20 Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam in December + the Best Restaurants

December in Amsterdam is a month full of magic. The city is illuminated by thousands of Christmas lights, there is an abundance of festive markets, and the smell of mulled wine hangs in the air. Here are 20 activities you can do in Amsterdam in December, along with recommendations for restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious dinner.

Visiting Christmas Markets

In December, Amsterdam is full of cozy Christmas markets where you can buy unique gifts and enjoy winter treats.

Dining Tip: Restaurant Moeders

A cozy place serving traditional Dutch dishes. Perfect for a warm meal after shopping.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Moscow Mule, White Russian

Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival continues in December, with the canals illuminated by beautiful works of light art.

Dining Tip: Restaurant De Kas

A special restaurant in a former greenhouse, serving fresh, seasonal dishes.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary

Ice Skating on Museumplein

The Museumplein is transformed into an ice rink where you can skate with a view of the Rijksmuseum.

Dining Tip: Brasserie van Baerle

An elegant brasserie near the Museumplein, where you can enjoy classic French cuisine.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Vodka Martini, Espresso Martini

Visit to the IJ-Hallen

The largest flea market in Europe, the IJ-Hallen, is perfect for finding vintage treasures and unique gifts.

Dining Tip: Pllek

A trendy restaurant on the IJ with a spectacular view and a versatile menu.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Moscow Mule, White Russian

Exploring the Canals with a Canal Cruise

A canal cruise through the canals in December is extra special with all the festive lights and decorations.

Dining Tip: Restaurant Jansz

An elegant restaurant on the Keizersgracht, ideal for a chic dinner after your canal cruise.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary

Winter Parade

Visit the Winter Parade for an evening full of theater, music, and food in a unique setting.

Dining Tip: Restaurant Café de Klos

Known for its delicious ribs and informal atmosphere, perfect for a hearty meal.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Screwdriver, Vodka Martini

Christmas Shopping in the Nine Streets

The Nine Streets are beautifully decorated in December and offer the perfect setting for Christmas shopping.

Dining Tip: Restaurant Bussia

A refined Italian restaurant in the Nine Streets, ideal for a luxurious dinner.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Espresso Martini, White Russian

Visit a Brown Café

Warm up in one of the many authentic brown cafés in the city, where the atmosphere is always cozy.

Dining Tip: Café ’t Smalle

A classic brown café in the Jordaan, perfect for experiencing Amsterdam’s gezelligheid.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Bloody Mary, Moscow Mule

Visit to the Stedelijk Museum

In December, you can enjoy both permanent and temporary exhibitions at the Stedelijk Museum.

Dining Tip: Rijks

Located next to the Rijksmuseum, this restaurant offers a menu inspired by Dutch cuisine.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Vodka Martini, Cosmopolitan

Walking through the Jordaan

Explore the atmospheric Jordaan with its narrow streets, unique shops and cozy cafes.

Dining Tip: Restaurant Daalder

A modern restaurant with a Michelin star, where you can enjoy a surprise menu.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Espresso Martini, White Russian

Sinterklaas Celebration

At the beginning of December, many Dutch people celebrate Sinterklaas, a festival full of traditions, treats and gezelligheid.

Dining Tip: De Silveren Spiegel

A historic restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Dutch dishes.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Screwdriver, Moscow Mule

Christmas Concert in the Concertgebouw

In December, the Concertgebouw offers an impressive program of Christmas concerts and classical music.

Dining Tip: Brasserie Keyzer

Located next to the Concertgebouw, ideal for dinner before or after the concert.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary

Winter Efteling

Take a day trip to the Winter Efteling, where the fairytale park is transformed into a winter wonderland.

Dining Tip: Restaurant Het Rijk van de Keizer

Located outside the center, this restaurant offers a unique setting and creative dishes.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Moscow Mule, White Russian

Visit to the Hortus Botanicus

The Hortus Botanicus is beautifully lit during the winter evenings, creating an enchanting experience.

Dining Tip: De Plantage

Located in a beautiful building near Artis, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse menu.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Vodka Martini, Bloody Mary

Christmas Lunch in an Inn

Enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch in one of the historic inns in Amsterdam.

Food Tip: In de Waag

Located in a medieval building on the Nieuwmarkt, this restaurant offers a special setting for a Christmas lunch.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Screwdriver, White Russian

Watching a Movie in De Hallen

Visit the FilmHallen in De Hallen and enjoy a movie in one of the most beautiful cinemas in the city.

Dining Tip: Kanarie Club

Located in De Hallen, offering an extensive menu with something for everyone.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan

Walking along the Amstel

Take a leisurely walk along the Amstel and enjoy the winter views over the water.

Dining Tip: De Ysbreeker

A historic café on the Amstel with a spacious terrace and a cozy atmosphere inside.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Bloody Mary, White Russian

Visit the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a place of historical importance and a visit in December can be particularly impressive.

Dining Tip: Restaurant D’Vijff Vlieghen

An iconic restaurant where you can dine in five connected 17th-century houses.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Vodka Martini, Screwdriver

Street Art Tour in the Jordaan

Discover the street art in the Jordaan during a walking tour past colorful murals and graffiti.

Dining Tip: Restaurant Breda

A modern restaurant with an innovative menu, located in the heart of the city.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan

Celebrating New Year’s Eve on Dam Square

End the year with a spectacular celebration on Dam Square, where fireworks and festivities make for an unforgettable evening.

Dining Tip: Restaurant The Duchess

A luxury restaurant in the center of Amsterdam, perfect for a special dinner to end the year.

Vodka Cocktail Suggestions: Espresso Martini, White Russian

December in Amsterdam offers an abundance of activities and culinary experiences, all wrapped in a festive atmosphere. Whether you like winter markets, cultural trips or just cozy dining, the city has something for everyone in this magical month!