Let’s be honest: you need to be lucky to see white winter in Amsterdam. The photos of Amsterdam in snow above and below were taken by a talented photographer Kristina Kutena in December 2017. But it’s not a typical winter landscape in the Netherlands. Will you see snow in Amsterdam in December? We don’t dare to predict that, but we can say for sure: you will have a great time in December 2026 in Amsterdam! And here is our day itinerary for one perfect day in the city.
Last updated: 29 October 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
Photo: Kristina Kutena
December 2026 in Amsterdam at a glance (checked 29 October 2026)
- Ice rink: Museumplein, 24 October 2026 to 16 January 2027, from € 8
- Christmas Village: Museumplein, 3 to 27 December 2026, free entrance
- Light Festival: 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, best by boat
- Winter Paradise: RAI Amsterdam, 12 December 2026 to 2 January 2027
- Weather: around 5 to 7°C in the day, sunset around 16:30, so use the City Card for museums in the afternoon
- Hotels: Christmas and New Year sell out early, compare hotels in Amsterdam
1. Visit one of the famous museums on Museumplein
Start a day with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Moco or Stedelijk modern art museum, all located at Amsterdam’s Museumplein (Museum square). The best time to visit these museums is right at the opening, as it gets busy in the afternoon. Please be aware: the Van Gogh museum and Rijksmuseum are extremely popular, so during the holiday season we recommend to book tickets a few weeks in advance.
- Van Gogh museum tickets are sold out: what to do?
- Do Rijksmuseum tickets ever sell out?
- Combi-tickets: get a discount
Check Amsterdam museums opening hours on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
🎨 Also on in Amsterdam this December
If you want to fit in a major exhibition, two are running right now: the Yayoi Kusama retrospective at the Stedelijk Museum, on until 17 January 2027, and Chez Matisse: Masterpieces from Centre Pompidou at the H’ART Museum, on until 14 February 2027. See our full guide to the Kusama exhibition and full guide to Chez Matisse for prices, opening hours and how to book.
2. Go ice skating on Museumplein and visit the Christmas Village
After the museum, walk out onto Museumplein. From 24 October 2026 until 16 January 2027 the square has an outdoor ice rink with the Rijksmuseum as your backdrop. You can rent skates or bring your own: tickets cost € 16 with skate rental or € 8 with your own skates (plus service costs).
Yes, the rink is open this year! Some sites say it won’t return in 2026/2027, but I was on Museumplein on 28 October 2026 and people were already skating. The photos below are mine, taken that evening. 🎄 Watch my video from the rink ▶
| Day | ⛸️ Ice rink | ☕ Food and drinks |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 12:00 to 21:00 | 12:00 to 22:00 |
| Friday and Saturday | 10:00 to 22:00 | 10:00 to 23:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 to 21:00 | 10:00 to 22:00 |
| 🎄 Mon to Thu, 19 Dec to 3 Jan | 10:00 to 21:00 | 10:00 to 22:00 |
During the Christmas holidays (19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027) the rink opens at 10:00 every day, so you can skate in the morning before the museums get busy.
Museumplein Christmas Village (3 to 27 December 2026)
In December, the square next to the rink also becomes Amsterdam’s Christmas Village, with more than 45 stalls with food and drinks. Entrance is free, so it’s an easy stop for hot chocolate, mulled wine or poffertjes after skating. Planning a trip outside Amsterdam too? See our guide to the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands.
3. Walk to the canals belt via Spiegelkwartier
The Spiegelkwartier is Amsterdam’s antiques quarter behind Museum square, on Spiegelgracht and Nieuwe Spiegelstraat. It’s a home to more than 70 antique dealers and galleries offering a wide range of art, interior objects, jewellery and vintage clothing. And it’s a lovely neighbourhood with canals and the 17th century houses, which looks especially beautiful before the holiday season.
Tip! Alternatively join an Amsterdam Winter Walking tour in the Nine Streets and the Jordaan District.
4. Discover hidden treasures: museums in Amsterdam canal houses
How about visiting a 17th century canal-side mansion? Once homes for the wealthy Amsterdammers, some canal houses are now open to the public as museums. Here are some of them: Museum of the canals (Herengracht 386), Museum Willet-Holthuysen (Herengracht 605), FOAM museum (Keizersgracht 609).
Tip! Visits to these museums are free with the I amsterdam card.
Another great museum has been a real Amsterdam’s secret for almost two centuries. Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38-40, in the middle of the Red Light district), a typical 17th century house with a secret: a chapel that served as a fully-functioning Catholic church for over 200 years.
Tip! The Our Lord in the Attic Museum becomes extra special during the festive season. Come and enjoy its Christmas atmosphere.
5. Watch the sunset at A’DAM Lookout
A’DAM LOOKOUT (at Overhoeksplein 5) is a panoramic observation deck on the top floors of the A’DAM Toren building. Here you will also find the highest swing in Europe. It is one of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions. And it’s one of the best places in Amsterdam to watch the sunset!
A free visit to A’DAM Lookout is also included in the I amsterdam city card.
Here you can also visit the Moon restaurant situated on the 19th floor of the A’DAM Tower, overlooking the IJ river and offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Amsterdam.
Photo: Kristina Kutena
Planning a winter trip? See the best Christmas markets in Europe (2026).
6. Take an Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise
Every winter Amsterdam hosts the Amsterdam Light Festival: a famous festival of art, light and water. Historical buildings, bridges and sculptures in the center of Amsterdam are illuminated with colour in the dark. This year Amsterdam will host the 15th edition of the Light Festival from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
This unique light art experience is best seen from the water. One of the festival canal cruises departs from Amsterdam North, just next to A’DAM Lookout. Get on a board and enjoy your perfect evening in Amsterdam.
December in Amsterdam: plan your trip
- Arriving to the Netherlands by plane? Travel from the airport to the city center by train or bus.
- There are hundreds of nice hotels in Amsterdam for every taste and budget. We recommend Ambassade hotel, Andaz Prinsengracht and other hotels in the Nine Streets area on the canal belt of Amsterdam.
- Travel by public transport in Amsterdam with an unlimited pass for 1-7 days. With Amsterdam Travel ticket you can also travel from the airport.
- Alternatively buy the I amsterdam city card, which includes public transport, museums entrance, canal cruise and bike rental.
- Check out our list of top 15 best things to do in Amsterdam and book museum tickets in advance.
- Make your trip to the Netherlands complete by visiting Giethoorn (the Dutch Venice), Volendam and Zaanse Schans.
🟡 On now until 17 January 2027
Take your chance to see the Kusama exhibition at the Stedelijk
FAQ about visiting Amsterdam in December
Does it snow in Amsterdam in December?
You need to be lucky to see a white winter in Amsterdam: snow is not typical for a December in the Netherlands. But regardless of snow, Amsterdam is a great destination to visit in December.
When is the Museumplein ice rink open?
The Museumplein ice rink is open from 24 October 2026 to 16 January 2027. The rink is open Monday to Thursday 12:00 to 21:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00 to 22:00, and Sunday 10:00 to 21:00. During the Christmas holidays (19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027) it opens at 10:00 every day.
When is the Amsterdam Light Festival in 2026?
The 15th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
Are museums in Amsterdam canal houses free with the I amsterdam card?
Yes, visits to the Museum of the Canals, Museum Willet-Holthuysen, and the FOAM photography museum are free with the I amsterdam card.
Is A’DAM Lookout included in the I amsterdam city card?
Yes, a free visit to A’DAM Lookout is included in the I amsterdam city card.
Are there Christmas markets in Amsterdam in December 2026?
Yes. The main one is the Christmas Village on Museumplein, open from 3 to 27 December 2026 with more than 45 food and drink stalls and free entrance. Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI Amsterdam runs from 12 December 2026 to 2 January 2027.
What is the weather like in Amsterdam in December?
December in Amsterdam is usually cold and damp, with daytime temperatures around 5 to 7°C. It gets dark early: the sun sets around 16:30, which makes the Light Festival and Christmas lights easy to see in the late afternoon.
Are museums open on Christmas Day in Amsterdam?
Many museums in Amsterdam are open on Christmas Day, but some close early on 24 and 31 December or stay closed on 1 January. Check our overview of museum opening hours on Christmas and New Year before you go.
Have a great visit to Amsterdam this winter!
Related articles:
- Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027
- Opening hours of Amsterdam museums on Christmas and New Year’s Eve
- How does Amsterdam public transport work on New Year’s Eve?
- Amsterdam itinerary: best of the city in 2 days
- Christmas Markets 2026 in the Netherlands
- I amsterdam card: what is free and how to use it?
- Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: tickets, prices and tips
About the author:
Written by a local
Anastasia Dudina
I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2013 and exploring it ever since. I write and update all articles on Amsterdam Explorer and Holland Explorer myself: real tips, not tourist traps.