Amsterdam sparkles during Christmas with practical delights that smart travelers won’t want to miss. The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms canals into floating art galleries, best experienced on an evening boat tour where you’ll stay warm while photographing the displays. At Ice Village Museumplein, the seasonal skating rink and winter market create an authentic Dutch holiday atmosphere. I especially recommend the private walking tours through the historic center – guides share insider stories about Dutch Christmas traditions while leading you to the coziest glühwein spots and local market stalls. The old town’s narrow lanes, dressed in twinkling lights, feel straight out of a postcard. Browse our selected Christmas experiences to make the most of Amsterdam’s festive season.
Good To Know
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Explore the festive Kölsch Christmas Market in Cologne via an air-conditioned tour with bottled water, WiFi, and accessibility features for groups up to 4 people.
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Experience the enchanting Amsterdam Light Festival by taking a cozy, heated boat tour with a variety of beverages and Dutch snacks.
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Capture the magical atmosphere of the Ice Village Museumplein through a private photoshoot with a local photographer, ensuring exclusivity and accessibility.
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Set out on a Christmas walking tour in Amsterdam, starting at Dam Square and ending at Westerstraat, while enjoying warm beverages and a cozy winter hat.
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Customize a private Amsterdam Christmas tour to suit your group’s interests, ranging from 2 to 8 hours, including strolling along canals and exploring Christmas markets.
Private Tour to Kölsch Christmas Market in Germany
This private tour takes visitors from Amsterdam to the charming Kölsch Christmas Market in Germany.
The tour is priced at $2,264.45 for a group of up to 4 people. It includes all fees, taxes, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and WiFi on board.
Pickups are available from a selected location, with the tour operating from October 14, 2022, to September 14, 2025.
The market is open Monday through Wednesday from 8 AM to 9 PM, and Thursday through Saturday from 8 AM to 10 PM.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infants can be accommodated.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience and opt for a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” option.
Read our full review: Private Tour to Kölsch Christmas Market in Germany Review
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Amsterdam Light Festival Christmas Tour With Drinks and Snacks
Visitors to Amsterdam can experience the city’s stunning Light Festival in a unique way through the Amsterdam Light Festival Christmas Tour with Drinks and Snacks.
This highly-rated tour (4.9 out of 5 stars from 413 reviews) takes guests on a closed, heated boat to admire the beautiful light displays. The tour includes a variety of beverages and Dutch snacks, though some guests have reported issues with the organization and quality of the offerings.
Read our full review: Amsterdam Light Festival Christmas Tour With Drinks and Snacks Review
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Christmas Market Photoshoot at Ice Village Museumplein
What better way to capture the magic of Amsterdam’s Christmas season than with a private photoshoot at the enchanting Ice Village Museumplein? This exclusive experience led by a local photographer promises edited high-quality digital photos delivered within 48 hours.
The meeting point is in front of the Museumshop Museumplein, where the photographer can be identified by their purple hat or lanyard. The activity is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps.
After the photoshoot, you will return to the meeting point. Confirmation is received at booking, and only your group will participate in this private activity.
Read our full review: Christmas Market Photoshoot at Ice Village Museumplein Review
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Christmas Walking Tour in Amsterdam
Exploring Amsterdam’s charming Christmas atmosphere becomes a delightful experience on this guided walking tour.
The tour starts at the iconic Dam Square and takes travelers to the festive Westerstraat near the Noordermarkt. Along the way, guests can enjoy warm beverages like mulled wine or hot chocolate and receive a cozy winter hat.
With a maximum group size of 15, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience. Accessibility features like wheelchair and stroller access, as well as service animal allowances, make this tour inclusive.
Priced at $37.74 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, providing flexibility for travelers.
Read our full review: Christmas Walking Tour in Amsterdam Review
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Amsterdam Christmas Tour With a Local Guide: Private & Custom
For those seeking a more personalized way to discover Amsterdam’s enchanting Christmas atmosphere, the Amsterdam Christmas Tour With a Local Guide: Private & Custom offers an unparalleled experience.
Guests can choose from 2, 4, 6, or 8-hour tours, which are customized to their group’s interests. The tour includes a stroll along the canals to admire the Amsterdam Light Festival, indulgence in festive Dutch treats and drinks, and the opportunity to explore Christmas markets for unique gifts.
With flexible meeting arrangements, the tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, making it accessible to most travelers. Priced from $186.49 per person, this tour has earned a 5.0 rating based on positive feedback about the knowledgeable local guide.
Read our full review: Amsterdam Christmas Tour With a Local Guide: Private & Custom Review
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The Sum Up
Amsterdam offers a variety of immersive Christmas experiences for visitors. From exploring the Kölsch Christmas Market in Germany to admiring the Amsterdam Light Festival, there’s something to delight everyone. Capture the festive spirit with a Christmas market photoshoot, or join a walking tour to discover the city’s holiday traditions. Whether you prefer a private guided tour or a custom experience, Amsterdam promises an unforgettable Christmas adventure.