmas Market | De Ceuvel | 10-11 December 2022
Winter Village Stadshart Amstelveen
Be like the birds and head south for the winter – for a day, at least! In Amstelveen, just south of Amsterdam, is a Christmas market worth travelling for. The city centre of Amstelveen transforms into the Winter Village, where children play on the ice, parents browse more 60 market stalls for handcrafted gifts, and family and friends gather.
Winter Village | Winkelcentrum Stadshart, Amstelveen | 3 December 2022 - 8 January 2023
Castle Christmas Fair
There is nothing so magical as Christmas – well, perhaps a Christmas market in a castle! At the Castle Christmas Fair at Buitenplaats Beeckestijn, just a 30-minute drive northwest of Amsterdam, you can take your family and friends on a real winter wonderland adventure, complete with fun workshops, market stalls hawking handmade goods, and, this year, a pack of alpacas.
Castle Christmas Fair | Buitenplaats Beeckestijn | 17-20 November 2022
Haarlem Christmas Market
One of the largest Christmas markets in the whole of the Netherlands, the Haarlem Christmas market is a must-see, must-do experience. As you wander through the hundreds of market stalls weaving throughout the city centre, the sounds of Christmas carols and the scent of holiday treats fill the air, making it hard to ever head home.
Haarlem Christmast Market | Grote Markt, Haarlem | 9-11 December 2022
Lichtjesavond Edam
In Edam, the locals celebrate lichtjesavond or ‘light night,’ a lovely holiday evening when the shops stay open until 21:00 and the town square is strewn with twinkling lights. Warm up with a mug of hot chocolate or spiced wine while you browse for last-minute Christmas gifts.
Light Night Edam | Edam | 13 December 2022
