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.
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, dates to be announced.
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. Book STRAAT tickets here
Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s extensive collection (including Rembrandt’s iconic Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. Willem de Kooning at work, landmark exhibition featuring about 120 works including drawings, paintings and sculptures. Runs 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.
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
Rembrandt House – Visit the house where Rembrandt lived and worked. 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
Allard Pierson – Set Design in Three Acts, exhibition on historical stage design which features the museum, the living room and the studio. Runs 30 Oct 2026 to 6 Apr 2027.
De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – Queer Amsterdam, the Pink City major LGBT-themed exhibition. Runs 9 Jul 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
Sport in Amsterdam (Dec 2026)
View all upcoming events in the Amsterdam sports calendar
Football
Ajax home fixtures at Johan Cruyff Arena Amsterdam:
to be announced
It is possible to take a classic stadium tour of the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. Book Johan Cruijff Arena Tour tickets here or book 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
Comedy and improv shows in English playing at Rozentheater on Rozengracht.
Amsterdam Magic Show
Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. Dates TBA.
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).
Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam (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.
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.
Holiday Season 2026 in Amsterdam / Netherlands
Museumplein Ice Rink – The iconic ice-skating rink on Amsterdam’s Museumplein is open daily from mid November 2026 to early February 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. Dates TBA.
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.
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 – Weekend market features creative handmade products including jewelry, art and live music. Runs in the covered passage of De Hallen Amsterdam. Dates TBA (11:00-17:00). Free entry
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam (Dec 2026)
Paris Paloma – 1 Dec, Paradiso
Joe Jackson – 1/2 Dec, Carré
Kensington – 3/4 Dec, Ziggo Dome – Check for Kensington tickets here
Beach Boys’ Best (cover band) – 19 Dec, Ziggo Dome
Browse upcoming shows in the concert calendar for Amsterdam
Amsterdam Info/Resources
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The AmsterdamTips.com What’s On in Amsterdam has been running monthly since 2008. Last updated 27 March 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.
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Continue planning with Amsterdam in January 2027 or see what happened earlier in Amsterdam in November 2026
