Things To Do In Amsterdam In December

Amsterdam is a city that has a long and fascinating history. It is the capital city of the Netherlands and has a population of over 872,000 people. Amsterdam is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with its beautiful canals, cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings. The city offers a unique blend of culture, history, art and architecture, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking something a bit different.

December is a great time to visit Amsterdam as it is filled with festive cheer and plenty of things to do. From Christmas markets and light festivals to ice skating and skiing, there’s something for everyone in December in Amsterdam. Here’s our guide to some of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December.

Visit The Christmas Markets

Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are one of the main attractions during the winter months. There are several Christmas markets throughout the city, each offering its own unique atmosphere and selection of wares. The markets feature an array of traditional Dutch and international food, including Dutch pancakes (poffertjes), herring, oliebollen (doughnuts) and mulled wine, as well as an abundance of festive decorations, crafts and gifts.

The biggest Christmas markets are located in the Dam Square, Museumplein and Rembrandtplein, although there are many smaller markets scattered throughout the city. The Dam Square market is the oldest and most traditional of all the Christmas markets, and it’s here that you can find the most authentic Dutch foods and crafts. The Museumplein market is perfect for those looking for something more modern, with its wide selection of international foods and modern designs. The Rembrandtplein market is a bit more contemporary, with an emphasis on fashion and style.

Experience The Light Festival

Every December, Amsterdam comes alive with the city’s annual light festival. This annual event sees the city illuminated with a spectacular display of light installations from renowned international artists. The installations are scattered throughout the city’s streets, squares and canals, creating an enchanting atmosphere that’s perfect for taking a winter evening stroll.

The festival takes place over several weeks, with different light installations popping up across the city each night. There are several walking routes that take you through some of the best installations, or you can just wander through the streets and explore on your own. The festival usually takes place between mid-December and early January, so make sure to check out the official website to see when it’s happening in your visit year.

Ice Skating On Museumplein

Ice skating is one of the most popular activities in Amsterdam during the winter months. Every year from mid-November to mid-January, Museumplein transforms into a large outdoor ice rink for locals and visitors alike to enjoy some winter fun. The rink is open every day from 9am until 9pm and there is no admission fee – just bring your own skates or rent them from one of the nearby vendors.

The rink is surrounded by some of Amsterdam’s most iconic attractions such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, making it the perfect spot for a winter afternoon outing. After a few hours of skating, you can head to one of the nearby cafes or restaurants to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or some Dutch apple pie.

Explore Vondelpark In Winter

Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam’s most beloved parks and it’s also one of the most beautiful in wintertime. The park is covered in a blanket of snow during December and January, making it an ideal spot for a romantic stroll or a leisurely bike ride. The park also offers plenty of scenic spots for photography enthusiasts to capture some beautiful winter shots.

The park is home to several monuments, ponds and even an open-air theater where you can catch some live music in winter. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the park’s resident swans – they are often spotted gliding gracefully across the frozen ponds!

Take A Canal Cruise In December

Yet another great way to explore Amsterdam in December is by taking a canal cruise through the city’s iconic waterways. During the winter months, the canals are usually frozen over, giving you a unique opportunity to experience Amsterdam from a different perspective – frozen! The cruises offer a unique perspective on the city’s architecture as well as its many bridges and historical buildings. Many companies offer canal cruises during the winter months, so be sure to check out their websites to find out when they’re running.

Visit Cheese & Clog Making Museum

If you’re looking for something more unique to do in Amsterdam during December, then be sure to check out the Cheese & Clog Making Museum. This unique museum is located in Jordaan district and offers visitors a fascinating insight into two of Holland’s most iconic industries – cheese making and clog making. The museum features various interactive displays that showcase how cheese is made, as well as how clogs are crafted using traditional methods. There are also demonstrations where visitors can see craftsmen at work – it’s definitely worth a visit!

Experience A Dutch Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner in Amsterdam is usually served on the evening of December 24th and it is truly something special! Traditional Dutch Christmas dinners usually feature dishes such as smoked eel, smoked salmon, herring salad, mashed potatoes with gravy and pickled vegetables. Of course, no Dutch Christmas dinner would be complete without some traditional desserts such as Oliebollen (doughnuts) or Appeltaart (apple pie).

If you’re looking for somewhere special to enjoy your Christmas dinner in Amsterdam then why not head to one of the city’s top restaurants? There are several restaurants that serve traditional Dutch Christmas dinners with all the trimmings – be sure to book your table in advance!

Popular Tours To Book

If you want to get the most out of your time in Amsterdam then why not book a tour while you’re here? There are several popular tours that offer an insight into Amsterdam’s history and culture – here are two of our favourites:

Amsterdam Canal Cruise & City Tour

This tour takes you on a relaxing cruise through Amsterdam’s world-famous canals while providing commentary on the city’s history along the way. You will also have time to explore some of the city’s top attractions such as the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum on foot with your knowledgeable guide. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors looking to gain an insight into Amsterdam’s culture and history in a short amount of time. Book this tour here.

Amsterdam Windmills & Village Tour

This tour takes you out of town for a day trip to explore some of Holland’s best-preserved windmills and countryside villages. You will have time to explore Zaanse Schans, visit Volendam village and stop at cheese farm Edam before visiting Marken island. You will have plenty of time to take in the scenery while learning about Dutch traditions such as clog making along the way. This tour is perfect for those looking for an insight into Dutch culture outside of Amsterdam – book it here.

So there you have it – our guide to some of the best things to do in Amsterdam during December! From Christmas markets and light festivals to ice skating and touring windmills, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained during their stay in this beautiful city!