Amsterdam Christmas Markets: Your Ultimate Guide

Amsterdam is one of the many European cities that transforms into a winter wonderland every year. The Dutch capital plays host to numerous Christmas markets that are sure to give you all of the festive feels.

Just as you would on my Amsterdam food tours, you’ll find many of the city’s signature foods on offer at these marketplaces, in addition to handmade crafts and trinkets. I’ve found that the Amsterdam Christmas markets are super underrated, and I’m not quite sure why they get overlooked by those in neighboring countries!

These are Amsterdam’s top Christmas markets to check out if you’re hoping to soak up the holiday cheer this winter.

Top Amsterdam Christmas Markets to Visit

Ice Village

One of Amsterdam’s most notable Christmas markets is the Ice Village. Every December, almost 50 vendors join carol singers and budding ice skaters at the Museumplein in the stunning Oud-Zuid neighborhood.

It’s very much a family-friendly affair here, but there’s something for all ages. Keen shoppers can amble between the rows of stalls selling artisanal jewelry, local artworks, candles, and Christmas tree ornaments, while younger visitors might be more drawn to the expansive ice rink.

The range of food and drink is exceptional and includes Dutch favorites like poffertjes, a type of buckwheat pancakes, and international treats like Swiss raclette and Mexican-style wraps. In addition to holiday classics like hot chocolate and mulled wine, you’ll also find the likes of beer and coffee.

Amsterdam Winter Paradise

Photo credit: Amsterdam Winter Paradise

RAI, Amsterdam’s contemporary convention center, is the home of Amsterdam Winter Paradise. Situated in the heart of Amsterdam-Zuid, this festival is so much more than a market.

It’s a stellar spot for families, couples, and friend groups. When you’re not putting your skating skills to the test at the indoor and outdoor ice rinks, you’ll spend your time skiing and sliding down slopes, enjoying a drink at the après-ski, or taking in the views from the Ferris wheel.

The market focuses more on food than shopping, so make sure you arrive hungry to sample the various treats on offer. Even if you’re not a fan of Dutch food, the Italian, Japanese, and Mexican fare will keep you satisfied, as will the broad selection of brews in the beer hall.

Sustainable Christmas Market

The Sustainable Christmas Market is among the quirkier spots on this list and holds its annual pop-up event at De Ceuvel in the Volewijck area.

Those of you eager to make this Christmas as green and eco-friendly as possible will love this market. Skincare products, soaps, coffee, homeware, and jewelry are just some of the items on sale here, and you can shop ’til you drop while basking in the lively ambiance and gazing at the twinkling lights.

When you get a little peckish, treat yourself to a cup of snert, otherwise known as pea soup. Alternatively, why not stock up on artisanal salsas, kimchi, and sauces to savor when you’ve returned home?

Funky Xmas Market

Photo credit: Funky Xmas Market

The Westergasfabriek‘s monthly market is up and running all year round. However, when December comes around, this former gasworks in Westerpark turns into the Funky Xmas Market.

This particular Amsterdam Christmas market works to promote and celebrate local producers, with many vendors selling handmade clothes, accessories, and art. As you browse through the stalls, the sparkling lights and live performances will serve as the perfect backdrop!

After doing some shopping or taking the little ones to the kid’s workshops and face-painting station, swing by the food and drinks stands for a pick-me-up. Choose from marshmallow-topped hot chocolates, crispy stroopwafels, and bitterballen, a beloved Dutch beef croquette.

Pure Markt

 

Pure Markt alternates between various locations in the city. Its festive pop-ups appear in areas like Park Frankendael in Amsterdam-Oost and Amstelpark in Amsterdam-Zuid in the lead-up to Christmas, complete with atmospheric holiday tunes.

This market is a culinary enthusiast’s paradise, with almost three-quarters of the stalls dedicated to providing delicious food. That doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to do a spot for Christmas shopping, as makeup products, vintage clothing, flowers, kitchenware, and soaps are all readily available.

Nevertheless, if you’ve come solely for the food, prepare to be impressed! There’s no end to the foodie offerings here, as you’ll stumble upon freshly baked bread, Asian snacks, dreamy Dutch cheeses, super sweet desserts, woodfired pizzas, and everything in between.

Christmas Shopping in Amsterdam

If you’re anything like me, the food at Amsterdam’s Christmas markets will likely be the focus of your visit. Even so, I’ve also found that Amsterdam is a fantastic place to do some Christmas shopping, especially if you’re on the hunt for unique and handcrafted gifts.

Many of the city’s winter festivals, markets, and events are hubs for local artists to showcase their creations. Everything from Christmas decorations and homeware to sustainably made clothing and leather goods is up for grabs at marketplaces in the likes of Dam Square, Westergasfabriek, and even at Schipol Airport.

Visiting Nearby Christmas Markets

Some fabulous Christmas markets in nearby cities are also worth exploring, most of which can be easily combined with a stay in Amsterdam.

Below are some of my favorites:

• Haarlem: This picturesque city is less than a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam. Haarlem has its very own traditional market, and the city’s historic character makes it feel even more magical.
• The Hague: Around an hour south of Amsterdam is The Hague, which boasts the annual Royal Christmas Fair. This stunning market is a must-visit for anyone looking for luxury crafts.
• Leiden: It might be known as a buzzing university city, but Leiden is also revered for hosting Winter Wonder Weeks. Between the ice rinks, light displays, and vintage-style fair, this is a gorgeous spot to kickstart the Christmas celebrations.

Tips for Visiting Amsterdam Christmas Markets

• It might not get as cold as other Christmas destinations, but Amsterdam still experiences freezing temperatures during the winter. For that reason, I advise you to pack accordingly and arrive prepared with a warm coat, hats, gloves, and plenty of layers.
• Although the city is very walkable, you might find the chilly conditions a little off-putting. Fortunately, you can hop on the tram or metro to get around or do as the locals do and cycle from place to place.
• Many of Amsterdam’s Christmas markets fill up after dark when the cabins and surrounding areas are illuminated. If you’d prefer to avoid the biggest crowds, plan your visit for the early evening, just as the sun is going down. That way, you’ll have a shot at admiring the lights while it’s still slightly quieter.
• Another way to beat the crowds is to plan a midweek trip to the Christmas markets. This will also allow you to take advantage of cheaper accommodation.
• Before you arrive, be sure to research all of the important visitor information for the Christmas markets, including the opening times and the schedule for specific activities and events.

Conclusion

This canal-filled city is incredibly charming at any time of year, but when the Amsterdam Christmas markets are in full swing, it somehow becomes even more postcard-perfect. Strolling along the cabin-lined walkways with mulled wine in hand is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Amsterdam food tours and activities. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/amsterdam/

Ice Village. (n.d.). Ice Village Amsterdam. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://icevillage.nl/

Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs. (n.d.). Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.hetamsterdamsewinterparadijs.nl/

De Ceuvel. (n.d.). De duurzame kerstmarkt @ De Ceuvel. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://deceuvel.nl/en/event/de-duurzame-kerstmarkt-de-ceuvel/

Sunday Market. (n.d.). Sunday Market. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.sundaymarket.nl/

Pure Markt. (n.d.). Pure Markt: English. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://puremarkt.nl/english/