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 winter, 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. With the experience of walking on the streets and the thrill of skating in frozen canals, Amsterdam makes even the simplest things unique. This enchanting city is the perfect spot to spend your winter vacation, from the warm restaurants to savour delicious cuisines to the astonishing lights along the streets.
Amsterdam Weather In December
The weather in Amsterdam in December remains as cold as 0-2 degrees Celcius and can sometimes drop below zero. Before visiting the place, you must wonder, “Does it snow in Amsterdam in December?”
Amsterdam offers you the best chilling experience during your visit in December. During this month, the whole city is covered with flawless and clean white snow in such a manner that it gives the best scenic view and feels like a story. The trees and the snow-covered streets are the highlight of your visit. A trip to Amsterdam in December will require you to carry plenty of warm clothes to ease you through.
Also Read: New Year In Amsterdam
Places To Visit In Amsterdam In December In 2024
Here are a few places that will prompt you to visit Amsterdam during winter and make your trip to this wonderland a wow experience.
1. Christmas Markets
The festive season of December is marked by Christmas, and the whole city gets into the carnival mood. In such times, shopping is the first thing that strikes the mind when the festival of gifts is concerned. Amsterdam allows you to shop at different types of markets and fairs to enjoy fantastic drinks and cuisines. The city has fairs in almost every part, offering everything ranging from trendy to traditional at reasonable prices. The vendors ensure that everything you buy is beautiful to give the perfect gift to your loved ones on the occasion. These authentic markets are the best places to visit to get the festive feel of Amsterdam.
Location: Ice Village, Amsterdam Winter Paradise, Rembrandtplein
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2. Annual Light Festival
The annual light festival is the highlight of the winter 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 a carnival of lights. Thousands of lights in different and unique art forms prompt the vibrant experience within. There are various ways to experience these lights, from boats and cruises in the chilling lakes, which will give you a wonderful experience of these lights.
Location: Ambonplein 73, 1094 Amsterdam
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3. Ice-Skating at Rembrandtplein
The temperature of Amsterdam drops in December. If you are in Amsterdam in December when the waterbodies get fixed and turned into ice walkways, 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.
Location: Rembrandtplein, 1017 CT AMSTERDAM
4. The Lobby
Amsterdam has 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 include sweets and candies, cookies, and a loaf of almonds.
This place provides a warm ambiance and courteous staff to make your dinner dates, delicious beef dishes to savour, and your breakfast 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 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, and traditional and authentic chorals are organized throughout December to make a consistent merry vibe among the travellers and the locals. This 3-day concert in Concertgebouwplein Best is one of the best musical concerts. These concerts will give you the most astonishing and royal experience while travelling. So be ready to get the happier vibes.
Location: Concertgebouwplein 10, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1071 LN, Netherlands
6. Ice-Rinks In Rijksmuseum
With the start of snowfall in November, many places in Amsterdam have been transformed into ice rinks that run 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 the eyes. The best Ice Rink runs laterally to the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein. This Rink directly looks in front of the unique “IAMSTERDAM” letters, giving you a perfect spot to click selfies.
Location: Rijksmuseum on Museumplein
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7. Doubletree by Hilton
Here comes the most awaited part of your bucket list: Spending New Year’s Eve in Hilton, Amsterdam, is an excellent experience in itself. The month of December marks its end in Amsterdam with an outstanding New Year’s Eve, where the whole city is dancing to its own tunes. People are ready to bid farewell to the current year and welcome the new year with both arms open.
Everyone is excited to start a new year with new ambitions and enthusiasm, from the streets to the clubs. The street is filled with vibrant lights, and with the feasts available, people wish each other an enormous experience. The people in the clubs, which have live, vibrant music and DJs, experience another side of the new year. The city is lively and playful, and 50 Shades of Silver is the best party organized by Hilton.
Whether you are in a club having a lively night with 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’s moment. The people get most excited about the spontaneous designs created during these displays.
Location: Doubletree by Hilton, Amsterdam Central Station, Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands
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There is a lot more in store. Amsterdam is not just about these exotic events and the adventure it provides during winter. Instead, it is more about the experience and a happening trip that it provides. The chilling winter scenes and the snow covering the road are something that words cannot adequately explain, no matter how hard we try. So, the best thing to do this winter is plan a trip to Amsterdam in December and experience those exotic scenes.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam In December
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.
