Are places open on Christmas Day in Amsterdam?

Yes, many places in Amsterdam, including major museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh), canal cruises, tourist restaurants, and some Christmas markets/ice rinks, are open on Christmas Day (December 25th), but with reduced hours and many smaller shops/supermarkets are closed, so expect a mix of open attractions and quiet local spots, requiring advance booking for dining.

What to do in Amsterdam during Christmas Day?

Admire the Dam Square Tree and De Bijenkorf Lights In December, Dam Square becomes the city's centerpiece for festive vibes. A massive Christmas tree stands tall in front of the Royal Palace and De Bijenkorf (department store) twinkles with thousands of lights. Visit just after sunset for the best photos!

Is Amsterdam worth visiting during Christmas?

Why You Should Visit Amsterdam for the Holidays While Amsterdam is beautiful all year round, December is an excellent time to visit- not only for the diminished crowds of tourists but also for the beloved celebration of Sinterklaas.

Do trains run on Christmas Day in Amsterdam?

On both Christmas days (December 25 and 26), trains will run on a Sunday schedule. There will be fewer bus, tram, and metro services too.

What do Dutch people do on Christmas Day?

Christmas Day in the Netherlands

Christmas is on December 25, but the Dutch refer to this as the First Day of Christmas. This is the day when families gather, have dinner together, and exchange presents. There is, however, no turkey, no fruitcake, or any complicated dish.

Amsterdam on Christmas Day 🇳🇱 | Is Anything Open?

What is allowed to open on Christmas Day?

On Christmas Day, small shops (under 280 sq meters), petrol stations, pharmacies, and businesses in airports/rail stations/motorway services, plus hospitality venues (restaurants, pubs, takeaways), are generally allowed to open in the UK, while large supermarkets and high-street stores (over 280 sq meters) must remain closed in England and Wales due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004. However, many smaller businesses and hospitality venues choose to close to give staff the holiday, so checking local times is always best. 

What is the most Christmassy town in the Netherlands?

Did you know that in 2025, Christmas Town Valkenburg received the award for Best Christmas Parade in Europe, Best Christmas Market in the Netherlands and placed 7th in the competition for European's Best Christmas Market.

What can I do on Christmas Day?

Christmas Day activities range from relaxing at home with movies, games, baking, and gift opening to getting out for winter walks, attending services, enjoying festive city tours (like London's lights), visiting historic homes decorated for the season, or catching a ballet like The Nutcracker. Volunteering, like helping at a community meal for the elderly, offers a meaningful alternative.
 

How to spend Christmas Day in Amsterdam?

Attractions open on Christmas day include Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, and spend some time in the famous Dam Square. Rest of evening free to enjoy the nightife of this unique city. Day 3 - A free day in Amsterdam centre.

Is the Amsterdam Zoo open on Christmas Day?

Monday to Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00

Art Zoo Museum is closed on December 25th (Christmas Day), January 1st (New Year's Day) and April 27th (King's Day). Art Zoo Museum is open on all other Dutch public holidays. For planning your visit, please check the available time slots.

Can you be open on Christmas Day?

While the majority of shops will be closed on Christmas Day, shoppers may notice some smaller stores still operating. Smaller shops in England and Wales, which measure up to 280 square metres, can open on any day of the year and at any hour, according to the law.

What do Dutch people eat on Christmas Day?

There is a festive Christmas spread for dinner. This starts with a popular Dutch Christmas starter, a shrimp cocktail. It is followed by the main course of mixed wild meat along with cheese fondues and vegetables. A traditional sweet treat is Kruidnoten, Dutch gingernut cookies prepared with ginger and sweet spices.

What is the most magical Christmas town in the world?

Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)

Often called the best Christmas town in the world. Village Inspiration: Snowy rooftops, log cabins, Santa's Workshop.

Is there a Christmas market in Amsterdam?

The Christmas Market is located at Museumplein in downtown Amsterdam. So combine a visit with a visit to the ice rink or one of the world-famous museums around the square. Below is a list of the museums and attractions close to the Christmas Market.

What do 3 x's mean in Amsterdam?

The "3 x" (XXX) in Amsterdam refers to three St. Andrew's Crosses on the city's coat of arms and flag, symbolizing its history as a fishing town and its connection to the patron saint of fishermen, with theories suggesting they represent valor, firmness, and mercy, or protection against fire, flood, and plague, though the most likely origin is linked to the noble Persijn family who owned land there, with the crosses also appearing on flags of nearby towns they owned.

What is the number one thing to do in Amsterdam?

Top Attractions in Amsterdam

• The Jordaan. 4.6. (11,948) ...
• Vondelpark. 4.5. (25,051) ...
• Heineken Experience. 4.2. (26,421) ...
• Our Lord in the Attic Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder. 4.7. (3,742) ...
• A'dam Lookout. 4.4. (5,635) ...
• Centraal Station. 4.3. (17,897) ...
• Body Worlds. 4.5. (5,731) ...
• Museum Het Rembrandthuis. 4.4. (7,121) Historic Sites.

What is normally open on Christmas Day?

Several national restaurant chains usually operate on Christmas Day, though hours vary by location. Commonly open options include Starbucks, McDonald's, IHOP, Waffle House, Dunkin', Denny's, Krispy Kreme and select fast-food chains. Many locations run shorter hours, so checking online before heading out is key.

What can people do on Christmas Day?

Here are some Christmas day activities that can be enjoyed as a family and help you to decompress from the Holiday rush!

• Bake a yummy treat. ...
• Build and decorate a Gingerbread House. ...
• Set up arts & crafts. ...
• Write Thank You cards. ...
• Play games. ...
• Go caroling. ...
• Eat your Christmas meal at a restaurant. ...
• Watch Holiday movies.

Will shops be closed on Christmas Day?

Yes, almost all major stores and supermarkets in the US and UK close on Christmas Day, including Walmart, Target, Costco, Tesco, and Aldi, but some smaller convenience stores, local shops, pharmacies, and restaurants might stay open with limited hours, so it's always best to check their specific holiday hours online.