Taking over RAI Amsterdam each festive period, Amsterdam Winter Paradise is a magical seasonal event that enchants the city with its festive splendour. Transforming the venue into a winter wonderland, the event features a grand ice rink as its star attraction amidst a backdrop of dazzling lights and lively music, it one of the best Christmas Markets in Amsterdam.

Taking over the convention centre both inside and out, Amsterdam Winter Paradise also features a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city as it is layered in festivity, a carousel and cross-country skiing. The event also boasts a bustling Christmas market where you can shop for unique gifts and seasonal delights. Along with many activities for young and old that you can do with family, friends, or a date.

You can also indulge in a mouthwatering array of food and beverages ranging from traditional Dutch treats to international cuisines followed by a refreshing drink enjoyed at the apres-ski village. Amsterdam Winter Paradise takes the holiday cheer up a notch with its impressive attractions, ice skating rink, tube slide, Winter Cinema and even the iconic Coca-Cola truck. Learn more here.

One of the most spectacular Christmas markets in Amsterdam, Christmas Village is situated right at the heart of the city’s cultural hub of Museumplein. It is the most picturesque destination amidst a lively, cheerful atmosphere with the iconic Rijksmuseum as a backdrop and dazzling Christmas lights illuminating the iconic square.

Renowned as the largest Christmas market in the city, with over 45 wooden chalet stalls, Christmas Village draws locals and visitors alike to its lively stalls offering an array of delightful gifts, seasonal decorations and traditional Dutch treats. The scent of hot chocolate and mulled wine fills the air as you wander through the festive market and get immersed in the holiday spirit.

Previously, Christmas Village was also home to an expansive ice rink however, due to permit issues the ice rink will not be taking place this year. Nonetheless, the Christmas market is located right by the major museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, the Christmas Village at Museumplein makes it easy to combine sightseeing with some festive shopping and cheer.

Showcasing the city’s eclectic and creative spirit, the Funky Xmas Market is a standout seasonal event in the Dutch capital, taking place the first Sunday of every month. As an extension of the popular weekly Sunday Market at Westergasfabriek, Funky Xmas Market brings festive cheer to this creative park while celebrating music, art, design, and diverse cuisines.

Held at the iconic Westergasfabriek, a former industrial complex turned cultural haven, the Funky Xmas Market is an explosion of creativity and style. This trendy Christmas market in Amsterdam is home to over 100 stalls from local designers and artists showcasing their imaginative crafts from quirky jewellery and avant-garde fashion to unconventional home decor and artistic trinkets.

 The market buzzes with live music, DJs, entertainment and a festive atmosphere whilst food trucks and stalls offer a delightful array of culinary delights from gourmet snacks to festive treats. The Funky Xmas Market in Amsterdam truly encapsulates the city’s spirit of individuality and creativity making it a must-visit destination during the festive season.

A destination with a difference amongst Amsterdam Xmas markets, Pure Markt is a haven for those seeking an authentic and organic holiday experience. Taking over Park Frankendael, Pure Markt is a celebration of sustainability, quality, and community held in the city’s most important ecological park. Featuring over 90 vendors, the event offers an assortment of handcrafted, organic and locally sourced products with unique gifts and culinary delights for the holiday season.

Pure Markt is an idyllic setting adorned with seasonal decorations, cheerful carolers and a warm, inviting ambiance whilst vendors present an array of gourmet foods, artisanal beverages and handmade crafts. A market that promotes conscious consumption while spreading joy during the holidays, Pure Markt is arguably one of the world’s best eco-friendly festive celebrations.

Located just outside Amsterdam, the city centre of Haarlem will once again be transformed into the one of the best Christmas markets in close proximity to Amsterdam. This year’s Christmas market will have almost 350 stalls spread across 12 locations in the city center. The Schagchelstraat will again be transformed into the Street of Emma, ​​where you go back in time to a real 19th-century Christmas party and the Kleine Houtstraat completely in the style of the Middle Ages.

During the Christmas market there will be an extensive entertainment program, whilst being surrounded by twinkling lights, the smell of freshly baked treats, and the sound of Christmas carols playing from the speakers. Saturdays and Sundays are when this Christmas Market in Amsterdam is the liveliest with performances in the city centre, both indoors and outdoors. If you are looking to do some Christmas shopping with fewer crowds we recommend visiting on Friday.

It is also worth noting that several day tours operate from Amsterdam to Germany’s if you want to visit more Christmas Markets.

Related: Best Christmas Markets in Germany