Popular spots to see on bus tour routes include the Red Light District and Rembrandtplein, which offers ice skating in December! Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Though Christmas markets are not originally from Amsterdam, the love of these great markets in Amsterdam is rising! If you’ll be busy during the holiday season, don’t worry: you can’t visit this Christmas market on the first day of Christmas. This underground Christmas market is home to the largest, oldest, and most popular underground Christmas market in Europe. This charming Christmas fair near Utrecht takes place at the stunning Kasteel de Haar. There’s nothing like watching the lights twinkle from the trees above as you browse the adorable stores for gifts. Please check our disclosure page for more information. There is no main Christmas market, but many of the city’s squares transform into Christmas markets packed with stalls selling food, mulled wine and seasonal gifts. The city also has popular food tours. If you don’t have your own skates you can rent them for €5. But, the city can certainly take on a different look and feel during the holiday season, and some cruise companies actually offer special services for Christmas. For 2018, Valkenburg was named the “European City of Christmas.”  Click to read more about visiting the Valkenburg Christmas markets. Over the last few years, the markets have grown and become much more popular. If you have time, take a tour of the Velvet caves and see the castle ruins. You will get to experience authentic cozy Amsterdam vibes here, with lots of food, live entertainment and a market for young and old. VIEW ALL PRODUCTS In Amsterdam, you can find New Year’s celebrations all around. Two days in New York City: Your perfect 48-hour NYC itinerary by a local ». , and they’re similar to gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies. There are several great festive treats you can find in Amsterdam during the holidays. Amsterdam gears up for the season with Sinterklaas, Christmas and New Year's Eve, the taste of chocolate letters, pepernoten and speculaas on the tongues of children, mulled wine on the tongues of the older kids, a rosy glow in the cheeks of everyone and plenty of Christmas markets, holiday concerts, plays and … Enjoy Amsterdam's Christmas Markets. Just like everywhere else in the city, the Red Light District celebrates the holiday season as well. ); The best way to enjoy the lights is by taking tours by bus or canal tours. This floating Christmas market is a foodie’s paradise with numerous stands for food and drinks that aren’t just your standard gluhwein and oliebollen… Click for my guide to the Leiden Christmas market! Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of, The best way to enjoy the lights is by taking, Since the sun goes down pretty early this time of year, there are also, Amsterdam in December will host several concerts of different genres. Click for my guide to Dordrecht’s Christmas market. The eighth annual Amsterdam Light Festival brings amazing artwork from both international and Dutch artists to canals, buildings, and squares. In addition to a wide range of unique products and special gifts, they also play Christmas music and there are plenty of stalls offering delicious holiday snacks and drinks. From December 12th to December 23rd, the Royal Christmas Fair will be open. No matter where you go, you’ll probably see some pretty cool holiday lights! Celebrate the yuletide in three charming cities. Spending Christmas in Amsterdam is simply magical. One of the most popular examples is the Ice Village which opens up in front of the, Just like everywhere else in the city, the, Pure Market Winter Market | Park Frankendael, The Dutch National Opera will also be hosting. However, in addition to this festival, you’ll also find plenty of interesting lighting displays in the shop windows and storefronts all throughout Amsterdam. This may not be the case in 2020 due to the pandemic, but we recommend keeping an eye out on their calendar anyway. It’s the perfect place for last minute Christmas shopping and getting into the Holiday spirit! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amsterdam in December will host several concerts of different genres. The rink is open starting in November and goes through the entire month of December, ending on January 5, 2020. It will give … And truth be told: Maastricht is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, but especially so around Christmas time when the beautiful central square Vrijthof has been turned into a winter wonderland village. The entire city center is taken over by stalls, so don’t miss this chance to see Dordrecht during this festive time. We recommend staying in Maastricht and booking soon as many hotels are sold out.). // analytics.js The Dordrecht Christmas market will be between December 13th and December 15th for 2019. You can find all the Amsterdam concerts here. If you’re looking for a wide range of items, consider going to De Bijenkorf in Dam Square. Sign up for our Travel Newsletter! This is a great family show which is appropriate for children ages 8 and up. Ice Village. The festivities start at 23:00 on December 31st. This indoor Christmas market is at one of the biggest and … ga && ga('send', 'event', 'Forms', 'Sign-up', 'Name: ' + form.name + ' URL: ' + window.location.href); Although the Dutch Christmas markets are not as famous as their German counterparts, the Christmas markets in the Netherlands are absolutely charming. All of the acts in this circus are top-ranked performers who have been hand-picked by the Golden Clown awards. forms: { Closer to a fair, it has rides and a Ferris wheel to give you views over the market. Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. (function() { Then, Paris. Though not free, it is pretty cheap to go ice skating at the Ice Rink at Rembrandtplein. See which pass can save you the most on your trip with our in-depth comparison post. If you intend to stay over in Valkenburg (or Maastricht), book your hotel as soon as possible as prices can be quite high on the weekends. Each year in Amsterdam a massive Christmas tree is placed on Dam Square. And of course, we recommend taking a free walking tour of Amsterdam! Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. 7. One of the most popular options is a Windmill Cookie, or speculaas, and they’re similar to gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies. Just keep in mind that these spots are popular and will attract crowds earlier in the day. When it comes to Christmas lights, the Amsterdam Light Festival is arguably the main event, and there will be installations all over the city. Here are a few other tasty snacks you might want to try: If you’re adventurous enough to brave the cold weather, you can experience Dutch culture by taking a bike tour! ), Filed Under: Amsterdam, Day Trips from Amsterdam, Europe, Holland, The Hague, The Netherlands, Uncategorized, Weekend Trips from Amsterdam. See the Nutcracker with the Dutch National Opera & Ballet. Unrelated to Christmas, you’ll be able to enjoy the city all lit up at night for the Amsterdam Light Festival. With amazing Christmas lights, Ice*Amsterdam Market is perfect for an evening stroll. Happily married to Jacob. Karen. Click for my guide to Dordrecht’s Christmas market. The Dickens festival is free to enjoy although lines to enter the festive (but crowded) streets can be long. You’ll find typical stalls, food, and Christmas cheer. « Valkenburg Christmas Market: The most unique christmas market in the Netherlands! Ice*Amsterdam Christmas Market (dates TBA) The market features dozens of vendors and craft displays. The new location is ushering in fresh look for the popular market, with an ice rink, live music, food trucks and winter bars, children's activities, a rotating roster of cultural … Be sure to not miss the amazing free fireworks sponsored by the City at Kop van Java (Java Island) along the IJ waters, just East of Central Station. } Just imagine them all lit up! However, all around the city, you’ll find smaller Christmas markets in the various neighborhoods. Free Tours by Foot is the original pay-what-you-like walking tour. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats. There are always Christmas markets in various locations around Amsterdam each year. Housed in a 19th century building, the hotel has a sense of understated glamour with rooms dressed in … This market in Amsterdam is located at the venue of the Sunday Market. I ended up not ranking these strictly as people look for different things in different Christmas markets, but I’ve grouped it based on the opinions of friends. There will also be food stalls serving traditional Dutch winter foods and mulled wine. Guests will also be treated to free hot drinks and other holiday treats. Your email address will not be published. As a thank you, you'll receive our Amsterdam Travel Guide! Everyone needs to do a bit of holiday shopping at some point, and there are a lot of great places to find that last-minute gift in Amsterdam. The Only Xmas Store in Amsterdam near the Flower Market. If you’re looking for another opportunity to enjoy some classic Christmas Carols, There are several Amsterdam cruise companies offering. During this time, the stunning Bergkwartier comes alive with Dickens characters, carolers, and Christmas decorations. Required fields are marked *. The charm only grows with a warm gluhwein (or hot chocolate) in your hands as you browse the many stalls of this market. Noorderkerk will also hold special services on Christmas Eve, including the opportunity to sing Christmas Carols with all the other visitors. Not as famous as its German or even Belgian neighbours but there are some very decent Christmas markets to be found in the Netherlands. One popular service is a Light Festival Boat Tour which takes you through the canals during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Now, living in The Hague, the Netherlands. Be sure to also check out our post on the weather in December. If you’re looking at just a few select museums and experiences, take a look at the build-your-own passes. In December, Deventer shines with its Dickens festival. If you’re driving, you’ll save a lot by staying in the surrounding towns. A free event for all ages annually in December, at the iconic Westergas site. The backdrop of the Royal Palace makes for great picture opportunities. Christmas Markets in Amsterdam 2019 Traditionally, Christmas markets are not common in Amsterdam. callback: cb Maastricht is beloved for its stunning medieval city center and its charming atmosphere. This Dutch holiday starts sometime around the 14th of November- thanks to Sinterklass and the “Zwarte Pieten” (Black Peters). The square is decorated for the holidays with Christmas trees around the skating rink. we were in Amsterdam at the begining of November last year and the christmas decorations were being put up, some already lit, and the site for the christmas market in rembrantplein was being errected and taking shape. Sip on mulled wine at the Ice Village, wander the … Another Christmas fair near a castle! These, See which pass can save you the most on your trip, Every holiday season, the World Christmas Circus returns to. This is based on the tale of Alice in Wonderland. The Amsterdam Christmas Market (Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt) will welcome you to their festive event on the North part of town on 22 and 23 December. (You can save a bit by going mid-week.) Your email address will not be published. Markets are not only spread across the city but also in nearby places like Haarlem and Leiden. You’ll find them in most bakeries in the city. For more free things to do in Amsterdam, check out our full article. NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Found in the heart of the city, this 5 star stunner is the perfect base for exploring the city’s Christmas markets. (I doubted for a moment that there were others, but there are!) [December 5-8] Winter Fair Ahoy. However, the following two are my favourites. The easiest way to see more attractions in Amsterdam is by purchasing a discount pass. In addition to great holiday treats, this market also includes an ice rink where the family can enjoy some ice skating. So, if you’re looking for the best things to do in Amsterdam in December, then visiting these Christmas markets should be included in your itinerary. The first Christmas market is the Funky Xmas Market Amsterdam. You can find all the Amsterdam sporting events here. Throughout the year, there is a special open market called Museum Market hosted at the public space Museumplein located in the Museumkwartier neighbourhood. (The market will be open until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.) How is the weather in December in Amsterdam. (You can also enjoy special winter beers from Jopen, Haarlem’s well-known brewery during this time!). This performance is danced by the Dutch Ballet, and the music performed by the Dutch Orchestra. event : evt, In addition to playing classic holiday tunes and Christmas Carols, you’re also invited to join in and sing along with their performers. This castle now operates as a hostel today (really!). My Dutch friends have raved about the Magical Maastricht Christmas market. There is also an ice rink which is open well into the evening. behind-the-scenes tour of the official Ajax arena, Click here to get tickets and more information. Leiden is known for having a special Christmas market as it’s a floating Christmas market that goes on top of Leiden’s stunning Nieuwe Rijn canal. American expat and cat lover from New York City who lived in Amsterdam…. At 20-meters high, it requires lots of lights – in this case, 40,000 LED lights! The Hague has one of the loveliest Christmas markets in the Netherlands. Amsterdam throws itself into the spirit of Christmas in great style. There’s nothing as romantic as strolling down Lange Voorhout, the Hague’s most lovely street, underneath the trees with a warm drink in your hand. Leave this field empty if you're human: Entrance is entirely free! There are quite some Christmas markets that you can visit in Amsterdam. That is a four-kilometer string of lights. If you’d rather stay out of the wind, hop-on hop-off bus tours are a great way to explore the city with narration about Amsterdam’s sights and history. The biggest Christmas Markets in Amsterdam are: Sinterklaas Market or so-called Funky Christmas Market (open on Sunday the 1st of December and Sunday the 15th of December) Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt (open on the 22nd and 23rd of December) Ice Village (open from the 13th of December until the 26th, included) ️ Departing from Edinburgh 2nd December 2021 3 Nights Mai Amsterdam Hotel - Bed & Breakfast All this from only £234 per person. The Christmas Market of Haarlem is one of the biggest in the Netherlands. New Yorker–born and raised. If you’re planning on visiting as many paid attractions as you can over multiple days, an all-inclusive pass might be your best option to save the most. Join my facebook group for advice for traveling in Europe. These tourist passes work by allowing you to bundle admission tickets for heavy discounts. Wander past historic landmarks, meandering canals, and gabled houses as you marvel at the storybook atmosphere of Christmas markets in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Browse an assortment of Christmas items, from traditional Dutch food to hand-painted Christmas ornaments and transform your Christmas experience into one you'll always remember. Amsterdam is full of Christmas markets during this time of the year. October 21, 2019 by Karen Leave a Comment. Every week the Sunday Market in Amsterdam is the place for designers, a… Insider tips for visiting Keukenhof from a local, The best 15+ travel games for your phone that work offline. Funky Xmas Market. If the kids are sports fans, they’ll love going to the game and taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the official Ajax arena, and the tour is free for Amsterdam Pass holders. You can, If the kids are sports fans, they’ll love going to the game and taking a. The most famous Dutch Christmas market is in the Museumplein at Ice Amsterdam Museumplein where revelers can enjoy a warm drink, some stalls, and ice skating with a view of the Museumplein. I was told that the celebrations start earlier in amsterdam as their main celebration is a week before christmas day, so start earlier too, so you may be lucky in seeing … If you’re adventurous enough to brave the cold weather, you can experience Dutch culture by, Popular spots to see on bus tour routes include, Prices: €22 – €100+, dependent upon date and time, The easiest way to see more attractions in Amsterdam is by purchasing a discount pass. ️ Amsterdam glistens with joy and cheer every Christmastime. This Christmas market, which starts on November 29th and runs until New Year’s Eve, is one of the largest in the Netherlands. There will be live entertainment as well as trinkets, clothing, and food for purchase. Museumplein is turned into Amsterdam Christmas Square every year, boasting a market and craft-making displays perfect for passing an afternoon. Christmas Market in Haarlem. This is based on the tale of Alice in Wonderland. (For 2019, the Castle Christmas Fair will occur between November 29th and December 2nd. During Christmas, this magical setting is turned into a Christmas fair with music and more than 150 stands. If you’re thinking of spending the festive season in Amsterdam, there are some incredible Christmas markets and winter events that you simply must visit. Dordrecht has the largest Christmas market in the Netherlands. Festive Dutch foods, Christmas markets and glorious festive cheer that takes over the whole city throughout December. This post covers the best things to do in Amsterdam in December, including Christmas activities,  free things to do, nighttime, and family-friendly events. Most churches will provide this type of service on Christmas Eve. We also have other fun suggestions for nighttime activities. Amsterdam's ultimate Christmas market and festival. We recommend Leidseplein, Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, and Nieuwmarkt. This department store sells a variety of things that would make perfect gifts. For 2019, it will be held on December 7th and 8th! If you’re looking for another opportunity to enjoy some classic Christmas Carols, Frommerkerst will be performing at the Noorderkerk Church on December 12th. Ice Village is a traditional Dutch Christmas market in the centre of Amsterdam, … })(); Kerstmarkt Gemeentegrot is one of the most unique Christmas markets in the Netherlands. There are usually several professional sporting matches to attend in Amsterdam this December. The tickets start at €15. Although the Christmas market only lasts one weekend (December 8th and 9th), the city center of Haarlem comes alive during this free Christmas market! Viennese Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria. 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