The most wonderful time of the year is approaching again, and that means a city full of sparkling lights. In addition to the well-known Light Festival that once again adorns the canals and city at the end of November, the rest of the city also attracts plenty of attention with sparkling lights. From the Haarlemmerdijk to Utrechtsestraat and of course, the windows of the Bijenkorf: these are the most beautiful Christmas lights in Amsterdam.
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You will find the most beautiful Christmas lights in Amsterdam in these places
From August, the pepernoten were already on the shelves (you won’t hear us complaining!), and not much later, the Christmas decorations and lighting followed. An excellent addition to the city when the days are getting shorter and spending time on the couch is tempting. However, thanks to the twinkling lights, the outside world still beckons. In short, plan that walk because there is a lot of splendor to discover. Therefore, it’s time for an overview of the most beautiful Christmas lights in Amsterdam.
The Most Beautiful Christmas Decorations in Amsterdam
Utrechtsestraat
The Utrechtsestraat is the perfect destination for all your Christmas gifts, so why not head for this cozy street at the end of the day? In addition to chic shops (Smaak, Filippa K, Sissy Boy, and Zielinski & Rozen), Utrechtsestraat also offers numerous cozy bars and restaurants (Bar Babar, Brug 34, Café van Leeuwen) to admire the Christmas decorations with a glass of wine in hand.
Haarlemmerdijk, street, and square
The Haarlemmerdijk has received a major upgrade with many well-stocked (designer) vintage clothing stores, coffee shops, concept stores, and more. Walk down the street to Haarlemmerplein and finish your walk (or shopping session) with a delicious oliebol from the famous oliebollen stall on Haarlemmerplein.
Nieuwmarkt
The Nieuwmarkt is literally and figuratively a jack of all trades. It is the place to be during King’s Day, the Football World Cup,, and any other national celebration. It will not surprise you that this cozy square rings in the holidays with a good dose of Christmas lights. Sit down at De Fonteyn or Café Stevens to enjoy the view.
Even more beautiful Christmas lights in Amsterdam
Nine streets
Like the Utrechtsestraat, the Negen Straatjes are the perfect destination for Christmas shopping and a delicious lunch or coffee. Popular establishments such as Pluk, Ree 7, Chun, and Bussia will be found. Shops such as GANNI, Fabienne Chapot, Ko, Bij Ons Vintage, Rain Couture, Velour, and Fashian are also worth a visit while enjoying the most beautiful Christmas lights in Amsterdam.
Rembrandt Square
Rembrandt Square may be a tourist attraction, but it is very photogenic. Every year, you will find a modest Christmas market, an ice rink, and many decorated terraces with heating. It doesn’t get cozier than this.
Magere Brug
The Magere Brug is beautifully illuminated all year round, but it is just a bit more magical around the holidays. Expect additional artistic decorations from the end of November thanks to the Light Festival. Grab a spot at Eetcafé de Magere Brug for a spectacular view.
Even more beautiful Christmas lights in Amsterdam
The Beehive
Of course, Bijenkorf’s exuberant shop windows should be included on this list. The building’s lighting and the lavish shop windows shine at passers-by and set the tone for the holidays. And while you’re in the area, visit their exuberant Christmas department on the fifth floor…
Dam 1, Amsterdam, debijenkorf.nl
Beekwilder
The iconic Beekwilder on the Prins Hendrikkade(Amsterdam-Centrum) is moving to Diemen and is going all out one more time with many Christmas lights on their enormous building. Looking closely, you will read ‘BYE!’ in luminous letters on their facade.
Prins Hendrikkade 16-19, Amsterdam, beekwilder.com
Christmas tree on Dam Square
Finally, a not-to-be-missed classic: the Christmas tree on Dam Square. Meters high, imposing, and during December, perhaps the center of the city. You can’t get more Christmassy than this. And while you’re there, walk past the Bijenkorf and Beekwilder because then the party is complete.
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
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