December sees the start of the festive holiday season in Amsterdam – with Sinterklaas and then the run-up to Christmas and New Year.
Let’s take a curated look at what’s on in the city for visitors, locals and expats in December 2025.
Winter Highlights in Amsterdam (December 2025)
Amsterdam Winter Paradise – Get into the festive spirit with this winter-themed event featuring winter snacks and drinks, fun activities, live music, fairground and ferris wheel, light sculptures and an ice skating rink. Great for groups and children. At RAI Amsterdam every day, dated to be announced.
Amsterdam Light Festival – 14th edition of the popular light installation event in Amsterdam is running in December 2025 The best place to view the light works is from the water.
Museums, Exhibitions & Attractions in Amsterdam (December 2025)
STRAAT – A unique experience. The world’s biggest street art and graffiti museum in a 8,000 square metres warehouse at NDSM wharf and showcasing some 180 artworks, all made on-site. Book STRAAT tickets here
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
Nxt Museum – Dive into digital at the first “new media art” museum in the Netherlands which holds large-scale, multi-sensory immersive exhibitions. Book Nxt Museum tickets here
Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum’s rich collection (including Rembrandt’s Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here
Van Gogh Museum – Iconic museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. Book Van Gogh 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
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
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
Stedelijk – Amsterdam’s main modern and contemporary art museum. Book your Stedelijk tickets here
MOCO Museum – Go loco in MOCO! The acclaimed modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. Banksy: Laugh Now has a diverse selection of works from the anonymous British street artist. In addition MOCO Masters features the likes of Warhol, Basquiat and Koons. Book MOCO Museum 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
House of Bols – The Cocktail & Genever Experience about the Lucas Bols brand, which has been making liqueurs in Amsterdam since 1575. Book House of Bols tickets here
Body Worlds – Display of human body plastinate specimens at the permanent venue on Damrak. The exhibition focuses on happiness. Book Body Worlds 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
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo – One of the city’s premier visitor attractions – a magnificent zoo set in a large park in the picturesque Plantage area of the city. Book Artis Zoo tickets here
ARTIS Groote Museum – The fascinating new Groote Museum allows you to explore your place in the living world with beautifully presented installations and exhibits. Book Groote Museum tickets here
ARTIS Micropia – The world’s only museum dedicated to microbes and micro-organisms. Book Micropia tickets here
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
Amsterdam City Passes
These all inclusive passes may save you money on a well planned Amsterdam itinerary.
| 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 |
| €65/€90/€108/€123/€135 | €99/€119/€144/€194 |
| 70 museums + transport + canal cruise + bike rental | Over 25 attractions/tours + canal cruise + bike rental |
| excludes Anne Frank House / Van Gogh Museum / tours | excludes Anne Frank House / Van Gogh Museum / transport |
| Book here | Book here |
| I amsterdam City Card info | GO City Amsterdam Pass info |
Sport in Amsterdam and Netherlands (December 2025)
Football:
Ajax home fixtures at Johan Cruyff Arena Amsterdam:
2025/26 season fixtures 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
Inline Skating:
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
Amsterdam First Time Visitors
Here are a selection of activities particularly suited for a first visit to Amsterdam:
Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam (December 2025)
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.
Amsterdam Magic Show – Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam. Dates to be announced.
Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam (December 2025)
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) – Amsterdam’s renowned theatre company performs shows in Dutch which have live English surtitles above the stage – for Thursday night shows at the Stadsschouwburg theatre.
Holiday Season 2025 in Amsterdam and Netherlands
Sinterklaas (St Nicholas, patron saint of Amsterdam) is celebrated in the Netherlands on December 5th. In mid-November, Dutch TV shows him “arriving” by steamboat from Spain dressed in a red bishop’s robe and carrying a pastoral staff. Sinterklaas then parades through town on a horse accompanied by his helpers, the Pieten (Petes).
In the last few years there has been a growing controversy and debate about the depiction of the black Petes (zwarte Pieten) due to perceived racial/colonial overtones. Although many Dutch support the character, subtle changes in appearance have since been made by creating the ‘chimney-soot’ Petes (Schoorsteenpieten).
Dutch children put out a shoe next to the fireplace and receive small presents such as pepernoten spiced biscuits or chocolate letters (with the initial of their first name). If you are invited to a Dutch Sinterklaas party you will probably have to buy a present for at least one of the guests and perhaps write a personal poem to accompany the gift!
World Christmas Circus – Popular circus event held every Christmas holiday at Carré Theater in Amsterdam. Dates to be announced.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Large Christmas-themed musical show performed with various Dutch artists. Runs at Ziggo Dome on 21 Dec 2025.
Holiday On Ice: Horizons – Popular family show on ice at RAI Amsterdam. Runs 25-28 Dec 2025.
Winter Station – The Dutch National Railway Museum in Utrecht is transformed to a winter theme with ice skating, lights and fun activities. Dates to be announced.
New Year’s Eve 2025/26 – Despite a consumer ban on fireworks, Amsterdam will host a light and electric firework show, venues to be announced.
Other Events in Amsterdam and Netherlands
Ice*Amsterdam – Ice skating rink on Amsterdam’s Museumplein will be open daily in December 2025.
De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.
Amsterdam Dinner Cruise – 120 minute evening cruise around Amsterdam’s canals with a 4 course meal and drinks. Tickets and days are limited in number so please check Amsterdam Dinner Cruise availability here
Market Events in Amsterdam
Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. At Park Frankendael on 21 Dec 2025 (11:00-17:00). Free entry
Sunday Market – Market events with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff at Westergas. 7 Dec 2025 (12:00-18:00) and Funky Xmas Market on 21 Dec 2025 (12:00-18:00). Free entry
Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. 14 Dec 2025 (10:00-18:00). Free entry
IJ-Hallen – Large weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 400 stands. Dates to be announced
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 to be announced. Free entry
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam & Netherlands (December 2025)
Sabaton – 1 Dec, Ziggo Dome
Clutch – 11 Dec, Paradiso
Amsterdam Transport Passes
The following multi-day transport tickets can help you get to the various events in and around Amsterdam:
| Best Value & Validity | Best for AMS airport | Best for Excursions |
 |  |  |
| GVB Day/Multi-Day tickets | Amsterdam Travel Ticket | Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket |
| 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 days | 1/2/3 days | 1/2/3 days |
| €9.50-€42.50 | €18/€24/€30 | €21/€31.50/€40.50 |
| Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam | Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam | Valid on all GVB transport (trams/metro/buses) in Amsterdam |
| – | Valid between airport and city – train or 397 bus | Valid between airport and city – train or 397 bus |
| – | Valid on trains between any Amsterdam stations | Valid on regional NS trains + EBS/Connexxion/Arriva/R-NET buses in region |
| 24 hours basis | Calendar day basis | Calendar day basis |
| Digital + Card versions | Card only | Card only |
| Order here | Order here | Order here |
| more info | more info | more info |
The AmsterdamTips.com What’s On in Amsterdam has been running monthly since 2008. 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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