Amsterdam in Winter

10 reasons to visit Amsterdam already this winter!

In case you are still wondering whether it’s worth visiting Amsterdam in winter, the answer is YES! There are many unique events during the winter months, along with winter activities that are offered for the entire season.

#1 Experience Museum Night

The Museum Night Amsterdam is an annual event in November. On this night, almost 60 museums in the city stay open till late hosting exhibitions and live music, accompanied by food and drinks.

This is a fantastic way to see Amsterdam’s cultural attractions. The best thing about it: You only need 1 ticket to enter all participating museums.

#2 Witness the Sinterklaas Parade

The Sinterklaass Parade is held annually in Amsterdam and fun for the whole family. It is the largest Saint Nicholas parade in the world. Imagine floats and boats all over the canals in the city center of Amsterdam.

The parade starts in the most spectacular way, by sailing on the Amstel River into the city, then switching to the land at Maritime Museum and finally ending at the Leidseplein. A special musical program for all ages accompanies the parade.

#3 Walk along the canals

A visit to Amsterdam is not complete without a pleasant stroll along the canals. Amsterdam’s canals are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. So, this should be at the top of your bucket list!

Bundel up and enjoy the magical canals during wintertime.

#4 Visit the Christmas markets in December

Thinking about visiting Amsterdam in December? You will fall in love then with the Christmas Markets in the city. ICE*Amsterdam is an absolute must. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine while you do your Christmas shopping or go ice skating.

For one day in December the Sunday Market at Westergasfabrik transforms into the Funky Xmas Market. Here you will find artwork, fashion, and vintage items. There are various food trucks to get something to eat and try something new.

#5 Shop on De 9 Straatjes

If you still need to do your Christmas shopping, the shops in the “9 streets” are the perfect place. The streets are filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, cafés, and galleries.

If you are looking for special product or unique gifts, try one of the many designer boutiques or vintage stores. The streets also offer an idyllic view of the city’s architecture.

#6 Amsterdam Light Festival

Visiting Amsterdam in December or January is an experience! The annual Amsterdam Light Festival takes place, with its light installations, sculptures, and projections by artists from around the world. It is so magical and unforgettable that you will want to visit every year.

You can marvel at the greatest light artworks of the last years. The most phenomenal way to enjoy the lights is from the boat. The lights reflect on the water and create a magical atmosphere.

#7 Go ice skating

If you are looking for a truly unique thing to do in Amsterdam during winter – ice skate on the frozen canals! Every winter, when the temperatures drop, excitement builds and when the ice is thick enough, visitors and locals venture outside for many activities on the ice, from ice hockey to hiking. But stay safe!

Should the ice not be thick enough on the canals, visit the ice rink at ICEAmsterdam as well. ICEAmsterdam will be the most beautiful ice rink you have ever skated on.

#8 Try local winter dishes

When temperatures fall and the Christmas lights are set, we all crave for warm comfort food. There is no shortage of feel-good winter dishes in Amsterdam.

Why not try something new, visit one of the many cafés that line the streets of Amsterdam. Try a bowl of Snert (a pea soup served with bread) or Stamppot (mashed potatoes, vegetables, and meat).

If you are looking for something sweet, Oliebollen is the perfect treat for you. Oliebollen are little donut balls covered in powdered sugar. They are the most famous winter dessert and are only available at this time of year.

#9 Mulled wine season

If you are thinking of Christmas time, you are probably also thinking of mulled wine. Mulled wine is usually red wine mixed with cinnamon and oranges. It is served warm but can also be enjoyed cold.

Kids can enjoy a non-alcoholic version, a kids’ punch.

#10 National Tulip Day

Most probably you don’t think of tulips during a winter vacation in Amsterdam, but the National Tulip Day is the official start of the tulip season. Visiting Amsterdam in January is a must!

Every year on the third Saturday of January, Dam Square gets filled with thousands of tulips in a temporary garden for everyone to pick. And the best thing–it is completely free!