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Amsterdam Christmas Markets 2024
Offering a range of independent festive markets taking place every week leading up to Christmas.
Amsterdam Christmas Markets 2024
The nights may be long and dark in winter, but you can always brighten up any day with a visit to a Christmas market in Amsterdam.
- Looking for the perfect Christmas stay in Amsterdam? Book the Banks Mansion Boutique Hotel, our reader’s choice hotel, rated “Superb” by guests close to the city’s gay bars and offering spacious rooms and delicious breakfast options.
Christmas in Amsterdam
- There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a Christmas market to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And Amsterdam has no shortage of seasonal shopping opportunities, with a range of independent festive markets taking place every week leading up to Christmas.
- From traditional Dickensian markets that aim to capture all the magic of a traditional Victorian Christmas to trendy food festivals inside old industrial buildings, there’s a Christmas market to suit everyone.
Where to stay?
- Christmas in Amsterdam is a busy affair, especially during the weekends so book your hotel early. Gay clubs, bars, shops and saunas are dotted across the city, particularly along streets in the city centre including Kerkstraat, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Warmoesstraat and around the red light district.
What are the dates for Amsterdam Christmas Markets?
- Awaitiing dates for the 2024 edition – Each market has different opening times, some just one weekend, some all month.
- Here are our top selection of Christmas markets and festive outings in Amsterdam for 2024.
Ice Village Museumplein
- Awaiting dates – Immerse yourself in the true Christmas spirit with many twinkling lights, festive music, gifts and treats on the Museumplein.
- Open daily at 12:00. Sip on mulled wine and stroll along the various booths to look for the perfect present for under the tree. Experience Christmas in this magical mini village, and indulge in a delicious ‘oliebol’! Play some human bowling in one of the most breath-taking (and not just because of the cold!) Christmas markets in Amsterdam.
- Ice Village Museumplein is best place to skate a few laps in front of the beautiful Rijksmuseum again, surrounded by cozy stalls with wintry refreshments.
- With an enviable location just off bustling Dam Square, the 238-room W Amsterdam is uniquely housed within two separate buildings with distinctive histories—a former bank and historic telephone exchange.
The Amsterdam Winter Paradise
- Awaiting dates – The RAI Amsterdam (Amsterdam Convention Centre) is transformed inside and out into the place for your Ultimate Winter Experience.
- Skate under a blanket of lights on the indoor and outdoor skating rink, discover the ultimate view of Amsterdam from the mega Ferris wheel or the high whirligig and slide from the tube slide on real snow! For the luxurious partygoers try the Hüttefest, a private chalet for 10 friends with the best view at Het Muziekpodium and a special bar so you don’t have to queue.
- Most popular catering establishments in the city temporarily open their doors here, including Ron Gastrobar, No Rules and Popov. Settle down at one of the wooden tables and make sure you don’t miss the evening program.
- For a fabulous, contemporary stay right along the canals, the 122-room Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is unbeatable.
Funky Xmas Market
- Awaiting Dates – Amsterdam’s famous monthly Sunday market, which highlights the work of local artists, fashion designers and creatives.
- Head to the Westergas to browse through a heap of handmade art and accessories, or simply sit back and enjoy the artsy atmosphere.
- The market celebrates with a special Sinterklaas edition – to celebrate the arrival of Sint-Nicolaas.
- The second edition is a little bit groovy with the special Funky Xmas Market.
- Westergas is a 30 minute taxi ride or 18 minute tram ride from Damn Square.
Attractions not to be missed
- The famous Dam Square and the flower market get a festive makeover for the season! Definitely worth a visit any time of the year, but especially during the Christmas period.
- Check out the top hotels closest to the square, the perfect base to explore the city.
Dam Square
- Every year in December there is traditionally a big Christmas tree on the Dam square. This 20-meter high tree stands in front of the Royal Palace and is decorated with 40,000 energy-efficient LED lights.
- Together with the beautifully illuminated Bijenkorf they form the symbol of all festive activities organized in the month of December in Amsterdam.
Flower Market
- Brighten up your day with a visit to Amsterdam’s famous floating Flower Market (known locally as the Bloemenmarkt). Rain or shine, this stretch of the Singel canal in the city centre is filled with the vibrant colours and fragrances of fresh flowers every Monday to Saturday – serving tourists and locals alike. Head home with tulip bulbs for your garden or plants for your home, as well as a fun selection of typically Dutch souvenirs.
- In December there are Christmas trees in all shapes and sizes for sale on the flower market. For the ultimate Christmas feeling there’s Christmas Palace, Amsterdam’s unique shop where the 365 days of the year is Christmas. Here you score easily a nice gift for under the tree.
- Stay close to the Christmas Markets, the flower markets and the gay bars at The Nobelman, a boutique hotel featuring breathaking rooms with unique design features! Our top choice in the city.
Markets beyond Amsterdam
While many of the busiest markets take place in Amsterdam itself, some of the more rewarding markets can be found slightly out of town in areas like Haarlem, Lelystad and Keukenhof.
Winter Village Stadshart Amstelveen
- Awaiting Dates – In Amstelveen, just south of Amsterdam, is a Christmas market worth travelling for. The city centre of Amstelveen transforms into the Winter Village, where children play on the ice, parents browse more 60 market stalls for handcrafted gifts, and family and friends gather.
Castle Christmas Fair
- Awaiting Dates – There is nothing so magical as Christmas – well, perhaps a Christmas market in a castle! At the Castle Christmas Fair in Heemskerk, just a 30-minute drive northwest of Amsterdam, you can take your family and friends on a real winter wonderland adventure, complete with fun workshops, market stalls hawking handmade goods, and, this year, a pack of alpacas.
Haarlem Christmas Market
- Awaiting Dates – A city of remarkable history and culture, Haarlem is home to historical monuments and some of the Netherlands’ best museums, art and shopping. Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam, head to the city for an unforgettable day out.
- One of the largest Christmas markets in the whole of the Netherlands, the Haarlem Christmas market is a must-see, must-do experience. As you wander through the hundreds of market stalls weaving throughout the city centre, the sounds of Christmas carols and the scent of holiday treats fill the air, making it hard to ever head home.
Don’t miss Sinterklaas
- Awaiting Dates – Every November, Sinterklaas travels from his home in Spain to the Netherlands, bringing presents and special treats for the children. The day after he arrives in the Netherlands, he traditionally takes part in a colourful parade through Amsterdam.
- The arrival festivities include a boat parade and horse parade through the city. Children line the route to wave at Sint and his friends, as traditional sweets rain down upon them.
- The Sinterklaas fun will then continue on a daily basis until the main celebration on 6 December.
Amsterdam Light Festival
- Awaiting Dates – Enjoy a beautiful experience this Winter at the annual Amsterdam Light Festival as the city is transformed into a living art gallery
Hotels in Amsterdam – Our editors top picks
Check out our editor’s shortlist of the best hotels close to the gay area in Amsterdam:
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Hotel Pulitzer is where we stay when
we visit Amsterdam, close to the gay bars.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Amsterdam Christmas Markets, Tour
Gay Map of Amsterdam
The Amsterdam gay scene is constantly changing with bars opening and closing all the time. The Regulierswarstraat has seen a resurgence of late with many new bars opening. The sex and cruising bars are close to Dam square.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2, 1012 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
De L'Europe Amsterdam offers luxurious accommodation along the Amstel River, in the heart of the city. This 5-star hotel includes a fitness area, spa and wellness facilities and a waterside terrace. Valet parking is available at an additional charge.
The guest rooms and suites blend a classic design, including a Carrara marble bathroom, with contemporary amenities such as Apple TV, A Bose surround sound system and motion detecting floor lighting. A nespresso machine
Vijzelstraat 4, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Overlooking the flower market, NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market is situated in the middle of the city centre, only 100 m from the Kalverstraat shopping area. NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market offers free WiFi throughout the hotel.
Each air-conditioned room at NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market features satellite TV, a work desk and tea and coffee making facilities.
Vijzelstraat 49, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Each room in the 4-star Albus Hotel Amsterdam City Centre has a flat-screen TV with a special guest communication portal. The and are a 3-minute walk away.
This environmentally friendly hotel with Green Key Gold certification offers 75 rooms, all equipped with a Nespresso® machine, design furniture and modern wooden floors. The completely renovated bathroom has luxurious soap amenities, a rain shower, a heated and lighted mirror, an automatic lightening system and a bathrobe.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24, 1012 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Built in the 17th century and therefore the oldest hotel of , the 5-star Doelen is a boutique style hotel located along the Amstel River. The renovated hotel offers luxury rooms and free WiFi. Dam Square is a 10-minute walk away.
All 81 rooms are stylishly furnished with modern amenities, including air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a drink from the minibar or make a cup of coffee or tea. Each room is also provided with a work desk and cable TV.
Prinsengracht 305, 1016 NM Amsterdam, Netherlands
This beautiful luxury apartment is located at one of the most desired locations in Amsterdam with canal view at the famous Prinsen Canal and nearly adjacent to the famous "9 Streets area". And features all amenities you would expect
Amstel 151, 1018 ET Amsterdam, Netherlands
Right in the heart of Amsterdam with views from the balcony of Amstel River. offering 2 bedrooms, a living room and a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and 2 bathrooms with a bath or shower and a washing machine. Free WiFi
Singel 95, 1012 SR Amsterdam, Netherlands
This 18th Century ground floor canal house with patio/garden is close to Royal Palace offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and offers river views.
Amstelveld 3, 1017 JD Amsterdam, Netherlands
This Amsterdam city centre luxurious canal apartment offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio with city views, free WiFi and a washing machine.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 311017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
A cosy lunchroom in the centre of Amsterdam, where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee, delicious pancakes and various sandwiches. Downtown also has a large and sunny terrace
Popular gay coffee bar with terrace
Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Very popular gay bar always packed, live DJs
Reguliersdwarsstraat 41, 1017 BK Amsterdam, Netherlands
A nice a friendly gay bar in the heart of Amsterdam with Drag Queens and Live Music
Spuistraat 109, 1012 SV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Colorful gay bar with a heated outdoor terrace for cocktails
Sint Jacobsstraat 6, 1012 NC Amsterdam, Netherlands
In The Web you are welcome as you are. In leather, rubber, latex, lycra or sportswear. Just in your jeans or naked is also allowed, of course.
Warmoesstraat 90, 1012 JH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Veteran 3-floor gay hangout for leather & denim-clad men with laser-lit dance floor & cruising area.
Warmoesstraat 86, 1012 JH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dirty Dicks is a cozy bar with darkroom on 2 floors. We have slings, cabins, glory holes, benches and much more.
Established in 1974, making it one of the oldest Gay and fetish minded Bar institution in Amsterdam
Kerkstraat 52, 1017 GM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Gay Cruise Club, with good music and a lot of cute guys.
Lijnbaansgracht 234-A, 1017 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Big and popular gay nightclub with themed nights
Reguliersdwarsstraat 44, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Fun gay bar! The crowd is younger (early 20s) rgular drag shows
Reguliersdwarsstraat 129, 1017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Hottest Black & White Gay Bar in Town popular with black guys
Reguliersdwarsstraat 48, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands
This is a new lesbian bar in Amsterdam that’s on the gay street
Reguliersdwarsstraat 36, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
SOHO has been the place to be for more then 2 decades. A LGBTQIA+ home that welcomes everyone. Whether you just want to have a drink or dance the night away, you'll always have a night you (can't) remember at SOHO!
Nieuwezijds Kolk 6, 1012 PV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Low-lit gay nightspot with cocktails, free condoms & a dark room for private encounters.
Amstel 178, 1017 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Smart Gay Cruise bar with pooltable
Reguliersdwarsstraat 45, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Taboo is a popular gaybar in the main gaystreet of Amsterdam. We serve coffee, cocktails and play music videos.
Damrak 61, 1012 LL Amsterdam, Netherlands
drake’s cruising is a popular award winning amsterdam cruising venue frequented by a mixed crowd. it has a spacious cruising area. it’s a popular and safe place where travellers and locals meet during the day and evening in a nightclub like atmosphere. there are free lockers and wifi.
Amstel 54, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
This is one of the oldest and trusted establishments in the Amsterdam gay scene, open to public since 1964 and formerly known as the Amstel Taveerne, this lively openminded bar close to Rembrandtplein got a full makeover in 2007, turning it into a modern video bar and getting his new name: AMSTEL FIFTY FOUR.
Amstel 50, 1017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Bar Fame is a cozy gay bar in Amsterdam! Come in, have fun, dance and sing-a-long!
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20, 1012 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Café de Jaren, open since 1990, is a bright and spacious café located in the centre of Amsterdam, between Muntplein and the Amsterdam Music Theatre on Waterlooplein. Inside, high-ceilinged spaces make an attractive setting for the bar and restaurant. And at the back, the first-floor balcony and sunny canal-side terrace on the Kloveniersburgwal offer views across the River Amstel.
Mixed
Utrechtsestraat 4, 1017 VN Amsterdam, Netherlands
The first and oldest Drag Show Bar in Amsterdam!
Halvemaansteeg 14, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Café Montmartre is the cosiest and most famous Gay Café in Amsterdam. Come by for a drink and experience it for yourself.
Zeedijk 63, 1012 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This small gay bar is the Oldest gay bar in Amsterdam and has been around since 1927
Zeedijk 20, 1012 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdams coziest bar, famous for the drag bingo, nice music, dragshows and great view
Kerkstraat 4, 1017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Cosy gaybar for locals and visitors welcomes you with good music, sexy and friendly atmosphere, darkroom, pooltable and more. Come as you are, play as you wish
Recommended Hotels in Amsterdam By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels Amsterdam that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
De l’Europe
5 Star – Central Location
- 5 Star, Waterside Terrace, Spa Facilities
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Carrara marble bathroom, Apple TV
- Classic design meets contemporary luxury, complete with fitness area, spa facilities, and a beautiful waterside terrace.
NH Collection Doelen
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5 Star, Amsterdam’s Oldest Hotel
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Stylish furnishings, modern amenities, air conditioning
- Nestled in a historic 17th-century building, offering stylishly furnished rooms with modern amenities in a central location.
Albus Hotel Amsterdam
4 Star – Great Amenities
- 4 Star, Environmentally Friendly, Green Key Gold
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Nespresso machine, rain shower
- Eco-friendly with modern rooms featuring Nespresso machines, rain showers, and an innovative air conditioning system.
Inntel Hotel
4 Star – Perfect Location
- 4 Star, Near Amsterdam Central Station
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Satellite TV, air-conditioned, modern decor
- Offers comfortable, modern rooms close to Central Station, with free Wi-Fi, and stylish bar.
Christmas Market Amsterdam
Highlights of the festivities in Christmas Market Amsterdam
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Amsterdam
Gay life in Amsterdam is woven into the fabric of the city, and there are several areas which are home to LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, each with a distinct vibe. The town welcomes gay travellers with open arms, offering a vibrant and inclusive cityscape filled with diverse nightlife, cultural treasures, and a rich history of acceptance and celebration.
Reguliersdwarsstraat | The Gay Street
Photo: Reguliersdwarsstraat is home to the city’s busiest gay bars with new additions every year.
- A vibrant street located just south of the Rembrandtplein is approximately a 10-minute walk from Dam Square.
- Reguliersdwarsstraat has a rich history of LGBTQ+ activism and was one of the first streets in Amsterdam to become known for its LGBTQ+ scene.
- The street hosts several parties during Amsterdam Pride and Kings Day.
- Find the best hotels close to Reguliersdwarsstraat.
- Discover the best things to see and do.
Amsterdam Centrum
Stay in the centre, close to Dam Square, Anne Frank House, & gay-popular Warmoesstraat part of the Red Light District.
Jordaan
Trendy, hip neighbourhood with charming streets, picturesque canals, boutique shops, art galleries, & cosy cafes
Amstel
Amstel area (Rembrandtplein) a famous square with bars, cafes, & restaurants, a 10-minute walk from the centre.
De Pijp
Bohemian neighbourhood, perfect for foodies, with international restaurants, cafes, & the famous Albert Cuyp Market.
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