The cozy winter morning, the iced lakes, and the tranquility of white fog along with the buzzing pubs, cultural festivals and the astonishing architecture at night is what Amsterdam in December feels like. The unbearably chilled weather has a lot to offer for you to wonder about. Amsterdam is magic in winters and the festive season makes it more vibrant. The winters in Amsterdam in early December start with the snowfall, the differentiating light all along the city streets and end with the Christmas bells ringing and arousing the festive vibes of the people. The experience of walking on the streets and thrill of skating in frozen canals, Amsterdam has its own way of making even the simplest things very unique. From the warm restaurants to savor upon the delicious cuisines to the astonishing lights along the streets, this enchanting city is the perfect spot to spend your winter vacations.
Amsterdam weather in December
The Amsterdam weather in December remains as cold as 0-2 degree Celcius and can drop below zero sometimes. Before visiting the place, you must be wondering “Does it snow in Amsterdam in December”?
Amsterdam offers you the best chilling experience while your visit in December. During this month, the whole city is covered with the flawless and clean white snow in such a manner that it looks the best scenic view and feels like a story to it. The trees and the streets covered with snow is the highlight of your visit. A trip to Amsterdam in December will definitely require you to carry plenty of warm clothes to ease you through.
Places To Visit In Amsterdam In December
Here are the few places that will prompt you to visit Amsterdam during winters that will make your trip to this wonderland a wow experience.
1. Christmas markets
The festive season of December is marked with the Christmas and the whole city gets into the carnival mood. In such time, shopping is the first thing which strikes the minds when the festival of gifts is concerned. Amsterdam provides you with the opportunity to shop with different types of markets and fair with amazing drinks and cuisines. The city has fair in almost every part where they offer everything ranging from trendy to traditional at reasonable prices. The vendors make sure that everything that you are buying is beautiful to give the perfect gift to your loved ones on the occasion. These authentic markets are best to visit to get the festive feel in Amsterdam.
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2. Annual Light Festival
The annual light festival is the highlight of the winters in Amsterdam. Attending this 2 months event this year is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December 2022. Thousands of artists registered themselves with their illuminating lights artworks to be exhibited in the city. The city is converted into the carnival of lights to experiences. Thousands of lights in different and unique artforms prompts the vibrant experience within. There are various ways to experience these lightings from the boats and the cruise in the chilling lakes which will give you the wonderful experience of these lights.
Duration: December until January
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3. Ice-Skating at Rembrandtplein
The temperature of Amsterdam drops down in December. If you are Amsterdam in December when the water-bodies get fixed and turned into the ice walkway, then you might get a chance to have a thrilling experience of ice skating on these pathways. The chilling wintery day with this adventure with your friends is a lifetime experience to cherish for.
Location: Rembrandtplein, 1017 CT AMSTERDAM
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4. The Lobby
Amsterdam will provide you plenty of warm places to have a perfect lunch or booze during your trips. The festive vibes of the people are provided with unique feasts and cozy dinners at the restaurants. The best dishes provided includes sweets and candies along with the cookies and loaf of almonds.
You will be provided with a warm ambiance and the courteous staff at this place to make your dinner dates with delicious beef dishes to savor upon and your breakfast the most unique. You can have the perfect type of winter booze and enjoy a great nightlife while visiting with your friends. The Dutch cuisine offered will satisfy the gourmet in you, while giving you the greatest festive mood.
Location: Fizeaustraat 2, 1097 SC Amsterdam
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5. The Concertgebouw: Main Hall, Amsterdam
A trip to Amsterdam in December 2022 will definitely satisfy you if you are a frequent concertgoer. The city organizes plenty of concerts in the city’s classical halls and venues. The rejoicing carols, cantatas, traditional and authentic chorals are organized whole December to make that consistent merry vibes among the travelers and the locals. This 3 days concert in Concertgebouwplein Best is one of the best musical concerts. These concerts will give you the most astonishing and royal experience while you are in the traveling mode. So be ready to get the happier vibes.
Location: Concertgebouwplein 10, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1071 LN, Netherlands
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6. Ice-Rinks In Rijksmuseum
With the start of snowfall in November, many places in Amsterdam are transformed into the Ice Rinks running parallel through the city streets. The experience of chilling winters in these Ice Rinks is astounding and you’re walking over them is pretty chilled. The sight of streets filled with snow is a pleasant view to eyes. The best Ice Rink runs laterally to the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein. This Rink directly looks in front of the unique “IAMSTERDAM” letters gives you a perfect spot to click selfies.
Location: Rijksmuseum on Museumplein
7. Doubletree by Hilton
Here comes the most awaited part of your bucket list. Spending a New Year’s Eve in Hilton, Amsterdam is one of the great experience in itself. The month of December marks its end in Amsterdam with an outstanding new year’s eve in the city where the whole city is dancing on its own tunes. People are ready at their best to bid adieu to the current year and welcome the new year with both their arms open.
From the streets to the clubs all are filled with the exciting population to start a new year with some new ambitions and enthusiasm. The street filled with vibrant lights and the feasts available people wishing each other give an enormous experience. The people in the clubs with live vibrant music and DJ’s experience another side of the new year. The whole city is lively and in the playful mode and 50 shades of silver is the best party organized by Hilton.
Whether you are in a club having a lively night with the buzzing music or near Pllek looking at the exotic views of the city, just make sure that you see the street fireworks that the locals do to mark the new year moment. The extemporaneous designs created while these displays are what the people get most excited about.
Location: Doubletree by Hilton, Amsterdam central Station, Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands
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A lot more in store, Amsterdam is not just about these exotic events and the adventure it provides during winters. Instead, it is more about the experience and a happening trip that it provides. The chilling winter scenes and the snow coverings on the road is something which words cannot properly explain no matter hard we try. So, the best thing to do this winter is to plan a trip to Amsterdam in December and experience those exotic scenes yourselves.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam In December
What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Though Amsterdam is a year-round destination, the month from April to May and September to November are considered to be the best time to visit.
Where are the Christmas markets in Amsterdam?
Some of the most popular Christmas markets to explore in the city of Amsterdam during Christmas in the Netherlands are:
1. WinterWelVaart
2. Christmas Market Velvet Cave
3. Magical Maastricht
Is anything open in Amsterdam on Christmas day?
The day of Christmas is an official holiday in Amsterdam. So, most of the shops, restaurants, cafes, museums and other tourist places remain closed. But museums like Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Hermitage remain open even on Christmas day. Several Shops and restaurants in bigger cities also function on this day.
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
3 – 4 days are enough for exploring Amsterdam and visiting the famous tourist spots and enjoying the popular travel experiences.
Is December a good time to visit Amsterdam?
December is a great time to visit Amsterdam if you like to enjoy the festivities of the winter holidays.
Is Amsterdam good in December?
December happens to be the rainiest month of Amsterdam which could ruin some of your plans.
Does it snow in Amsterdam in December?
No. Though the weather is cold and wet due to the rainy season, it does not experience any snowfall. At times you can also experience wet snow.
What is there to do in Amsterdam in December?
Some of the most amazing things to do in Amsterdam in December are:
1. Taking a boat ride during the Light Festival
2. Visit the Christmas exhibition at Museum Willet-Holthuysen
3. Ice skating at Museumplein
4. Explore Christmas Markets at Rembrandtplein
5. Go on a Christmas dinner in De Waag
What events are celebrated in Amsterdam in December?
The entire month of December is packed with festivals and events which makes it the most exciting time to be in Amsterdam. The most popular events are:
1. Sinterklaas (December, 4th)
2. Amsterdam Light Festival( Throughout December and January)
3. Christmas Day/Kerst (December, 25th)
4. Tweede Kerstdag/ Second Day of Christmas)
5. Tangotrain
6. New Years Eve/ Oud en Nieuw
Is anything open on Christmas Day in Amsterdam?
Yes. A number of Churches and many museums remain open on Christmas Day in Amsterdam such as The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anna Frank House, FOAM or EYE.
Is Amsterdam fun in the winter?
Yes. The holiday spirits, the bussing markets, cozy nights, delicious food and dazzling decorations makes the winters in Amsterdam fun-filled winter destination.
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Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.
