November and December bring a completely different atmosphere to Amsterdam. 🍂 The days become shorter, the canals feel quieter and the city slowly fills with Christmas lights, winter markets and seasonal activities.
But winter here is not just about Christmas shopping. You can watch international documentaries, experience Dutch traditions, skate outdoors, explore local markets and enjoy the famous Amsterdam Light Festival. ✨Whether you are visiting for a weekend or living in the city, here are some things worth experiencing this November and December.
1. 🎬 Experience IDFA: Amsterdam's International Documentary Film Festival
📍 Where: Various cinemas and cultural venues across Amsterdam
ℹ️ Info: 12–22 November 2026.
November is an exciting month for film lovers because Amsterdam hosts IDFA, one of the world's leading documentary film festivals. 🎥
For eleven days, cinemas across the city screen documentaries from different countries, covering real-life stories, culture, politics, nature and society. You can also discover films that rarely appear in regular cinemas. 🍿
🎬 Watch documentaries from around the world.
🌍 Discover stories about different cultures and societies.
🎤 Attend filmmaker talks and special screenings.
🍿 Explore different cinema venues across Amsterdam.
2. 🎅 Welcome Sinterklaas: Experience a Traditional Dutch Celebration
📍 Where: Along the Amstel and through Amsterdam's city centre
ℹ️ Info: 15 November 2026.
One of the most interesting Dutch traditions takes place in November when Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam. 🎅 The celebration includes a festive arrival by boat, followed by a parade through the city.
Families gather along the route, children welcome Sinterklaas and traditional sweets are handed out. 🍬 It is a lovely opportunity to experience a Dutch celebration that is different from the usual Christmas festivities.
🚢 Watch Sinterklaas arrive by boat.
🎅 See the festive parade through Amsterdam.
🍬 Try traditional Dutch sweets.
👨👩👧 Enjoy a family-friendly local celebration.
3. 🎨 Discover Amsterdam Art Week
📍 Where: Galleries, museums and creative spaces across Amsterdam
ℹ️ Info: 18–22 November 2026.
Amsterdam Art Week brings the city's contemporary art scene into the spotlight. 🎨 During these five days, galleries, studios, museums and creative spaces welcome visitors to discover new exhibitions and artistic projects.
You do not need to be an art expert to enjoy it. From photography and paintings to experimental installations, it is a chance to explore a more creative side of Amsterdam. 🖼️
🎨 Discover contemporary Dutch and international art.
🖼️ Visit galleries and exhibition spaces.
🏛️ Explore creative venues across the city.
💬 Meet artists and learn about their work.
4. ✨ Explore Amsterdam Light Festival
📍 Where: Amsterdam's historic canals and city centre
ℹ️ Info: 26 November 2026 – 17 January 2027.
As winter darkness arrives, Amsterdam's canals become an open-air exhibition of light. ✨ The Amsterdam Light Festival returns for its 15th edition, bringing illuminated artworks created by international artists to the city.
You can discover the installations on foot or enjoy them from the water on a canal cruise. 🚤 The reflections of colourful artworks on the canals make this one of Amsterdam's most special winter experiences.
💡 Discover illuminated artworks along the canals.
🚤 See the installations from a festival cruise.
🚶 Explore the walking route of approximately 4.5 km.
📸 Capture colourful reflections after sunset.
5. ⛸️ Go Ice Skating at Museumplein
📍 Where: Museumplein, Amsterdam-Zuid
ℹ️ Info: 24 October 2026 – 16 January 2027.
Museumplein becomes one of Amsterdam's most recognisable winter locations when its seasonal ice rink opens. ⛸️ With the Rijksmuseum in the background and a festive atmosphere around the square, it is a beautiful place to spend time outdoors.
Whether you are an experienced skater or trying it for the first time, you can enjoy the rink with friends or family. ❄️ Warm drinks and nearby cafés make it easy to spend more time in the area.
⛸️ Skate in front of the Rijksmuseum.
🌉 Enjoy the famous seasonal drawbridge.
☕ Find cafés and warm drinks nearby.
📸 Capture winter photographs in Museumplein.
6. 🎄 Visit Christmas Village at Museumplein
📍 Where: Museumplein, Amsterdam-Zuid
ℹ️ Info: 3–27 December 2026, daily 12:00–21:00.
In December, Museumplein transforms into Christmas Village, with wooden market stalls, festive decorations and seasonal food. 🎄 It is a lovely place to browse handmade gifts, enjoy winter treats and experience the Christmas atmosphere.
With more than 45 vendors expected, you can find everything from crafts and accessories to food and warm drinks. 🎁 The nearby ice rink makes it easy to combine two winter activities in one visit.
🎁 Browse more than 45 market vendors.
🍫 Enjoy hot chocolate and seasonal treats.
🎶 Experience festive music and entertainment.
⛸️ Combine the market with ice skating.
7. 🥕 Explore Pure Markt's Winter Editions
📍 Where: Park Frankendael, Amsterdam-Oost
ℹ️ Info: 29 November and 20 December 2026, 11:00–17:00.
If you prefer local markets over large Christmas attractions, Pure Markt is worth visiting. 🥕 It brings together independent producers, food makers, farmers and creative businesses.
The winter editions are a chance to discover handmade products, seasonal food, fresh ingredients and original gifts. 🧀 It offers a more relaxed market atmosphere than the busy shopping streets.
🥖 Discover products from independent food makers.
🧀 Try local and seasonal food.
🎁 Find handmade gifts and creative products.
🌳 Enjoy the atmosphere of Park Frankendael.
8. 🎅 Visit the Funky Xmas Market at Westergas
📍 Where: Westergas, Amsterdam-West
ℹ️ Info: 20 December 2026.
Westergas hosts a festive edition of its popular Sunday Market in December. 🎄 The Funky Xmas Market brings together local designers, artists and independent makers selling handmade products, fashion, jewellery and unusual gifts.
You can browse the stalls, enjoy street food and listen to music while exploring the historic industrial surroundings. 🎶 It is a good choice if you want something more creative than a traditional Christmas market.
🎨 Discover products from local designers.
🎁 Shop for handmade Christmas gifts.
🍔 Enjoy street food and seasonal treats.
🎶 Experience a festive atmosphere with music.
9. ❄️ Spend a Day at Amsterdam Winter Paradise
📍 Where: RAI Amsterdam, Europaplein
ℹ️ Info: 17 December 2026 – 2 January 2027.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise transforms RAI Amsterdam into a large winter festival with indoor and outdoor activities. ❄️ You can enjoy ice skating, snow activities, rides, festive food and entertainment in one location.
It is particularly popular with families and groups who want several winter experiences in a single visit. 🎡 From winter attractions to seasonal shows, there is plenty to explore.
⛸️ Enjoy indoor and outdoor ice skating.
🎡 Explore rides and winter attractions.
❄️ Try snow-based activities.
🎶 Experience seasonal entertainment and music.
10. 🎪 Watch the World Christmas Circus at Royal Theatre Carré
📍 Where: Royal Theatre Carré, Amstel 115–125, Amsterdam
ℹ️ Info: 16 December 2026 – 3 January 2027.
One of Amsterdam's festive December traditions is the World Christmas Circus at Royal Theatre Carré. 🎪 The annual show brings international performers together for an evening of acrobatics, juggling, comedy and spectacular performances.
The historic theatre adds to the experience, making it a special winter evening for families, couples and anyone who enjoys live entertainment. ✨
🤸 Watch international acrobatic performances.
🎭 Enjoy comedy and live entertainment.
🎪 Experience a traditional Christmas circus.
🏛️ Visit Amsterdam's historic Royal Theatre Carré.
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.