Amsterdam Christmas Markets 2023

Amsterdam Christmas Markets 2023

The nights may be long and dark in winter, but you can always brighten up any day with a visit to a Christmas market in Amsterdam.

• Looking for the perfect Christmas stay in Amsterdam? Book the Banks Mansion Boutique Hotel, our reader’s choice hotel, rated “Superb” by guests close to the city’s gay bars and offering spacious rooms and delicious breakfast options.

Christmas in Amsterdam

• There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a Christmas market to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And Amsterdam has no shortage of seasonal shopping opportunities, with a range of independent festive markets taking place every week leading up to Christmas.
• From traditional Dickensian markets that aim to capture all the magic of a traditional Victorian Christmas to trendy food festivals inside old industrial buildings, there’s a Christmas market to suit everyone.

Where to stay?

• Christmas in Amsterdam is a busy affair, especially during the weekends so book your hotel early. Gay clubs, bars, shops and saunas are dotted across the city, particularly along streets in the city centre including Kerkstraat, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Warmoesstraat and around the red light district.

What are the dates for Amsterdam Christmas Markets?

• Each market has different opening times, some just one weekend, some all month. The larger markets are open from the 1st of December to the 23rd of December.
• Here are our top selection of Christmas markets and festive outings in Amsterdam for 2023.

Ice Village Museumplein

• Nov 11th, 2023 – Feb 4th, 2024  – Immerse yourself in the true Christmas spirit with many twinkling lights, festive music, gifts and treats on the Museumplein.
• Open daily at 12:00. Sip on mulled wine and stroll along the various booths to look for the perfect present for under the tree. Experience Christmas in this magical mini village, and indulge in a delicious ‘oliebol’! Play some human bowling in one of the most breath-taking (and not just because of the cold!) Christmas markets in Amsterdam.
• Ice Village Museumplein is best place to skate a few laps in front of the beautiful Rijksmuseum again, surrounded by cozy stalls with wintry refreshments.
• With an enviable location just off bustling Dam Square, the 238-room W Amsterdam is uniquely housed within two separate buildings with distinctive histories—a former bank and historic telephone exchange.

The Amsterdam Winter Paradise

• Dec 14th, 2023 – Jan 1st, 2024, the RAI Amsterdam (Amsterdam Convention Centre) is transformed inside and out into the place for your Ultimate Winter Experience.
• Skate under a blanket of lights on the indoor and outdoor skating rink, discover the ultimate view of Amsterdam from the mega Ferris wheel or the high whirligig and slide from the tube slide on real snow! For the luxurious partygoers try the Hüttefest, a private chalet for 10 friends with the best view at Het Muziekpodium and a special bar so you don’t have to queue.
• Most popular catering establishments in the city temporarily open their doors here, including Ron Gastrobar, No Rules and Popov. Settle down at one of the wooden tables and make sure you don’t miss the evening program.
• For a fabulous, contemporary stay right along the canals, the 122-room Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is unbeatable.

Funky Xmas Market

• Awaiting Dates  (most likely 17th Dec) – Amsterdam’s famous monthly Sunday market, which highlights the work of local artists, fashion designers and creatives.
• Head to the Westergas to browse through a heap of handmade art and accessories, or simply sit back and enjoy the artsy atmosphere.
• The market celebrates with a special Sinterklaas edition – to celebrate the arrival of Sint-Nicolaas.
• The second edition is a little bit groovy with the special Funky Xmas Market.
• Westergas is a 30 minute taxi ride or 18 minute tram ride from Damn Square.

Attractions not to be missed

• The famous Dam Square and the flower market get a festive makeover for the season! Definitely worth a visit any time of the year, but especially during the Christmas period.
• Check out the top hotels closest to the square, the perfect base to explore the city.

Dam Square

• Every year in December there is traditionally a big Christmas tree on the Dam square. This 20-meter high tree stands in front of the Royal Palace and is decorated with 40,000 energy-efficient LED lights.
• Together with the beautifully illuminated Bijenkorf they form the symbol of all festive activities organized in the month of December in Amsterdam.

Flower Market

• Brighten up your day with a visit to Amsterdam’s famous floating Flower Market (known locally as the Bloemenmarkt). Rain or shine, this stretch of the Singel canal in the city centre is filled with the vibrant colours and fragrances of fresh flowers every Monday to Saturday – serving tourists and locals alike. Head home with tulip bulbs for your garden or plants for your home, as well as a fun selection of typically Dutch souvenirs.
• In December there are Christmas trees in all shapes and sizes for sale on the flower market. For the ultimate Christmas feeling there’s Christmas Palace, Amsterdam’s unique shop where the 365 days of the year is Christmas. Here you score easily a nice gift for under the tree.
• Stay close to the Christmas Markets, the flower markets and the gay bars at The Nobelman, a boutique hotel featuring breathaking rooms with unique design features! Our top choice in the city.

Markets beyond Amsterdam

While many of the busiest markets take place in Amsterdam itself, some of the more rewarding markets can be found slightly out of town in areas like Haarlem, Lelystad and Keukenhof.

Winter Village Stadshart Amstelveen

• Awaiting Dates – In Amstelveen, just south of Amsterdam, is a Christmas market worth travelling for. The city centre of Amstelveen transforms into the Winter Village, where children play on the ice, parents browse more 60 market stalls for handcrafted gifts, and family and friends gather.

Castle Christmas Fair

• 16th – 19th November, 2023 –  There is nothing so magical as Christmas – well, perhaps a Christmas market in a castle! At the Castle Christmas Fair in Heemskerk, just a 30-minute drive northwest of Amsterdam, you can take your family and friends on a real winter wonderland adventure, complete with fun workshops, market stalls hawking handmade goods, and, this year, a pack of alpacas.

Haarlem Christmas Market

• Fri, Dec 8th, 2023 – Sun, Dec 10th, 2023 – A city of remarkable history and culture, Haarlem is home to historical monuments and some of the Netherlands’ best museums, art and shopping. Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam, head to the city for an unforgettable day out.
• One of the largest Christmas markets in the whole of the Netherlands, the Haarlem Christmas market is a must-see, must-do experience. As you wander through the hundreds of market stalls weaving throughout the city centre, the sounds of Christmas carols and the scent of holiday treats fill the air, making it hard to ever head home.

Don’t miss Sinterklaas

• 19th November, 2023- Every November, Sinterklaas travels from his home in Spain to the Netherlands, bringing presents and special treats for the children. The day after he arrives in the Netherlands, he traditionally takes part in a colourful parade through Amsterdam.
• The arrival festivities include a boat parade and horse parade through the city. Children line the route to wave at Sint and his friends, as traditional sweets rain down upon them.
• The Sinterklaas fun will then continue on a daily basis until the main celebration on 6 December.

Amsterdam Light Festival

• Thursday, November 30, 2023 – Sunday, January 21, 2024 – Enjoy a beautiful experience this Winter at the annual Amsterdam Light Festival as the city is transformed into a living art gallery

Hotels in Amsterdam – Our editors top picks

Check out our editor’s shortlist of the best hotels close to the gay area in Amsterdam:

Banks Mansion,   Albus Hotel ,    De L’Europe ,    NH Doelen.