Winter Wonderland: Festive Activities in Amsterdam
Experience the magic of Amsterdam during the winter season
Book Top Experiences and Tours in Amsterdam:
If youʻre booking your trip to Amsterdam last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!- Amsterdam: Half-Day Flower Fields and Keukenhof Bicycle Tour
- From Amsterdam: Bruges Guided Day Trip in English
- Amsterdam Small-Group Walking Tour
- Amsterdam Pass: Save up to 50% - Includes Rijksmuseum
- Amsterdam: Canal Cruise with Unlimited Cheese & Wine Option
1. Ice-skating at Museumplein
Enjoy the thrill of ice-skating at Museumplein, a picturesque square in Amsterdam. Lace up your skates and glide across the ice, surrounded by stunning views of iconic museums. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this activity guarantees fun for all ages. 
2. Visit Amsterdam Light Festival
Experience the magic of the Amsterdam Light Festival, where the city is transformed into a dazzling display of light art installations. Take a boat tour or stroll through the illuminated streets to admire the creative sculptures and captivating light projections. 
3. Indulge in Dutch Stroopwafels
Treat your taste buds to a real Dutch delight by trying stroopwafels, delicious caramel-filled waffle cookies. Warm up with a freshly made stroopwafel from local street vendors or visit one of the many specialty shops to take home this scrumptious snack. 
4. Go Ice Biking on the Canals
Experience a unique way of exploring Amsterdam's frozen canals by ice biking. These specially designed bikes with blades instead of wheels allow you to cycle effortlessly over the ice, enjoying the stunning winter scenery and the sense of adventure. 
5. Take a Winter Walk in Vondelpark
Put on your warmest coat and take a leisurely winter walk in Vondelpark, Amsterdam's most famous park. Enjoy the tranquility of nature, the crisp air, and perhaps even a snow-covered landscape if you're lucky. Don't forget to grab a hot chocolate from the park's cafe to keep warm. 
6. Marvel at the Amsterdam Illuminade
Join the Amsterdam Illuminade, a walking route that showcases artistic light installations during the winter season. Follow the trail through Amsterdam's charming neighborhoods and let the beautiful illuminations guide your way, creating a memorable and immersive experience. 
7. Experience a Dutch Winter Tradition: Oliebollen
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a traditional Dutch winter treat called oliebollen. These deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar are a must-try during the festive season. Find them at food stalls or bakeries throughout Amsterdam and savor the warm, gooey goodness. 
8. Witness the Amsterdam Canal Parade
Celebrate the winter season with the dazzling Amsterdam Canal Parade. Watch as beautifully lit boats sail through the city's famous canals, showcasing elaborate decorations and merry party-goers. Book a boat tour to join in on the excitement or find a cozy spot along the canal to spectate. 
9. Go Ice-Sledge Hockey at Ice*Amsterdam
Try your hand at ice-sledge hockey, a thrilling sport adapted for people with disabilities, at Ice*Amsterdam. This inclusive activity allows everyone to experience the joy of gliding on ice while having fun and supporting a good cause. 
10. Join a Guided Winter Bike Tour
Discover the charm of Amsterdam during wintertime by joining a guided winter bike tour. Bundle up and explore the city's stunning architecture, picturesque canals, and hidden gems while receiving fascinating insights and anecdotes from knowledgeable local guides. 
11. Take a Romantic Canal Cruise
Embark on a romantic canal cruise through Amsterdam's illuminated waterways. Cozy up with your loved one, savor a candlelit dinner, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city's winter wonderland. Treat yourselves to a memorable evening full of love and enchantment. 
12. Try Traditional Dutch Split Pea Soup
Warm up from the inside out with a bowl of piping hot traditional Dutch split pea soup, or erwtensoep, during your Amsterdam winter adventure. This hearty soup, loaded with vegetables, bacon, and smoked sausage, is a comforting Dutch delicacy often enjoyed during the colder months. 
13. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Dam Square
Join the lively crowd at Dam Square to ring in the New Year with a bang. Experience the spectacle of fireworks lighting up the Amsterdam skyline as you celebrate alongside locals and visitors. Make sure to bundle up and arrive early to secure a good spot for the festivities. 
14. Visit the Amsterdam Winter Parade
Step into a winter fairy tale at the Amsterdam Winter Parade, a festive event featuring entertainment, ice-skating, and an enchanting ice sculpture exhibition. Immerse yourself in this magical wonderland and create lasting memories with family and friends. 
15. Take a Canal Tour on a Heated Boat
Stay warm and comfortable as you explore Amsterdam's canals on a heated boat tour. Admire the city's architectural marvels and picturesque bridges while enjoying informative commentary about Amsterdam's history and culture. Sit back, relax, and let the heated boat keep you cozy. 
16. Join a Dutch Cheese Tasting
Indulge in a flavorful Dutch cheese tasting experience, discovering the rich variety of cheeses that the Netherlands has to offer. Learn about the cheese-making process, sample different types of Gouda and Edam, and pair them with local wines or beers for a truly delectable experience. 
17. Experience the Winter Magic at Artis Zoo
Visit Artis Zoo and experience the winter magic in a unique setting. Stroll through the beautifully decorated zoo, enjoy special animal encounters, and take part in educational programs designed to entertain and enlighten visitors of all ages. 
18. Join the Ice Sculpture Festival
Be amazed by the breathtaking ice sculptures that come to life at the Ice Sculpture Festival in Amsterdam. Marvel at the skill and artistry of international ice sculptors as they create a magical world of frozen masterpieces right before your eyes. 
