Seek and find
The most wonderful time of the year has arrived: the holidays, and of course, the Christmas holidays are a must! Amsterdam is buzzing with activities for children, and there's plenty to do to make the holidays unforgettable. From strolling through atmospheric Christmas markets and experiencing the magic of ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo in the dark to an afternoon of ice skating—hopefully on natural ice, but if not, the ice rink at Museumplein is a must-do. And on a cold day? Curl up on the couch at home with kid-friendly Christmas films and hot chocolate. Plenty of inspiration for a cozy Christmas break with the whole family!
Artis © Your Little Black Book
50+ tips for fun things to do with children during the Christmas holidays in Amsterdam
Winter at Artis: Artis in the dark & more
Those of you who have been following me for a while know that we're often at ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo. We've had a season ticket since my son was a toddler, and even now that he's getting older, it remains one of his favorite outings. I love seeing it all: being able to read all the signs myself, going on an adventure in Micropia, and exploring the Groote Museum for the first time. This Christmas break, Winter at ARTIS is all about darkness, and there's plenty to experience for all ages. What you don't want to miss with the kids? I've listed the highlights below:
- Visit ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo in the dark: This tip is truly special! During special evening openings in December and January, ARTIS stays open until 10:30 PM. As soon as the sun sets, the park transforms into the darkest place in Amsterdam. Wander through the park together and experience the darkness with all your senses. With a little luck, you'll spot stars in the sky or animals that are active at night. Exciting and educational for the whole family! The evening openings are on: December 20, 21, 27, and 28, 2025, and January 2, 3, and 4, 2026. More info & tickets >>
- Dark Treasure Hunt: Until January 4th, you can take part in this unique treasure hunt every day in collaboration with Quest Junior. As you stroll through ARTIS, you'll discover surprising facts about the biological clocks of animals and plants and learn why day and night are so important. Extra fun for kids: anyone who completes the entire treasure hunt will receive a fun surprise from Quest Junior. More info >>
- Winter tour of ARTIS: You might have been to ARTIS many times, but have you ever taken a guided tour? During the Christmas holidays, there are daily tours dedicated to the seasons at ARTIS. A wonderful way to discover the park in a new way and learn a lot. More info >>
- Just opened: The iconic Kerbert Terrace has been given a new lease of life. The former lion enclosure has been completely restored and is now part of a larger habitat for endangered species from Madagascar. During the Christmas holidays, you can see with your own eyes how lemurs, such as ring-tailed lemurs and red ruffed lemurs, gradually settle in and learn more about the island's unique biodiversity.
- Also fun: learn all about elephant pregnancy. At the elephant plaza, volunteers will explain the Asian elephant's pregnancy. Learn how long an elephant's pregnancy lasts, how a calf develops, and the special care involved.
- Wonder of Light on Christmas Eve at ARTIS: How unique is this? You can visit ARTIS on Christmas Eve with a special show in the Planetarium. Travel through the universe and discover the astronomical reason for our holidays. The evening concludes with a walk through the darkened ARTIS. How magical! More info & tickets >>
Dark in ARTIS © ARTIS
Funky Xmas Market – Sunday Market Christmas Market
This Christmas market remains an annual favorite! This year, the special Funky Xmas edition of the Sunday Market will take place again at the Westergas site. With numerous stalls offering delicious artisanal products to take home or enjoy, and plenty of places to enjoy drinks with friends. There are also stalls for gift shopping, from jewelry to items for kids.
Date: December 21, 2025
Times: 12:00 – 17:00
<strong> More info: </strong> sundaymarket.nl
Winter Market – Pure Market Christmas Market
This Sunday market in Amsterdam, just like the Funky Xmas Market, always remains one of my favorites. The last edition this year will take place in Park Frankendael on Sunday, December 21st. Perfect for a fun time with friends just before Christmas. To have drinks or pick up some tasty treats for the visitors who will be visiting this Christmas. During this edition, there are again many stalls and of course the long swinging bench where you can sit comfortably, watch the people and enjoy a bite to eat! Just like the Sunday Market, this will be one of the Christmas markets in Amsterdam not to miss in 2025. Kids can have fun on the swing carousel during this Christmas market.
Date: December 21, 2025
<strong> More info: </strong> puremarkt.nl
Ice skating on the Museumplein
During the Christmas holidays, Museumplein is transformed into a winter wonderland with a large ice rink. Kids can even take skating lessons during the Christmas holidays (read all about it hereChildren can rent skates and enjoy hot chocolate with whipped cream. In the evening, it's even more magical with the twinkling lights around the rink. After skating, stroll through the charming Christmas market, also located on Museumplein. When: Until February 6, 2026.
| TIP: Check out all the tips for ice skating rinks in Amsterdam this year >>
Museumplein Ice Rink © Your Little Black Book
Go on a treasure hunt in the Palace on Dam Square
In the Royal Palace There's plenty to do for children and (grand)parents during the Christmas holidays, thanks to special audio tours. For younger children, there's the Prince Louis treasure hunt. For older children, there's an exciting search for the stolen peace branch. Extra fun: Admission including audio tour is free for children up to 18 years old.
Prince Louis (ages 5-8): Children are guided on this tour by Prince Louis, son of King Louis Napoleon. He tells them about the building and how his father transformed Amsterdam City Hall into a palace in 1808. Each child also participates in a sticker scavenger hunt with this audio tour.
Jacob's Adventure (ages 9-12): This interactive audio tour takes you back 350 years. Something terrible has happened… the peace branch has been stolen! Who did it and why? Join Jacob on this adventure. Along the way, you'll discover all sorts of things about the building's art and history.
| TIP: Go at the end of the day and admire the Christmas tree lights on Dam Square afterward!
Christmas tree on Dam Square © Your Little Black Book
The World Christmas Circus
The World Christmas Circus At the Royal Theatre Carré, a Christmas tradition is a household favorite! We've been kicking off the Christmas holidays with it on Friday afternoons for years. It's such a fun outing during the holidays, and there are plenty of playdates available. Enjoy it with the whole family or as a duo date with one of the kids for plenty of quality time. Tickets go fast, so be sure to book early. It's also perfect for planning after the holidays for a magical end to the holidays. Dates: December 17, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
The World Christmas Circus © Your Little Black Book
the Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city into a magical spectacle of light every year. Until mid-January, you can enjoy impressive light art throughout the city. Choose a walking route or enjoy the magic from the water during a guided tour. boat tour with open or closed boatsIt's also fun to walk part of the route with kids, as 6,5 kilometers might be a bit much. You'll find, though, that children really enjoy spotting the next installation. Prefer to play it safe? Then book an early evening canal cruise for a kid-friendly adventure through the canals! When: Until January 18, 2026. More info & tickets >>
Amsterdam Light Festival © Your Little Black Book
| TIP: Want a last-minute night away with the kids? These are the best kid-friendly hotels throughout the Netherlands >>
more fun things to do with kids during the Christmas holidays in Amsterdam
winter vibes at the Christmas market
During the Christmas holidays, Amsterdam boasts several charming Christmas markets that will get you in the festive spirit. Stroll past stalls overflowing with winter treats, unique gifts, and handmade items. With live music playing in the background, it's the perfect mix of coziness, outdoor fun, and winter vibes. A visit to the Christmas market at Museumplein is a must! And does your child have a stunt scooter or skates? Bring them along, because this year's Christmas market will be located around the skate park. You can enjoy your mulled wine in peace ;-).
Curious about which Christmas markets will be in Amsterdam in 2025? Check out the YLBB shortlist with all the tips for Christmas markets in Amsterdam >>
Museumplein Christmas Market © Your Little Black Book
With the kids to the cinema
On a rainy or cold day, a trip to the cinema with the kids is always a good idea! During the Christmas holidays, there are some great new films playing, such as Miss Vomit and the Mysterious Disappearance, Zootopia 2 of Spongebob on the Pirate Trail.
| TIP: Want to host a cozy Christmas movie marathon? Check out our list of the best Christmas movies to watch with the family >>
more fun things to do with kids during the Christmas holidays in Amsterdam
The Amsterdam winter paradise
The Amsterdam Winter Paradise RAI Amsterdam is the perfect place to enjoy winter cheer during the Christmas holidays. There's plenty to do: indoor and outdoor ice skating, a ride on the Ferris wheel, playing in the snow garden, curling, and a fun kids' club where children can enjoy crafts. You'll also find plenty of stalls with delicious winter snacks. When: December 13, 2025, to January 3, 2026.
© The Amsterdam Winter Paradise
Walk-in workshop at The Mouse Mansion
From December 20th to January 4th, you can participate in a fun open-air workshop at Het Muizenhuis and paint your own mouse door. You can drop in between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with the last one starting at 5:15 PM. The cost is €14,99, including doors, and you can take your creation home with you. Please note: first come, first served, so arrive early. Located at Muntplein 8 in Amsterdam. More info >>
circus Zanzara
Circus Zanzara is settling in at Westergas this winter with The Art of Making Art, a poetic and humorous performance where everything goes wrong behind the scenes… but precisely because of that, something magical is created. Expect an atmospheric mix of acrobatics, live music, theater, and wonder in a wonderfully heated retro circus tent. This intimate circus transports you to a world of chaos, charm, and a touch of nostalgia that will delight both kids and (grand)parents. A great winter tip if you're looking for an affordable alternative to larger Christmas circuses. When: December 12, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Zanzara © Your Little Black Book
the Hortus winter evenings
This year the Hortus celebrates winter with Winter eveningsThe garden and greenhouses stay open until 7:00 PM, allowing you to explore the illuminated paths, warm tropical surroundings, and quiet corners of the garden in the dark. A campfire is lit on the terrace, where you can enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, or marshmallows for the kids to roast over the fire.
On December 29th & 30th, 2025, and January 2nd & 3rd, 2026, storyteller Abe will take young and old on a journey through myths and fairytales from Iceland to Greece, from elves and whales to furry monsters that briefly enter our world around Christmas. You can join in whenever you like.
The Winter Evening tours, "Plant Life in the Dark," are especially fun to book. Discover how plants experience the night, whether a Christmas tree is actually a pine tree, and what happens to tropical plants when it gets dark. Dates: December 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2025, and January 2 & 3, 2026.
© Hortus winter evenings
more fun things to do with kids during the Christmas holidays in Amsterdam
Christmas holidays at the Rijksmuseum
It is extra cozy in the Christmas holidays Rijksmuseum , with winter activities for kids of all ages. They can participate in creative workshops, explore the galleries, or playfully discover the museum. For younger children, there's the Pim & Pom tour, while children aged 6 to 12 can enjoy crafts, explore the Mission Masterpiece, or explore the museum via the Disney Drawing Route. Dates: December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Christmas holidays at the Maritime Museum
This Christmas holiday is all about Oceanista – Fashion & Sea, the exhibition about maritime fashion. Maritime Museum There's plenty to do for kids during the Christmas holidays. A bonus: free admission for kids up to 12 years old. Design your own outfit in the Fashion Filter Factory, where your creations come to life with AR. Take the Oceanista Family Tour and discover which garments we owe to the sea and shipping, or relax in the Cinekid pop-up cinema for films with a fashionable twist. When: December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Maritime Museum © Your Little Black Book
Christmas holidays at the Wereldmuseum
This Christmas holiday falls in World Museum Amsterdam There's plenty to discover. Admire Ekow Nimako's impressive LEGO® art, participate in the LEGO® printing workshop, and learn about Christmas traditions from around the world in FEST! Worldwide while making your own ice cream star out of straw. Kids can cook in Kuluk's kitchen in the hands-on exhibition "Counsel of the Raven." When: December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Spongebob – WONDR Experience
Nickelodeon and WONDR Experience Amsterdam are celebrating SpongeBob's 25th anniversary this Christmas holiday with a SpongeBob SpecialDive into the colorful world of Bikini Bottom, where you'll embark on an underwater journey with SpongeBob and his friends. An interactive experience, full of imagination and fun. My son loved it!
Spongebob – WONDR Experience © Your Little Black Book
Child-friendly theatre performances during the Christmas holidays in Amsterdam
A cultural afternoon at the theater with the whole family? There are plenty of fun shows for kids in Amsterdam during the Christmas holidays. I've put together a few tips for you.
Children's Concert: Jingle Bells
A Christmas holiday is not complete without a Christmas concert, and at the Concertgebouw you'll immediately get into the festive mood with the Children's Concert: Jingle BellsFor children aged 4 to 12, there are Children's Concerts, where music comes to life through stories, instruments, and images. Kids are challenged to listen, participate, and discover new sounds, from masterpieces to surprising sounds from around the world. When: December 21 & 22, 2025.
Theatre performance: Winter Gruffalo Mr. Monster
The Winter Gruffalo is back! The famous character with orange eyes, purple spikes, and a tongue as black as licorice will be in the spotlight this Christmas holiday. the Meervaart, with a performance based on the children's book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Mouse once again experiences exciting winter adventures in the forest. Put on your warmest hat and gloves and enjoy a cozy afternoon. Afterwards, there will be a free cup of hot chocolate. When: January 2-4, 2026.
Theatre performance: Hello cat
In "Bye Cat," you join Tee, Ee, and neighbor Jee as they search for a missing cat who left without saying goodbye. The performance is filled with music, poetry, and small moments that feel like a big adventure, from saying goodbye to a paving stone to burying a blowfly in a matchbox. A sweet, relatable performance in The Crackling about saying goodbye, worrying, and reconnecting. When: January 3 & 4, 2026.
Check out more than 100 kid-friendly tips in the YLBB shortlists for fun things to do with kids in the city:
- Check out the best events and things to do during the Christmas holidays throughout the Netherlands >>
- Tips for indoor playgrounds in Amsterdam >>
- Catering in Amsterdam with a play area for children >>
- In our opinion, these are the best museums in Amsterdam with kids >>
- Fun arcades in Amsterdam for kids from about 7 years old >> Especially for parents who don't want a game console at home either ;-).
- Playing outside? You'll want to know these playgrounds in Amsterdam >>
- Fun things to do with kids aged 6 and up in Amsterdam >>
- Fun amusement parks with young children in the Netherlands >>
- These outings just outside Amsterdam are also fun >>
- Educational and fun museums for children throughout the Netherlands (listed by province) >>
- Ice skating rinks throughout the Netherlands to discover together >>
- Always nice: a short walk and a drink somewhere with the kids >>
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