December in Amsterdam - Weather and Event Guide

From Sinterklaasavond to New Year's Eve, the City Offers a Festive Holiday Scene

December Overview:

• Pros:
  
  
  • The city has a spirited feel during the holiday season, with lights twinkling all over streets and canals.
    
    
  • Amsterdam is a great place to do holiday shopping!
    
    
  • The cultural arts calendar includes special holiday performances.
• Cons:
  
  
  • December is Amsterdam's rainiest month.
    
    
  • As the shortest day of the year falls on December 21, there's more darkness than daylight this month in Amsterdam.
• Tips to Keep in Mind:
  
  • While this is not officially high season, low-season airfares and hotel rates may spike during the holidays.
    
    
  • Some museums and attractions may be closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and Tweede ("Second") Christmas Day (December 26). Others have shortened visitor's hours on December 31 (New Year's Eve).

December Weather:

• Temperatures & Rain:
  • Average high: 42°F (5.5°C)
    
    
  • Average low: 33°F (0.5°C)
    
    
  • Average precipitation: 3.3 in (84 mm)
    
    
  • On average, December is Amsterdam's wettest month. Don't forget your umbrella!
    
    
  • Although snow is unlikely in Amsterdam, temperatures hovering around freezing can feel bone-chilling in this marine climate (see "Packing Suggestions" below).
• Sunrise / Sunset:
  
  
  • December 1 - 8:27 a.m. / 4:32 p.m.
    
    
  • December 31 - 8:51 a.m. / 4:37 p.m.
    

December Packing Suggestions:

• Umbrella: December is Amsterdam's rainiest month. The weather is consistently inconsistent, so be prepared for rain, even if the sun is out when you start your day!
  
  
• Windproof, waterproof coat: See above.
  
  
• Warm clothing: A cold Amsterdam wind can cut right to your skin; I wear long underwear if I know I'm going to be out walking for a few hours. Think sweaters, a hat, a scarf and gloves. You can always shed if you're too warm.
  
  
• Comfortable walking shoes: These are always a must on Amsterdam's cobbled streets. Waterproof shoes are even better!
  
  
• Day bag/pack: You'll need something to hold your layers, among other things.

December Highlights:

• Festivals & Events:
  
  
  • International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
    Annual; two weeks in late November and early December (2007 dates: November 22-December 2
    More than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend one of the world's biggest documentary festivals, featuring more than 200 film screenings.
    
    
  • Sinterklaasavond
    Annual; eve of December 5
    On this night ("St. Nicholas Evening"), Dutch children place their shoes and boots by the fireplace in hopes that Sinterklaas will fill them with treats. Most Dutch celebrate on this day by exchanging gifts and enjoying family meals. See the Amsterdam in November guide to read about the much-anticipated arrival of this main holiday season figure.
    
    
  • Christmas Day
    Annual; December 25
    While Sinterklaasavond is the main celebration of the Dutch holiday season, more and more Dutch people are also celebrating and exchanging gifts on Christmas Day. Some businesses and attractions will be closed.
    
    
  • Tweede ('Second') Christmas Day
    Annual; December 26
    Also known as "Boxing Day" in other countries, the Dutch observe this day as a holiday. Some businesses and attractions will be closed.
    
    
  • New Year's Eve
    Annual; December 31
    Amsterdammers and visitors know how to party on what the Dutch call Oudjaarsdag ("Old Year's Day"), when they celebrate Oud en Nieuw ("Old and New," or New Year's Eve). Along with parties and celebrations in nearly every restaurant, bar or hotel, there are usually fireworks over the Amstel River.
• Dutch Holiday Season Traditions:
  
  
  • Holiday Events at Amsterdam Museums and Attractions
    Annual; throughout December (into early January)
    During this festive month, visitors can enjoy a range of special performances and events, including: Holiday concerts at the Concertgebouw and churches like Sint Nicolaaskerk; unique nativity scenes and stunning decorations at the Bijbels (Bible) Museum and Museum Amstelkring (the "Our Lord in the Attic" church also offers holiday masses); the World Christmas Circus at the Theater Carré; and even a holiday ride aboard the historic Museum Tram.
    
    
  • Christmas Markets and Events in Holland
    Annual; mid-to-late November (through December)
    Haarlem, only a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam, has a Christmas market in mid-December. Or perhaps you'll take a day trip to Het Loo palace in Appeldorn to see a former royal country residence decked for the holidays. Den Haag hosts an annual Christmas fair and the town of Gouda draws visitors for a candle-light tree-lighting ceremony. Journey farther south to Maastricht and the "Velvet Cave" in Valkenburg for two bigger Christmas markets that began in November.
    
    
  • Oliebollen & Poffertjes Stands
    Annual; mid-to-late November (through winter)
    Stalls selling these traditional fried doughnuts and small, puffy pancakes are everywhere this time of year (the smells are their best advertising). Wash them down with hot chocolate.
    
    
  • Ice-skating Rink at Leidseplein
    Annual; mid-to-late November (to January)
    Glide on ice under the glow of fairy lights and café signs.
    
    
  • Ice-skating Rink at Museumplein
    Annual; mid-to-late December (to March)
    Skate in the shadow of the Rijksmuseum, then stop for a break to enjoy hot chocolate and poffertjes.
• Spectator Sports:
  
  
  • Ajax Amsterdam Football Club
    Season runs late August - late April
    Spend a Sunday amongst frenzied fans of the famous Ajax Amsterdam voetbal (football) team. The local soccer heroes play in the impressive, modern ArenA south of the city.