What’s On in Amsterdam (December 2026)

Looking for events and things to do in Amsterdam in December 2026?

Our hand-picked, curated guide for both visitors and locals lists dozens of ideas – from the Amsterdam Light Festival which illuminates the dark winter nights to funky Christmas markets, ice-skating rinks and atmospheric concerts/shows.

Our Top Amsterdam December Picks

Amsterdam Light Festival

15th edition of the ever-popular light installation event in Amsterdam runs from 26 Nov 2026 to 17 Jan 2027. Lights on daily in the evenings. Get up close to all 20 light works by taking a relaxing evening canal cruise. Book a Light Festival cruise

Amsterdam Winter Paradise

Get into the festive spirit with this winter-themed event featuring lots of cool activities, an immersive skating experience, a fairground and ferris wheel, live music and winter snacks/drinks. Great fun for groups, families and kids! At RAI Amsterdam every day, 17 Dec 2026 to 2 Jan 2027.

Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam (Dec 2026)

Browse upcoming shows in the concert calendar for Amsterdam

Sport in Amsterdam (Dec 2026)

View all upcoming events in the Amsterdam sports calendar

Football

Ajax vs FC Utrecht (Eredivisie)

6 Dec 2026 (14:30) – Johan Cruijff Arena Amsterdam
Check for tickets here

Ajax vs SC Cambuur (Eredivisie)

13 Dec 2026 (20:00) – Johan Cruijff Arena Amsterdam
Check for tickets here

Ajax vs Getafe (UEFA Conference League)

17 Dec 2026 (21:00) – Johan Cruijff Arena Amsterdam
Check for tickets here

ArenA Stadium tours

It is possible to take a classic stadium tour of the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. Book Johan Cruijff Arena Tour tickets here or upgrade to a VIP 2 hour guided tour here

Other Sports

Friday Night Skate

20km organised skate around the streets of Amsterdam held every Friday night (20:30, weather permitting) from Vondelpark Pavilion.

See the full annual sport calendar for Amsterdam

Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam (Dec 2026)

Boom Chicago

Great night out at the popular comedy and improv theatre show in English – with bar and table service. At the Rozentheater in Amsterdam, shows playing Tue-Sun. Book Boom Chicago tickets here

Amsterdam Magic Show

Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. Expected 1 Dec 2026.

Brad Williams

The American stand-up comedian plays his Tall Tales Tour show to De Meervaart Theater Amsterdam on 10 Dec 2026 (20:00).

Jimmy Carr

The prolific British comedian brings his Laugh Funny show to RAI Theater in Amsterdam on 13 Dec 2026 (19:00).

Holiday Season 2026 in Amsterdam / Netherlands

Museumplein Ice Rink – The iconic ice-skating rink on Amsterdam’s Museumplein is open daily from 24 Oct 2026 to 16 Jan 2027. Skate with the spectacular backdrop of the Rijksmuseum.

World Christmas Circus – Popular circus event held every Christmas holiday at Carré Theater in Amsterdam. The 40th edition runs 16 Dec 2026 to 3 Jan 2027.

Disney in Concert –  Greatest hits from Disney played by top artists accompanied by a large live orchestra. At Ziggo Dome on 20 Dec 2026 (15:00 and 19:00).

Holiday On Ice: Cinema of Dreams – Popular family show on ice at RAI Amsterdam with spectacular acts, dazzling costumes and the best skaters. Runs 23-27 Dec 2026.

The Nutcracker – Special children’s edition of the classical ballet with music from Tchaikovsky and dancers from the Ukrainian National Opera Ballet. Runs at RAI Amsterdam on 28 Dec 2026 (14:00).

Winter Station – The Dutch National Railway Museum in Utrecht is transformed to a winter theme with ice skating, lights and fun activities. Runs 19 Dec 2026 to 3 Jan 2027.

New Year’s Eve 2026/27 –  Amsterdam will host a light and electric firework show at Museumplein on 31 Dec 2026. Details of the event to be confirmed.

Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam (Dec 2026)

A Christmas Carol – Orange Theatre Company presents the classic Charles Dickens story, runs over 2-13 Dec 2026 at KIT Live in Amsterdam.

National Opera Ballet – Shows at the renowned venue in December 2026 are Cindarella (ballet) and Der fliegende Holländer (opera).

Concertgebouw – Highlights include Sir John Eliot Gardiner: A Christmas Story over Five Centuries on 7 Dec 2026, Christmas Classics at the Movies on 18 Dec 2026 and Holiday Concert with the Netherlands Philharmonic on 19/21 Dec 2026.

Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) – Amsterdam’s renowned theatre company performs shows in Dutch at the Stadsschouwburg theatre. Live English surtitles appear above the stage – generally on Thursday and Saturday night shows.

A Winter’s Tale – We Love Shakespeare Ensemble plays at Badhuistheater in Amsterdam on 15/16 Dec 2026.

English Reformed Church – Lunchtime concert at the Begijnhof performed by the Kimbolton School Choir on 18 Dec 2026 (13:00). Free entry

Museums & Exhibitions in Amsterdam (Dec 2026)

MOCO Museum – The acclaimed modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. Banksy: Laugh Now has a diverse selection of works from the anonymous British street artist. Reserve MOCO Museum ticket timeslots here or see our MOCO Museum guide here

STRAAT – A unique experience. The world’s biggest street art and graffiti museum in a 8,000m² warehouse at NDSM wharf and showcasing some 180 artworks, all made on-site. ART IS NOT A CRIME, Henry Chalfant: Capturing graffiti culture, NYC, 1977–1987, retrospective exhibition runs 9 Oct 2026 to 13 Mar 2027. Book STRAAT tickets here

Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s extensive collection is a must-see in Amsterdam. Willem de Kooning at work, landmark exhibition featuring about 120 works including drawings, paintings and sculptures. Document Netherlands: New Energy, photo exhibition by Kadir van Lohuizen on the energy transition around the North Sea. Both run 9 Oct 2026 to 17 Jan 2027. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here

Van Gogh Museum – Iconic museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. Whistler. Dandy and Disruptor, major retrospective exhibition of 19th century artist James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903) – in collaboration with Tate Britain and the Mesdag Collection in Den Haag. Runs 16 Oct 2026 to 10 Jan 2027. Book Van Gogh Museum ticket here

H’ART Museum – Chez Matisse, large-scale exhibition on Henri Matisse (1869–1954) in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou. More than 30 original Matisse artworks on show plus works from contemporaries and followers. Runs 3 Oct 2026 to 14 Feb 2027. Book H’ART Museum tickets here

Anne Frank House – The canal house on Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal where Anne Frank wrote her famous teenage wartime diary whilst hiding from German occupation.

Can’t find a ticket timeslot for the Anne Frank house? Why not instead book the Anne Frank & Jewish Quarter walking tour (2 hours) here

Stedelijk – Amsterdam’s main modern and contemporary art museum. Yayoi Kusama, landmark retrospective exhibition by the influential Japanese contemporary artist. Runs 12 Sep 2026 to 17 Jan 2027. Book Stedelijk tickets here

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam – DISCO: More Than Just Beats and Glitter, exhibition tribute to the iconic musical movement from the 1970s. Runs 10 Oct 2026 to 22 Aug 2027. Book Wereldmuseum tickets here

Rembrandt House – Visit the house where Rembrandt lived and worked. Experimental Urge, a look at artists from the 17th century until today who have taken an experimental approach to their art. Runs 25 Sep 2026 to 3 Jan 2027. Book Rembrandt House tickets here

Rembrandt’s Amsterdam Experience – A video art experience about the life of the famous painter and reconstruction of Rembrandt’s studio on Rozengracht. Book Rembrandt’s Amsterdam Experience tickets here 

Royal Palace – Visit the grand Royal Palace on Dam Square including the impressive Citizen’s Hall. Book Royal Palace tickets here

Stadsarchief – Amsterdam – A Work of Art. How Was The City Depicted in the 17th Century? Exhibition of cityscapes at the city’s archives. Runs 6 Nov 2026 to 7 Mar 2027.

Scheepvaartmuseum – National Maritime museum hosts Crimson Gilt, an installation by visual artist Vincent Ruijters based on the East Indiaman Amsterdam. On show 17 Sep 2026 to 21 Mar 2027. Book National Maritime Museum tickets here

FOAM Photography Museum – Nadav Kander, The Edge of Things, major solo exhibition of the internationally renowned photographer spanning 4 decades. Runs 18 Sep 2026 to 17 Feb 2027. Hailun Ma, Hometown, first major solo exhibition from the Chinese photographer. Runs 18 Sep 2026 to 20 Jan 2027. Book FOAM tickets here

Huis Marseille – Adolphe de Meyer, The Substance of a Venetian Dream, photos from the French-born American photographer from the early 20th century; Andrzej Steinbach, Hier, photos with minimalist-staged style from the German artist; Maya-Inés Touam, French-Algerian photographer All run 24 Oct 2026 to 7 Feb 2027.

EYE Filmmuseum – Ulrich Seidl – Über das Leben, die Liebe und den Tod, exhibition of works by the Austrian filmmaker, photographer and theatre-maker. Runs 19 Sep 2026 to 31 Jan 2027. Book EYE Film exhibition tickets here

De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – Queer Amsterdam, the Pink City major LGBT-themed exhibition. Runs 9 Jul 2026 to 4 Apr 2027.

Oude Kerk – Mire Lee, exhibition of sculptures and installations from the South-Korean visual artist. Runs 13 Nov 2026 to 7 Mar 2027.

Luther Museum – Vrij Denken: How the Ideas of Luther and Erasmus Changed the World, exhibition on free speech, authority and spirituality. Runs 28 Oct 2026 to 21 Mar 2027.

Nxt Museum – Pioneers of Media Art, The First Years of MonteVideo, exhibition looking back at the formative years of the first gallery dedicated to video art. Runs 12 Jun 2026 to 10 Jan 2027. Book Nxt Museum tickets here

Tot Zover – Mourning Traffic, installation of traffic signs at the Dutch funeral museum from 21 year old artist Anne Cappendijk about the unexpected death of her father. Runs 17 Sep 2026 to 21 Mar 2027. Book Tot Zover tickets here

OCSAM – Materialising Memories, exhibition of visual artist and designer Bevan Agyemang with sculptural clothing collections, textiles, installations and live performance. Runs 3 Sep 2026 to 27 Feb 2027. Sense of Belonging, first solo exhibition of Ghanaian-Dutch photographer Ebenezer Ackah exploring identity and belonging. Runs 15 Oct 2026 to 16 Jan 2027 at OCSAM Art Kitchen (YOAK).

Van Eesteren Museum – Van Stoep Tot Stoep, exhibition about the process of moving house. Runs 19 Sep to 20 Dec 2026.

ARCAM – Fact and Fiction in Elevated Landscapes, exhibition on how vertical greenery can be incorporated into cities. Runs 10 Oct 2026 to 7 Mar 2027.

Cobra Museum (Amstelveen) – Mette Sterre. The Manufacturing of Spirits and Other Mechanical Wonders and Pat Oleszko: Fool Disclosure, 2 solo exhibitions running 21 Nov 2026 to 4 Apr 2027.

Rijksmuseum Schiphol – Amsterdam airport hosts a small selection of works from the Rijksmuseum collection. The museum is located on Holland Boulevard (between Lounges 2 and 3 in non-Schengen departures) and is open 24 hours a day to passengers. Free entry

Attractions in Amsterdam

Amaze Amsterdam – An immersive 1 hour audio-visual experience spanning 3,000m² with 8 separate stages. Guaranteed to stimulates the senses – from intense, interactive to relaxing and chilled. Located in an old industrial nightclub in Amsterdam’s West Port district. Book Amaze Amsterdam tickets here

Body Worlds – Fascinating display of 200 human body ‘plastinate’ specimens at the venue on Damrak in central Amsterdam. The permanent exhibition is The Happiness Project and also includes an InBody scan. Book Body Worlds tickets here

House of Bols – Stimulate your senses at the Cocktail & Genever Experience – featuring the Lucas Bols brand, which has been making liqueurs in Amsterdam since 1575. Book House of Bols tickets here

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam – Get your celebrity fill by visiting the ever-popular wax work museum on Dam Square. Book Madame Tussauds Amsterdam tickets here

Amsterdam Dungeon – Interactive show featuring excellent actors and audience participation. Takes you through dark dungeon-themed rooms from Amsterdam’s murky past – scary but with a comic element. Book Amsterdam Dungeon tickets here

Heineken Experience – Take a guided tour around the historic Heineken brewery, one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions. Book Heineken Experience tickets here

The Upside Down Museum Amsterdam – Large interactive museum and Instagram/TikTok experience which includes optical illusions, upside-down rooms and super photogenic spaces. Book Upside Down Museum tickets here

WONDR Experience – An immersive experience in Amsterdam with 15 rooms including disco balls, a lifesize doll house and fluffy karaoke booths – lots of fun for both adults and children alike. Book WONDR tickets here

Amsterdam City Passes

If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in Amsterdam, consider one of these city passes:

Most museums + city transport	Includes attractions + tours
I amsterdam City Card	GO City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass
1/2/3/4/5 days	1/2/3/5 days
24 hours basis	calendar day basis
€67-€140	€79-€209
70 museums	30 attractions
includes GVB transport
Book here	Book here
I amsterdam City Card info	GO City Amsterdam Pass info

*both include canal cruise+bike rental; both exclude Anne Frank House & Van Gogh Museum

Other Events in Amsterdam / Netherlands

De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.

Market Events in Amsterdam

Christmas Village Market – Amsterdam’s Christmas market runs at Museumplein next to the ice skating rink. Dates TBA. Free entry

Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. At Park Frankendael on 20 Dec 2026 (11:00-17:00). Free entry

Sunday Market – Market events with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff at Westergas. 6 Dec 2026 (12:00-18:00) and Funky Xmas Market (date to be confirmed). Free entry

Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. 13 Dec 2026 (10:00-18:00). Free entry

IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 500 indoor stands. 12-13 Dec 2026 (09:00-16:30).

The Maker Market XL – Largest covered Christmas market event in Amsterdam featuring creative handmade products including jewelry, art from 150 sellers. Runs at the Centrale Markthal Amsterdam. 19-23 Dec 2026 (Sat 11:00-20:00/ Sun-Wed 11:00-17:00). Free entry

The AmsterdamTips.com What’s On in Amsterdam has been running monthly since 2008. Last updated 13 October 2026.

Disclaimer: While we make every effort to keep this listing up-to-date, events can always be cancelled or re-scheduled at short notice. Please double-check with the event organisers.

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

Continue planning with Amsterdam in January 2027 or see what happened earlier in Amsterdam in November 2026