Amsterdam sparkles during Christmas with authentic Dutch holiday traditions and cozy wintertime charm. The city’s best seasonal experiences combine local culture with festive warmth. Walking tours stand out as the smartest way to explore – you’ll discover hidden decorations in narrow canal-side streets while learning about Dutch Christmas customs from passionate local guides. Small-group market visits are especially worthwhile, letting you sample traditional treats like oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) and warm glühwein without fighting crowds. For families or those with mobility needs, private guided tours offer flexibility and a more relaxed pace. Check out these top-rated Amsterdam Christmas experiences to make the most of your winter visit.
Key Points
- Explore Amsterdam’s festive charm on a Christmas walking tour, concluding with Glühwein or hot chocolate near Noordermarkt.
- Experience the enchanting Ice Village and festive atmosphere at the Museumplein Christmas market on a private guided tour.
- Customize a private tour with a local guide to discover Amsterdam’s holiday displays and enjoy warm beverages like hot chocolate or mulled wine.
- Venture to Cologne, Germany on a day trip to visit the renowned Christmas markets and explore the historic city.
- Accessibility features, flexible booking policies, and options for various group sizes make these Christmas experiences in Amsterdam convenient for all travelers.
Christmas Walking Tour in Amsterdam
On the Christmas Walking Tour in Amsterdam, participants embark on a festive exploration of the city’s iconic sights and charming holiday atmosphere.
This 4.8-rated tour accommodates up to 15 travelers and meets at Dam Square, where an orange umbrella marks the gathering point. The tour concludes near Noordermarkt, where guests enjoy a warming Glühwein or hot chocolate.
Wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as service animals, are welcome. Priced from $37.42 per person, the tour offers a flexible booking policy with free cancellation and a lowest price guarantee.
This Christmas experience provides a delightful way to take in Amsterdam’s yuletide charm.
Read our full review: Christmas Walking Tour in Amsterdam Review
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Amsterdam: Christmas Market Private Walking Tour
Enjoy the enchanting Christmas atmosphere of Amsterdam’s Museumplein on this private walking tour.
For 1.5 hours, you’ll explore the Ice Village and festive stalls, indulging in mulled wine and the joyful sounds of laughter and carols.
With a group size of up to 15 participants, you’ll experience the vibrant Christmas spirit firsthand, surrounded by the magical winter landscape and alluring scents of cinnamon.
The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all entrance fees.
Priced at $262.46 per group, this flexible and cancellable experience allows you to reserve now and pay later, ensuring a seamless holiday adventure.
Read our full review: Amsterdam: Christmas Market Private Walking Tour Review
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Amsterdam Christmas Tour With a Local Guide: Private & Custom
Explore the enchanting Christmas spirit of Amsterdam on this private and personalized tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
Choose from 2, 4, 6, or 8-hour options, with the suggested start time after dark for the best display. The tour includes a warm cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine, or soft drink per person.
Meet at the convenient Damrak location or have the guide pick you up at your hotel. This wheelchair and stroller-accessible tour is suitable for most travelers, with a 5-star review highlighting the exceptional guidance and company from the local host.
Prices start from $185.70 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Amsterdam Christmas Tour With a Local Guide: Private & Custom Review
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From Amsterdam: Cologne Christmas Market Day Tour
This tour offers a delightful opportunity to discover the enchanting Christmas markets of Cologne, one of Germany’s most vibrant and historic cities.
Priced at $166.92 per person, it’s a 12-hour journey from Amsterdam, with round-trip transportation in a private Mercedes-Benz minivan.
Highlights include a guided tour of Cologne Cathedral, sightseeing in the Old Town, and optional activities like shopping, visiting the Chocolate Museum, and a Rhine River cruise.
With free cancellation and the ability to reserve now and pay later, this tour is a convenient and flexible way to experience the magic of a Cologne Christmas market.
Read our full review: From Amsterdam: Cologne Christmas Market Day Tour Review
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Recap
The best Christmas experiences in Amsterdam offer a range of festive activities, from walking tours to private guided tours and day trips to nearby Christmas markets. These options provide visitors with a chance to enjoy the city’s holiday atmosphere, explore its charming streets, and discover the unique traditions and attractions that make Amsterdam a popular destination during the Christmas season.