How to spend a winter weekend in Amsterdam

What to eat, drink, see, and do.

After living here for a year, I can tell you that the best time to visit Amsterdam isn’t necessarily during the world-famous tulip festival in April—it’s in December, when the city sparkles with a tapestry of twinkling lights and a palpable sense of holiday cheer.

The city's iconic canals come alive with shimmering light displays reflected in the water. Quaint bridges are festooned with garlands. Festive markets spring up, offering a treasure trove of handcrafted gifts, artisanal goods, and traditional Dutch delights. Historic buildings don elegant coats of sparkling decorations, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a storybook.

But Amsterdam in winter isn't just about what you see. It's about feeling that festive buzz and being a part of this magical atmosphere that wraps you up like a warm hug—the feeling of coziness, togetherness, and total contentment that the Dutch call “gezellig.”

So if you’re ready to embrace the gezellig vibes, here’s my recommended itinerary for the ideal winter weekend in Amsterdam.