10 activities during the winter in Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Winter Paradise at the RAI offers various winter activities, while the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the city with beautiful light sculptures. Enjoy canal cruises, ice skating at Museumplein and Christmas markets, including oliebollen at Leidseplein. A walking tour of the decorated city and evening events at Hortus Botanicus are recommended. End your day with cheese fondue. Allow for cold and wet weather and book on time.

1. Amsterdam Winter Paradise

The Amsterdam Winter Paradise is an annual winter event in Amsterdam that usually takes place during the months of December and January. This event transforms RAI Amsterdam, one of the largest event venues in the city, into an enchanting winter world for young and old alike.

During Amsterdam Winter Paradise, you can enjoy a variety of winter activities, including: ice rinks, rides, Christmas market, Ferris wheel, live entertainment from well-known artists, family activities, theme parties and food stalls.

2. Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event that transforms the city of Amsterdam into a spectacular light art gallery during the winter months. The festival presents works of light art along the canals, created by international artists, with several routes to explore, both on foot and by boat. It offers a unique and magical way to experience the city in winter.

3. Winter Cruise

During the winter, many salon boats cruise the canals. The boats are enclosed and heated, for the cold months. You can take a cruise if you are with a small group (-10 people). If you are with a larger group, you can also rent your own boat with skipper. Choose from several packages, such as the drinks boat or a BBQ.

4. Skating rink in Museum Square

Amsterdam’s Museumplein is home to a large skating rink during the winter. This skating rink allows visitors to enjoy skating with a view of the iconic Rijksmuseum. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to get into the winter spirit and have fun on the ice. The skating rink at Museumplein is often open from late November to early January, and it is one of Amsterdam’s most popular winter attractions.

5. Skating across the Canals

Skating along the canals of Amsterdam is a unique experience that is only possible when the canals are frozen for an extended period of time. To conduct this activity safely, the canals usually need to be frozen for at least 4 to 7 consecutive days with severe frost, with a minimum ice thickness of 15 to 20 centimeters to ensure safety. When these rare circumstances occur, residents and visitors to Amsterdam can enjoy skating along the canals.

6. Visit the Christmas market

The Christmas market in Amsterdam is an atmospheric market usually held from late November through Christmas. The market features stalls selling Christmas gifts, crafts and local delicacies. The market is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and offers entertainment in the form of performances by choirs, musicians and street performers. You can also enjoy traditional Dutch Christmas dishes and treats, such as oliebollen and hot chocolate.

7. Eating Oliebollen at Leidseplein

On Amsterdam’s Leidseplein, you can sample traditional Dutch delicacies, such as oliebollen, during the winter. Oil balls are usually served in the run-up to New Year’s Eve, especially in the period between late December and Dec. 31.

8. Taking a city tour

A city walk through Amsterdam in winter is especially atmospheric. The city is less crowded, which makes for quiet exploration. Amsterdam is beautifully decorated with festive lights and decorations, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Cozy cafes and restaurants invite you to sample hot drinks and local winter dishes. Moreover, winter offers a great opportunity to explore museums and art galleries, as they are often less crowded.

9. Visit Hortus Botanicus

During winter, opening hours are longer so you can enjoy Hortus by night. An event in Amsterdam’s botanical gardens. You can enjoy evening tours, mulled wine and hot chocolate, fairy tales by the campfire and themed tours. Fun for little ones and adults.

10. Cheese fondue

End your day by enjoying a delicious cheese fondue at one of Amsterdam’s cozy restaurants. Cheese fondue is a popular dish during the cold months. The cheese is heated and you dip vegetables and bread in it for a delicious flavor.

What should you consider when visiting Amsterdam in winter?

If you visit Amsterdam during the winter you should dress yourself well, winter can get very cold and it often rains a lot. Be prepared for that. If you are going to do an activity, book on time. Keep in mind that you can’t always skate, conditions have to be ideal for that. Also, always check if the event will go on that year.

Christmas vacations in Amsterdam

Many of the above activities can also be visited during the Christmas vacations. For the kids, a winter cruise and the winter paradise are ideal. But you can also take a nice city walk and end the day with a cheese fondue. Keep in mind that the city is extra busy during the Christmas vacations, book your activities ahead of time.

Summer in Amsterdam

During the summer in Amsterdam, visit Artis Zoo, take a boat tour, party at Pride or enjoy yourself on one of the city beaches. So there is plenty to do in Amsterdam in both winter and summer.