The Best Amsterdam Christmas Markets (2023)
Amsterdam is a beautiful city whenever you decide to visit. But at Christmas time, when the decorations are up, and the lights are twinkling, it’s especially magical. There are lots of events in the city over the holiday period and one of our favourite things to do is visit a Christmas Market. Full of festive cheer, Christmas activities and opportunities for Christmas shopping, here’s our pick of the best Amsterdam Christmas markets.
Amsterdam Christmas Market Schedule 2023
| Christmas Market | Start date | End date |
| Christmas Village at Museumplein | 13 December | 26 December |
| Winter Paradise | 14 December | 30 December |
| Funky Xmas Market | 17 December | 17 December |
| Pure Markt | 17 December | 17 December |
Christmas Village at Museumplein
Amsterdam’s famous Museumplein (Museum Square) transforms into a magical winter mini-village come December, with Christmas treats, twinkling lights, festive music and more. There’s mulled wine to be had and plenty of food to fill your hungry tummy. Wrap up warm with gloves and a hat and go find some cute Dutch gifts to fill stockings back home!
Where: Museumplein, 1071 DJ
When: 13 – 26 December
Why: visit this Christmas market for a dose of proper Christmas cheer right in the centre of Amsterdam
Winter Paradise
Every winter, Amsterdam RAI becomes a magical winter wonderland. You can ice-skate inside or outside while colorful lights twinkle around you. There’s also a big swing for exciting rides and a giant Ferris wheel for amazing views. At night, you can enjoy a ski-themed village and a fun winter party that goes on all night long!
Where: Amsterdam RAI
When: 14-30 December
Why: Winter Paradise offers much more than a Christmas market – a lot of fun guaranteed!
Funky Xmas Market
Photo by Humphrey Muleba
‘The Sunday Market’ takes place on the first Sunday of each month at Westerpark, and if you’re visiting around the middle of December their ‘Funky Xmas’ special is one of the best Amsterdam Christmas markets to visit this year. The market is filled with goodies from a whole lot of creative people, selling everything from handmade jewellery to homewares and art. Head along to the Funky Xmas Market for a relaxed Sunday outing where you’ll be able to pick up some one of a kind gifts to give to your loved ones this Christmas.
Where: Westergasfabriek
When: 17 December
Why: visit this Christmas market to pick up unique handmade gifts for your loved ones this Christmas
Pure Markt Winter Market
The Pure Markt features more than 90 vendors selling a variety of sustainable, organic and artisanal products. Visit this Amsterdam Christmas market to find plenty of delicious food as well as everything from toys and furniture, to candles and cosmetics. So just good stuff that serious shoppers might want to buy and take home. Just remember to leave some room in your bag!
Where: Amstelpark
When: 17 December
Why: visit this Market for Christmas gifts with a sustainable slant
Christmas Markets Near Amsterdam
De Lelystadse Kerstmarkt
If you’re looking for a little adventure out of the city then Lelystad is an easy 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam. The charming Christmas market here will include around 60 stands full to the brim with Christmas goodies. There’ll also be live music and a super entertaining charity ‘Santa run’! If you’re bored of the traditional Amsterdam Christmas markets, make sure you don’t miss this one for a fun getaway.
Where: De Lelystadse Kerstmarkt, Lelybaan, Lelystad
When: TBC
Why: visit this market for a Christmas adventure out of the city
Christmas Market Haarlem
The Haarlem Christmas market is one of the biggest in the Netherlands, with over 300 stalls in the city centre, especially at Grote Markt. It’s a famous Christmas event. You can reach Haarlem from Amsterdam in just 15 minutes by train, so you have no excuse to miss this popular Christmas Market if you’re visiting Amsterdam when it’s on!
Where: Grote Markt, Haarlem
When: 8-10 December
Why: to discover a part of the Netherlands you didn’t know with a mulled wine in hand
Nostalgic Christmas Market Leiden
The Leiden Christmas market in the Netherlands offers a nostalgic and unique experience. What sets it apart is the fact that some of its attractions actually float on the city’s picturesque canals. This distinctive feature makes it one of the most exceptional Christmas markets in the country.
Where: Hooglandse Kerkgracht, Leiden
When: 13 – 17 December
Why: to experience a floating Christmas market – how cool?
Ready to book your trip to the city? Check out our ClinkNOORD, ClinkMama, and ClinkCoco hostels in Amsterdam for a friendly and affordable place to stay. We also offer cheap group accommodation in Amsterdam if you’re planning a group getaway or a stag do.
