In Amsterdam, December arrives with a noticeable shift in mood. Streets glow a little warmer, canals sparkle under festive lights and nearly every neighborhood unveils its own interpretation of a Christmas market. These gatherings have evolved far beyond simple stalls selling trinkets; they’ve become social rituals, offering a moment spent choosing gifts for loved ones, or simply soaking up the magic of the season.
A view of an illuminated street, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Dec. 4, 2025. (Photo by İlker Topdemir)
And of course, no Dutch Christmas is complete without oliebollen, the beloved deep-fried holiday treat sold from countless street stands, many with lines stretching down the block.
This year, Amsterdam and its surrounding cities host some of the most vibrant and diverse markets to date.
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