Essential Information for Visiting Amsterdam in December
Why to Visit Amsterdam in December?
In the month of December, Amsterdam celebrates events like Sinterklaas which is followed by Amsterdam Light Festival, Kerst (Christmas day) and Tweede Kerstdag which is celebrated on the second day of Christmas.
To add to the extravaganza, during December in Amsterdam one can enjoy the Tango music festival called Tango Train along with various new year parties celebrated with dance and comedy shows. December is also a time to indulge in seasonal delicacies of Amsterdam like koek en zopie (cake and a spiced alcoholic drink), warme chocolademelk (Dutch hot cocoa), and Gluhwein (German mulled wine) and take home the sweetest memories of this beautiful city.
Must Book: Walking Food Tour in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Weather in December
The month witnesses the highest amount of precipitation during the year which includes both snow and rain. The days are short and the sunset usually happens around 4:30 pm in Amsterdam in December. For most of the day time in December, the skies are cloudy or overcast with only a few hours of direct sunlight to be cherished during the day.
Due to the rains and chilly temperatures it is often advised that tourists pack an umbrella along with heavy winter coats, long sleeved shorts, sweaters etc. to be prepared for any unpredictable change in weather. Saying all of it, Amsterdam in December offers the perfect weather for those who are winter babies and wish to enjoy the chilly winds wave their magic on this beautiful city.
Checkout & Book: Bike Rentals in Amsterdam
Things to Do & Places to Visit in Amsterdam in December
Stroll Around Christmas Markets
A visit to the Christmas markets is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December with your friends and family to enjoy the Christmas spirit. These are innovative seasonal markets which are organised this time to help you indulge in the Christmas festivities. Apart from offering you some splendid Christmas souvenirs and delicious street food, these markets are a hub of recreational activity with events like live music, DJ music, winter cinema etc.
Location:
-Funky Xmas Market,
-RAI,
-Slot Assumburg Castle etc.
Highlights:
-Festive markets,
-Live Music,
-Season Parties,
-Shopping etc.
You can Also Book: Anne Frank Walking Tour
- 2H
- 3H
- 1H
Experience the Artworks at Amsterdam Light Festival
Find yourself amazed with the beauty of Amsterdam in December by watching the Amsterdam Light Festival which is held from mid-November to mid-January. Amsterdam Light festival is organised for about 7 weeks in a year and one of the best ways to see the beauty of the city without paying a penny.
Showcasing a dazzling work of light art, this is a stunning event to see some amazing artists from all over the world bringing life to the night landscape of Amsterdam. Walking along the canal ring of Amsterdam, this event is sure to leave everyone spellbound as they see the light sculptures emerging from water and sparkling in the sky.
Location:
Across the square from Amsterdam Central Station.
Timings:
Evening.
Highlights:
-Boat tour,
-Walking, etc.
Also Book: Glow MiniGolf Amsterdam Tickets
Activity Location: Rijksmuseum, Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Activity Timings: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Activity Duration: 4-5 Hours
About the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam:
Explore one of Amsterdam's most visited destinations, the Rijksmuseum which is a captivating cultural treasure trove that showcases the rich history of the Netherlands. Walk through different sections housing an extensive collection of over 8,000 masterpieces, ranging from iconic paintings to intricate sculptures and historical artefacts. See the iconic paintings by well-known artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen. Engage in interactive exhibits equipped with multimedia installations providing you with a fascinating insight into Dutch art, history & culture. Book tickets to Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam and experience the grandeur of the Golden Age artistry which has now evolved to the contemporary expressions of today.
Rijksmuseum Location: Rijksmuseum, Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Rijksmuseum Operational Timings: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Note: The Rijksmuseum Gardens, Rijks Shop, and Café are also open to visitors without a ticket from 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Duration: 4-5 Hours
About Rijksmuseum Tickets:
Explore one of Amsterdam's most visited destinations, the Rijksmuseum, where you can see a collection of artworks famous all around the globe. Walk through different sections of the museum to see the iconic paintings by well-known artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen. Stop by the one-of-a-kind painting that bursts its artist Van Gogh into tears watching it displayed at the museum 'The Jewish Brid'. By booking the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam tickets see the best some of the ancient sculptures and artworks like still-life paintings, biblical themes, portraits, and more.
- 1H
- 6H
Concerts at Het Koninklijk Concertgebouw
One of the most remarkable places to visit in Amsterdam in December is the Royal Concertgebouw of Amsterdam. This is a place which has been known to host many famous musicians of the world in its concert hall that boasts of incredible acoustics and an enchanting vibe.
It is lauded as one of the best concert halls in the world due to its high quality programming and its unique sound. If you are a classical music fan with the love for orchestras, Concertgebouw is a great place to escape the winter chills and enjoy a dramatic performance while Amsterdam is doused with its quota of rainy days.
Location:
Concertgebouwplein 10,1071 LN Amsterdam.
Highlights:
-Live music,
-Orchestra,
-Guided tour etc.
You can Also Book: Volendam Marken and Windmills Tour
Activity Location: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Activity Timings: 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Activity Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
About Van Gogh Museum:
Visit this famous Dutch art museum in Amsterdam and marvel at the world's largest art collection of Van Gogh, a renowned Dutch painter. Admire the amazing blend of art, culture & history as you explore various exhibits in the museum. Roam around various areas and marvel at 500 drawings, 200 paintings & 750 letters made by this famous Dutch artist. See some amazing paintings including Sunflowers, The Bedroom, & the Self Portrait, and get to know about his significant contribution to 19th-century art. Listen to the interesting narrations from a multilingual audio tour and gain some insights into Van Gogh's ways of working. Book tickets for Van Gogh Museum and admire his contemporaries including Monet & Gauguin.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise Location: Prins Hendrikkade 25, 1012 TM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Operational Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Monday - Sunday)
Activity Duration: 1 Hour (Approx.)
About the Amsterdam Canal Cruise:
The Amsterdam canal cruise comes with an amazing 1-hour cruising experience through the pristine waters of Amsterdam. Witness the grand merchant houses, churches, and other notable landmarks as you pass under the beautiful bridges that are located on the waterways. Get a chance to sail across the most prominent canals in Amsterdam, including Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. Plus, you get a multi-lingual GPS audio guide to help you get important information about the landmarks in your preferred language.
- 2H
- 2H
- 2H
Go to the Natural History Museum for Ice Skating
Ice Skating in winter makes the National History Museum one of the Places to visit in London in November. As London’s most spectacular winter attraction, both the main and the kid’s ice rinks, with the backdrop of the museum, are spectacular and enjoyable for both adults and children indulging in skating activities. Adding to its charm is the traditional carousel next to it.
Location:
The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road, London.
Price:
Entry to Museum is free.
Timing:
-The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5:50 pm, Last entry at 5:30 pm.
-Closed from 24th to 26th December.
Also Book: Amsterdam Hop On Hop Off Bus & Boat Tour
Anne Frank House is a museum that has been transformed from the hiding place of the Frank family, who were forced to hide in the house to escape the Nazis during World War II. Situated on a canal in Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, this biographical museum houses the personal belongings of Anne and possessions of the people who were in hiding with her during the war.
Enjoy an opportunity to see all your favorite stars in wax at the incredible Madame Tussauds Museum Amsterdam. You can explore the 6 different zones of the museum such as A- list, Royals, Music, Fashion, Marvel Avengers and I am art. Click pictures, sing and dance, or join the Avengers to save the world with famous personalities from across the globe.
Top Experiences To Do in Madame Tussauds
- 1H
- 3H
- 3H
Activity Location: Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60h, 1012 DP Amsterdam, Netherlands
Red Light Secret Museum Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Activity Duration: 50 Minutes (Approx.)
Last admission: 45 minutes before closing
About Red Light Secrets Museum, Amsterdam:
Visit the Red Light Secret Museum, housed in a former 17th-century brothel near the city's oldest church in Amsterdam. It reveals the most intimate and darkest secrets of the world's most famous and oldest profession. The Red Light Secret, the only and one of its kind museum offers a unique and enlightening perspective on the world of prostitution. Book your Red Light Secrets Museum Tickets and prepare to get fascinated.
Dam Square
Seated in Amsterdam's historical center, Dam Square is a bustling gathering place for both locals and tourists. It is jam-packed with museums, the Royal Palace, food carts, restaurants, and retail establishments. An entertainment hub, hosting daily events like comedy performances, fire shows, live music, dance acts, and a variety of other events, it is always full of enthusiasm.
Built in 1838, the ARTIS Royal Zoo was the first zoo in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This zoo provides shelter to more than 900 animal species, including zebras, ostriches, giraffes, springboks, and much more. Visitors can admire the beauty of the historical city park with its centuries-old trees and wealth of plants, a planetarium, and the butterfly pavilion.
Top Experiences To Do in Artis Royal Zoo
- 1H
- 1H
- 1D
Eat Oliebollen
Grab a bite of olienbolen and enjoy one of the most mouth watering delicacies of Amsterdam in December. Oliebollen is an absolute delight for the foodies and this amazing treat is best served during New Year’s eve in Amsterdam. This drool worthy snack is served on many street stores and best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee. The traditional Dutch delicacy is the best comfort food to enjoy in Amsterdam when you want to enjoy a calorie laden laid-back day on your vacation.
Location:
-Banketbakkerij Lanskroon,
-Hartog’s Volkoren,
-Hollandse Gebakkraam Heinekenplein.
Highlights:
-Gastronomic delight,
-Traditional recipes etc
Must Book: Moco Museum Tickets, Amsterdam
Walking Along the Canals
One of the most surreal things to enjoy a day in Amsterdam in December is taking a casual stroll along the canals of Amsterdam to witness its picturesque beauty. Dotted with a landscape filled with beautiful buildings along the crescent shaped waterway, these canals of Amsterdam are sure to leave you spellbound. While taking a walk through these canals, one can spot many notable places of Amsterdam and admire their architecture. While wandering through this gorgeous stretch, one will come across various boutiques and restaurants that offer a place to sit, shop and grab a quick bite.
Location:
Canal ring of Amsterdam.
Highlights:
-Walking,
-Nature,
-Sightseeing etc.
Also Book: THIS IS HOLLAND Tickets in Amsterdam
Get Cosy in a Brown Café
Relive the old-world charm with a visit to a brown café in Amsterdam. A brown café is a place in Amsterdam which people visit to grab a drink after office hours or to meet with friends during the evenings.These places are an essential part of the Dutch culture, with its noticeable wooden interiors, brown walls and serving traditional snacks. The brown cafes are some of the best places to visit in Amsterdam in December to enjoy the cosy ambience while it's chilly outside and make new friends in the city.
Location:
-Café De Twee Zwaantjes,
-Café ‘t Smalle,
-Café De Pieper,
-Café In ‘t Aepjen,
-Café Hoppe,
-Café ‘t Loosje,
-Café Reynders etc.
Highlights:
-Beer,
-Traditional Dutch snacks etc.
You can Also Book: Pub Crawl in Amsterdam
- 2H
- 2H
- 2H
Ice-Rinks In Rijksmuseum
This is a great venue to hone your skating skills along the canals. Next to it there is a cafe named Beasseie Winters offering a wide range of Dutch delicates and international dishes. Ice-Rinks In Rijksmuseum brings the seasonal frozen winter sparkle back every year in mid of December and January, to fill the jollity and charm all around with a great atmosphere.
Apart from skating, these well-handled ice rinks provide many engaging activities like human ice-bowling, sledge slalom, ice petanque, curling and ice hockey.
