Do not miss the chance to spend the dark winter evenings with bright events: here are events in Amsterdam to attend this December based on classic and cozy Christmas vibes.
Do not miss the chance to spend the dark winter evenings with bright events: here are events in Amsterdam to attend this December based on classic and cozy Christmas vibes.
To see winter magic outdoors, take a canal cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival, running from Late November to January 2027.
Artists from all over the world will transform bridges, quays, and water into glowing installations. Walk the route for free or book a cruise to enjoy the lights from the water with a mug of hot chocolate.
Location: Amsterdam city centre
For a truly festive night, book tickets to De Avond van de Filmmuziek: The Christmas Edition at the Ziggo Dome on December 20. Ziggo Dome welcomes over 1.2 million visitors every year.
The world-famous Metropole Orkest will play beloved soundtracks from Harry Potter, Wonka, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday, and more. The Ziggo Dome, opened in 2012, is the largest indoor concert venue in Amsterdam, that can welcome up to 17,000 fans of the legendary Christmas soundtracks.
Location: Ziggo Dome, De Passage 100, 1101 AX Amsterdam.
©Melle Meivogel
For a calm and romantic Christmas atmosphere, head to the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ on December 20, where the Belgian ensemble Vox Luminis will perform Bach’s Magnificat. Famous for its crystalline sound and historically informed performances, Vox Luminis is praised worldwide. The Muziekgebouw concert hall, opened in 2005 on the IJ waterfront, is designed especially for contemporary and classical music, accompanied with the water view through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Location: Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ, Piet Heinkade 1, 1019 BR Amsterdam.
©Hans Roggen
Amsterdam’s most famous concert hall, Het Concertgebouw, has been hosting world-class concerts since 1888 and is celebrated for its near-perfect acoustics. This December you can hear the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra perform Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 on December 17, 19, and 21 under Andris Nelsons. And for a lighter Christmas spirit, don’t miss Christmas with The King’s Singers on December 8, when the British vocal ensemble fills the Main Hall with seasonal music.
Location: Het Concertgebouw, Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam.
To enjoy Christmas the Dutch way, try to catch Kensington, Utrecht’s most successful rock band. They return to the Ziggo Dome for three nights on December 3, 4, and 5. The December 4 show is already sold out, and only a few tickets are left for the other nights. Known for hits like Streets and War, Kensington has sold out the Ziggo Dome 20 times before, making them Amsterdam’s unofficial house band. Expect a stadium-level rock show with a home-crowd atmosphere.
Location: Ziggo Dome, De Passage 100, 1101 AX Amsterdam.
Lane 8 Childish Tour – Paradiso
Once a 19th Century Church – Paradiso is now a music venue. Since 1968 the venue has been providing unique experiences for all. On December 4, it hosts American DJ Lane 8, famous for his melodic house and “This Never Happened” concept – no more spoilers on that! The show is already sold out.
Location: Paradiso, Weteringschans 6–8, 1017 SG Amsterdam.
Melkweg – Katatonia
Want to hear metal music among the stars in an old milk factory? Choose Melkweg. Close to Leidseplein, this venue started as a milk factory and became a cultural hub in 1970. Over the years, U2, Arctic Monkeys, and Foo Fighters have played here. On December 14, Swedish band Katatonia takes the stage with their dark progressive metal. Fans of heavy sounds shouldn’t miss this one-night performance in one of Amsterdam’s most famous alternative venues.
Location: Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234A, 1017 PH Amsterdam.
Next to the Johan Cruijff Arena is AFAS Live, a modern concert hall built in 2001 with capacity for 6,000 people. Known for its sharp sound design, it attracts the biggest pop and electronic acts. December brings two highlights: on December 2, electronic pioneers Kraftwerk (kraftwerk.com/) bring their 3D show, combining music, visuals, and technology; and on December 4, Canadian band Three Days Grace – performs their alternative rock hits. AFAS Live is where big names come to meet Dutch fans.
Location: AFAS Live, Johan Cruijff Boulevard 590, 1101 DS Amsterdam.
