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 2022-2023
| Christmas Market | Start date | End date |
| Christmas Village at Museumplein |
15 December |
26 December |
| Funky Xmas Market |
18 December |
19 December |
| Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt | 22 December | 26 December |
| De Lelystadse Kerstmarkt | 16 December | 17 December |
| Dam Square | 14 December | 26 December |
| Pure Markt | 18 December | 19 December |
| Castle Christmas Fair | 19 November | 01 January |
Christmas Village at Museumplein
Image courtesy of www.iamsterdam.com
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! There’s also a fabulous outdoor ice rink in front of the beautiful Rijksmuseum. Take to the ice or just head along and watch the locals and sip a hot chocolate or something stronger!
Where: Museumplein, 1071 DJ
When: 15 – 26 December from 12noon
Why: visit this Christmas market or a dose of proper Christmas cheer right in the centre of Amsterdam
Funky Xmas Market
Image courtesy: iamsterdam.com
‘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 someone of a kind gifts to give to your loved ones this Christmas. Looking for some fun come the evening? Check out our guide to some of the most interesting things to do in Amsterdam at night!
Where: Westergasfabriek
When: 18 – 19 December, from 12 PM to 6 PM
Why: visit this Christmas market to pick up unique handmade gifts for your loved ones this Christmas
Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt
Image courtesy of www.iamsterdam.com
Our neighbourhood of Amsterdam Noord is full of cool and creative people and this Christmas you’ll find plenty of them inside the industrial warehouse of Kromhouthal. Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is an Amsterdam Christmas Market featuring small, independent stallholders selling unique gifts, authentic produce and tasty food. With a programme of entertainment including live bands and performances you can settle down and enjoy a glass of cold beer and some music…once you’re done with your shopping!
Where: Kromhouthal, Gedempt Hamerkanaal 231,1021 KP
When: 22 – 26 December 2022
Why: visit this market for an arty take on the traditional Christmas market
De Lelystadse Kerstmarkt
Image courtesy of www.iamsterdam.com
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: 16 – 17 December 2022
Why: visit this market for a Christmas adventure out of the city
Dam Square
Image courtesy of twitter.com/swissotel
Ok, so there’s no actual Christmas market in Dam Square but with its 20-metre-high Christmas tree in front of The Royal Palace, it feels a lot like the heart of Christmas in Amsterdam! It would be a crime not to visit this giant tree with its 40,000 fairy lights. There is a tree lighting ceremony in early December – check nearer the time for the exact date and time if you want to see the big light up moment. Dam Square is also the home of the famous Amsterdam department store Bijenkorf. The facade is beautifully lit with Christmas lights and the window displays at are a wonderland in themselves, so don’t miss taking a peek at this beautiful Amsterdam Christmas market, and marvel at the imagination of those talented window dressers. If it’s chilly outside (and it probably will be!) wander into this beautifully decorated store for a bit of Christmas warmth and well-being.
Where: Dam Square, Amsterdam
When: 14 – 26 December 2022
Why: visit this Christmas Market to experience the heart of Amsterdam in all its festive glory!
Pure Markt
Image courtesy of afar.com
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! Feeling a bit cold? Warm-up in one of these cosy bars in Amsterdam.
Where: Amstelpark
When: 18 – 19 December 2022
Why: visit this Market for Christmas gifts with a sustainable slant
Castle Christmas Fair
Image courtesy: iamsterdam.com
Nothing is more magical than a Christmas market inside a castle. Located only a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam, the Castle Christmas Fair in Heemskerk is worth visiting for its fairy-tale atmosphere. Take your family and friends on a real winter wonderland adventure, and discover all the fun activities such as workshops, market stalls hawking handmade goods and local food.
Where: Castle Christmas Fair, Communicatieweg 5, 1967 PR Heemskerk
When: 19 November – 01 January 2023
Why: visit this Christmas Market located inside a real castle!
Looking for more festive vibes once Christmas markets are over? You could spend New Year in Amsterdam!
Ready to book your trip to the city? Check out our ClinkNOORD youth hostel in Amsterdam for a friendly affordable place to stay. We also offer cheap group accommodation in Amsterdam if you’re planning a group gateway or a stag do.
