December in Amsterdam

December facts

Great period of time to do holiday shopping. Many streets and canals are illuminated with lights.
The cultural arts calendar includes special holiday performances.
Sinterklaas in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam's rainiest month. Carry always an umbrella.
Olieballen & Poffertjes Stands -- Stalls selling these traditional fried doughnuts (olieballen) and small, puffy pancakes (poffertjes) are everywhere this time of year (the sweet smells are their best advertising). Wash them down with rich, Dutch hot chocolate.
Ice-skating rinks at Leidseplein, Museumplein (in front of the Rijksmuseum), and Buikslotermeerplein.

December Festivals & Events

eve of December 5 Sinterklaasavond On this night ("St. Nicholas Evening"), Dutch children place their shoes and boots by the fireplace in hopes that Sinterklaas will fill them with treats. Most Dutch celebrate on this day by exchanging gifts and enjoying family meals. Read more about the Sinterklaas story and tradition. website: www.sintinamsterdam.nl (Dutch)

December 8-11, 2011 Holiday on Ice Escape to a magical world of imagination and dreams in a fantastic ice spectacle, with sensational music, fabulous costumes and breathtaking choreography! website: www.holidayonice.com

December 8-12, 2011 \| 10th edition Miljonair Fair Amsterdam exclusive and prominent "Luxury Event" with art and antiques, cars and sports cars, yachts and boats, craft and design, watches and jewellery, home entertainment, sound & vision to travel, hotels and resorts. website: www.miljonairfair.nl

December 15, 2011-January 1, 2012 Nutcracker & Mouseking Dutch National Ballet, Het Muziektheater website: www.het-ballet.nl

December 25 Christmas Day While Sinterklaasavond is the main celebration of the Dutch holiday season, more and more Dutch people are also celebrating and exchanging gifts on Christmas Day. Some businesses and attractions will be closed.

December 26 Tweede ('Second') Christmas Day Also known as "Boxing Day" in other countries, the Dutch observe this day as a holiday. Some businesses and attractions will be closed.

December 31 New Year's Eve Amsterdammers and visitors know how to party on what the Dutch call Oudejaarsdag ("Old Year's Day"), when they celebrate Oud en Nieuw ("Old and New," or New Year's Eve). Along with parties and celebrations in nearly every restaurant, bar or hotel, there are usually fireworks over the Amstel River.

end August-end April Ajax Amsterdam Football Club Spend a Sunday amongst frenzied fans of the famous Ajax Amsterdam football team. Ajax plays in the impressive, modern ArenA south of the city. website: www.ajax.nl

Choose a specific month and find more events:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Festivals & Events

Temperature (in Dec)
Average high: 6°C 43°F
Average low: 2°C 36°F

Sunrise-Sunset (in Dec)
Dec 1: 8:27 am - 4:32 pm
Dec 31: 8:51 am - 4:37 pm

Zwarte Piet and Sinterklaas

The feast of St Nicholas is one of the most festive occasions of the year in Amsterdam and the rest of Holland. Read more on the Sinterklaas tradition

Skating

Ice-skating rinks in Amsterdam

Find out what exhibitions are organised when you will be in Amsterdam

Entrance tickets

Purchase tickets prior to the performance via Amsterdams Uitburo

Handling fee: €2,50 per ticket.

Practical information
parking tips, public transport, opening hours, bike rental ...

History, festivals and events, travel information, tips, facts and figures