Our guide is updated at the start of every month, packed with the best events. Explore the best of Amsterdam with insider tips and recommendations. Whether you’re planning your weekend or looking to fill your calendar, let our monthly roundup help you make the most of everything Amsterdam has to offer!

What’s Happening in Amsterdam This December?
December in Amsterdam is all about cozy vibes, sparkling lights, and festive cheer. Stroll through magical Christmas markets like Ice Village at Museumplein, or go ice skating right next to the iconic Rijksmuseum. Catch the breathtaking Amsterdam Light Festival, lighting up the canals with artistic brilliance. Of course, we’ve hunted down the best oliebollen spots(Dutch donuts) or enjoy an unforgettable dinner at one of Amsterdam’s top restaurants offering special Christmas menus. As always, we’ve handpicked the most epic New Year’s Eve parties to help you ring in 2024 in style—trust us, you don’t want to miss them!

Amsterdam Light Festival – until January 2025

Don’t miss out on one of Amsterdam’s most magical winter traditions! The Amsterdam Light Festival is back with its 13th edition from until 19 January 2025, transforming the city into a glowing wonderland. This year’s theme, Rituals, celebrates light as a symbol of unity and transformation, featuring 27 stunning light artworks by artists from around the globe. 

The best way to experience the festival? From the water! Book a light festival boat tour and enjoy the artworks from the iconic Amsterdam canals. Not sure yet? Check out our complete guide full of the best tips and things to do at the Amsterdam Light Festival here.

Amsterdam’s Christmas Tree Tradition – Dec 7

Every year, the iconic Christmas tree returns to Dam Square, one of our favorite traditions! The 20-meter-tall tree is beautifully decorated with over 40,000 energy-efficient LED lights. In 2024, the tree lighting ceremony will be held on December 7, with Mayor Halsema turning on the lights from 17:30 until 19:00.

Christmas Markets in Amsterdam 2024

Looking for the best Christmas markets in Amsterdam this December 2024? Check out our list of top festive markets for holiday shopping, food, and fun in the heart of the city!

• Christmas Village @ Museum Square, Dec 12-26, daily 11:00-21:00
• Funky Christmas Market @ Westergasfabriek, Dec 3 & 17
• The Sustainable Christmas Market @ De Ceuvel, Dec 14
• Pure Wintermarkt @ Park Frankendael, Dec 22 from 11:00-17:00

Looking for Unique Christmas Gifts? Discover the Best Places to Shop in Amsterdam with our Guide full of our favorite spots to do your Christmas shopping!

ICE Amsterdam Ice Skating Rink 2024/2025 at Museumplein!

Woohoo! You can skate again at ICE, the iconic ice skating rink – the perfect winter activity in Amsterdam! Enjoy some holiday magic in the heart of the city while ice skating in the picturesque setting of Museumplein. The Christmas Market at ICE Village will also return from December 12 to 26, featuring unique gift stalls and delicious holiday treats, making it the perfect spot for festive shopping and cozy winter fun.

The Amsterdam Winter Paradise (het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs) – Dec 19 to Jan 5

The Amsterdam RAI is transformed into a sparkling Christmas wonderland. Enjoy ice skating, festive movies, warm drinks, live music, and the new ‘Symphony of Lights’ show. Such a fun thing to do in December!

Brunch or dine with a view at the A’dam tower

While A’DAM Lookout may not be a hidden gem, we highly recommend a brunch at Restaurant Moon to elevate your weekend. Located on the 19th floor, this revolving restaurant offers stunning 360-degree views of Amsterdam as you enjoy a delicious brunch. You’ll get to admire the city from every angle as the restaurant slowly rotates—how cool is that? Don’t forget to visit the observation deck for even more breathtaking views!

Feel more like dinner and cocktails with a DJ? Head up to M’ADAM on the 20th floor for an unforgettable dinner with a view. It’s the perfect spot for a night out. We visited last month and absolutely loved the menu, which features delicious dishes with an Asian twist, paired with creative cocktails.

The Maker Market Christmas Edition – Dec 21 & 22

Don’t miss The Maker Market Christmas Edition on December 21 (11:00–17:00) and December 22 (12:00–17:00)! It’s the perfect place to discover unique, handmade items. Held in the beautiful covered passage of De Hallen, the market offers live music, creative workshops, and a wonderful atmosphere for finding one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.

Can’t make it to Amsterdam? You can also visit them in Haarlem on December 7 and Rotterdam on December 14 & 15.

Hortus by Night – A Magical Garden Experience

Visit the Hortus Botanicus for a special winter treat: ‘Hortus by Night’! The botanical garden will be illuminated with enchanting lights, creating a cosy and festive vibe. Bundle up and enjoy a romantic evening stroll, warm up by the campfire on the terrace, and admire the botanical garden transformed by sparkling lights.

The Hortus by Night evenings are on: 19 to 23 December, 27 to 30 December and 2 to 5 January, until 22:00.

The Best Locations for Olliebollen (Typical Dutch Treat)

Check out these top spots to enjoy the city’s most delicious and traditional Dutch New Year’s treats; Olliebollen. From famous bakeries to popular stands!

• Hartog’s Volkoren
• Fort Negen
• Bakery Ad Straathof
• Patisserie Holtkamp
• Olliebollen stand at Kinkerstraat/Bilderdijkkade
• Lennick (Champagne bollen)
• Lanskroon

The Best Restaurants for Your Christmas Dinner

We’ve curated a list of our all time favorite restaurants for (or around) Christmas in Amsterdam. Make your Christmas celebration unforgettable at these top dining spots:

• Bistro de la Mer
• Helling 7
• Troef
• Restaurant Breda
• De Vergulden Eenhoorn
• Ron Gastrobar
• Café restaurant Wils
• Cafe Verlan

The Best New Years Eve Parties in Amsterdam (that aren’t sold out yet) 2024/2025

Of course, we’ve handpicked the best New Year’s Eve parties in Amsterdam for 2024 that aren’t sold out yet! From epic club nights to unique celebrations, these are the top spots to ring in the new year!

• Awakenings NYE Amsterdam @Gashouder – €89,95
• NYE Around the World @ Westerunie – €42
• NYE Paradise @ Chicago Social Club – € 50
• Q-Factory NYE @ Q-Factory – €35
• Prom Night @ The Hoxton – from € 35
• Fiesta Macumba @ Amaze – € 40
• New Years Eve @ Shelter – from € 40

Experience the Creation Story Like Never Before!

Step into Eonarium: Genesis, a breathtaking light and sound show inspired by the story of creation. Watch the birth of light, water, nature, and life through stunning projections and an unforgettable soundtrack. Taking place in the beautiful Oosterkerk in Amsterdam. Get your tickets now for this must-see event!

Newest Restaurants in Amsterdam

Of course, a great restaurant can’t be missing from the list of monthly activities. And what could be more fun than trying one of Amsterdam’s newest spots? As you know, we love keeping lists, and that includes a list of Restaurants that recently opened in Amsterdam—and there are quite a few! Check them out here.

Visit a Candle Light Concert 

We think experiencing a Candlelight Concert in Amsterdam is truly magical! These concerts take place in stunning venues, creating a beautiful atmosphere filled with soft candlelight and amazing music. In December there will be the following concerts:

• December 20, The Best of Ludovico Einaudi @ Posthoornkerk, save a seat!
• December 19, Christmas Classics @ Theater Tuschinski, claim your spot!
• December 22, A Tribute to Hans Zimmer @ Renaissance Koepelkerk, book here!

Even more Amsterdam Tips

Art & Culture

Fun Activities 

• Dining in The Dark: Enjoy a three, four, or five-course dining experience that takes place entirely in the dark. Book your spot here →
• 2-Hour Private Karaoke Session: Book a private karaoke booth for up to 10 people for a super fun night out! Book your spot here →
• 80’s Roller Skating Rink: Go back to the ’80s with a stunning decor and the best ’80s music. Spend a fun and active day out skating with friends and family in the rink. Book your spot here →
• Join a Cocktail Course: Attend a 2-hour masterclass with a professional bartender and learn all about mixology. Book your course here →
• Wine Tasting with Experienced Sommelier: The sommelier guides you through a curated selection of 5 wines, all sourced from local winemakers. Book your tasting here →

Weekend Day Trips – Explore the Rest of The Netherlands

You may also like to check out our list of newly opened restaurants! We update it every month. Follow us on Tiktok or Instagram. On our Social Media Channels we always post even more content of find out about the best tips, parties, events and more.