Winter is coming to the Netherlands and it is a magical season to visit Holland. Maybe December isn’t the first month that comes to mind when planning a trip to Europe but there are many reasons to visit Amsterdam in winter.
One of the most fun reasons is that you get to experience some amazing special days that are typical Dutch.
- Saint Nicholas aka “Sinterklaas” (Dutch version of Christmas)
- Christmas
- New Year's Eve
Keep reading to discover what these public holidays are all about and what to expect during the Dutch festive season.
Winter in Holland: what to expect
To keep things simple we'll consider the months of December, January, and February to be the winter months. That's the meteorological way of defining winter in the Northern Hemisphere. In astrological terms winter starts usually around 21 December. And that's all the theory for today. Let's focus on the fun stuff that you can do and see in winter in Amsterdam.
Is winter in the Netherlands snowy and icy?
There is always the possibility of snow and ice in winter, also in The Netherlands. But there is no guarantee. Dutch winter months are chilly and cold, often because of the wind, especially in coastal areas. The wind chill makes it feel colder than it is.
Many years ago when ‘climate change' were words not many had heard of, Dutch winters were more snowy and icy, but even back then there were winters with hardly any snow or ice. Nowadays, the time that ice skating tours like Elfstedentocht – Eleven Cities Ice Skating Event – took place is long behind us. The last edition of the ice skating tour took place in 1997.
Experience the Festive Season in Holland
December definitely is the season to be jolly, also in Holland. Yes, the Dutch celebrate Christmas – there are even 2 official days of Christmas: 1st Christmas Day on the 25th of December and 2nd Christmas Day on the 26th of December.
But there are more festive days taking place in December, the month that kicks off winter in Holland.
“Sinterklaas” (Dutch Christmas) in Amsterdam
On 5 December the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas aka Santa Claus), more or less a Dutch version of Christmas. As Sinterklaas is somewhat of a special day for kids, not everyone celebrates the festivities of Sinterklaas. Some choose only to celebrate Christmas and some celebrate both.
Sinterklaas is all about a saint arriving on a boat (packed with presents) from Spain to celebrate his birthday on 5 December. He and his helpers (all spotted with ashes & dirt because they go through chimneys to bring presents to the kids) arrive about three weeks in advance. From that day anxiety builds for kids, as they look forward to 5 December and can't wait to see what presents Sinterklaas brings them. In between the kids get small presents in their shoes (set by the fireplace or door at night), when they leave a drawing for Sinterklaas or some snacks for Sinterklaas' horse.
If you're heading to Holland to experience winter in Amsterdam, you'll see, hear, and will be able to taste the stuff that they have for the Sinterklaas holiday. For instance, you'll be able to see Sinterklaas and his helpers make appearances in shopping centres and stores from mid-November till 5 December. Or you can taste the spiced biscuits called “pepernoten” (little round ones) or “speculaas” (chunks). Plus you'll hear the Sinterklaas songs in heaps of stores.
Christmas in Amsterdam
As mentioned, in Holland they celebrate two days of Christmas: 25 and 26 December (both official public holidays). On the first day of Christmas (25 December) most Dutch people organise a dinner party for family. The day after many go out for dinner – beware: crowded restaurants – or have a dinner party with friends. Presents are given either on Christmas Eve or the first day of Christmas.
From 6 December all shops in Holland convert their stores to the Christmas season, meaning as soon as Saint Nicholas (“Sinterklaas”) has left the country. From then on it's time for Santa Claus. Christmas songs can be heard everywhere, like basically anywhere in the world.
If the weather gods are in a good mood it might be cold and frosty in Holland around Christmas time. It doesn't happen that often but if it does almost everyone will take their ice skates and head to lakes and canals for some ice skating. But luckily there are many artificial (smaller) ice rinks in cities like Amsterdam. Make sure you head over to an ice rink in Amsterdam, hire ice skates, and enjoy winter in Amsterdam like the Dutch do.
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam
Celebrating the new year in another country is always such a fun & interesting experience. So when you decide to top off your winter in Holland trip by celebrating New Year’s Eve there you’ll be in for a treat. A sweet treat.
The Dutch are famous for serving up hot & greasy yet delicious treats like “Oliebollen” (Dutch Doughnuts: round doughballs with raisins then fried in oil) and “Appelflappen” (apple slices covered with sugar & cinnamon then battered and fried in oil).
You can buy these sweet treats from vendors or food trucks you’ll come across in every Dutch town and city. And you’ll find them in supermarkets but buying them fresh from a food truck or vendor on the street is always better and tastier.
Expect lots of fireworks when celebrating New Year’s Eve in Holland. In big cities, there will be public fireworks shows but you’ll also see lots of people lighting up fireworks – throughout the Netherlands. It is allowed to light up fireworks in the streets of Holland. However, nowadays more and more people prefer that all towns and cities move to a firework ban and organise a public show.
How to save up to 50% on Amsterdam attractions
If being outdoors on a rainy or snowy day in Holland isn’t your thing, then no worries. There are so many amazing indoor things to do in Amsterdam. Our little secret to visit museums and attractions at a discount also works in winter. This means that you can save up to 50% on Amsterdam attractions, also in winter. Experience the most magical time of the year to visit Amsterdam at a lower price. Win-win. How to get the discount on Amsterdam attractions? Simple.
Get the GoCity Amsterdam Discount Pass to get a saving of up to 50% on popular attractions like museums, windmill trips and the famous Heineken or Bols experiences. One discount pass will give you access to heaps of amazing attractions and at a lower price than when buying the entrance tickets separately.
Things to do in Amsterdam in winter
In Amsterdam, the famous attractions and museums are usually open throughout December, so there is plenty to do and see. No matter the season, there is always heaps to do & see in Amsterdam. And these are some of the best things to do and most popular things to see.
Rijksmuseum
No matter the time of the year, the famous Rijksmuseum is a must-see. It's home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, the museum offers an unforgettable journey through Dutch art and history, all within its stunning neo-Gothic halls. Winter brings fewer crowds, letting you explore the exhibits in a quieter, more intimate setting, while the museum cafe serves seasonal treats to keep you warm. Plus, with Amsterdam’s Light Festival illuminating the city nearby, your visit to the Rijksmuseum can easily become part of a magical winter day in Amsterdam.
House of Bols Cocktail and Genever Experience
The House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience in Amsterdam is a spirited adventure into the world of cocktails, flavours, and Dutch distilling history. It all starts with a sensory exploration, where you dive into the essence of Lucas Bols, the world's oldest distilled spirit brand, dating back to 1575. You’ll wander through the beautifully designed ‘Hall of Taste,' where 42 vibrant Bols liqueurs and genevers await, ready to be sampled and sniffed. Each display is crafted to awaken your taste buds and spark curiosity as you uncover the subtle secrets behind each flavour.
In the immersive Genever Room, you’ll discover the roots of Dutch genever – the precursor to gin – and gain insight into how it evolved from a medicinal remedy to a cherished spirit. The experience then brings you to the dazzling Mirror Bar, where the real fun begins! Talented bartenders use your flavour profile to craft a cocktail that perfectly suits your palate, creating a custom drink just for you. And if you’re craving a deeper dive, you can join a hands-on cocktail workshop to learn the art of mixology from the pros and shake up your delicious creations.
Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or simply curious about Dutch spirits, the House of Bols offers a fresh, interactive, and flavorful experience that’s as educational as it is fun – an ideal way to savour Amsterdam’s liquid heritage! Get your tickets to the Bols Experience now.
Heineken Experience
An interactive tour through the world of Heineken beer. A tasty interactive tour that is. There are traditional exhibit-style elements where you’ll learn about Heineken’s history and brewing process, but many parts of the tour invite you to actively engage. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities like pouring the perfect pint, exploring multimedia displays, and trying sensory elements designed to immerse them in the sights, sounds, and smells of the brewing process. There’s even a simulation that lets you “become” a beer bottle moving along the production line, which adds a playful, memorable twist.
It’s designed to be engaging, so you’re not just observing but also experiencing the Heineken story with all your senses. It's an excellent choice to visit in winter, as the entire tour is indoors, providing a cosy escape from the chilly Amsterdam weather. Winter also means fewer crowds, making it a more relaxed experience. Get your Heineken tickets now.
Amsterdam Dungeon
The Amsterdam Dungeon offers an immersive journey into the city's darker historical periods, combining education with entertainment. Visitors can expect interactive shows featuring live actors, special effects, and detailed sets that bring to life tales of witch hunts, torture chambers, and the plague. The experience is designed to engage all senses, making history both accessible and memorable. It's suitable for those interested in a unique perspective on Amsterdam's past, blending humour and horror in a theatrical setting. Get your tickets now and skip the ticket office line.
Traditional Dutch Syrup Waffle-Making Workshop
If there is one sweet treat you must taste when visiting Amsterdam in winter, it’s a ‘stroopwafel’. It’s two golden thin soft waffles with gooey syrup in between them. Perfect with coffee or tea. Insider tip: put your syrup wafer aka ‘stroopwafel’ on top of your coffee cup or tea cup and let the beverage’s steam warm it up for a few minutes. Warm stroopwafels are the best. You can even make your stroopwafels at at Dutch Syrup Waffle Making Workshop.
A stroopwafel-making workshop is a perfect winter activity in Amsterdam. The cosy indoor setting, combined with the warmth of baking and the sweet scent of caramelized syrup, creates a welcoming escape from the chilly winter air. Plus, making and eating a freshly baked, gooey stroopwafel pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it all the more satisfying in colder weather. It’s a hands-on, heartwarming experience that gives you an authentic taste of Dutch culture while keeping you snug and entertained!
What are your travel plans this winter?
If travelling to the Netherlands is on your to-do list this winter, you’re in luck. December is the best month of winter to experience the festive season in the Netherlands. This article will be the start of your travel planning. If you require more info or have questions, just post it as a comment below. After all, I’m Dutch and I’m more than happy to share my travel secrets.
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