December weather: cold, damp and very short on daylight
| Amsterdam normals (Schiphol) | December |
|---|---|
| Average maximum temperature | 7°C |
| Average minimum temperature | 2°C |
| Rainfall | 82 mm |
| Sunshine | 58 hours |
Source: 1991-2020 normals from the Dutch meteorological institute (KNMI), Schiphol station. With 58 hours of sunshine in the whole month, this is the darkest month of the year. Frost is possible but snow rarely settles; the wind makes the cold feel sharper on the water. For the whole season, see Amsterdam in winter and the best time to visit Amsterdam.
Crowds and prices in December
December has average crowds: quiet at the start of the month, busier from the year-end school holidays, then very much in demand around New Year, when room prices climb sharply. Book early if you come between Christmas and 1 January. To choose a neighbourhood, see where to stay in Amsterdam.
December 2026 events
Saint Nicholas: Saturday 5 December
On the evening of 5 December (pakjesavond), Dutch families exchange their presents; the 6th is the religious feast day. This is the real children's festival in the Netherlands, far more than Christmas. Traditions and treats are in our Sinterklaas in Amsterdam guide.
Museumplein Christmas market: 3-27 December
The Christmas Village sets up between the Rijksmuseum and the Concertgebouw from 3 to 27 December 2026, with free entry. The tree on Dam Square is lit during the month; the 2026 date has not been announced. All the detail is in Christmas in Amsterdam.
Light Festival and ice rinks
The Amsterdam Light Festival lights the canals every evening until 17 January 2027; on 31 December the lights go out at 21:00. The Museumplein rink stays open until 16 January 2027, and the RAI Winterparadijs runs from 17 December 2026 to 2 January 2027.
Christmas concerts
The Concertgebouw programmes Christmas concerts and family matinees every year, including on 24 and 25 December. The 2026 programme is still changing: check the venue's website and book early, see the Concertgebouw page and our guide to concerts and shows in Amsterdam.
Friday 25 and Saturday 26 December: public holidays
25 and 26 December 2026 (Eerste and Tweede Kerstdag) are public holidays in the Netherlands: many shops and restaurants close or shorten their hours, and public transport runs on a Sunday pattern. The big museums are generally open, but check hours on their websites. On the 24th some businesses close earlier. The Nieuwe Kerk is closed on 25 December.
New Year's Eve, 31 December
Private fireworks are banned, but the city stages shows and parties are plentiful. Rules, venues and transport are in New Year in Amsterdam. Try oliebollen, the New Year doughnuts sold from stalls at year-end.
What to wear in December
- A warm coat and layers: 2°C on average in the morning.
- Hat, scarf and gloves, essential on a boat and on the rink (gloves are compulsory at the Museumplein).
- Waterproof shoes with good grip for damp bridges and cobbles.
- A raincoat; the wind turns umbrellas inside out.
The best things to do in December
- A Light Festival cruise: book ahead, see the festival page.
- The flower market for trees and decorations, see the flower market.
- Museums when it rains: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum; see what to do when it rains.
- With children: the rinks, the Winterparadijs and Amsterdam with children.
- Eating: see what to eat in Amsterdam.
December 2026 at a glance
| Date | Event | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Until 17 January 2027 | Amsterdam Light Festival | Every evening, 16:30 to 23:00 |
| 3 to 27 December | Museumplein Christmas market | Free entry |
| Saturday 5 December | Present evening (pakjesavond) | In families |
| 17 December to 2 January | RAI Winterparadijs | Closed on 31 December |
| Friday 25, Saturday 26 December | Public holidays | Shops closed or reduced hours |
| Thursday 31 December | New Year's Eve | Festival lights off from 21:00 |
Going further
December follows what to do in Amsterdam in November and leads to January, with Amsterdam in winter. For earlier months, see what to do in Amsterdam in October.
