Amsterdam is a city most people will want to see at least once in their lives. It is known for its party culture, its lovely architecture and its quaint vibe. It is the Netherlands’ capital city and it’s characterized by an elaborate canal system, a museum district and many cycling paths.

The city is lovely to visit any time of year, but it really comes to life at Christmastime. During the holiday season, it lights up with markets that fill the air with terrific aromas and a festive sense of nostalgia. Here are some you won’t want to miss out on when you come to town.

Ice Village

Ice Village is a small Christmas Market that takes place in front of Rijksmuseum at the Museumplein. It is known for providing ice skating and a wonderful shopping experience. It takes place over a two-week period in the middle of December. There are a capella choirs located throughout the market to keep the season festive.

Amsterdam Christmas Market

The Amsterdam Christmas Market happens at the Westergas in Amsterdam North, a historic location full of cultural charm. It is and indoor/outdoor event that’s full of entertainment. It typically takes place over the course of the weekend right before Christmas.

Here are some things you can enjoy when you stop by.

• Plenty of vendors offering unique gifts

• Food trucks

• Winter bars

• Ice skating

• Jägermeister karaoke

• A film program by Cineville and het Ketelhuis

• IPA, Tripel and other beers from Brouwerij Troost

• DJ Bar Radio pizza and after parties

• Children’s programs and workshops

Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event which involves local artists showing the artwork they have created over the years. Each festival has a different theme which typically focuses on important social and political issues. The festival takes place throughout winter with installations displayed around canals making for a fantastic interplay between light and water.

It qualifies as a market in that visitors have the opportunity to buy artwork when they visit. They can also take cruises through the canal to take it all in.

Funky Xmas Market

This Sunday market takes place on certain Sundays throughout the year. This year, a Saint edition is happening on Dec. 5 and a Funky Xmas Market is set for Dec. 19. It offers designer shopping on the Museumplein.

It’s a great place to find craft products, homemade sweets and unique gifts. You can also sip hot chocolate while enjoying live music.

Pure Market Winter Market

The Pure Market is a traveling Sunday market. Its Christmas Market typically takes place at Park Frankendael but it may also happen at any one of their other car free, green space locations. Check the web site for details.

The market prides itself on selling items made with all natural ingredients. Vendors are on hand to educate visitors on exactly what they contain. In total, you will find approximately 70% food and 30% nonfood items. They also have live performances although these may be suspended during the pandemic.

The Amsterdam Winter Paradise

The Amsterdam Winter Paradise happens at the RAI, Europlaplein 1 from late November to early January. The area transforms into a winter wonderland offering ice-skating on an indoor-outdoor track, cross country skinning and curling. If you aren’t the athletic type, you may choose to visit the après ski, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, go to the theater or cinema or check out the live music.

Museum Market Festive Edition

The Museum Market happens every third Sunday of the month, but it typically moves up to the second Sunday in December for a special holiday edition. It’s a great place to find unique products from Dutch designers. Music and drinks are also available. It takes place on the beautiful Museumplein.

Christmas Market Haarlem

This Christmas Market is in Haarlem which is just a short trip from Amsterdam. The market is located in the historic center which is filled with old canals and brings a nostalgic vibe. There will also be carols sung by a choir. It’s a great place to find festive sweets and handmade goods.

Winter Village Stadshart Amstelveen

This is another Christmas market located just outside of Amsterdam. It spans six weeks starting in early December and going through early January. It features a cozy terrace, an ice rink and sixty stalls where you can find unique gifts.

Floating Christmas Market Lieden

Lieden is just a short trip from Amsterdam. It hosts the only floating Christmas market in the Netherlands. It includes canal cruises, an ice rink and vendors all of which sit on top of the water. It spans two weeks in mid-December and it’s the perfect place to find seasonal goods.

Winterfair Alkmaar

The Winterfair in Alkmaar is just a hop, skip and jump from Amsterdam’s center. Its Old Town section lights up with trees and illuminations that will fill you with Christmas cheer. It runs the course of a weekend in mid-December and it’s a great place to find food and gifts. There are live performances as well.

Royal Christmas Fair, The Hague

Visit this Dutch political capital to listen to storytellers and children’s choirs. The Lange Voorhout will be full of stalls selling flammkuchen, wood carvings, winter coats and more. It spans two weeks in mid-December.

Christmas Market Dordrecht

This market has over 200 stalls making it the largest of its kind in the Netherlands. It includes craftsmen and silversmith workshops as well as a live nativity scene and choir. It takes place over the course of a weekend in mid-December.

Amsterdam is a must-see destination. Its Christmas markets make is a special place to visit during the holiday season. Which of these will you be checking out first?

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