Is everything open in Amsterdam at Christmas?

Not everything is open in Amsterdam at Christmas; December 25th (First Christmas Day) is very quiet, with many shops and some attractions closed. However, major museums (like the Rijksmuseum), many restaurants (requiring pre-booking), and canal cruises generally operate. Public transport runs on a Sunday schedule.

Is anything open in Amsterdam on Christmas Day?

Most shops, attractions and museums are closed on Christmas Day (25 Dec.) and on New Year's Day (1 Jan.). On other Christmas vacation days they are open during regular opening hours (which can be found on the individual websites). Most restaurants in Amsterdam are open on Christmas Eve (24 Dec.)

Is Amsterdam good to visit during Christmas?

From November to January, the city comes alive with twinkling lights, buzzing holiday markets, concerts, plays, and parties whilst the aroma of mulled wine and oliebollen wafts through the air. Here are our guides to Sinterklaas, Amsterdam Light Festival, Christmas and New Year's Eve in Amsterdam.

What day is everything closed in Amsterdam?

Traditionally, shops and markets are closed all day Sunday and Monday mornings. According to the law all shops in Amsterdam are allowed to be open every day from 6:00 (6am) to 22:00 (10pm). This also applies to Sundays and most public holidays. There are 3 days when all shops must be closed from 19:00 (7pm):

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. 

Amsterdam on Christmas Day 🇳🇱 | Is Anything Open?

Is 25 and 26 December a public holiday?

UK bank holidays between 2025 and 2026

There are two remaining bank holiday dates in 2025: 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day. 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day.

Are shops usually open on Christmas Day?

almost all stores will be shut on Christmas Day. Aldi, Lidl, M&S and most Waitrose shops will also close on Boxing Day. Other chains have reduced hours.

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.

When not to go to Amsterdam?

Best and worst times to visit Amsterdam. Dutch weather is very unpredictable all year around but generally speaking I don't recommend January or February because it's cold, dark and grey. And the chance of seeing snow is actually very small. It's just going to be windy and rainy.

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 3 days in Amsterdam too long?

No, 3 days in Amsterdam is not too long; it's often considered the perfect amount of time for a first visit, allowing you to see major highlights like museums and canals, explore different neighborhoods, and still have time to relax, though you'll need to plan efficiently if you want to fit in day trips. The city is compact and walkable, making it easy to experience its key attractions without feeling rushed, but a longer stay allows for a more leisurely pace or deeper exploration.
 

Is it worth going to Amsterdam for Christmas?

Should you find yourself in Amsterdam around the holidays, you'll see the streets lined with all manner of light and art displays, and many busy squares occupied by different holiday-themed events, festivals and markets.

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.
 

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.

Is Christmas a big deal in the Netherlands?

Since 1964, these have been official holidays for many Dutch people, with time off work for some. And just like in many other parts of the world, Christmas in the Netherlands is celebrated with family, often with gifts and, of course, some tasty food.

What do they call Santa Claus in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas came to be known as Sinterklaas: a tall and skinny man who wears a red garment, carries a scepter with him and has a bishop's hat on that resembles depictions of the historical Saint Nicholas. There are no flying sleighs, reindeers or mystical home in the North Pole for Sinterklaas.

What to do in the Netherlands during Christmas?

Fun things to do with kids during the Christmas holidays: 50+ tips throughout the Netherlands

• Royal Winter in The Hague. ...
• Disney On Ice in Utrecht. ...
• Winter Efteling. ...
• Winter in Artis: Artis in the dark. ...
• Floating ice rink Leiden. ...
• The Utrecht Winter Spectacle. ...
• Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival. ...
• Winter Station in the Railway Museum.

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.

Is 70k a good salary in Amsterdam?

The average income in the Netherlands is around €36,500 gross per year. This means that a salary of €70,000 is almost double the average income. It is therefore understandable that this is considered a high income.

Is it better to take cash or card to Amsterdam?

In the Netherlands, credit cards are not the most commonly used method for payments. In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them. Instead, payments are often made with debit cards. Please make sure to bring cash and ask personnel in advance whether you can pay by credit card.

Is everything closed on 25th December?

There will be no public transport on the 25th, most places will be closed, make sure you book somewhere to eat, mainly pubs, restaurants or hotels. All supermarkets will be closed, you may find a small shop open.

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 shops are allowed to open on Christmas Day?

Shops are responsible for determining if they meet the criteria to trade. Businesses permitted to trade include dairies, petrol stations, pharmacies, restaurants or cafes, hairdressers, and barbers. Farmers and crafts markets also fall into this category, provided they meet certain conditions.