Ultimate Guide to Winter in Amsterdam: Top Things to Do

What You’ll Gain From This Blog

• Discover the best things to do in Amsterdam in winter.
• Explore winter events, Christmas markets and festive attractions.
• Find the best winter food, drinks and cosy cafés to try.
• Learn what to wear and how to prepare for Amsterdam’s winter weather.
• Choose the best neighbourhoods to stay in Amsterdam in winter.
• Get practical tips to plan a smooth winter itinerary.

If you are planning to visit Amsterdam, then don’t wait any longer. The time is here; pick up that passport and let’s ride. Why? Because Amsterdam is a dream to behold in winter. The rare chance of entering one of your favourite fairy tales stands at the ready in Amsterdam’s snowy winter.

The Dutch capital becomes a snowy dreamscape in winter. Now, who would want to miss that? To add to the fun, there are so many things to do in winter in Amsterdam, such as festive lights, outdoor ice rinks, seasonal markets, museums and cosy cafés. 

Now that you are convinced, it is better to plan ahead because Amsterdam is grand with a lot of things to do. So, to help, we have collected the most gezellig things to do during winter in Amsterdam. 

Why visit Amsterdam in Winter?

Finding the best time to visit Amsterdam is as important as perfecting the planning and itinerary. It is well accepted that the best time to visit Amsterdam is during winter.

To experience winter in Amsterdam, visit from November to February. November brings the start of winter events and colder weather; December is the most festive; January is typically quieter while February offers a mix of winter activities and longer daylight.

Accommodation can also offer better value during quieter winter periods, although prices tend to increase around Christmas, New Year's Eve and major events. Just keep in mind that Amsterdam's winter weather is typically cold, wet and windy, and snow or frozen canals are possible but not guaranteed.

If you're prepared for the weather, let's plan the best things to do in winter in Amsterdam.

Top things to do in Amsterdam in Winter

Let’s get into the list of unmissable things to do in Amsterdam in winter. Whatever you plan, add these to your itinerary to truly experience the city the way it is meant to. 

Ice Skating on the Canals: Museumplein

Among the popular Amsterdam winter activities, Ice Skating usually comes at the top. If the temperature drops a lot, frozen canals are not hard to find. However, if this doesn’t happen- no need to worry because there are plenty of outdoor ice skating rinks to skate your heart out. 
To answer your question of where to skate? Museumplein, Jaap Eden Ice Rink, Rembrandtplein.

Museumplein- the iconic square of Amsterdam where all the iconic museums are found- is also where you will find the cosiest ice skating rink. Ice* Amsterdam comes to the square every year and welcomes you to skate at its rink while taking in the beauty of the Rijksmuseum. 

If you can’t skate and just want to take in the vibe, just order a hot chocolate or even your whole lunch at the bistro just beside the rink. Take photos and just enjoy looking at people on the rink. 

Price: Around €16.00 per person
Timings: Mid-November to early February
Address: Museumplein 4 in Amsterdam
How to reach: You can reach it by car. Tram (Lines 3, 5, or 12), bus (Line 305) or train (Line 1, IC or SPR) are also options. 

Tip: You can book our Amsterdam-serviced apartments near the ice rink to reach it in absolutely no time. 

Wander Through the Jordaan District

A stroll can never go wrong. Take the well-trodden path in the Jordaan District and wander, just taking in the beautiful scenery- snow, historical buildings, and picturesque streets. 

Jordaan District looks especially picture-perfect and makes you want to stop time to just take it all in– snow covers the rooftops, and frost dangles from the windows. To take a break, visit one of the iconic Bruin cafés (brown cafes). You will find a great concentration of brown cafes in the Jordaan District, with some offering breathtaking canalside views.  

Explore Amsterdam's World-Class Museums

Amsterdam's museums are particularly useful in winter because they give you a warm, weather-proof way to spend several hours exploring the city. Three of the best-known options are the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum.

The Rijksmuseum is the crown of the museum trio. Begin there for the world’s most impressive art collection, including pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.

Your next stop should be the Van Gogh Museum; the museum traces his journey from the Netherlands to France. More than 200 of Van Gogh’s canvases are on display along with 500 drawings and 700 handwritten letters, making it the best experience into his psyche and art.

Last but not least, the Stedelijk Museum houses a collection of modern art collected by the curator Willem Sandberg. A rotating selection features Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse and many more that together become the highlights of the collection.

If you have limited time, choose one or two museums rather than trying to visit everything in a single day. Booking timed entry in advance is also recommended for Amsterdam's major museums.

Try Amsterdam's Winter Food and Drinks

One of the best things about Amsterdam in winter is food! It is a good time to try some of the Dutch foods and drinks associated with colder weather and the festive season. Oliebollen is the decadent traditional Dutch beignet (a type of doughnut) that is particularly popular around New Year's Eve and the winter festive period. 

Try Oliebollen at: 

• Bakker's Oliebollenkraam; Spaarndammerstraat 792, Westerpark
• De Amsterdamse Oliebollenkraam; Belgiëplein, Nieuw-West
• Bakkerij Ad Straathof; Ten Katestraat 21, Oud-West

Dutch cheese is another thing one should not miss. De Kaaskamer is the stop for cheese in Amsterdam, where you will find 350 kinds of cheese with all kinds of European imported sides to make it a meal. 

Try cheese at: De Kaaskamer.

You can always take time out; just wander the snowy streets of Amsterdam and try the food as you go. Other top selections you can look for are: poffertjes, stamppot, snert, stroopwafel. 

Find other spots to indulge in the best Dutch delights in Amsterdam here.

Explore Amsterdam's Christmas Markets

Amsterdam gets transformed into a Christmas dream in the winter, especially from November to December. You can find many local Christmas markets around the city with something different to offer.  

Whether you gulp a glass of glühwein or shop to your heart’s content, the Christmas markets are a treat. As you explore the markets, carolers and festive entertainers keep your glee meter high—another great reason to go.

Christmas markets to check out:

• Christmas Village Amsterdam: Christmas Village at Museumplein is one of Amsterdam's established Christmas markets. For 2026, it is scheduled to run from 3 to 27 December, with free admission and more than 50 stalls offering food, drinks, gifts and seasonal shopping. 
• Funky Xmas Market: Amsterdam’s monthly Sunday market becomes Funky Xmas Market on a specific date. It is scheduled for 20 December 2026 at Westerpark, from 12:00 to 18:00. 
• Sustainable Christmas Market: Your sustainable stop for gifts, vegan food and festive music is the Sustainable Christmas Market, held at De Ceuvel.

Visit Amsterdam Winter Paradise

Amsterdam Winter Paradise transforms RAI Amsterdam into a large-scale winter event featuring ice skating, rides, entertainment, food and festive activities. It is a good option if you want several winter experiences in one place, particularly when the weather makes spending a full day outdoors less appealing. 

Book your tickets on time through the official website so you don't miss out, and check the schedule before visiting. 

Where:  RAI Amsterdam, Zuid
When: December 12, 2026 – January 2, 2027

Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the city's signature winter events, bringing specially commissioned light artworks to Amsterdam's canals and public spaces. It is particularly atmospheric after dark, when the installations are illuminated across the city.

The 15th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival will take place from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. You can experience it all from both land and water, with walking and cruise tours available as well.

Check the official festival website for the latest route, artwork locations and opening information before you go.

Explore Amsterdam's Decorated Streets and Shopping Areas

Winter is a good time to explore Amsterdam's shopping streets after dark, when seasonal lighting and shorter daylight hours create a different atmosphere. 

Take a stroll through the luxury shopping street P.C. Hooftstraat, the Spiegelgracht, Haarlemmerstraat, Albert Cuypstraat and the 9 Streets. 

The 9 Streets are particularly useful for combining independent shops and cafés with a walk through Amsterdam's historic canal district, while Utrechtsestraat is known for its boutiques, restaurants and bars.

Check out the blog on the top accommodations in Amsterdam with a balcony, where you can enjoy stunning views of the beautifully decorated streets.

Warm Up in a Brown Café

One of the easiest ways to escape Amsterdam's winter weather is to settle into a traditional Dutch brown café. These cosy pubs are known for their dark, intimate interiors and relaxed atmosphere, making them ideal for a hot drink, Dutch beer or a simple meal after exploring the city.

Jordaan is particularly well known for its brown cafés, while areas such as De Pijp and the 9 Streets also offer plenty of places to stop for coffee, hot chocolate and Dutch snacks.

For a winter afternoon, pair a neighbourhood walk with a café stop rather than planning an entire day around one venue.

Take a Winter Canal Cruise

A canal cruise offers a different perspective of Amsterdam in winter, particularly in the evening when the city's bridges, streets and canals are illuminated. Choose a heated boat if you're visiting during colder weather, or look for an evening cruise to see Amsterdam after dark.

If you're visiting during the Amsterdam Light Festival, a dedicated festival cruise is another option, allowing you to see the seasonal light installations from the water.

Discover Amsterdam's Winter Cultural Events

Amsterdam's winter calendar extends beyond Christmas markets and ice skating. Museums, cultural venues and attractions across the city often run seasonal evening programmes and special events during the colder months.

One option to look out for is winter programming at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, where seasonal events can offer a different way to experience the city after dark. Because programmes change annually, check the venue's official calendar for current dates and ticket information before visiting.

Take a Winter Bike Tour

Cycling remains one of Amsterdam's signature ways to explore the city, but winter weather can make riding less comfortable. If conditions are dry and visibility is good, a guided daytime bike tour can be a memorable way to explore neighbourhoods beyond the busiest parts of the centre.

Choose a route based on the weather and your experience level, and allow extra time if rain, wind or poor visibility makes cycling more difficult.

If the weather is particularly wet or cold, walking, public transport or a canal cruise may be more comfortable alternatives.

Tip: It is always best to book the bike tours in advance as there are limited spaces. Arrive at the meeting point on time. 

Something Different: Visit Amsterdam's Ice Bar

If you're looking for an unusual winter experience, Amsterdam's Ice Bar offers a deliberately extreme take on the cold. The temperature inside is kept well below normal room temperature, and visitors are provided with protective clothing. Based on the ill-fated voyage of Willem Barentsz to the Arctic, the bar lets you get a taste of what it's like to be stranded in the truly chilling ice-cold weather of the North Pole.

It is best treated as an optional experience rather than one of Amsterdam's essential winter attractions, particularly when you're trying to make the most of limited time in the city.

Location: Amsterdam Icebar, Amstel 194-196, 1017 AG Amsterdam

What Should You Wear in Amsterdam in Winter?

The best approach to winter in Amsterdam is to dress in warm, waterproof layers. You may spend several hours walking outdoors, and rain and wind can make temperatures feel colder than expected. Comfortable footwear is particularly important because many of Amsterdam's neighbourhoods and attractions are easiest to explore on foot.

Remember to pack:

• A warm, waterproof or wind-resistant outer layer
• Several warm layers
• Comfortable waterproof shoes
• Gloves
• A scarf
• A warm hat
• A compact umbrella or waterproof jacket

Where to Stay in Amsterdam in Winter?

Choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in can make a winter trip to Amsterdam more comfortable, especially if you want to minimise time outdoors between attractions.

• Jordaan: Ideal for first-time visitors and couples, with picturesque canals, cafés, boutiques and easy access to attractions such as the Anne Frank House.
• Museum Quarter: Best for art and culture lovers. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum are all nearby, making it particularly convenient on cold or rainy days.
• De Pijp: A good choice for foodies, younger travellers and longer stays, with restaurants, cafés, independent shops and the Albert Cuypmarkt.
• Oud-West: Suits travellers who want a more local feel while staying close to the centre, with restaurants, cafés, cultural venues and easy access to Vondelpark.
• Amsterdam City Centre: The city centre is best for short stays and first-time visitors who want to be close to major attractions, shopping, historic streets and canal cruises.

Conclusion

Amsterdam in winter is something magical with seasonal events, museums, cosy cafés, winter food and atmospheric city walks. Many special treats and festivals that can’t be enjoyed all year round can be relished in winter. 

November through February each offers something different. December is the best choice for festive experiences, while January and February can be better suited to travellers looking for a quieter city break.

Plan your itinerary around a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, allow some flexibility for the weather and book popular attractions in advance where necessary. With the right clothing and a little planning, winter can be an excellent time to experience Amsterdam.