Travel Tips

The Netherlands in December: Weather, festive eats, and things to do in Amsterdam

From the twinkling canals and cozy cafés to the festive Christmas markets and mouthwatering Dutch treats, the Netherlands in December is pure magic!

Searching for a European winter gem that looks straight out of a festive storybook scene?

Head to the Netherlands in December!

In Amsterdam, winter brings a slower rhythm to the capital city, with locals huddling in cosy cafés sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine. Yet there’s still plenty to do, with the city centre transforming into a winter wonderland, full of market stalls, ice rinks, and thousands of fairy lights.

If you’ve got your sights set on the Netherlands this December, read on. We’re sharing what to expect from the weather, what to do in Amsterdam, and the seasonal treats you absolutely must try!

In this article

Netherlands weather in December

The Netherlands’ weather in December is cold and crisp, yet the sheer number of festivities makes it one of the most charming and inviting months. With an average temperature of 3–7°C, frosty mornings are common, and you might even get a snow day.

The Netherlands in December is pretty dark and grey, with short days and early sunsets (around 4:30 pm). However, many Dutch cities illuminate the streets at night with fairy lights and lanterns, making for romantic evening strolls.

That being said, be sure to pack plenty of warm layers, including a thick winter coat, gloves, and scarves. December can be a bit drizzly, so bring a rain jacket and waterproof boots, too.

Best time for photos? The early-morning fog for moody landscape shots, or the sunset glow along the canals for romantic selfies.

Best things to do in Amsterdam in December

As the capital city, Amsterdam is full of festive fun and seasonal joy. Here are our top picks on things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in December:

Amsterdam Light Festival (late November–January)

Source: Shutterstock

Every winter, Amsterdam’s picturesque canals transform into an open-air art gallery with impressive (and thought-provoking) light installations.

Each year, the Amsterdam Light Festival has a theme, and in December 2025, its Legacy, with inspirational artwork asking “What do we leave behind?”

There are three ways to enjoy the festival — on foot, by bicycle, or on a heated canal boat. All include an audio tour or live guide so that you can learn the stories behind the installations.

Christmas Markets & Ice Skating

Amsterdam has various festive markets dotted around the city in December, but one of the most popular is the Museumplein Christmas Market. Here you’ll find a huge open-air ice rink and a charming Christmas village with 45 market stalls and food vendors.

Amsterdam Winter Paradise at RAI Amsterdam is another must-visit, which has everything from skating to rides to light shows. There is even a lively après-ski village with live music. It’s like Amsterdam’s version of London’s Winter Wonderland!

For even more festive magic, head 30 minutes out of the city centre to Winter Village Amstelveen. It’s where the locals head for some winter ice skating, as the ice rink here offers lessons and special events like disco skating.

Museums & Indoor Culture

When the chill sets in, head indoors to explore Amsterdam’s world-class museums. The Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank House are much quieter at this time of year, allowing you to explore Dutch art and history in a warm, peaceful atmosphere.

If you’re travelling with kids, be sure to check out NEMO Science Museum, which has some fantastic interactive activities.

Then, of course, there is no shortage of cute cafés along the canals where you can warm up with a hot drink or tuck into some Dutch comfort food. Locals refer to this as “gezellig” (the Dutch word for cosy togetherness), and it’s a favourite winter pastime in the Netherlands!

Winter food you must try in the Netherlands

From hearty stews to warm, sweet treats, there are many festive specialities you can try when visiting the Netherlands in December:

Oliebollen

Source: Shutterstock

These sugar-dusted doughnuts might look simple, but they are delicious, especially when they’re fresh and hot! They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and often filled with raisins, chopped apple, or candied citrus peel.

The Dutch eat Oliebollen on New Year’s Eve, but you’ll find oliebollen stands popping up throughout Amsterdam’s squares and at the Christmas markets from early December.

Stroopwafels & Poffertjes

One of the best foods in Amsterdam around Christmas is stroopwafels. These are thin waffles sandwiched with gooey caramel syrup. Luckily you can find them at all the markets and at many canal-side vendors, though you’ll probably smell them before you see them!

Equally popular are poffertjes (usually called Dutch pancakes. These bite-sized pancakes are dusted with butter and powdered sugar and go perfectly with hot chocolate!

Erwtensoep (Dutch split pea soup)

Known affectionately as snert, this thick, hearty soup is made from split peas, smoked sausage, and vegetables. It’s the ultimate comfort food on a cold day, and locals swear by it after ice skating or long winter walks. You’ll find it served at most traditional cafés (brown cafés).

Festive drinks

Warm drinks are essential during the cold Dutch winter. In the Netherlands in December, you’ll find many festive hot drinks in the cafés and Christmas markets, such as:

Hot chocolate, usually topped with whipped cream
Glühwein, the traditional German mulled wine
Bisschopswijn, the Dutch take on mulled wine, made with white wine instead of red and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus
Advocaat, a creamy egg-yolk-based liqueur similar to eggnog, which you eat with a spoon

Other festive cities in the Netherlands that are worth visiting

If you’re wondering how many days in Amsterdam is best, we recommend 4 days. However, if you have the time, it’s worth extending your trip a day or two longer to check out another Dutch city.

The following cities have just as much festive magic as Amsterdam, if not more:

1. Utrecht

Source: Shutterstock

Often described as a mini Amsterdam, Utrecht’s canals glow with soft lanterns in December, and the city’s museums put on art exhibitions, theatre performances, and other festive events.

2. The Hague (Den Haag)

This seaside city goes all out with its Royal Christmas Fair, where 80 wooden stalls line the historic streets near the royal palace. Locals describe it as the country’s’ most beautiful Christmas market! Plus, check out the breathtaking ice sculptures at the iconic Ice Sculpture Festival!

3. Rotterdam

Modern and creative, Rotterdam swaps traditional markets for art pop-ups, design fairs, and light installations that show off the city’s architectural edge.

Getting around the Netherlands

Being a small country, Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam are all just a short train ride from Amsterdam (15-30 minutes). The super-efficient Dutch trains (NS) make day trips super easy and affordable, with one-way tickets costing around €10-20 on the day.

Stay Connected while exploring the Netherlands this December

Whether you’re navigating Christmas markets, booking tickets to the light festival or checking train timetables to The Hague, reliable mobile data is key.

Instead of relying on patchy public Wi-Fi or risking roaming charges, grab a Holafly eSIM for Netherlands before you travel.

Activate it at the airport for instant connection, unlimited data, and strong coverage across every Dutch city for less than €4 a day—cheaper than a hot chocolate!

For more winter travel inspiration, follow Holafly on Google Discover.