There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what will we do during the Christmas holidays in 2025? Check out our latest cultural tips here. My name is Annabelle Hinam. I am 28 years old, born and raised in Amsterdam. I graduated from the theater academy in Utrecht in July 2021 and am currently working as an actor, writer, voice-over artist, and cook. In addition to working in the cultural sector (and not just in the theater world), I also enjoy visiting other forms of art. Museums, films, exhibitions, local neighborhood initiatives, and more. Every month, I write a series of tips that I think are worth visiting. Questions or tips? Email me! You can do so at: hinamannabelle@gmail.com. At the bottom of my tip, you will always find the website and/or Instagram of the place for more information.
Art and Culture
Amsterdam Light Festival
I already mentioned it in the December art calendar, but the Amsterdam Light Festival is also a must-see in the Christmas Day special. Immerse yourself in this open-air museum of light art. The walk is about six kilometers long, making it ideal as a slow winter ritual: wrap a scarf around your neck, put on your gloves, and make little stops along the way for tea, mulled wine, or a doughnut!
Website & tickets:Tickets
The Enchanted Greenhouses of Hortus Botanicus (December 27 through January 3)
This winter, you can stroll through the warm greenhouses of the Hortus Botanicus while listening to stories about winter plants from around the world. In the evening, the garden is subtly lit, creating a fairytale experience with the combination of winter cold and tropical warmth. There is also a campfire and a wide range of hot drinks. Check out Hortus by Night (from December 19). Sometimes the gardens and greenhouses are open extra long with light installations, sound, and Christmas choir evenings.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Begijnhof Classical Concerts
Throughout December, intimate classical concerts are held in the English Church in the Begijnhof, one of the city's most picturesque music venues.
Website:Program
Hannukah Candlelight Concert, Sacha van Ravenswade – Portuguese Synagogue (December 18)
An enchanting evening of classical music by candlelight, perfectly embedded in Amsterdam's Christmas magic. Tenor Sacha van Ravenswade specializes in Jewish liturgical music. He sang in the synagogue from a young age and has been a professional musician since he was fifteen. Later, he came into contact with opera and classical music, and that combination forms the program for December 18. It promises to be a special evening in the always impressive Portuguese Synagogue.
Website & tickets: Tickets
Candlelight Concerts in the Posthoornkerk (December 20 and 27)
In the beautiful Posthoornkerk, you can hear Winterreise by Schübert on December 20 and Christmas Classics on December 27. Before the concerts, there will be a reception with mulled wine, bubbles, and oliebollen. These are included in the ticket price!
Website & tickets: Tickets
Concertgebouw
Of course, the iconic Concertgebouw has a Christmas program around the holidays. A few that stand out: Classical Christmas Concert, Handel's Messiah.
Website & tickets: https://www.concertgebouw.nl/concerten-en-tickets
Activities
Skating at the RAI
The temporary ice rink at the RAI is back, and this year it will be surrounded by small designer chalets where local makers will be selling minimalist, sustainable Christmas decorations. Think glass drop ornaments, hand-poured candles, and linen table runners. Even if you don't like skating, you can still enjoy the winter atmosphere from the sidelines.
Skating at the Jaap Edenbaan
For the fanatics, the Jaap Edenbaan is of course also fully open during the Christmas holidays. Whether you're the fastest skater or the first to reach the cozy fireplace of the charming Café JAAP, there's something for everyone here.
Christmas markets
Grand opening & Christmas market at Café de Kleine Bes (December 19-21)
Café de Kleine Bes is opening its doors at Mauritskade 100 in Oost. The owners of the successful café R. De Rosa are celebrating with a Christmas market as an opening event. Expect pea soup, oysters, mulled wine, a fire, stalls, and friendly people.
Website:De kleine Bes
Zuidermarkt (every Saturday morning)
For Sale eucalyptus and pine branches at the Zuidermarkt to really bring the Christmas spirit into your home!
Website:Zuidermarkt
Funky Xmas Market – Westergas, Westerpark (December 21)
A creative and indie Christmas market with designers, artisanal gifts, live music, and winter drinks. Originates from the Sunday Market tradition.
Check the Sunday Market website for updates:
Website: Sundaymarket
Pure Market – Winter Edition in Frankendael Park (December 21)
This winter version of the Pure Market focuses on local products, delicacies, and holiday-themed food, perfect for enjoying yourself or giving as a gift!
Website: Pure Market
Sustainable Christmas Market at De Ceuvel (December 13, 14, 20 & 21)
This Christmas market is praised as a 'sustainable Christmas market'. At De Ceuvel, the atmosphere is cozy, anti-capitalist, and packed with fun alternative gifts! Great if you're looking for something a little different from the big chalets and mass Christmas markets.
Website:De Ceuvel
Christmas movies in various movie theaters
Studio/K
Studio/K is also showing some winter month specials. A few highlights: Amélie, Big Fish, Groundhog Day, Leviathan.
LAB111 presents: A Very Cult Christmas
LAB111 remains true to its playful side, but with style: quirky Christmas screenings in their warm red theaters, followed by limited-edition winter drinks such as warm speculaas cocktails and non-alcoholic cranberry tonics. Films include: The Holiday, Eyes Wide Shut, How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Food
Christmas brunch at De Kas
In 2025, chefs at De Kas in Park Frankendael will present a special winter menu featuring chicory, parsnips, lamb's lettuce, and citrus fruits grown in their own greenhouse. The brunch is subtle, elegant, and surprisingly fresh. Reservations are required, as places fill up quickly. Combine it with a lovely winter walk through the beautiful Park Frankendael, and if De Kas is full, you can always visit the charming Café Merkelbach.
Website:de Kas
The Cottage
For a full English (Christmas) breakfast, you should definitely visit The Cottage on Linneausstraat. They also serve Sunday roast, mulled wine, scones, and other delicacies. You won't find anywhere more Christmassythan this.
Website:the Cottage
Gebroeders Niemeijer
The Christmas bread with orange and cardamom has become a tradition. Get it quickly because it sells fast!
Website:Gebroeders Niemeijer
Thull’s Deli
A delicatessen in the Eastern Docklands has everything you could want for the holidays. Cheese platters, kimchi, delicious (natural) wines, sake, dips, and more. This deli is always very busy during Christmas, partly because they offer a Christmas menu. If you don't like cooking but do like good food and are expecting a lot of family visitors, Thull's can offer the perfect solution. You can also put together nice Christmas hampers from all the wonderful products the shop has to offer. One thing is certain: you won't leave Thull's empty-handed.
Website:Thulls
