From twinkling lights to charming winter markets, these are the must-visit spots in Amsterdam for festive photos this holiday season.
Introduction
Amsterdam’s festive charm is undeniable during the holiday season. As winter sets in and the city transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights, bustling Christmas markets, and snow-dusted canals, the Dutch capital becomes a dream destination for holiday travellers and photographers alike. Whether you’re capturing the romance of Christmas or the festive energy of a bustling holiday market, there’s no shortage of Instagrammable spots to visit.
In 2024, Amsterdam is more sparkling than ever, with new pop-up locations and traditional favourites all decked out for the season. If you’re looking to capture the essence of winter in Amsterdam, here’s a guide to the best festive photo locations to make your holiday memories truly magical.
1. The Famous Amsterdam Light Festival (Edition 13)
Location: Various locations around the city
Best time to visit: December – January
One of the crown jewels of Amsterdam’s festive season is the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. Running from mid-November to January, this open-air art exhibit brings the city to life with dazzling light installations. Artists from around the world create unique, site-specific works that are displayed across the city’s bridges, canals, and public spaces.
If you’re a photography lover, the Light Festival is a must-visit. The interplay of glowing sculptures, reflections in the canal water, and the city’s historic backdrop creates a stunning contrast that makes for unforgettable photos. The Herengracht and Prinsengracht canals are two of the best spots to capture the installations, and the walk along the canals is even more magical at night.
Pro tip: For a unique perspective, try taking photos from a boat during the light boat tours. The moving water creates mesmerising reflections of the artwork, offering an opportunity to capture some of the most atmospheric images of the festival.
2. Leidseplein Christmas Market
Location: Leidseplein Square
Best time to visit: Late November – January
If you’re looking for a vibrant holiday market to photograph, head to the Leidseplein Christmas Market. Nestled in one of Amsterdam’s liveliest squares, this market is a feast for the senses and the lens. The festive stalls are draped with twinkling lights, and the air is filled with the smell of hot chocolate, mulled wine, and freshly baked Dutch treats like oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts).
The cozy atmosphere and rich colours make it an ideal setting for capturing the essence of Amsterdam’s festive season. Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree at the heart of the square—it’s beautifully adorned with sparkling ornaments and lights. The bustling market, the sound of carollers, and the holiday decorations all provide the perfect backdrop for some joyful, high-energy shots.
Another excellent spot is the nearby DeLaMar Theatre, which is often decorated with grand festive displays. From the ornate light displays to the charming wooden chalets selling crafts, this is a must-visit for your holiday photo collection.
3. Vondelpark in Winter
Location: Vondelpark
Best time to visit: December – January
While it might not be the first place you think of for holiday photos, Vondelpark in winter is a serene and magical location. The park, Amsterdam’s largest green space, takes on a whole new beauty during the colder months. Bare trees, frosty paths, and the occasional snowfall make for a perfect winter wonderland, especially if you’re looking for a quiet escape from the city’s holiday hustle and bustle.
A highlight of the park in winter is the Vondelpark Openluchttheater, a former open-air theatre that’s now a lovely spot to photograph with snow-topped benches, misty ponds, and the winter light filtering through the trees. If there’s a light dusting of snow, you’re in for a real treat—the snow-covered pathways, ponds, and sculptures create a postcard-worthy winter scene.
For a whimsical touch, try capturing the Vondelpark on a misty morning or as the low afternoon sun casts long shadows over the snow. These quiet moments offer the perfect backdrop for those looking to capture a more peaceful side of Amsterdam during the holidays.
4. Dam Square & the Royal Palace
Location: Dam Square
Best time to visit: December
For a quintessential holiday photo op, you can’t go wrong with Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The square is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, and the famous Ice Amsterdam* rink makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Ice skaters glide across the rink with the stunning Royal Palace as a backdrop—creating a truly festive scene that’s perfect for capturing the energy of the season.
The National Monument in the center of Dam Square is often surrounded by Christmas lights, adding a touch of holiday sparkle to this historic square. Don’t forget to take photos of the Palace itself, which is majestic even in winter. The intricate architecture and grand scale of the building look even more spectacular with the holiday lights illuminating the facades.
Make sure to also explore the nearby Bijenkorf Department Store for holiday window displays and decorations—it’s a great stop if you’re after some more chic festive photos.
5. The Jordaan: Christmas in Amsterdam’s Most Picturesque Neighbourhood
Location: The Jordaan District
Best time to visit: December
The Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most charming and picturesque neighbourhoods, and it takes on a particularly magical quality during the holiday season. With its narrow streets, historic canals, and quirky boutiques, the Jordaan is ideal for those looking to capture a more intimate side of Amsterdam’s holiday vibe.
The cobblestone streets are often lined with small Christmas trees and charming lights, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that begs to be photographed. The Noorderkerk (Northern Church) and its surrounding square are particularly festive with stalls selling crafts, holiday goods, and food, while the area around Lindenstraat offers charming photo ops of homes decorated for Christmas.
One of the most delightful features of the Jordaan during the holiday season is the small, independent shops that are beautifully decked out with Christmas decorations, giving a lovely vintage touch to your photos. Whether you’re snapping photos of the quaint storefronts or capturing the lively streets at dusk, the Jordaan will provide some of your best holiday shots in Amsterdam.
6. Rijksmuseum & Museumplein – Ice Village at Museum Square
Location: Museumplein
Best time to visit: December – January (Market dates: December 12-26, 2024)
For iconic photos that feature Amsterdam’s cultural heart, look no further than Museumplein, home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. In winter, the area becomes an outdoor gallery of festive cheer, with large Christmas trees, ice skating rinks, and brilliant light displays.
The grand entrance of the Rijksmuseum is particularly stunning, with its fairy-tale architecture and festive decorations during the holiday season.
Museumplein, with its open space and grand views of the museums and their surroundings, offers a variety of backdrops for your holiday snaps. Whether you’re posing in front of the monumental Rijksmuseum or capturing a wintry sunset over the ice rink, Museumplein is one of the most iconic festive photo locations in Amsterdam.
Ice Skating Rink
The centerpiece of the Ice Village is the picturesque ice skating rink. Lace up your skates and glide across the ice under twinkling lights. The rink is open daily and is perfect for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
Admission and Prices: Admission to the skating rink is €12 per person and €5 for skate rental.
7. Funky Christmas Market at Westergasfabriek
Date: December 15, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Funky Xmas Market at Westergasfabriek offers a fresh alternative to traditional holiday shopping. Located in the vibrant Westergasfabriek area, known for its cultural significance and creative atmosphere, the market focuses on unique handmade gifts from local artisans and independent vendors.
Amsterdam is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, and during the festive season, it becomes even more magical. From the glistening light displays of the Amsterdam Light Festival to the cozy charm of the Jordaan, the city offers an abundance of festive photo locations that will leave you with beautiful memories of the holiday season.
Whether you’re wandering through winter markets, capturing the reflections on frozen canals, or snapping photos of the grand monuments illuminated for the season, Amsterdam offers endless possibilities for stunning holiday photos. Make sure to have your camera ready—2024 promises to be a picture-perfect holiday season in the Dutch capital.