Christmas and New Year in Amsterdam – It’s time for the merriest holiday of the year, t-mates! Have you had any decisions in mind on where to spend Christmas or the New Year? Europe is definitely never the wrong choice knowing its renowned magnificent and spectacular celebrations.
Take part in unique traditions, cycle through the city’s festivities, and enjoy extravagant fireworks in the midnight sky. Come visit Amsterdam for an unforgettable winter holiday experience!
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Regulations on Traveling to Amsterdam
Have a jollier and merrier holiday trip to Amsterdam! There are several travel conditions you need to know, however no need for the hassle, tiket.com has summarized the latest flight regulations to The Netherlands.
Participate in Amsterdam’s Merry Christmas Traditions
1. Sinterklaas Avond
Although this tradition might have already passed by the time this article is published, it still is one of Amsterdam’s jolliest Christmas traditions you must know. Sinterklaas Avond is annually celebrated at December 5th at the eve of St. Nicholas’ birthday.
Don’t get it wrong, t-mates, the Dutch considered Sinterklaas to be different, although similar to, from Santa Claus, whom they call Kerstman. Not only its physical features, but even down to the signature outfits as well.
On this eve, Sinterklaas is believed to journey to every children’s homes in The Netherlands to leave small gifts and treats. Usually, Dutch childrens filled their shoes with hay, carrots, or other treats for Sinterklaas’ horse. The next morning, those treats are then replaced with gifts.
Hence, if you brought your little ones on your holiday trip to Amsterdam, note this specific tradition to create an everlasting extra-jolly memory to your kids.
2. Midwinter Hoornblazen
Midwinter Hoornblazen or Midwinter Horn Blowing is another unique tradition you can find in Amsterdam. Huge handmade horns made of birch or alder sapling carvings are blown as a celebration to Advent and the birth of Christ.
The sound of the horns are blown through wells and can be heard from miles away. Several farms even correspond to each other’s horn calls. The horns can be blown through each day of the cultural celebration of Advent or only the beginning and last days.
3. Second Christmas
This one tradition is most exciting because there is double the jolly! Since most of the gift giving part is done during Sinterklaas Avond, December 25, although still a holiday, is usually the time for church duties and family gatherings for traditional Dutch meals.
The second Christmas day follows the day after, December 26. This time, families will usually do some festive and fun shoppings at the biggest stores around town while also visiting relatives and having separate meals with the other side of the family.
4. Dutch Christmas Delicacies
As common as it is a tradition to eat delicious meals during the holidays, doesn’t mean that it’s not as special! Scrumptious and extravagant cuisine of Gourmetten, a traditional Christmas grill, accompanied with vegetables, fruits, homemade breads, and sweet cookies and cakes are spread around the table for the whole family to enjoy.
However, you can always walk to the city centers to find street food delicacies you must simply try during your travels to The Netherlands’ capital city. There is Stamppot (mash pot) which is a soul’s comfort food that warms yourself during wintertime, Poffertjes is Dutch’s own take on sweet mini desserts, other cuisines such as Erwtensoep (pea soup), Rookworst (smoked sausage), and many more.
Where to Spend Christmas
1. City Tour
It is a wide-known fact that the Dutch love to travel by cycling. So, what better way to spend your Christmas in Amsterdam, the capital city, with a city tour of the most famous and iconic attractions. Not to mention the city is absolutely enticing with decorative Christmas lights, trees, and other colorful and sparkling decorations. It’s as if a fairytale storybook came to life!
Visit the beautiful and interactive Van Gogh Museum, vintage and magnificent Centraal Station, and the grand Christmas tree at Dam Square. You can also purchase an I Amsterdam City Card for access to over 70 world class museums, top attractions and activities as well as unlimited access to public transportation systems (bus, tram, and metro) if walking and cycling is not your favorite activity.
I Amsterdam City Card
Price: starts from 1,155,002 IDR*
Tour package includes: Admission to over 70 world class museums
Address: Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands (Google Maps)
2. Amsterdam Light Festival
Looking to find a rare experience in Amsterdam? Come see the Amsterdam Light Festival. This annual winter holiday event is where international artists come together to present shiny and sparkling artwork exhibitions, a modern spectacle in the center of culturally vintage city scenery.
Each year, new techniques and themes are introduced, providing a never-the-same experience to its visitors. These special light sculptures are presented in Amsterdam canals daily from 5 – 11 PM, from December 1 to January 22. You can enjoy the illuminating and colorful sparks by foot or via water cruise (only on New Year’s Eve).
3. Christmas Market
A holiday trip to Europe is incomplete without visiting jolly storybook Christmas markets! Iconic vintage backdrops, comforting mulled wine or locally produced beer, and fun ice-skating rinks are only a few of the reasons why you need to visit one in Amsterdam. Find trinkets as the perfect late Christmas gifts for your loved ones back home, or even the ones you’re traveling with.
Some Christmas markets worth noting are Amsterdam Winter Paradise, Funky Xmas Market, Ice*Village Amsterdam, Pure Markt Wintermarkt, Haarlem Christmas Market, and many more with each of them offering different curated festive items and attractions. There’s even one with a giant ferris wheel overlooking the city view of Amsterdam!
New Year Extravaganza in Amsterdam
1. Fireworks
Typical to European’s festive year-end holiday celebrations, Amsterdam welcomes the new year with extravagant displays of colorful fireworks in the starry night sky as the city’s most highlighted new year celebration.
The show can be seen from various positions and places all over Amsterdam. From rooftops, high-rise buildings, observatories, or even just the backyard of your accommodation. Visit Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt, Museumplein, Leidseplein, and Dam Square for the best fireworks, light, sound shows.
2. Parties
What is a new year celebration if there is no partying until the sun comes up? Come party like locals as you embrace the New Year’s Dance or De Nieuwjaarsdans Thuishaven tradition. Starting at 1 PM to wee hours, enjoy the perfect beat with featurings from the talents such as Benny Rodrigues, Carl Cox, and various other bands and DJs.
Other parties are also available across the city in various restaurants, pubs, hotels, and of course, clubs. Enjoy drinks from local beers to elegant champagne and hors d’oeuvres with performances from the finest DJs and musicians. There are lots to choose from, find which one is most interesting at the right channels on the internet.
3. New Year’s Dive
Hangover from last night’s party? Shake it off with a cool dive in Amsterdam waters. This tradition is called Nieuwjaarsduik where hundreds of Amsterdammers participate in an icy dip into the Sloterplas lake in West of Amsterdam and other locations.
Don’t worry of catching hypothermia, t-mates, because it will only last for a few seconds. After that, enjoy a cup of mulled wine, hot chocolate, and pea soup to warm your body and soul.
Winter Holiday Fun with tiket.com!
Ready to travel to Amsterdam for end-of-the-year holiday fun? Have a special Christmas and New Year trip in Amsterdam by booking the most stylish accommodation, the most exciting attractions, and the most comfortable flight at the tiket.com application for the most affordable prices and most choices now!
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*The information is valid at the time of writing. Prices and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.