Amsterdam during Christmas transforms into a wonderland of lights, scents, and cozy corners. Its unique blend of historic charm and lively festive spirit makes it an ideal city for holiday experiences. We particularly love the Amsterdam Christmas Market Tour for its local insights and the Christmas Walking Tour for its intimate exploration of the city’s most decorated neighborhoods. If you’re craving a European adventure beyond the city, the Roman City of Cologne day trip offers a fascinating blend of Roman history and Christmas cheer. These experiences capture different facets of Christmas in the Netherlands and beyond, ensuring there’s something for every kind of traveler.
Below, we detail three standout tours that showcase Amsterdam’s holiday magic and one excursion that combines Dutch charm with a German Christmas market. Whether you want an expert-guided uncovering of the Ice Village, a scenic stroll through festively decorated streets, or a full-day cultural outing, this list has you covered.
1. Amsterdam Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide
At number one on our list, the Amsterdam Christmas Market Tour immerses you in the city’s most iconic holiday spot: the Ice Village around Museumplein. This 1.5-hour tour offers a perfect introduction to Amsterdam’s festive spirit, combining ice skating with traditional Christmas stalls amid a winter wonderland. You’ll experience the delightful aroma of cinnamon, mulled wine, and spices while listening to carols and children’s laughter — a genuine slice of Dutch Christmas cheer.
The tour’s guide shares insights into Dutch Christmas traditions and the history behind the Ice Village, making it more than just a stroll. The highlight is learning about Christmas customs in Amsterdam, which adds context to the lively market. It’s especially suited for families and first-time visitors wanting an overview of the city’s holiday spirit in a short time.
Top reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, with one noting, “Our guide, Martine, was extremely knowledgeable and gave us excellent suggestions for the rest of our trip.” With a fixed price of $309.87 per group (up to 15), this tour offers good value for a personalized experience, especially for those who want a deeper understanding of local traditions while enjoying festive scenery.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a guided, festive introduction to Amsterdam’s Christmas spirit, perfect for families or small groups seeking local insights.
2. Christmas Walking Tour in Amsterdam
At number two, the Christmas Walking Tour in Amsterdam offers a more comprehensive stroll through the city’s most decorated neighborhoods. Starting at Dam Square, the tour guides you through the heart of the city, giving vivid stories about each stop and the history behind Amsterdam’s Christmas traditions. The tour lasts around two hours and covers iconic sites like the Nine Streets, the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt, and the cozy Jordaan district.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to enjoy Christmas snacks at a boutique in the Nine Streets and the warm, lively atmosphere of the city’s decorated streets. The guide is praised for their ability to bring the city’s history to life, with one reviewer remarking, “The guide took so much time with our small group and made Amsterdam come alive through the centuries.” The tour concludes at Noordermarkt, a lively square buzzing with holiday cheer.
Priced at $40.12 per person, this experience offers incredible value for a personalized, intimate exploration. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, local storytelling, and festive treats without the hassle of self-guided navigation.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want an engaging, walking immersion into Amsterdam’s Christmas ambiance, especially for history lovers and foodies.
3. Roman City of Cologne: Day Trip from Amsterdam Christmas Market
If you’re open to venturing outside of Amsterdam for a festive experience, the Roman City of Cologne day trip is a standout. For around $1,277.60 per group (up to three), this 12-hour private tour takes you across the border to Germany to explore Cologne’s Roman roots and its famous Christmas market.
The day begins with a walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge and a visit to the Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site. The highlight is discovering Cologne’s ancient history through a guided visit to the museum showcasing the city’s Roman artifacts, while the Christmas market adds a festive layer to the day. The tour is flexible, allowing you to customize stops — whether that’s shopping in the markets or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Reviewers mention that the guided approach saves hours of planning and that the guide’s local expertise makes the experience memorable. The private setting suits couples, small families, or friends wanting a tailored day with luxury comfort and insider knowledge.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice if you want a mix of history, culture, and Christmas cheer in a more relaxed, private setting outside Amsterdam.
How to Choose
When deciding among these Christmas experiences, consider your budget, available time, and interests. The Amsterdam Christmas Market Tour (see details here) is perfect for a short, guided overview of the Ice Village, great for families or first-timers. The Christmas Walking Tour (details here) is better if you want an in-depth, leisurely exploration of the city’s festive neighborhoods. For those wanting to combine historic sights with a German Christmas market, the Cologne day trip (info here) offers a full-day cultural adventure.
Consider your budget, the pace you prefer, and whether you want to focus solely on Amsterdam or include a scenic cross-border trip. Booking early is advised, especially for the private Cologne tour, which fills up quickly around the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam shines during Christmas with its glowing canals, twinkling lights, and lively markets. If you’re short on time but want a guided experience, the Amsterdam Christmas Market Tour offers a charming peek into the Ice Village’s magic. For those who prefer a more intimate, walkable approach, the Christmas Walking Tour will let you soak in the city’s festive atmosphere at your own pace. Finally, if a full-day adventure sounds appealing, the Roman City of Cologne trip lets you enjoy holiday markets in another historic city, with the added comfort of a private guide and flexible itinerary.
Whatever you choose, these tours are designed to make your holiday in Amsterdam memorable. Be sure to book early to secure your spot — the Christmas season is popular, and these experiences fill up fast. Happy holidays and enjoy the magic of Amsterdam during Christmas!
