As the days grow cooler and snow begins to fall, Amsterdam transforms into a winter wonderland, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. This magical city comes alive with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and Sinterklaas celebrations — the ideal setting for a cozy escape. One thing’s for certain: no visit is complete without exploring one or two of Amsterdam’s Christmas markets, so we’ve put together a guide on which ones to visit during your Amsterdam Christmas vacation.
Hint: Come with an empty stomach because you’ll want to try all the delicious snacks on offer, of which there are many!
Amsterdam Winter Paradise
More than just a bustling market, the Amsterdam Winter Paradise is a Christmas extravaganza filled with live theatre and music performances, an ice skating rink, and even a cinema where you can curl up with blankets and a hot chocolate. Kids will love cuddling up to Snow Flake the Polar Bear and the Snow Princess, as well as the silent disco, face painting, and various rides on offer, including the carousel, balloon voyage, and the Ferris wheel.
Experience light sculptures, partake in some karaoke, get toasty around fire pits as you roast marshmallows, and have a boogie at the Piano Bar or après-ski nightclub. With all of this and so much more, this is a one-stop shop for your Christmas in Amsterdam.
Opening Days: December 17th to January 3rd.
Opening Times: 09:00 to midnight (hours may vary slightly on certain days).
Christmas Village Amsterdam
The largest and most impressive Christmas market in Amsterdam is the Christmas Village, which takes over the Museumplein (Museum Square), featuring around 50 exciting stalls selling a variety of food, drinks, and handmade crafts and gifts.
Marvel at all the Amsterdam Christmas lights strung up in trees as you awaken your taste bus with warm DIY poffertjes, Spakenburg smoked fish, hand-made cookies, or cinnamon-coated churros, all to the background music of Christmas carolers.
Opening Days: 4th to 26th December.
Opening Times: 12:00 to 21:00 on weekdays & 11:00 to 21:00 on weekends.
Haarlem Christmas Market
Easily one of the largest Christmas markets in Amsterdam and all of the Netherlands, showcasing an impressive 350 stalls in 12 different locations across the city, there truly is something for everyone at the Haarlem Christmas Market.
As long as you don’t mind traveling the 20 minutes from Amsterdam city center to Haarlem, you’ll be met with mugs of mulled wine, traditional smoked sausage (Dutch hotdogs), and and of course, tiny but mighty Dutch pancakes — all while wandering the charismatic and historical streets of this vibrant town.
Opening Days: 12th to 14th December.
Opening Times: 10:30 to 20:00 on Friday & Saturday, and until 19:00 on Sunday.
Castle Christmas Fair
As far as locations go, it’s hard to beat the festive atmosphere of the Castle Christmas Fair at the Duin & Kruidberg Estate. Just a 30-minute drive outside Amsterdam, which you can easily reach with a private Amsterdam Airport transfer, this historic setting will be one for the memory books.
Across four days, you can sing along to medieval choir bands, indulge in some local beer and wine, pick up some handmade Christmas gifts, and tuck into local and international favorites such as pulled pork cheeseburgers, raclette, and pea soup. All set against an iconic backdrop, which, if you’re lucky, will be dusted in snow!
Opening Days: 26th to 30th November.
Opening Times: 11:00 to 22:00 from Wednesday to Saturday, and 11:00 to 18:00 on Sunday.
Local Markets
The regular monthly Sunday Market that is held at the Westergas entertainment hub becomes the Funky Xmas Market for one day only on the 21st December. It’s the perfect place to pick up some last-minute gifts with plenty of locally made food products, handmade tree decorations, and arts and crafts to choose from.
The Pure Markt farmers’ market also gets a Christmas makeover during November and December. If you’re planning to prepare Christmas dinner in Amsterdam, you’ll find everything you need right here, from cassoulet and wine to cheese and experimental bread loaves. The market takes place in the lush Park Frankendael, a beautifully restored ecological garden filled with festive music and entertainment throughout the day.
Funky Xmas Market Opening Times: 21st December, 12:00 to 18:00.
Pure Markt Wintermarkt Opening Times: 30th November & 21st December, 11:00-17:00.
Tip: Whichever market you end up visiting during your stay, don’t forget to stop by the huge Amsterdam Christmas tree at Dam Square.
Frequently asked questions
What date is the Amsterdam Christmas market? 
When planning your Netherlands winter escape, you may be wondering, “When do Amsterdam Christmas markets start?” Amsterdam Christmas Market dates vary between markets. While some, such as the Amsterdam Winter Paradise and Christmas Village Amsterdam, run for several weeks, others are ticketed and only held for a few days, so it’s always best to check the dates either above or on the website directly.
Is Amsterdam a good place to spend Christmas?
Amsterdam at Christmas is truly magical. The streets come alive with fairy lights, ice skating rinks pop up over the city, and cafes and bars serving mulled wine and beer fill up with locals and tourists alike. Not to mention the spell that the snowfall seems to cast over the city, blanketing everything in a dreamlike dusting of white. And of course, a visit to Dam Square is a must to see the main Christmas tree in Amsterdam lit up in all its glory.
Where is the Christmas Village in Amsterdam?
The Amsterdam Christmas market location for the Christmas Village is at Museumplein, or Museum Square, in the central area of the city.
Is Amsterdam still Christmassy in January?
If you’re wondering, “Does Amsterdam have Christmas markets in January?” unfortunately, they will have all wrapped up by then. But that’s not to say the city still won’t have a festive afterglow, as all of the lights will remain, and the Museumplein ice skating rink stays open all the way through to February.
How cold is Amsterdam at Christmas time?
Amsterdam gets rather chilly during the winter months, reaching an average daytime temperature of just 6°C (42° F). To ensure you enjoy your winter getaway, be sure to pack a thick coat, gloves, beanie, and waterproof shoes to combat the snow melt.
