Amsterdam Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Visit Amsterdam at Christmas and experience a true winter wonderland. It’s a magical setting with a fairytale mix of dazzling Christmas lights and magnificent trees adorned with lanterns and brightly colored baubles. It’s also celebrated with delicious warm food, some wine, and family fun while listening to some of the greatest Christmas Carols.
Speaking of fun, one way to make the most of the jolly holiday season in the Netherlands capital is by going to an Amsterdam Christmas market. The colorful Christmas markets are not only spread throughout the city, but also in nearby areas like The Hague, Velsen-Zuid, and Haarlem. They feature some of the country's largest Christmas markets, such as the Royal Christmas Fair, Castle Christmas Fair, and Haarlem Christmas Market. They provide an enchanting opportunity to shop and experience how the Dutch enjoy the Yuletide season.
Can’t wait to discover the vibrant Dutch Christmas markets? Drop off your bags at a luggage storage facility in Amsterdam and witness how the city transforms into a paradise amidst the cold winter.
Christmas Market Amsterdam
Christmas Market Amsterdam is the city’s largest Christmas market set in the Museumplein, the capital’s most extensive square. It is next to the famous ice rink, Ice*Amsterdam, transforming the venue into a winter ice experience. The market is also regarded as the Ice* Village, offering an excellent combination of shopping and skating in a lovely winter landscape.
This beloved Christmas market in Amsterdam will open from Wednesday, December 14th, to December 26th, 2022. On the other hand, the cozy skating rink will open early from mid-November until February 5th, 2023 for a real winter wonderland adventure, welcoming more tourists and locals. But if you’re only here for the Christmas village, be sure to take advantage of the market stalls selling one-of-a-kind gifts and tasty treats. There’s also live entertainment and other activities and events.
What to do near Christmas Market Amsterdam
This winter village is located in a central square surrounded by impressive museums. It means you’ll never run out of things to do and places to visit during your visit to the market. After Christmas shopping, stop by the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, a must-see destination for modern and contemporary arts and design.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise
Your ultimate holiday experience would not be complete without witnessing the Amsterdam Winter Paradise. Families, locals, and visitors of all ages will undoubtedly enjoy all the indoor and outdoor events at RAI Amsterdam Complex as the yearly Winter Paradise finally returns in 2022.
The Amsterdam Winter Paradise has been part of the Holland tradition, and its door is open every Christmas holiday. After two years, the festival will have its fourth edition, starting on December 15th, 2022, and ending on January 1st, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Visitors can expect a Christmas full of winter activities. Everything is possible at Amsterdam Winter Paradise, including indoor and outdoor ice skating, tube slides, merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, and cross-country skiing. Throughout the venue, visitors will have the opportunity to browse the Christmas stalls and sample an array of food and drinks at food trucks and restaurants.
What to do near Amsterdam Winter Paradise
Going around the complex would certainly not bore you with the numerous activities to try and attractions to see. But if you want to break from the festive lights and crowd, you can take advantage of the quiet at the iconic museums in Amsterdam. These include the famous Rijksmuseum (National Museum) and Van Gogh Museum, just a ten-minute drive from the Amsterdam Christmas market.
Pure Markt
Pure Markt is a culinary market that almost all of Amsterdam knows about. Here, you can find artisan products made by local producers who can inform you about their products' origins, production, and ingredients. Aside from healthy food and drinks, you can also find different crafts and enjoy live music performances.
The Wintermarket by Pure Markt is one of the best Christmas markets in the city if you’re looking for organic, sustainable products. It’s perfect for families, those who want to buy unique items and gifts, or those who want to get into the unique festive spirit. It will open on December 18th, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What to do near Pure Markt
This traditional Christmas market is located in Frankendael Park, one of Amsterdam's largest and most prominent ecological parks. This seven-acre park is the only remaining 17th-century estate in Amsterdam with historic gardens worth exploring. But if you want to see more of the lovely attractions nearby, it’s a quick drive from the University of Amsterdam and the Netherlands eScience Center.
Funky Xmas Market
Sunday markets are always a big thing in Amsterdam, so if you love this shopping experience, pay a visit to the Funky Xmas Market. It’s a special Sunday Market edition to celebrate the city’s holiday season.
Not only locals but also visitors will enjoy the fun and festive market that highlights cultural connections through art, music, and design. There are also various food stalls offering local dishes and international cuisines.
In addition, Funky Xmas Market is the best place to find unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones, with plenty of products to choose from, such as handmade accessories, crafts, vintage items, fashion, art pieces, and more. This year, Funky Xmas Market will be held on December 18th at Westergas from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
What to do near Funky Xmas Market
You won’t run out of activities to do at the Funky Xmas Market. But if you want to enjoy the day to its fullest, why not explore the Westerpark neighborhood and chill at the public urban park on the east side? You’ll also find the Gashouder on the west side of the Christmas market.
Enjoy the Christmas Spirit in Amsterdam
Soak up the holiday atmosphere and enjoy the ultimate Christmas feeling at Amsterdam’s magical Christmas markets. They are strategically located in the city center and beyond, allowing locals and visitors to appreciate the cold winter in Holland’s capital while shopping and warming up with tasty treats and glühwein. Also, don't miss the chance to see more of the spectacular attractions nearby, including the museums, parks, and historical landmarks, while visiting Amsterdam Christmas markets.
Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas Markets in Amsterdam. For more things to do in Amsterdam, check out these other guides.
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