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8 Local-Approved Winter Activities in Amsterdam

December 18, 2025

From illuminated canals and outdoor ice skating to saunas and candlelit concerts, discover our local team's favorite ways to enjoy Amsterdam in winter.

Amsterdam might be famous for its sunny canal-side terraces and bike rides, but there’s plenty to love about the city when the temperatures drop. As daylight hours get shorter, the canals light up, the museums offer a welcome escape from the cold and cafés become even more inviting.

And while winter might mean fewer hours of sunshine, it certainly doesn’t mean fewer things to do. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, staying for a few weeks or calling Amsterdam home for the season, here are eight of our favorite winter activities in Amsterdam, handpicked by our local team.

Amsterdam Light Festival.

1. See Amsterdam in a different light at the Amsterdam Light Festival

November 26, 2026 – January 17, 2027

Every winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city’s historic canals into an open-air art exhibition, with light installations created by artists from around the world.

The best way to experience it? Wrap up warm and follow the walking route along the canals, or book a boat tour to see the artworks from the water. Each installation offers a different perspective on the city, making even familiar streets feel completely new. It’s one of those Amsterdam winter activities that’s just as enjoyable for locals as it is for first-time visitors.

2. Spend an evening at a candlelight concert

Winter evenings and candlelight make a pretty good combination. Amsterdam’s Candlelight Concerts bring live music to some of the city’s most atmospheric venues, with performances ranging from classical composers like Vivaldi to contemporary favorites like Queen.

With hundreds of candles illuminating the room, it’s an intimate way to experience live music, and a good excuse to spend an evening somewhere other than your couch.

3. Make a day of Amsterdam's museums

Start with the Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, before heading across Museumplein to the Van Gogh Museum. This winter’s exhibition program includes Yoshitoshi. Master of the Moon and Whistler. Dandy and Disruptor, both running into January 2027.

For contemporary art, head to the Stedelijk Museum for a major retrospective of Yayoi Kusama (September 11, 2026 – January 17, 2027), featuring over 70 years of her work, from paintings and sculptures to immersive installations. Or visit H’ART Museum for Chez Matisse (October 3, 2026 – February 14, 2027), showcasing masterpieces from Paris’s Centre Pompidou and exploring the artist’s bold use of color.

Our advice? Pick one or two museums rather than trying to squeeze everything into a single afternoon. Leave yourself plenty of time for a coffee break, too.

4. Warm up at an urban sauna

For a little winter reset, check out Kuuma, an urban sauna experience inspired by Finnish sauna culture. Think proper heat, a refreshing cooldown and a chance to disconnect for an hour or two.

Kuuma has operated at several temporary locations around Amsterdam, including Amsterdam Noord, Marineterrin and Sloterplas. Check its website for the latest locations and bookable sessions before heading over.

Ice skating at Museumplein

5. Get your skates on

Few things feel more Dutch than ice skating in winter. For the classic Amsterdam experience, head to the seasonal ice rink at Museumplein, where you can skate with the Rijksmuseum as your backdrop. It’s especially atmospheric in the evening, when the lights come on and the surrounding cafés fill up with people warming up after a few laps.

If you’re looking for something a little more serious, the Jaap Eden Baan in Amsterdam-Oost is a local favorite, with a 400-meter outdoor skating track.

And if temperatures drop low enough for natural ice, make sure you only skate in places officially confirmed as safe.

6. Catch a film at an independent cinema

Amsterdam has plenty of independent cinemas worth discovering, from the historic The Movies on Haarlemmerdijk to LAB111 in Amsterdam-West, known for its eclectic program of classics, cult favorites and independent films.

Planning a longer stay? A Cineville card gives you access to participating independent cinemas across the city, making it a good excuse to see a few films you might otherwise have missed.

7. Put your phone away at The Offline Club

Not every winter activity needs to involve sightseeing. Sometimes it’s nice to spend an evening doing something completely different. The Offline Club organizes screen-free gatherings where people come together to read, draw, write or simply spend time without their phones.

It’s a chance to take a break from scrolling, enjoy a slower evening and meet other people along the way, without the usual pressure of a networking event.

8. Get creative at a pottery workshop

Looking for an indoor activity that doesn’t involve another museum or café? Try your hand at pottery. Heart & Soul Studio offers creative experiences where you can spend a few hours working with clay, learning something new and making something of your own.

Whether you’re going with a friend or trying something solo, it’s a nice way to slow down and do something creative during the colder months.

Cozy up in a Zoku Loft this winter.

Make yourself at home in Amsterdam

Whether you’re here for a winter city break or spending a little longer getting to know the city, Zoku Amsterdam makes a convenient home base for exploring. Settle into your own Loft, work or unwind in our rooftop Social Spaces, and ask our Community team for a few more local recommendations.

Curated by Daan Smeets, Community Manager at Zoku Amsterdam

This guide was handpicked by our very own local expert, Daan Smeets. Looking for more insider tips and recommendations? Stop by the 6th floor at Zoku Amsterdam and pick his brain on all things Amsterdam.

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