5 Best Christmas Markets in Amsterdam
Travelling to Amsterdam during the festive season? Well, the city’s streets are filled with Christmas spirit and cheer throughout December where locals and tourists come together to enjoy the bustling Christmas markets and joyous atmosphere. Amsterdam’s Christmas markets have plenty on offer to get you in the warm, fuzzy seasonal mood: from feasting on festive Dutch foods such as fresh hot Dutch donuts and buying handmade trinkets and Christmas souvenirs, these are the best Christmas markets taking place in Amsterdam this year…
Need a hostel in Amsterdam? Check out the Flying Pigs
1) Ice Village
Ice Village is a traditional Dutch Christmas market in the centre of Amsterdam, right by the huge ice rink at at Museumplein. If you fancy a spot of ice skating and warming yourself up with hot mulled wine and Dutch Christmas foods, this is the market for you. The atmospheric market will be glowing with lit up trees and dazzling lights - and you can glide on the ice with the stunning Rijksmuseum as your backdrop. Running from 17th November right up till 3rd February, make sure you don’t miss the festive fun here where you can even take part in human bowling on the ice.
2) Funky Xmas Market
Taking place on the first Sunday of every month the Funky Xmas Market returns to Amsterdam starting from 4th November. This isn’t your typical Christmas market but more of an innovative market that sells quirky designs, fashion and art by some of the coolest designers. From 12pm - 6pm head over to the Funky Xmas Market and you might find a gem or new statement fashion piece. Taking place at Westergasfabriek, this market is a great place to feel the community spirit during the festive season, plus entry is free!
3) Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt
This Christmas market is only running for two days (Friday 22nd - Saturday 23rd December) but it’s one of the best. Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is warm, cosy indoor market where you can escape the cold and the crowds but still benefit from a fantastic Christmas atmosphere. There will be LOADS of unique stalls to enjoy where there is something for everyone whether its Christmas tree decorations, pottery, art, cheese and more (where you can even get your presents wrapped). Festive entertainment includes live music and nativities, a winter cinema, DJs, bands, air hockey and much much more. Refreshments will of course be in abundance. Think big, juicy burgers, Dutch sausages, pancakes and more! This market will be taking place in Kromhouthal A’dam, a huge and exciting event venue.
4) Castle Christmas Fair
What’s more Christmassy than a winter castle that resembles Hogwarts in an old Dutch fairytale town? Slot Assumburg castle in Heemskerk is a historic castle just outside of Amsterdam and it will be boasting a a magical atmosphere for just a few days only (29 Nov - 2 December 2018) with its very own Christmas market. The market is located on the grounds of the castle where there will be food stalls, workshops, handmade goods and there will even be alpacas in attendance. To travel here from Amsterdam it’s a half an hour drive or a 55 minute train journey from Centraal station.
5) Amsterdam Winter Paradise
From 21st - 30th December, The RAI in Amsterdam will transform into a beautiful winter wonderland for you to enjoy and have some fun with your friends. This delightful Christmas event is not just a market, but a whole festive experience including ice skating (with 2 huge ice rinks this year), amazing views of the city from a ferris wheel and incredible dining options. You can tube across real snow (called tube sliding) or take part in a classic snowball fight. With fire pits you can stand by to keep warm, late live music and seasonal parties for the young adults, this event has thought of everything.
Want more? Read our guide on Festive Foods You Need to Try in Europe
Need a hostel in Amsterdam? Check out the Flying Pigs
Article by Shereen Sagoo
