Riki recommends · Winter in Amsterdam
Visiting in December? Here are my picks for Christmas markets, ice skating, lights, winter activities and dancing in 2026–2027. Choose your evening and open the organiser’s link for details and tickets.
Checked 30 October 2026. All times are local to Amsterdam. Activities were checked against organisers’ websites, except Prime, which is marked as an unconfirmed calendar listing. Availability, prices and hours can change; check before booking.
3–27 December 2026
Museumplein
For stalls, gifts and a warm drink, I would start at the Christmas market on Museumplein. Combine it with a museum visit or come just for the market.
Best for: Couples, friends and families
Free admission; shopping and food cost extra
Skating requires a separate ticket. Market hours are shorter on 25–27 December; check your chosen date.
Programme announced
20 December 2026 · 12:00–18:00
Westergas / Westerpark
For gifts with a little more character, I would check this market for local makers, design and crafts. You can follow it with a drink nearby.
Best for: Couples, friends and families
Free admission
A one-day market, not a market open throughout December. The stallholder list is still being prepared.
Programme announced
13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Rembrandtplein
For a festive stop in the centre, I would include Rembrandtplein’s outdoor rink, lights, huts and warm drinks. You can skate or stay beside the rink for a snack.
Best for: Families, couples and friends, including non-skaters
Prices and packages on the organiser’s website
Season listing: usually 10:00–23:00, until 18:00 on 31 December. Check holiday hours and prices. The organiser says advance booking is not required.
Programme announced
26 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
Along the city canals
For a winter evening outdoors, I suggest exploring the light artworks along the canals. Choose a walk or boat trip to suit the weather.
Best for: Couples, friends and families
Price depends on the experience
Lighting: 16:30–23:00; until 21:00 on 31 December. Check the departure point and what your route or cruise includes.
Programme announced
17 December 2026 – 2 January 2027
RAI, south Amsterdam
For several winter activities in one place, I would look at Winterparadijs at RAI. There is skating, rides, shows and music for families and friends.
Best for: All ages; après-ski 21+
Paid admission; food and some extras charged separately
Closed on 31 December. The après-ski area is 21+ and closed on 24–25 December. Activities vary by day.
Programme announced
24 October 2026 – 16 January 2027
Museumplein, opposite the Rijksmuseum
For skating with a Christmas atmosphere, I would choose Museumplein. During the market season, combine the stalls, skating and a warm drink.
Best for: Couples, friends and families, according to skating ability
Paid admission; check packages including skate hire
Gloves required. Skate hire is advertised at €8 per session, in addition to applicable entry charges. Opens at 10:00 during the winter holiday, 19 December–3 January; check closing and holiday hours.
Programme announced
25 and 26 December 2026 · 23:00–05:00
Rembrandtplein
Escape lists HouseRules on 25 December and Brainwash on 26 December. I recommend choosing by the music and DJs and booking through the correct date’s page.
Best for: For a city-centre Christmas club night
Standard online ticket €15 when checked; discounts and packages on the website
Venue policy: men 21+, women 18+. Discount tickets, standard admission and Dine & Dance are different products.
Programme announced
25 December 2026 · 23:00 to 05:00 the next day
Escape, Rembrandtplein
For dancing after Christmas dinner, Escape lists HouseRules on 25 December. This is a DJ-led club night in the centre.
Best for: Venue policy: men 21+, women 18+
Standard online ticket €15 when checked
Check ticket type and dress code. Early tickets, standard tickets and packages differ.
Programme announced
31 December 2026 · 21:00 to 06:00 the next day
Rembrandtplein
For welcoming 2027 on a city-centre dance floor, Escape has announced its New Year’s Eve party. Choose your ticket to match your arrival time.
Best for: Venue policy: men 21+, women 18+
Standard €85; selected time-restricted tickets €65 when checked
Before 22:00 and After 02:00 tickets have entry-time restrictions. Standard admission is a different ticket.
Programme announced
31 December 2026 · from 22:00
Paradiso, near Leidseplein
For familiar songs and a singalong with the dance floor, I suggest Paradiso’s 80s night, covering pop, disco, funk and decade favourites.
Best for: 18+; fans of 80s hits
€45.40 when checked
A dance party, not a concert by the original artists. Paradiso membership is not required for this event.
Programme announced
31 December 2026 · from 22:00
Westergas, west Amsterdam
For a night focused on DJs and electronic music, check the announced house, techno, disco and bass programme at Gashouder.
Best for: 18+; electronic music and dancing
From €44.95 when checked
Check the line-up and ticket type. This is a large-venue party, not a bar with guaranteed seating.
Programme announced
31 December 2026 · 20:00 to 07:00 the next day
AFAS Live, southeast Amsterdam
For techno lovers, I would include Teletech at AFAS Live: a long club night in a large venue, with music at the centre of the evening.
Best for: 18+; techno fans
Price depends on the day and ticket release
A separate event starts at 16:00 on 1 January. New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and combined tickets are different products.
Programme announced
31 December 2026 · from 21:00
Dam Square
For a festive hotel evening with snacks, champagne, a DJ and dancing, I would check Krasnapolsky opposite Dam Square.
Best for: Couples and friends looking for an elegant evening
€110 per person when checked
Advance booking required. The package includes a welcome glass of champagne and snacks; do not assume a full dinner or unlimited drinks.
Programme announced
31 December 2026 · from 22:00 according to DJGuide
Rembrandtplein
Prime is another place to check for dancing on Rembrandtplein. I found a 31 December listing on DJGuide, but the details still need confirmation from the club before booking.
Best for: For a central club night; admission rules require venue confirmation
Price not yet verified
Price, music, minimum age and closing time have not been verified with the club. Check the official Instagram as well as the listing.
Listed; awaiting confirmation from the club
This guide focuses on Amsterdam itself. Each event card links to its organiser or venue.
I would start with Museumplein’s Christmas market, add skating and a warm drink, and save the Light Festival or a party for the evening. For New Year’s Eve, choose your party in advance and check the ticket inclusions.
Sources: IJsbaan Amsterdam, Christmas Village, Sunday Market, Amsterdam Light Festival, Winterparadijs, Schaatsbaan Museumplein, Paradiso, Escape, Gashouder, AFAS Live and Grand Café Krasnapolsky. Original links are on the cards. Prime’s DJGuide listing remains unconfirmed by the club.
Venue and archive atmosphere photographs, not documentation of the 2026–2027 events. I amsterdam / Winterparadijs · Christmas Village · Museumplein skating / The Feed Factory · Darryl Adelaar / I amsterdam (ADE archive) · Unsplash contributors: Dmitrii E., Hector John Periquin, Ari Dinar, Yvette de Wit and Loris Boulinguez ·