Just a Eurostar ride from the capital, this enchanting European city is decked out in lights for the festive season. And for the occasion, it’s offering two extraordinary events. From a giant Christmas village to a magical amusement park, this is a destination not to be missed to celebrate the month of December in style.
Two enchanting Christmas markets in the heart of this European capital
When December arrives in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is decked out in lights, and its large Museumplein area becomes one of the season’s most convivial rendezvous. The great Christmas village returns in 2025 with an open-air ice rink, chalets lined up around the basin and a magical atmosphere, all with the famous Rijksmuseum as a backdrop. It’s an event to look forward to in December, in the middle of the Advent season.
The focal point of the event, the ice rink stretches across the center of Museumplein, creating an almost cinematic backdrop as night falls. Around it, stalls offer classic and traditional winter treats. Cups of hot chocolate or cinnamon glühwein are on offer, as are still-warm oliebollen, fluffy stroopwafels, Dutch pancakes and seasonal specialties. Strolling through the aisles, you can also discover handcrafted decorations, gift ideas and the famous souvenir photos in front of the lighting installations.
But Amsterdam has a second big surprise in store: the Christmas market at the RAI, the large exhibition center in the south of the city. Like every year, the event takes on the format of a veritable village, indoors and out. The aisles feature dozens of stalls, ice rinks, merry-go-rounds, a mini-train for children and even themed areas that change from year to year.
Here, you can stop off to sample regional specialities, buy handmade accessories, take in a show or discover family-friendly activities. The atmosphere is friendly and the place is a giant Christmas market. Traditional dishes are on offer, as well as a variety of world cuisines, perfect for satisfying all palates.
On one side, an open-air Christmas Village opens in front of the Rijksmuseum, with a typically Dutch decor. On the other, an XXL market at the RAI offers a moment out of time. Both create a charming interlude in the heart of the city! Add to this the illuminations, garlanded canals and historic facades decked out in stars, and Amsterdam becomes the perfect destination for a winter getaway.
📍Amsterdam Christmas Markets
📅 Museumplein from December 11 to 26, 2025 – RAI from December 17 to January 3, 2026