A night out in: Noord
27 October 2025
Image from Fluermulder
Music Guide (December 2025)
Updated 4 December 2025 at 13:45Written by Tom Flanagan
If you’re after Amsterdam’s best concerts, gigs and parties, look no further than this; our curated and comprehensive overview of the month’s most worthwhile musical and nightlife events.*
CONCERTS & GIGS
Editor’s Pick: King Princess
If you like: Lorde, Billie Eilish
The Brooklyn-hailing singer broke into the public consciousness with their sultry, retro single 1950 and amped it up further with tracks like ‘Thalia’ and ‘Upper West Side’. She’s since embedded herself into the pop-sphere, as much for her sound as her outward queer lyricism and appeal. Catch her at Melkweg as he debuts her latest album, a cathartic body of work that captures what it means to begin again.
16 December | doors open 19:00 | Melkweg | tickets here
SOHN
If you like: Jamie Woon, Låpsley
The musical moniker of Christopher Michael Taylor, SOHN, mixes downtempo beats with soulful vocals that have earned him a reputation as a go-to for moody, ambient electronica. He’ll be bringing some winter cool to Bitterzoet’s stage, a perfect choice for those looking for a bit of introspection and songs that linger.
13 December | doors open 19:30 | Bitterzoet | tickets here
Flyte
If you like: Laura Marling, José González
The indie folk project of English duo Will Taylor and Nick Hill, Flyte’s warm, guitar-led melodies have led them to the summit of folk and collaborations with some of the genre’s top artists, from The Staves to Laura Marling. Lush harmonies and introspective lyrics combine for what’s always an intimate gig.
11 December | doors open 19:30 | Melkweg Oz | tickets here
Julia Wolf
If you like: Halsey, kiiara
Sexy, sultry pop with sucker punch production, Julia Wolf expertly blends side-eye lyricism with TikTok-ready sounds that look back to the grungy early 2000s. One for the pop heads that like a little sadness.
11 December | doors open 20:00 | Melkweg Up | tickets here
Ball Park Music
If you like: Vance Joy, Boy & Bear
Brisbane-hailing five-piece Ball Park Music have been making music for years now, with eight albums of critically acclaimed indie pop under their belt. Their latest endeavour Like Love radiates much of the jangly and chipper guitar sound that’s earned them a dedicated fanbase, with ‘Please Don’t Move to Melbourne’ a lovely gateway song for new fans and old. Stop by Tolhuistuin and catch them in action – and bring your friends too.
6 December 2025 | doors open 18:30 | Tolhuistuin | tickets here
Christmas Classics at the Movies
For a full-blown classical Christmas, head to The Concertgebouw, where you’ll find the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie performing classic festive songs from films for an entire afternoon and evening. Expect songs by John Williams, Tchaikovsky and Danny Elfman alongside live renditions of seasonal favourites like White Christmas and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmasin a showcase of musical excellence and classical comfort.
28 December 2025 | concert begins 20:15 | Het Concertgebouw | tickets here
CLUBBING & FESTIVALS
Emo Night
If you like: Pop Punk, metal core, emo punk
While December is all about looking ahead to the new year, Emo Night in Melkweg is a celebration of past subcultures and phases, bringing nostalgia to the current generations. Expect old hits and new bangers in a lineup carefully curated by the Emo DJ team. Titled “It’s not a Phase, Mom!”, the event is a loud and cheerful testament to the emo subculture.
20 December 2025 | doors open 20:00 | Melkweg | tickets here
POING x The planet
If you like: Local techno, reggaeton, Latin club
After leaving its temporary location in Rotterdam, the legendary club Poing evolved into a party concept, appearing in various spaces around the Netherlands and booking the most iconic, energetic artists in the current electronic scene. This time, Poing does not disappoint, bringing a diverse lineup, consisting of local legends such as De Schuurman b2b Slimfit, as well as big international names such as Evissimax from Italy, fka PHAEDRA from Mexico City, and the headliner - DJ LIZZ, a Chilean-based headliner and producer, one of the leading figures of the neoperreo movement.
5 December 2025 | doors open 23:00 | Tilla Tec | tickets here
Afro Fest
If you like: afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B
Indulge in the best Afrobeats, including dancehall, Amapiano, and Afrohouse, at Afro Fest, the largest Afro event in Amsterdam. The entire venue will come alive as all three halls of Paradiso will pulse with different rhythms from across the diaspora. It’s a night where music, culture, and community come together in a memorable celebration.
6 December 2025 | doors open 23:59 | Paradiso | tickets here
New Year’s Eve + New Year’s Day Party Roundup
Image from Jameslee via Pixabay
Arguably the year’s most hyped night, New Year’s Eve is always a tricky one to plan for. We’ve luckily put together a few tips for the night to help you decide and even included a few parties for every taste:
- Big techno NYE at Shelter
- Early ravers at The Breakfast Club
- Daytime dancing at Lofi
- Queer hedonism at Is Burning x Adonis at Tilla Tec
*If you've missed out on tickets, don't sweat – TicketSwap is a safe and reliable resale site where you can source tickets for events that have sold out.
