Culture Guide (December 2025)

Editor’s Pick: Hortus Winteravonden

Best for: plant lovers

This winter, it’s time to get cosy at one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, as the doors remain open until late for Hortus Winteravonden (Winter Evenings). Venture through the beautifully lit greenhouses – and the new Climate Greenhouse, which spans three climates around the world – as you discover ancient palms and tropical plants. Cuddle up by the campfire with a hot chocolate on the winter terrace and experience exclusive exhibitions featuring night-blooming flowers and much more.  

Hortus Winteravonden | 27-30 December & 2-3 January | Hortus Botanicus

Amsterdam Light Festival

Best for: night owls

The city’s annual light festival returns, this time under the theme of ‘Legacy’ and how we want to be remembered. To glimpse all the installations looking to capture what that means, you have a range of options. Opt for a cocktail cruise with one of the many canal companies or follow a self-guided 6.5km walking route that you can dip into at your own pace. Bring your winter coat, camera and a sense of awe.

Amsterdam Light Festival | Until 18 January 2026 | city-wide

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King at National Opera & Ballet

Best for: festive nostalgia 

One of the season’s most celebrated shows returns to the National Opera & Ballet stage for a festive run. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King – a tale of an inanimate Nutcracker coming to life to fend off the evil Mouse King – takes ballet form this time as snow-flecked dancers in frosted attire glide across the winter stage. Choreographed and designed by Toer van Schayk, he was inspired by the drawings of artist Christiaan Andriessen (1777-1854), which provided a window into an Amsterdam of old. 

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King | 12 December 2025 – 2 January 2026 | National Opera & Ballet

Derek Mitchell’s Double Dutch: Two at Meervaart

Best for: searing cultural commentary

Nobody gets the Dutch and the Americans (and even the Brits) better than Derek Mitchell. He’s best known for his live shows blending standup with cultural commentary, which are a tongue-in-cheek ode to his adopted homeland. Catch him at the Meervaart Theatre for his Double Dutch Two show, for searing comedy on what it means to be caught between cultures.  

Double Dutch | 8 December 2025 | Meervaart Theatre

Surinamese Art in Transition at Museum Cobra

Best for: inquisitive artists

This past November marked 50 years of Surinamese independence. And Museum Cobra is commemorating that milestone with a special exhibition dedicated entirely to Surinamese Art. Around 24 artists and one collective will present their works on what Surinamese freedom means, depicting its past struggle, present change and future, with fashion, photography, paintings, installations, film, and performance art all on show.

Wi Sranan. Surinamese Art in Transition | Until 1 March 2026 | Museum Cobra

Winterparadijs at RAI

Best for: seasonal maximalism

The RAI transforms into a winter wonderland in December with indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks, parties in the Après-Ski Village, dining options galore and fairground rides overlooking the city. Tube across real (fake) snow, cross-country ski between the fir trees, roast marshmallows over a crackling fire, practice your curling skills or join in with a classic snowball fight. When it's all too much fun, head into the Winter Cinema for nostalgic festive classics.

Winterparadijs | 17 December - 3 January | RAI 

World Christmas Circus at Carré

Best for: family outings 

For decades, the World Christmas Circus 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 for this 39th edition. 

World Christmas Circus | 17 December 2025 - 4 January 2026 | Carré

Queer Christmas Market at Door Open Space

Best for: non-traditionalists 

Christmas markets are everywhere in and around Amsterdam, but why not break with convention and tradition this year and head to the Queer Christmas Market? Meet 35+ queer entrepreneurs selling a range of vintage, art, food and drinks, with drag performances on show too. This is a chance to support queer makers, sort out your seasonal gifting and indulge in the festive spirit – plus the market donates €0.50 per ticket to a queer charity so there’s a good cause to support too.

Queer Christmas Market | 13 December, 11:00-17:00 | Door Open Space

Vivian Ammerlaan at Singer Laren

Best for: intrepid travellers

Get swept up in the dreamy, storm-coloured images of Vivian Ammerlaan whose photography of the Rocky Mountains is almost as good as visiting the region yourself. Inspired by her travels among the ridges, Amerlaan’s shots are haunting, spectral and effortlessly wintry. Bookend your trip with a visit to the on-site café for a cosy winter afternoon. 

Vivian Ammerlaan | until 18 January 2026 | Singer Laren

Amsterdam, almost demolished at Grachtenmuseum

Best for: urban history

The Museum of Canals (Grachtenmuseum) is one of the city’s unsung heroes and its latest exhibition is proof of more quiet heroism. In Amsterdam, almost demolished, the tale of how the city maintained its historic architecture and centre in the face of a mass modernisation push takes centre stage. A tapestry of protest footage, maps and photography, the exhibition traces the people who helped preserve Amsterdam’s beauty – and it’s future. 

Amsterdam, almost demolished | until 28 March 2026 | Grachtenmuseum