The holiday season brings a wave of joy, and what better way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit than by visiting the Christmas market in Amsterdam? This magical market has become a beloved local tradition and a must-visit for tourists seeking a unique winter experience.
In this guide, we will dive into the festive spirit with the best Christmas markets in and around Amsterdam! From ice-skating wonders to artsy delights, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore the magical winter scenes to make this holiday season special.
Ice Village
Our first destination is the Ice Village at Museumplein, right in the heart of Amsterdam. This Christmas market stands out because it combines shopping and skating to create a magical winter scene. The main attraction is the large ice skating rink, where you can glide on the ice with the famous Rijksmuseum in the background and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market. Ice Village is Amsterdam’s largest Christmas market, with around 50 shops and food stalls.You can find unique and handmade gifts from art and photography to jewelry and home furnishings. And don’t forget to try a variety of delicious delicacies, including mulled wine and churros. The market is open from 13 to 26 December, while the ice skating rink welcomes visitors from 11 November to 4 February. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories.
Ice Village | Museumplein | 13 to 26 December
Amsterdam Winter Paradise:
RAI Amsterdam, a major exhibition center, becomes a magical place during the holidays with its Amsterdam Winter Paradise event. This festival event is the largest of its kind in the Netherlands, and has both indoor and outdoor activities for people of all ages. From December 14th to 30th, Amsterdam Winter Paradise offers the perfect winter experience. You can enjoy rides, shows, shopping and dining.
For thrill seekers there is an outdoor ice skating rink and a tube slide. Families can have fun with curling competitions and swings. After all the fun, you can eat delicious food from the market or do activities like riding the ferris wheel or going to the cinema or theatre. They also serve tasty gluhwein and hot choco. The Amsterdam winter paradise has many different things for everyone to enjoy.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise | RAI Amsterdam | December 14, to 30
Funky Xmas Market
For a unique and artsy Christmas market experience, go to the Funky Xmas Market at Westergasfabriek. Taking place on 3rd -17th December, this market is a lively explosion of colors, lights, and creativity. After entering this market you’ll see a world filled with unique artwork, handmade jewelry, and special candles. The Funky Xmas Market is not like the usual Christmas markets. It has many stalls and vendors, each showing their creativity and special products. Check out the different gifts, from handmade items to interesting home decorations and tasty homemade sweets. Take a break from shopping and enjoy live music, warm hot chocolate, and other tasty treats. The market also has fun entertainment, such as magicians, jugglers, and performers, creating a festive circus-like atmosphere.
Funky Xmas Market | Westergasfabriek | 3rd -17th December
PureMarkt
If you love fresh and pure food, don’t miss the winter edition of PureMarkt in Amsterdam. This market, which changes places in the city, will be at the charming Park Frankendael for its special December edition. PureMarkt gathers a group of people from all over the country who are passionate about growing, crafting, and cooking. With more than 70% of the vendors focusing on food, you’ll find lots of tasty things. you can explore and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade food products, and delicious international treats. The market also has designer items, vintage stuff, and gifts, making it a great place to find unique presents. Enjoy live music, take beautiful holiday photos, and feel the warm festive atmosphere at PureMarkt. Put December 17th, 2023, on your calendar and get ready for a food adventure.
PureMarkt | Park Frankendael | December 17th, 2023
Haarlem Christmas Market:
If you want to go somewhere outside Amsterdam, you should consider a day trip to the Haarlem Christmas Market. It’s only a 15-minute train ride away, and Haarlem is known for having one of the biggest Christmas markets in the Netherlands. From December 8th to 10th, 2023, Haarlem’s city center becomes a festive wonderland. Walk through the market stalls from the Frans Hals Museum to Nieuwegracht, and enjoy the magical atmosphere. You can try all kinds of holiday treats, buy handmade things, and listen to Christmas carols sung by lovely choirs. Take a break from the market to explore other parts of the city, like the Corrie ten Boom House or De Jopenkerk, a brewery in a former church. Haarlem’s Christmas Market is sure to be a wonderful experience for people of all ages.
Haarlem Christmas Market | Grote Markt, Haarlem | 8-10 December 2023
Winter Village Stadshart Amstelveen:
Just a short trip south of Amsterdam brings you to Amstelveen, home to the Winter Village Stadshart Amstelveen. It’s like a big celebration for Christmas. The special thing about this market is that there’s an ice-skating rink, and it’s a fun place for families. Kids can enjoy skating, and grown-ups can have yummy food and drinks from the temporary restaurant and ice bar near the rink. There are more than 60 stalls selling handmade gifts and holiday snacks, so there’s a lot to see. The regular shops around also stay open longer, presenting a golden chance for some eleventh-hour Christmas shopping. They sometimes have special events like curling competitions and disco skating, which makes the celebrations even more exciting.
Winter Village | Winkelcentrum Stadshart, Amstelveen | 2 December 2023 – 7 January 2024
Conclusions
As the holiday season approaches, Amsterdam and its surrounding areas light up with Christmas magic. Amsterdam’s Christmas markets offer a magical escape into the heart of the holiday season. From the rich history and enchanting atmosphere to the diverse markets and cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone. So, put on your warm clothes, dive into the winter wonderland, find unique treasures, and make this holiday season one to remember. Happy holidays!
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