While Amsterdam may not have a traditional German-style Christmas market, the city offers a plethora of festive markets spread throughout its charming streets. The most iconic location is the Museumplein, where you can enjoy ice skating in front of the Rijksmuseum and explore the Ice Christmas Village. In 2023, the market returns for its sixth edition, promising a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. In this article, we will guide you through the Christmas markets in and around Amsterdam in 2023, so get ready to embrace the holiday spirit.
Amsterdam’s Christmas Markets: A December Extravaganza
Throughout the entire month of December, Amsterdam transforms into a winter wonderland with various Christmas markets to explore. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, seeking that perfect unique gift, or just looking for some pre-holiday cheer, these delightful Christmas markets in Amsterdam for 2023 are not to be missed.
The Amsterdam Winter Paradise
The Amsterdam Winter Paradise, open from December 14 to December 30, 2023, at RAI Amsterdam, is a festive wonderland offering a delightful blend of activities and attractions. It’s renowned as the largest and most enjoyable winter event in the Netherlands. Visitors can immerse themselves in an array of winter fun, including unique attractions, ice skating, and a variety of winter snacks and drinks. The event promises endless ice fun both during the day and in the evening.
The venue transforms into a magical winter experience, featuring an indoor and outdoor ice rink under a canopy of lights, a giant Ferris wheel providing stunning views of Amsterdam, and a thrilling mega swing. This year’s edition is set to be even grander than previous ones, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all ages. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some après-ski activities, explore the winter paradise, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, the Amsterdam Winter Paradise offers something for everyone.
Ice Village Amsterdam Christmas Market
The Museumplein offers a lot of festive excitement this year. Amsterdam’s Christmas market, Christmas Village, is renowned for its enchanting blend of delectable cuisine and shopping within a magical winter wonderland.
This year marks the sixth edition of Christmas Village, promising a joyful day for all, from the young to the young at heart. Featuring over 45 vendors and an array of dining options, it’s the perfect setting for an unforgettable Christmas experience. Will you be joining in the merriment?
They’re open on the following dates in 2023:
Opening days:
December 13th to December 26th, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Exceptions
December 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, and 26th, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entrance:
Free of charge
No Ice Rink this year on Museumplein…
This year, there won’t be an ice rink on Museumplein due to insufficient time for the required tendering process. Ice Amsterdam, the organization behind the ice rink, expressed disappointment. The ice rink tradition, present for decades on Museumplein, faces an abrupt end due to licensing issues. The South District stated that a new tender is needed before the ice rink can be licensed under the right conditions.
Last year also faced licensing problems when it was published a month after the rink’s opening. Ice Amsterdam claims that discussions with the Amsterdam municipality have been ongoing for three years, with varying opinions within the city government about the necessity of a (European) tender. It was recently confirmed that this tender will indeed proceed, leaving insufficient time to reapply for a license, resulting in the ice rink’s postponement. The South District is exploring options to permit an ice rink on the square in the coming years.
For now… Ice Skating at Rembrandtplein this year!
Experience the magic of winter at Amsterdam’s Rembrandtplein! From November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024, the square transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with an enchanting ice rink. Surrounded by twinkling lights in the trees, snow cannons, and cozy wooden chalets, it’s a festive destination for all.
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or trying it for the first time, the Rembrandtplein ice rink offers a unique way to enjoy the season in one of Amsterdam’s most iconic locations.
Other things to do in Amsterdam during the winter months.
1. Maja Mercado Christmas Market
- Date: December 11th
- Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Free admission)
- More Info: instagram.com/maja.mercado.amsterdam
Maja Mercado is one of Amsterdam’s most charming weekend markets, known for its art, food, and music. This year, its third edition transforms the garden of Groot Melkhuis in Vondelpark into a winter paradise. Visitors can expect to find unique Christmas gifts and indulge in delicious food and drinks, from Gluhwein to winter delights.
2. The Amsterdam Winter Terrace
- Dates: 23 november t/m 10 december 2023
- More Info: hetamsterdamsewinterterras.nl
Although not technically a Christmas market, the Amsterdam Winter Terrace in the Gashouder in Amsterdam West promises a cozy and festive atmosphere. Featuring well-known names from Amsterdam’s restaurant scene, this terrace offers a wide range of culinary delights, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends.
3. The Sustainable Ceuvel Christmas Market
- Dates: December 9th & 17th
- Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- More Info: deceuvel.nl/nl/events
Following its successful edition last year, the Sustainable Ceuvel Christmas Market returns to offer food, drinks, homegrown produce, and eco-friendly items for your Christmas festivities. The café and terrace will be adorned with beautiful lights and a dazzling Christmas tree, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
4. Funky Xmas Market
- Date: December 17th
- Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- More Info: sundaymarket.nl/agenda
The Funky Xmas Market, held at Westergas, is a perennial favorite. With numerous stalls offering artisanal products and plenty of spots to enjoy a drink with friends, it’s a must-visit for Christmas enthusiasts. You can also combine your visit with the Christmas edition of the Pure Market, taking place on the same day.
5. Winter Market by Pure Market
- Date: December 17th
- Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- More Info: puremarkt.nl/agenda
Pure Market’s Winter Market, which takes place at Park Frankendael, is a beloved event for both locals and visitors. Here, you can discover fresh and pure products, perfect for creating a festive atmosphere with friends and family.
Other Christmas markt in The Netherlands
1: Valkenburg, ‘The Christmas City of the Netherlands’ | November 18th to January 8th
Valkenburg is a unique town that offers various Christmas markets every year. The Christmas markets Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Village, and the Landal Christmas Parade are popular markets with a lot of atmosphere.
2: Maastricht | November 26th to December 31st
In Maastricht, very cozy Christmas markets are organized that are enjoyable for both young and old. You can shop for cute accessories, and the children can have fun on the ice rink and the Ferris wheel.
3: The Hague, ‘Royal Christmas Fair’ | December 8th to 23rd
A very atmospheric market with thousands of lights and more than a hundred Christmas houses where you can stroll through is organized in The Hague.
4: Haarlem | December 9th to 11th
During this weekend, you can admire no fewer than 350 stalls in Haarlem’s city center. Not only on the Grote Markt but also the nearby shopping streets are dressed in Christmas atmospheres, including choirs, activities, and costumed actors!
5: Deventer, Dickens Festival | December 10th & 11th
Deventer offers one of the most unique Christmas markets. The city is beautifully decorated, and you step back in time, where characters from the books of Charles Dickens come to life. Of course, accompanied by many lights, music, and coziness.
Amsterdam comes alive with festive cheer during the holiday season, offering a diverse range of Christmas markets to explore. Whether you’re seeking unique gifts, indulging in delicious food and drinks, or simply enjoying the enchanting winter atmosphere, these Christmas markets in Amsterdam in 2023 have something for everyone. So, don your warmest winter attire, gather your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the magic of Amsterdam’s Christmas markets. Ho, ho, ho!