December in the Netherlands can feel magical and overwhelming at the same time. Short days, full calendars, excited kids and the pressure to “make the most of it”.
This guide is here to make December easier.
Whether you’re looking for festive outings, low-effort plans, or something to break up the winter break, here’s what’s happening across the Netherlands for families this December.
This guide is also inspired by today’s episode of the Dam Parenting podcast, where we talk through our top December picks for families.
Christmas Markets Across the Netherlands
December is peak Christmas market season, and many are very family-friendly with lights, treats and space for kids to wander.
Some favourites include:
- Amsterdam Christmas Village – Museumplein (4–28 Dec)
- Funky Xmas Market – Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam (21 Dec)
- Royal Christmas Fair – The Hague (4–23 Dec)
- Haarlem Christmas Market – 14 Dec
- Leiden Nostalgic Christmas Market – 12–14 & 18–21 Dec
- Alkmaar Christmas Market – 20–23 Dec
- Trompenburg Christmas Market – Rotterdam (12–14 Dec)
- Molen De Ster Winter Market – Utrecht (13 & 14 Dec)
These are great for slower afternoons, festive snacks and soaking up the December atmosphere without committing to a full day out.
Light Festivals and Illuminated Walks
Light festivals are one of the easiest December wins with kids. No planning, no schedules, just walking, looking and letting them be amazed.
The Amsterdam Light Festival runs through to mid-January, but there are many others happening across the country:
- Alkmaar Light Festival
- Delft Illuminated
- Dordrecht light installations
- Enschede Lights Up
- Nijmegen, Park Orientalis light route
- Kasteel de Haar Light Evenings (Utrecht)
- Zuiderzee winter lights
Most are free or low-cost and perfect for early evenings after school.
Museums and Holiday Workshops
December is one of the best months to use your Museum Card. Many museums run special winter workshops and kid-focused activities.
Family favourites include:
- Royal Delft Museum – Delft Blue painting workshops
- Wereldmuseum Amsterdam & Rotterdam – creative family workshops
- Rijksmuseum, H’ART Museum, National Maritime Museum – winter-themed events
- NEMO Science Museum – holiday workshops from mid-December
- Museon-Omniversum – seasonal science programmes
- Railway Museum Utrecht – festive activities during the school holidays
If you’re looking for warm, indoor plans that still feel special, this is where December really shines.
Theatre, Festivals and Big Family Days Out
If you want something that feels properly festive and memorable, these events are worth putting in the calendar:
- Dickens Festijn (Deventer) – 13 & 14 Dec
The town transforms into a Victorian Christmas village with costumes, music and street performances. - Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs (RAI) – 13 Dec to 3 Jan
Skating, rides, food, shows and plenty to keep kids entertained all day. - Pantropica Winterdroom – running until 4 Jan
Warm, tropical and beautifully decorated. A welcome break from winter coats. - Gouda by Candlelight – 12 Dec
Atmospheric, calm and very special for older kids. - Valkenburg Christmas Town – until 30 Dec
Christmas markets inside caves, light routes and a completely different winter vibe.
Zoos With Winter Programmes
Winter is an underrated time for zoo visits. Fewer crowds, cooler weather and special winter activities.
Good December options include:
- ARTIS
- Blijdorp
- Burgers’ Zoo
- Beekse Bergen
Many animals are more active in cooler temperatures, and some zoos run themed winter days.
Ice Skating and Pop-Up Rinks
December means skating season is officially on.
Popular family-friendly options include:
- Jaap Eden IJsbaan – Amsterdam
- Ice Village Amsterdam
- Schaatsbaan Rotterdam
- De Uithof IJsbaan – indoor and outdoor options
- IJsbaan Haarlem – calmer and smaller
- Schaatsbaan Eindhoven
- IJsbaan Groningen
- Ice Village Maastricht
- Winterstad Valkenburg
Many rinks offer beginner-friendly sessions, making them ideal for kids learning to skate.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Start Small
You don’t need to do everything.
Pick one light festival, one museum visit and one bigger day out and you’ve already created a great December rhythm.
If you want more ideas, practical tips and honest opinions on what’s actually worth doing, today’s episode of the Dam Parenting podcast is out now and focused entirely on December with kids in the Netherlands.
You can also find more guides, events and inspiration over on amsterdamkids.com.
Save this post, share it with another parent and give yourself permission to keep December simple.
