December in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Events Calendar

Monthly calendar for Amsterdam with festivals, special events, concerts, cultural happenings, fairs, film & media arts, sports and entertainment. Exhibitions in museums and galleries are listed in the Exhibitions Calendar

eve of December 5

Sinterklaasavond

On 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.

November 30, 2023 - January 21, 2024

Amsterdam Light Festival

Walk or sail alongside light sculptures created by leading artists, beautifully illuminated buildings, bridges and boats and surprising light projections on buildings.

December 14-30, 2023

Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs

The Ultimate Winter Experience with an indoor and outdoor skating rink, toboggan (sledding), cross-country skiing, snowball fight, cinema, curling, Ferris wheel, carousel, Christmas market, theatre, après-ski, and more.

December 20, 2023 - January 7, 2024

World Christmas Circus

Traditional circus show in the famous Royal Theatre Carré, originally designed as a circus theatre, with acrobats, clowns and spectacular horse acts with dazzling jumps and somersaults on horseback.

December 25

Christmas Day   Eerste Kerstdag

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

Second Christmas Day   Tweede Kerstdag

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   Oud en Nieuw

Admire the fireworks and celebrate Oud en Nieuw (New Year's Eve) with the Amsterdammers. Or visit a NYE party or event in nearly every club, restaurant, bar or hotel.