Things to Do in Amsterdam in November & December 2026
Amsterdam in November and December has a completely different feeling from summer. The days become shorter, the canals get darker earlier, and the city starts glowing with winter lights, festive decorations and seasonal events. ✨
If you are visiting during these two months, there is much more to do than simply visit museums. You can experience Dutch traditions, winter skating, light installations, Christmas markets and New Year's celebrations, while enjoying a quieter side of Amsterdam. ❤️
Here are the best things to do, arranged roughly from early November through the end of December, so you can see what is happening during your visit.
1. 🌙 Museumnacht Amsterdam — 7 November 2026
📍 Where: Museums across Amsterdam
🕒 When: 7 November 2026
ℹ️ Info: Museums stay open late with special programmes, performances and activities.
Museumnacht is one of Amsterdam's most popular cultural nights. Instead of visiting museums during normal daytime hours, you can explore them late into the evening, with special exhibitions, music, performances and other activities. 🎨🌙
The event is a great way to experience Amsterdam's museum scene in a completely different atmosphere. The city stays lively late into the night, and many museums prepare programmes that you cannot normally experience during a regular visit. I amsterdam
• Museums stay open until late 🌙
• Special events and performances take place 🎭
2. 🎁 Sinterklaas Arrival — 15 November 2026
📍 Where: Amsterdam city centre
🕒 When: 15 November 2026
ℹ️ Info: Sinterklaas officially arrives in Amsterdam with a large public celebration.
Forget the typical Christmas-market experience for a moment — Sinterklaas is a real Dutch tradition and one of the most interesting things to see in Amsterdam in November. 🇳🇱🎁
The arrival brings boats, music, costumes, families and crowds into the city. If you are travelling with children, it can be especially fun, but adults can also enjoy seeing an important part of Dutch culture. The 2026 arrival is scheduled for 15 November. I amsterdam
• Traditional Dutch celebration 🇳🇱
• Great experience for families and children 👨👩👧👦
3. ⛸️ Ice Skating at Museumplein — From 24 November 2026
📍 Where: Museumplein
🕒 When: 24 November 2026 – 16 January 2027
ℹ️ Info: Seasonal outdoor ice rink beside Amsterdam's famous museums.
Once the skating rink opens, Museumplein becomes one of the city's classic winter scenes. You can skate outside with the Rijksmuseum area around you and then warm up with a hot drink afterwards. ☕⛸️
It is particularly nice during the colder months because you can combine skating with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum or nearby cafés. The 2026/27 rink is scheduled for 24 November 2026 through 16 January 2027. I amsterdam
• Outdoor winter activity ⛸️
• Easy to combine with Museumplein attractions 🖼️
4. 💡 Amsterdam Light Festival — From 26 November 2026
📍 Where: Amsterdam canals and historic city centre
🕒 When: 26 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
ℹ️ Info: Large-scale light artworks illuminate Amsterdam during the darkest months.
This is probably the biggest winter highlight in Amsterdam. From late November, the city's canals and historic streets become the setting for artistic light installations created specifically for the festival. ✨🌃
You can experience the festival on foot or from a boat. The walking route is around 4.5 km, while a cruise takes approximately 75 minutes. The lights are scheduled to run daily during the festival, with special hours around New Year's Eve. I amsterdam
• See Amsterdam illuminated after dark ✨
• Choose between walking and canal cruises 🚤
5. 🎄 Christmas Markets — December 2026
📍 Where: Different locations around Amsterdam
🕒 Best Time: December
ℹ️ Info: Seasonal markets offer food, drinks, gifts and festive atmosphere.
December is when Amsterdam really starts feeling Christmas-ready. Seasonal markets and festive events appear around the city, giving you plenty of opportunities to find Dutch food, winter treats, gifts and handmade products. 🎄☕
One of the nicest parts is simply walking between different areas and seeing how the streets, shops and canals are decorated for winter. Market dates can vary by location, so check the individual event before visiting. I amsterdam
• Try seasonal Dutch food and sweets 🧇
• Find gifts and local products 🎁
6. 🌃 Explore Amsterdam After Dark
📍 Where: Canal Ring, Jordaan, De Pijp and city centre
🕒 Best Time: From late afternoon onwards
ℹ️ Info: Winter darkness makes Amsterdam's streets and canals especially atmospheric.
One of the best things about Amsterdam in winter is that you do not have to wait until midnight to experience the city after dark. By late afternoon, the canals and streets are already illuminated. ✨
Take a walk through the Jordaan, Canal Ring or De Pijp, stop for a warm drink and watch the lights reflecting across the water. During the Light Festival period, evening walks become even more interesting.
• Beautiful illuminated canals ✨
• Perfect for cosy evening walks ❤️
7. 🛍️ Go Winter Shopping Around Amsterdam
📍 Where: Nine Streets, Utrechtsestraat, Kalverstraat and local shopping streets
🕒 Best Time: November and December
ℹ️ Info: Amsterdam's shopping streets become especially festive during winter.
December is a good time to explore Amsterdam's independent shops, boutiques and famous shopping streets. The Nine Streets are especially nice when the city is decorated for the festive season. 🛍️🎁
Look beyond the large international brands and explore small Dutch design stores, local boutiques and specialty shops. You might find a much more interesting souvenir than the usual tourist item.
• Look for Dutch design and local gifts 🎁
• Explore independent stores 🛍️
8. 🌿 Hortus After Dark
📍 Where: Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
🕒 Best Time: Selected evenings in December
ℹ️ Info: Special evening programming creates a different winter experience inside the botanical gardens.
If you want something quieter, spend an evening at Hortus Botanicus. During the winter season, special evening programming can transform the botanical gardens into a much more atmospheric experience. 🌿✨
The warm glasshouses and plants create a nice contrast to the cold and darkness outside, making this a good choice for visitors looking for something different from the busy city centre.
• Peaceful winter atmosphere 🌿
• Good alternative to busy tourist attractions ✨
9. ❄️ Amsterdam Winter Paradise — 17 December 2026
📍 Where: RAI Amsterdam
🕒 When: 17 December 2026 – 2 January 2027
ℹ️ Info: Large winter event with skating, attractions, shows, food and entertainment.
If you want to experience a lot of winter activities in one place, Amsterdam Winter Paradise is a strong choice. The event takes over around 55,000 m² at RAI Amsterdam, with indoor and outdoor skating, attractions, live performances, food and winter entertainment. ❄️🎶
The 2026 edition is scheduled from 17 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, making it particularly useful for visitors spending Christmas or the New Year in Amsterdam. I amsterdam
• Indoor and outdoor skating ⛸️
• Shows, attractions and winter entertainment 🎶
10. 🎆 New Year's Eve in Amsterdam — 31 December 2026
📍 Where: Amsterdam city centre and designated celebration areas
🕒 When: 31 December 2026 – 1 January 2027
ℹ️ Info: Amsterdam welcomes the New Year with parties, music and an electric fireworks celebration.
New Year's Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year in Amsterdam. Streets become lively, people gather for celebrations and the city prepares to welcome the new year. 🎉
For the 2026/27 celebration, Electric Fireworks at Museumplein is planned as a major public celebration combining music with a light and laser show. If you plan to attend, check the official event information and transport arrangements closer to the date.
• Major New Year's Eve celebrations 🎉
• Electric fireworks and light show ✨
11. 🎄 Christmas in Amsterdam — Festive Markets & Winter Atmosphere
📍 Where: Museumplein and different parts of Amsterdam
🕒 When: December 2026
ℹ️ Info: Christmas markets, festive food, gifts, lights and seasonal activities fill the city.
December brings a real Christmas atmosphere to Amsterdam. At Museumplein, Christmas Village runs from 3–27 December 2026, with more than 50 vendors offering festive food, drinks, gifts and handmade products. 🎄✨ Ice Village
Beyond the markets, the whole city becomes more festive, with decorated streets, warm drinks, winter food and Christmas events. It is a good time to simply walk around Amsterdam and enjoy the atmosphere rather than rushing between attractions. ❤️ iamsterdam.com
• Visit Christmas Village at Museumplein 🎄
• Try winter food and hot drinks ☕
Explore Amsterdam by Electric Pedicab
Private rickshaw tours · From €12 · Local guides · Mon–Sun 8AM–6PM
Before heading out on your day trip, explore Amsterdam the fun way — by private electric pedicab. Cruise through canals, Jordaan, and hidden streets with a friendly local guide. No crowded trams, no tired legs — just a relaxed Amsterdam experience.