TOP 7 Christmas Markets in Amsterdam and Around
After the colorful Christmas decorations light up the streets of Amsterdam, the Christmas spirit spreads to every corner of the city. De Bijenkorf turns on its lights. The Light Festival comes back to town. The Fountain on Museumplein turns into a huge ice rink again. And, of course, there are plenty of Christmas markets in Amsterdam and its surroundings that you just can’t miss.
Let’s look at the Christmas agenda for 2016 and start making plans for December!
Ice Village
Amsterdam
Alongside with the ice rink, Museumplein hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in Amsterdam. Ice Village sells all sorts of things, starting from street food and warm drinks to clothes, hand-made accessories and Christmas trees. Catch it on Museumplein between 17 and 30 December. And be ready for the crowds – last year, Ice Village gathered more than 60,000 visitors!
Scandinavian Christmas Market
Amsterdam
An exclusive chance to feel the Scandinavian Christmas spirit! While the winter in the Nordic countries is dark and long, Christmas makes it much better bringing extra light, warmth and joy. Expect a warm and cozy evening with heavenly cookies, delicious drinks and talks by the fireplace. The event is held at Muiderkerk on December 9 and 10.
Markets at Westergasfabriek
Amsterdam
Once the city’s gas plant, Westergasfabriek is now a home to a variety of bars, restaurants and clubs, as well as a place to host exhibitions, festivals and numerous other events. Don’t miss the special Christmas markets it can offer! Visit the Funky X-mas organized by Sunday Market on December 11 and join the NeighbourFood Market a week later.
Haarlem Christmas Market
Haarlem
Occupying the central Grote Markt square of the city, Haarlem Christmas market has a lot to offer, from decorations to festive food. And it’s only a short train ride from Amsterdam! Catch the event on the weekends of 10 and 11 December.
Castle Christmas Fair in Heemskerk
Heemskerk
Everyone wants a fairy tale Christmas. A sure way to have one is to celebrate it in a castle. Catch the Christmas Fair in Heemskerk between 8 and 11 December and have a great time on the grounds of an old historical castle. In addition to food and drinks, the fair offers a chance to buy exclusive Christmas gifts and enjoy a couple of live performances.
Christmas Fair at Keukenhof
Lisse
Tulip garden is not the only thing Keukenhof is famous for. One of the biggest Christmas markets in the Netherlands takes place there, offering plenty of delicious food and drinks as well as a wide range of entertainments and performances. Visit Keukenhof Castle between 8 and 11 December to join the fun!
Midwinterfeest Graft-Der Rijp
Alkmaar
Christmas magic is in the air, and it seems like everything is possible, even time traveling. Due to Midwinterfeest Graft-De Rijp, that is not so far from the truth. For the weekend of 10-11 December, the city of Alkmaar turns into an old Christmas village from the 1900s. Join it for local delicacies, exclusive hand-made gifts, live performances and a unique atmosphere.
Do you know a couple of other Christmas markets in Amsterdam or its surroundings that we haven’t mentioned about? Feel free to contact us about it or leave a comment below the article!
We wish you a merry Christmas!
And if you want something even more unusual, book your tickets for the full-day tour to Cologne Christmas markets!
