Amsterdam has been ranked as the 8th best winter city break destination in Europe, following the popular spots of Reykjavik, Copenhagen, and Prague. The Netherlands capital is magical when the Christmas season comes around, as festive lights, ice rinks, and markets shoot up across the city.
This article will explore six festive things during the Christmas 2024 season, including ice skating, performances, and walking tours of Amsterdam.
Go Ice Staking At The Museumplein
A large ice rink, which features a replica of Magere Brug (the iconic ‘Skinny Bridge’), sits right in front of the impressive Rijksmuseum, making it the perfect spot for Instagrammable pictures.
With prices starting at €8, the ice rink is open every day from Friday 15th November to Sunday 2nd February.
For those not taking to the ice, there is a Bistro right next to the rink, which serves drinks and food in a winter ambience.
In the same square, the Museumplein Amsterdam Christmas Market is also taking place. It boasts more than 45 stalls, ensuring you can try mulled wine and Dutch pancakes. The free entry Christmas market is open every day from Thursday 12th December until Thursday 26th December.
Take A Stroll Around Winter Paradise
Amsterdam Winter Paradise, which is similar to London’s famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, will take place at the RAI Convention Centre from Wednesday, 18th December to Saturday, 4th January.
You can stroll around the festive funfair, go ice skating, go ice-curling, watch a Christmas movie at the theatre, go down the Wonder Slope, head to the karaoke bar, get a drink in the Apres Ski village, roast marshmallows, and enjoy rides such as the Ferris wheel, big swing, and merry-go-round.
Entrance tickets start at €18.50, depending on the time you wish to enter. You also pay extra for the rides, attractions, entertainment, drinks, and foods mentioned above.
Embark On A Walking Tour
For those on a budget, there are a plethora of free walking tours in Amsterdam that allow holidaymakers to explore the city and its famous landmarks.
Most walking tours range from 1 hour to 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can opt for a city tour or a specialised tour focusing on the Red Light District, Anne Frank’s House and The Jewish Quarter, or the city’s rise from a small fishing village.
Enjoy The Amsterdam Light Festival From The Canal
The Amsterdam Light Festival runs every day from Thursday, 28th November to Sunday, 19th January, except Tuesday, 31st December (New Year’s Eve). Holidaymakers and locals alike can enjoy a nighttime cruise along the canal to see intriguing art installations by artists around the world.
Canal boat (the heated option) and open boat cruises take around 75 minutes, and prices start at €27.50. You can enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine on board whilst wrapped in one of the cosy blankets provided.
Those who don’t want to see the Light Festival from Amsterdam’s world-famous canals can embark on a 6.5-kilometre walking route.
Watch The World Christmas Circus
The World Christmas Circus (Wereldkerstcircus) features a whole range of top-class acts from all over the world. Visitors can expect to see trapeze artists, clowns, unicyclists, ventriloquists, and even animals.
This year, the event returns to Theater Carré for its 38th edition from Wednesday 18th December to Sunday 5th January 5. Circus performances begin at 12pm, 1pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 8pm, except on New Year’s Day, which only has performances at 1pm and 5pm.
Tickets start at €21.50 but feel free to browse the Theater Carré website for more information.
Enjoy A Free Concert
If you are lucky enough to be on holiday in Amsterdam on a Wednesday, then you can enjoy a free lunchtime concert inside one of the most beautiful of Amsterdam’s churches, the Westerkerk. Free organ concerts are held throughout the year, but from the end of November, the music focuses on advent tunes and will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.
Ready To Uncover The Beauty Of Christmas In Amsterdam?
With all the main UK airports flying to Amsterdam regularly throughout the Christmas season, it is a city not to be missed. The cold weather, high chances of snowfall, festive lights, and the plethora of seasonal activities will get you in the Christmas spirit in 2024.
