Winter Festival Amsterdam 2026/2027
Your guide to Amsterdam in winter: the Amsterdam Light Festival, Christmas markets, ice skating, Winter Paradise and New Year’s Eve, from 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027.
See all winter eventsTickets & toursHighlights of Winter Festival Amsterdam
The three experiences most visitors book in advance. December weekends and the Christmas holidays sell out first.
Light up the night26 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027
Amsterdam Light Festival
See the light art from the water on a canal cruise, or walk the free route along the canals.
Cruises from €22.30
Most popular24 Oct 2026 – 16 Jan 2027
Ice Rink Museumplein
Skate in front of the Rijksmuseum, right next to the Christmas market.
From €16 incl. skates
Family favourite17 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027
Amsterdam Winter Paradise
Indoor winter fun at the RAI: ice rink, snow slides, fair rides and live shows.
From €25
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027
The 15th edition fills the city centre with light art by international artists, along the canals and in the streets. The route is free to explore, but most visitors see it from the water. Choose your way:
Most bookedCanal cruise
Glide past the artworks in a covered boat. Several companies, many departure times.
From €22.30
Private boat
Your own heated historic boat for up to 10 people, 75 minutes.
€375 per boat
Guided bike tour
1.5 hours with a local guide, hot chocolate and stroopwafel included.
€21.90 p.p.
Walking tour
Two hours on foot with a live guide, or explore the route at your own pace with the walk app.
Guided from €29 p.p.
What’s on in Amsterdam this winter
The key dates of the 2026/2027 season, month by month.
November 2026
- Ice Rink Museumplein, until 16 January
- Winter Market Leidseplein opens
- Ice rink Rembrandtplein opens
- Sinterklaas parade
- Amsterdam Light Festival starts
December 2026
January 2027
- What’s open on New Year’s Day
- Last day of Winter Paradise
- Leidseplein market and Rembrandtplein rink close
- Last day of Ice Rink Museumplein
- Last day of the Light Festival
Plan your winter in Amsterdam
Our guides to the best of Amsterdam in winter and at Christmas, updated for 2026/2027.
Christmas markets in Amsterdam
All markets with dates, opening hours and entry prices.
Christmas in Amsterdam
What to do from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.
Ice skating in Amsterdam
Every outdoor and indoor rink, with prices and skate rental.
New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam
Where to watch the fireworks, parties and practical tips.
Winter Festival map
All markets, rinks and light artworks on one map.
Top 5 winter activities
Short on time? Start with these five.
Where to stay during Winter Festival Amsterdam
Hotels fill up fast in December, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Pick your area by what you want to see:
- City centre and canal belt: on the Light Festival route and close to Dam Square.
- Museum Quarter: next to the Christmas market and the ice rink on Museumplein.
- Amsterdam South (RAI): within walking distance of Winter Paradise, with a fast metro into town.
More things to do in winter
Indoor ideas for cold or rainy days, and tips from our blog.
Frequently asked questions
What is Winter Festival Amsterdam?
Winter Festival Amsterdam is the guide to everything happening in Amsterdam in winter. We bring together the Christmas markets, the Amsterdam Light Festival, ice rinks, Winter Paradise, New Year’s Eve and other events in one place, with dates, opening hours and prices that we check every season.
When is Winter Festival Amsterdam 2026/2027?
The 2026/2027 winter season runs from 24 October 2026, when the ice rink on Museumplein opens, to 17 January 2027, the last day of the Amsterdam Light Festival. The busiest period is December, with the Christmas markets, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
When are the Christmas markets in Amsterdam?
The Winter Market on Leidseplein runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The Christmas Market on Museumplein is open from 3 to 27 December 2026. Smaller markets such as The Maker Market (19–23 December) and the Funky Xmas Market (20 December) last a few days.
Is the Amsterdam Light Festival free?
Yes, walking the light art route along the canals is free. A canal cruise along the artworks is paid; cruises start from €22.30. The 15th edition runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
Where can I go ice skating in Amsterdam?
The largest outdoor rink is on Museumplein in front of the Rijksmuseum (24 October 2026 – 16 January 2027, from €16 including skates). There is also a rink on Rembrandtplein (13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027) and an indoor rink at Winter Paradise in the RAI.
Is Amsterdam worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Winter is one of the most atmospheric times to visit, with the Light Festival on the canals, Christmas markets and ice skating in the city centre. Expect short days and temperatures around 2–7°C, so plan indoor options such as museums and book popular experiences in advance.
About Winter Festival Amsterdam
Winter Festival Amsterdam helps visitors from all over the world plan their winter trip to Amsterdam, in eight languages. We check dates, opening hours and prices with the organisers every season. Tickets, tours and hotels are offered through trusted partners such as Tiqets, GetYourGuide and Booking.com; when you book through our links we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Last updated: 4 November 2026