Amsterdam Christmas Market

About

The Amsterdam Christmas Market at Rembrandtplein transforms one of the city's most vibrant squares into a magical winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive stalls, and holiday cheer. Kids will be enchanted by the cheerful atmosphere, from ice skating to meeting Santa, while parents can browse traditional Dutch crafts and seasonal treats. It's an authentic European Christmas experience that brings Dutch holiday traditions to life in the heart of Amsterdam.

What to Expect

Expect a bustling open-air market with dozens of wooden chalets selling Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, Dutch treats like oliebollen and stroopwafels, and warming glühwein (with hot chocolate for kids). The centerpiece is typically an ice skating rink where children can glide across the ice surrounded by festive lights and music. You'll find carnival rides suitable for younger children, live entertainment including carolers and musicians, and plenty of photo opportunities with Santa's grotto and festive decorations. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with a distinctly Dutch twist on traditional Christmas markets.

Highlights for Kids

• Ice skating on the festive outdoor rink surrounded by Christmas lights and music
• Meeting Sinterklaas or Santa Claus in his decorated grotto
• Trying traditional Dutch Christmas treats like mini pancakes (poffertjes), oliebollen (Dutch donuts), and hot chocolate with whipped cream
• Riding the carousel and small carnival rides decorated with holiday lights
• Watching street performers, choirs, and live entertainment throughout the square

Pro Tips for Families

1. Visit on a weekday evening if possible to avoid weekend crowds, and arrive before 6 PM when it's less packed but still beautifully lit up
2. Bring cash in euros as many smaller stalls don't accept cards; ATMs can have long queues during peak times
3. Dress kids in layers they can remove easily—markets can feel surprisingly warm when crowded despite cold outdoor temperatures, and skating will get them heated up
4. Book ice skating time slots in advance online during peak season (weekends and closer to Christmas) to avoid disappointment, and bring or rent gloves for skating

Best Time to Visit

Weekday late afternoons (4-6 PM) offer the best balance—arriving just before the lights come on creates magical atmosphere without the heaviest crowds. Late November and early December are less crowded than the week before Christmas. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when it's busiest, and Sunday afternoons when many Amsterdam families visit. If visiting on a weekend, arrive right when it opens (usually around noon) for easier skating access.

Food & Drinks

The market offers quintessentially Dutch holiday foods perfect for families: poffertjes (mini pancakes with powdered sugar), oliebollen (traditional Dutch fried dough balls), stroopwafels, fresh herring for adventurous eaters, and hearty erwtensoep (pea soup). Kids typically love the sweet treats and hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, while parents can enjoy glühwein (mulled wine) or warming beverages. Most food stalls have English menus or picture boards. Prices are reasonable at €3-7 per item. Bring napkins or wet wipes as finger foods can get messy, and watch out for hot beverages around small children in crowded areas.

Parking & Access

Rembrandtplein is in Amsterdam's city center and best reached by public transport—take tram lines 4, 14, or 24 to Rembrandtplein stop. Parking is extremely limited and expensive in central Amsterdam (€5-7 per hour), so consider using a Park & Ride facility on the outskirts and taking trams in. The market area is on a public square with cobblestones, which can be bumpy for strollers, though it's technically accessible. Consider using a baby carrier for very young children as crowds make stroller navigation challenging. The venue is about a 15-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station, or a quick tram ride. English signage is abundant throughout Amsterdam, making navigation easy for international visitors.