For 2026, we confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Amsterdam. The season opens on November 14 with Sinterklaas Party Zaandam 2026 (Sinterklaas feest Zaandam 2026) and runs until January 17 with Amsterdam Light Festival: Kids Walk. Of these, 2 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands.
The short version
- Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Amsterdam, Zaandam and Amstelveen: 12
- First: Sinterklaas Party Zaandam 2026 (Sinterklaas feest Zaandam 2026), Zaandam, November 14
- Free events: Sinterklaas Party Zaandam 2026 (Sinterklaas feest Zaandam 2026) and Sinterklaas Arrival in Amsterdam (Sinterklaas Intocht Amsterdam)
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).
At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Amsterdam
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Towns
- Amsterdam, Zaandam and Amstelveen
- Season
- November 14 to January 17
- Free events
- 2
- Last checked
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Free Christmas events for kids in Amsterdam
Saint Nicholas visitFree
Sinterklaas Arrival in Amsterdam (Sinterklaas Intocht Amsterdam)
- When: Sun, Nov 15, 10 am to 3:30 pm
- Where: City center: Amstel, Scheepvaartmuseum and Leidseplein, Kattenburgerplein 1 (Scheepvaartmuseum), 1018 KK Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The Amsterdam arrival begins on the water. Sinterklaas and the Pieten (Piet helpers) sail by steamboat from the Omval down the Amstel to the Scheepvaartmuseum (the Maritime Museum). There the Sint receives the key to the city in the presence of the children's mayor, after which he goes ashore.
From the Waterlooplein, Sinterklaas rides on horseback via the Rembrandtplein, the Utrechtsestraat and the Weteringschans to the Leidseplein, where a stage is ready for his welcome. The celebration runs from 10 am to 3:30 pm and is free. You can stand at various spots along the water and the route in the center, so choose a spot in advance that suits the age of your kids. Current times and route details appear on sintinamsterdam.nl and the arrival's social media.
Parent tip: Check sintinamsterdam.nl just before the day for the latest times and route updates.
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Rally the corgi has 11 more Amsterdam events researched for you.
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Christmas events for kids in Zaandam
Saint Nicholas visitFree
Sinterklaas Party Zaandam 2026 (Sinterklaas feest Zaandam 2026)
- When: Sat, Nov 14 (times to follow)
- Where: De Burcht, Burgemeester ter Laanplantsoen (Zaandam Zuid/Centrum) (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free for children
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
On Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, Sinterklaas comes to Zaandam Zuid and Centrum. The Sinterklaascomité Zaanstad promises the coziest Sinterklaas party of the year, with cheerful music, suspense and lots of pepernoten. All activities are completely free for children.
The committee consists entirely of volunteers. More than 150 people help, about fifty of them as Piet (Sinterklaas's helpers). The party takes place at the Burcht by the Burgemeester ter Laanplantsoen and is mainly meant for the children of Zaandam Zuid, but children from elsewhere are welcome too. The Sint and the Pieten make time for every child. The full program with times will be posted on the website later. The committee works closely with the municipality of Zaanstad and the fire department, and the party is made possible by local Zaan businesses and collectors.
Parent tip: The program and times are not online yet. Keep an eye on the website.
- Host
- Stichting Sinterklaascomité Zaanstad (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- De Burcht, Burgemeester ter Laanplantsoen (Zaandam Zuid/Centrum) (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Amsterdam
Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.
The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot
Saint Nicholas visit
Sunday Party: Sinterklaas (Feest op zondag: Sinterklaas)
- When: Sun, Nov 15, 22, 29 and Sun, Dec 6, 12 to 4 pm
- Where: Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, Feestwinkel (Party Shop), Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Cost: Included with your museum visit; price not listed separately
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
At the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam it's a party every Sunday, and in November Sinterklaas (the Dutch Saint Nicholas) takes center stage. In the Feestwinkel you make surprises together (surprises are hand-made gifts with a rhyme), decorate shoes to set out for Sint and explore wrapping traditions from around the world, such as Japanese furoshiki cloths.
The Sinterklaas party is on the Sundays of Nov 15, 22 and 29 and on Sunday, Dec 6, each day from 12 to 4 pm. You can walk in until 3:30 pm, so you don't need to arrive at a set time. The museum itself is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, so you can easily combine the activity with a walk through the galleries. You don't need to register in advance. Just stop by during the drop-in hours and stay as long as your kids enjoy it.
Parent tip: Drop-in until 3:30 pm. Check the opening hours and prices on the museum's website.
- Host
- Wereldmuseum Amsterdam (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, Feestwinkel (Party Shop), Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Saint Nicholas visit
Sinterklaas Concert (Ages 4+) (Sinterklaasconcert)
- When: Wed, Nov 18, 1 pm and 3 pm
- Where: Het Concertgebouw, Grote Zaal (Main Hall), Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Cost: €21 to €25; kids up to age 12 €20 to €24, drink included
- Ages 4 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Sinterklaas's birthday is almost here and he comes to Het Concertgebouw with the Pieten. It's celebrated with a lively sing-along concert led by pianist and bandleader Cor Bakker. The suspense is on: will the Sint and his Pieten manage to show up in the hall on time again this year?
There are two shows on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026, at 1 pm and 3 pm, each lasting about an hour. The concert is meant for children ages 4 and up. Tickets cost €21 to €25, and €20 to €24 for children up to age 12, depending on the seating tier. A drink is included in the price. A transaction fee of €5 per order is added. It's a true sing-along concert, so kids can join in at the top of their lungs with the well-known Sinterklaas songs.
Parent tip: For the 3 pm show, only the last tickets were still on sale. Order wheelchair spaces through kassa@concertgebouw.nl or 020 671 83 45. Expect it to be in Dutch.
- Host
- Het Concertgebouw (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Het Concertgebouw, Grote Zaal (Main Hall), Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas lights
Amsterdam Light Festival: Kids Walk
- When: Daily, Nov 26 to Jan 17, 4:30 to 11 pm
- Where: Amsterdam Light Festival (route through the city center), information point Amstel 1, Waterlooplein 6, 1011 PG Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Cost: Walking route via the festival app (app price not stated); boat tours with a ticket
- Ages: Kids Walk recommended for ages 7 to 12, also suitable for younger children with an adult
Expand to see the parent tip
From Nov 26, 2026 through Jan 17, 2027, the city center is full of light art. The lights are on every day from 4:30 to 11 pm, and on New Year's Eve the festival closes at 9 pm. The walking route is 4.5 kilometers and you can walk all of it or in pieces.
For kids there is the Kids Walk in the festival app, with fun facts about the artworks, quiz questions and a treasure hunt element including a small prize to pick up. You choose whether to walk the whole or half route. The organizers recommend the Kids Walk for children ages 7 to 12, but with an adult it is also suitable for younger children. The app and the walking experiences are available from mid-November. If you'd rather be on the water, you can book a boat tour of about 75 minutes through the ticket shop.
Parent tip: The information point at Amstel 1 (Waterlooplein 6) is open Thursday through Sunday and daily during the Christmas break (Dec 19 through Jan 3), except Dec 25 and 31. Preferably come by public transport or bike.
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Saint Nicholas visit
The Story of Sint Baba (Het verhaal van Sint Baba)
- When: Sat, Nov 28 and Sun, Nov 29, 11 am and 2:30 pm
- Where: Theater De Krakeling, Pazzanistraat 15, 1014 DB Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Cost: €1.50 to €18.50
- Ages 3 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Theater group Het Kleine Theater and Theater De Krakeling celebrate Sinterklaas with Het verhaal van Sint Baba, a festive, theatrical Sinterklaas concert: De Sint Revue is back, but this time a little different. After the show with music, everyone stays together for a while, with treats.
The party is meant for children ages 3 and up and their families. There are four shows over the weekend of Saturday, Nov 28 and Sunday, Nov 29, each day at 11 am and 2:30 pm. De Krakeling is the youth theater on the Pazzanistraat, close to the Westergasfabriek. Tickets cost between €1.50 and €18.50, depending on the rate. It's a cozy way to get into the pakjesavond (the evening Sinterklaas brings gifts) spirit with grandma, grandpa or friends, without the crowds of an arrival.
Parent tip: The box office opens two hours before the show and can be reached at 020 624 51 23 or kassa@krakeling.nl. Expect it to be in Dutch.
- Host
- Theater De Krakeling (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Theater De Krakeling, Pazzanistraat 15, 1014 DB Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Saint Nicholas visit
Pim & Pom Off to Pakjesavond (Pim & Pom op naar pakjesavond)
- When: Sun, Nov 29, 11 am and 1:30 pm
- Where: Meervaart, Blauwe Zaal (Blue Hall), Meer en Vaart 300, 1068 LE Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Cost: €10; with Stadspas €3.50 (plus €2 booking fee)
- Ages 2 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Pakjesavond is almost here and the cat friends Pim and Pom are beside themselves. They make a wish list, decorate the house and sing the best Sinterklaas songs. Then they get a special message from Sinterklaas and suddenly it's uncertain whether pakjesavond can go ahead.
The show is suitable from age 2 and plays on Sunday, Nov 29 in the Blauwe Zaal of the Meervaart in Nieuw-West. The 11 am show is already sold out. Tickets are still available for 1:30 pm. There is a meet-and-greet afterward. A ticket costs €10, or €3.50 with the Stadspas (the city discount pass), plus a €2 booking fee per booking. The Meervaart sits on the water of the Sloterplas, easy to reach by tram and car, and the show is short enough for the youngest children.
Parent tip: Stadspas discounts are arranged only by email with your Stadspas number, and there is a limited number of Stadspas tickets. Expect it to be in Dutch.
- Host
- Meervaart (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Meervaart, Blauwe Zaal (Blue Hall), Meer en Vaart 300, 1068 LE Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas crafts
Sunday Party: Christmas and New Year (Feest op zondag: Kerst en Nieuwjaar)
- When: Sun, Dec 13 and Dec 20 to Jan 3, 12 to 4 pm
- Where: Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, Feestwinkel (Party Shop), Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Cost: Included with your museum visit; price not listed separately
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Christmas is about many things, from eating together to gifts and the Christmas tree, and people everywhere in the world have their own traditions. In Mexico the celebration lasts nine days, and in South Africa families gather around a wood fire for a braai. In the Feestwinkel (Party Shop) of the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, you celebrate Christmas by making Christmas ornaments and ice stars.
The activity is on Sunday, Dec 13 and from Dec 20 through Jan 3, from 12 to 4 pm, with drop-in until 3:30 pm. During school vacations the museum is also open on Mondays, so over the Christmas break you have plenty of days to choose from. You don't need to register in advance and can just walk in during the drop-in hours. Nice if you're looking for a calm indoor activity during the break.
Parent tip: Drop-in until 3:30 pm. The museum is also open on Mondays during school vacations.
- Host
- Wereldmuseum Amsterdam (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, Feestwinkel (Party Shop), Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Carol concert
Family Concert: Let it Snow! (Ages 4+)
- When: Mon, Dec 21 and Tue, Dec 22, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm
- Where: Het Concertgebouw, Kleine Zaal (Recital Hall), Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Cost: €19; kids up to age 12 €18, drink included
- Ages 4 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
During the Christmas break, the family concert Let it Snow is on the program in the Kleine Zaal of Het Concertgebouw. Singer and guitarist Wouter Hamel is on stage, with arrangements by pianist Thierry Castel. The concert is made for children ages 4 and up and their parents or grandparents.
There are four shows: Monday, Dec 21 and Tuesday, Dec 22, 2026, each day at 1:30 and 3:30 pm. A show lasts about an hour, so it fits well into an afternoon out in the city. Tickets cost €19, €18 for children up to age 12, and a drink is included. You pay a €5 transaction fee per order. If you are 30 or younger, there are sometimes sprint tickets four hours beforehand through the online ordering flow. Order wheelchair spaces through the box office.
Parent tip: The Kleine Zaal is intimate, so order in good time. Prices exclude the €5 transaction fee per order. Expect it to be in Dutch.
- Host
- Het Concertgebouw (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Het Concertgebouw, Kleine Zaal (Recital Hall), Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas show
The Christmas Hare (De Kersthaas)
- When: Tue, Dec 29, 2:30 pm, Wed, Dec 30, 11 am and 2:30 pm
- Where: Theater De Krakeling, Pazzanistraat 15, 1014 DB Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Cost: €1 to €18.50
- Ages 4 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Santa's son is supposed to take over the family business someday. But he doesn't like hot chocolate, snow or skiing, and he's allergic to Christmas trees and reindeer. Secretly he dreams of spring, hares and colored eggs. His father can't stand the idea. It's a contrary show for all kids who sometimes have other plans than their parents.
De Grote Haay makes the story, based on the picture book by Marc-Uwe Kling and Astrid Henn, with a fairy-tale pop-up set by Rianne van Duin. Suitable from age 4. Performances are Tuesday, Dec 29 at 2:30 pm and Wednesday, Dec 30 at 11 am and 2:30 pm. Tickets cost between €1 and €18.50. A good fit for kids who love funny stories and for parents who already know the picture book.
Parent tip: A nice outing between Christmas and New Year's. The box office opens two hours before the show. Expect it to be in Dutch.
- Host
- Theater De Krakeling (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Theater De Krakeling, Pazzanistraat 15, 1014 DB Amsterdam (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Zaandam
Saint Nicholas visit
Pim & Pom (Ages 2+): Off to Pakjesavond (Op naar pakjesavond) (Zaandam)
- When: Sun, Nov 22, 11 am and 1:30 pm
- Where: Zaantheater, Kleine Zaal (Small Hall), Nicolaasstraat 3, 1506 BB Zaandam (opens in maps)
- Cost: €15
- Ages 2 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Pakjesavond is almost here and the cat friends Pim and Pom are beside themselves. A wish list has to be made, the house is decorated and of course they sing the best Sinterklaas songs. Then a special message arrives from Sinterklaas. Has Pim been good, and did Pom help out well around the house? It's not at all certain that pakjesavond can go ahead.
This musical show is made for children ages 2 and up and plays on Sunday, Nov 22 in the Kleine Zaal of the Zaantheater, at 11 am and 1:30 pm. A ticket costs €15. A small hall and a short, cheerful show make it a nice first theater experience. After the show you can still linger in the theater on the Nicolaasstraat, in the middle of Zaandam's center.
Parent tip: Few tickets are left for the 1:30 pm show, so don't wait too long to order. Expect it to be in Dutch.
- Host
- Zaantheater (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Zaantheater, Kleine Zaal (Small Hall), Nicolaasstraat 3, 1506 BB Zaandam (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Amstelveen
Saint Nicholas visit
The Big Sinterklaas Party (Ages 3+) (Het Grote Sinterklaasfeest) (Amstelveen)
- When: Wed, Nov 25, 3 pm
- Where: Theater De Landing, Uilenstede 106, 1183 AM Amstelveen (opens in maps)
- Cost: €25; CJP and Vrienden members €23
- Ages 3 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Piet Julio wants nothing more than to become Hoofdpiet (Head Piet, the lead helper of Sinterklaas), but it doesn't come easily. When something goes wrong in the preparations for the party, he has to pull out all the stops to fix it. Luckily he isn't alone: with help from Sinterklaas and the audience, a party full of music, humor and surprises takes shape.
Het Grote Sinterklaasfeest is an interactive family show in which children take an active part, performed by Erik van Muiswinkel, Jeroen Kramer and Sem Ben Yakar. The show is suitable from age 3 and plays on Wednesday afternoon, Nov 25 at 3 pm at Theater De Landing on the Uilenstede campus. A ticket costs €25, or €23 with CJP or as a Vriend (friend of the theater), including a €1 transaction fee.
Parent tip: The show is at Theater De Landing on the Uilenstede, not at the theater building in the center. Expect it to be in Dutch.
- Host
- Schouwburg Amstelveen / Theater De Landing (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Theater De Landing, Uilenstede 106, 1183 AM Amstelveen (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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More Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands
- Christmas events for kids in Rotterdam
- Christmas events for kids in Haarlem
- Christmas events for kids in Groningen
- Christmas events for kids in Eindhoven
- Christmas events for kids in The Hague
- Christmas events for kids in Utrecht
- Christmas events for kids in Arnhem
- Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands
A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.nl (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Amsterdam: questions parents ask
What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Amsterdam?
For 2026, we confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Amsterdam, each on its host’s own page: Sinterklaas Party Zaandam 2026 (Sinterklaas feest Zaandam 2026) (Zaandam), Sunday Party: Sinterklaas (Feest op zondag: Sinterklaas), Sunday Party: Christmas and New Year (Feest op zondag: Kerst en Nieuwjaar) and 9 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Amsterdam?
Yes, 2 of the 12 events here are free: Sinterklaas Party Zaandam 2026 (Sinterklaas feest Zaandam 2026) (Zaandam) and Sinterklaas Arrival in Amsterdam (Sinterklaas Intocht Amsterdam). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa this year in Amsterdam?
Where to see Santa: Sinterklaas Party Zaandam 2026 (Sinterklaas feest Zaandam 2026) (Zaandam), Sunday Party: Sinterklaas (Feest op zondag: Sinterklaas), The Story of Sint Baba (Het verhaal van Sint Baba) and 5 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Amsterdam?
Christmas story times on this page: The Christmas Hare (De Kersthaas).
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
The story of Christmas in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat on the Amstel in mid-November and rides a horse through the old center. In winter, light art glows over the canals and a tall tree stands on the Dam. This guide explains the traditions and how to plan a family visit.
How Amsterdam celebrates, and what is different for visitors
Amsterdam's season starts with Sinterklaas, not with Christmas. Since 1934 the city has held a big arrival every year in mid-November. It began in the 1930s when the Chamber of Commerce wanted to open the shopping weeks before the gift night, pakjesavond. From 1952 to 1963 national television broadcast the Amsterdam arrival.
The city even has a church for Nicholas of Myra, the saint behind Sinterklaas, near Central Station on the Prins Hendrikkade, built between 1884 and 1887.
In winter the focus moves to light: the Amsterdam Light Festival lights up the canals, and a tall Christmas tree stands on the Dam. For visiting families, that means water, lights and walking rather than one big market.
Traditions your child will meet: the steamboat, the horse and the Sinterklaas windows
Sinterklaas is the Dutch gift bringer. In Amsterdam he arrives by steamboat, sails over the Amstel to Het Scheepvaartmuseum, where the mayor welcomes him, and then he gets on his horse. In 2025 the parade went from the Stopera over the Blauwbrug to the Leidseplein.
At one time the city's department store windows were part of the tradition. Window dresser Dick Verburg built a Sinterklaas display with boats, trains and moving bridges, and thousands of children watched it for weeks.
If you cannot be on the route, the arrival is shown on local television, with a recap later in the day, as in 2024.
Planning a Christmas visit to Amsterdam with kids
The season on this page starts on Sunday, November 15, 2026, with Sinterklaas's free arrival by steamboat on the Amstel, from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, followed by a horseback parade to a stage on the Leidseplein. Zaandam holds a free volunteer-run party on November 14.
In the following weeks there are several shows and concerts for small kids: a Sinterklaas sing-along at the Concertgebouw on November 18, musicals about the cats Pim and Pom, and shows at youth theater De Krakeling. The Wereldmuseum has Sunday crafts through the season. Many of these need tickets.
From November 26, 2026 the Amsterdam Light Festival has a nightly Kids Walk with quiz questions and a scavenger hunt past the light artworks, running into January. In late December the Concertgebouw has the family concert Let it Snow on December 21 and 22. Most events are in Dutch, so check ahead if you need English.
A Christmas tree for the elephants
In January 2019 the 21-meter Christmas tree from the Dam was cut up and sent to Artis, the zoo. The elephants got about six meters of it to pull the branches off and eat the bark, and the zebras, giraffes and camels got the rest.
The festival of lights has a playful start too. It began as a parade of boats in 2009, and in 2010 light designer Rogier van der Heide lit the Magere Brug in a special way for three weeks. That led to the first Light Festival in 2012.
Traditions today
- Sinterklaas on the Amstel: Sinterklaas sails from the Omval over the Amstel, past Carre, to Het Scheepvaartmuseum, then rides a horse from the Stopera to the Leidseplein. In 2026 it is on November 15.
- Light art on the canals: Since 2012 light artworks by artists from around the world stand in the center on the water and on land, over the winter. You can see them on foot or from a boat.
- The Kids Walk: An app-based walk for families with quiz questions and a scavenger hunt past the light artworks. In 2026 it starts on November 26.
- The Christmas tree on the Dam: A tall tree stands on the Dam in front of the Royal Palace every winter. In 2019 it was 21 meters tall and stayed until January 8.
- Watching the arrival on local TV: If you are not on the route, the arrival is broadcast on AT5, with a recap later in the day, as in 2024.
A fact for kids
In 2019 the Christmas tree from the Dam went to the zoo. The elephants pulled off the branches and ate the bark.
Questions about Christmas in Amsterdam
Is Amsterdam worth visiting at Christmas with kids?
Yes. Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat on the Amstel, light art fills the canals in winter, and there are family concerts and shows. The Light Festival has a Kids Walk, and the Dam has a tall Christmas tree.
When does Sinterklaas arrive in Amsterdam in 2026?
On Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. He sails from the Omval over the Amstel, past Carre, to Het Scheepvaartmuseum, then rides a horse from the Stopera through the center to the Leidseplein. It is free to watch.
Where is the best place to watch Sinterklaas arrive by boat in Amsterdam?
Along the Amstel, since the boat sails from the Omval to Het Scheepvaartmuseum, where the mayor welcomes Sinterklaas. In 2024 the steamboat was at the museum around 11:35 am. Pick your spot early.
What route does Sinterklaas ride in Amsterdam?
In 2025 the parade left the Stopera, crossed the Blauwbrug, went through the Utrechtsestraat, across the Frederiksplein and along the Weteringschans to the Leidseplein. Roads were closed for a few hours. In earlier years Sinterklaas spoke to the children on the Leidseplein from the steps of the Stadsschouwburg.
Who welcomes Sinterklaas in Amsterdam?
The mayor and a children's mayor. In 2025 Mayor Femke Halsema and child mayor Kiyaro welcomed him in the cold, with many parents and children along the water. In 2026 acting mayor Esmah Lahlah and child mayor Ava are expected.
Since when does Amsterdam have a Sinterklaas arrival?
Since 1934 the city has held a big arrival every year. In the 1930s the Chamber of Commerce started an arrival in mid-November to open the shopping weeks before pakjesavond.
Was the Amsterdam Sinterklaas arrival on national television?
Yes. From 1952 to 1963 national television broadcast the Amsterdam arrival. After that, a separate national arrival moved to a different town each year, and the Amsterdam one is now shown on the local station AT5.
Can we watch the Sinterklaas arrival from home or the hotel?
Yes. The local broadcaster AT5 shows the arrival, and in 2024 it also showed a summary later in the day. That is a good option if your kids are too small for the crowds.
What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?
A winter festival of light artworks by artists, designers and architects from around the world, shown in the center on the water and on land. You can see them on foot or from a boat. The first edition was in 2012.
What is the Kids Walk at the Amsterdam Light Festival?
An app-based walk for families with quiz questions and a scavenger hunt past the light artworks. In 2026 it runs nightly from November 26 to January 17, 2027, from 4:30 to 11:00 pm, with an information point at Amstel 1. The price of the app is not listed.
How did the Amsterdam Light Festival start?
With a boat parade. In 2009 boats took part in the Christmas Canal Parade, and in 2010 came Winter Magic Amsterdam. That year light designer Rogier van der Heide lit the Magere Brug for three weeks and suggested focusing on light art, so the annual festival began in 2012.
What was the 2025 Amsterdam Light Festival like?
The 14th edition opened on November 29, 2025 with 20 light artworks on and around the canals, and ran into January. There was a route over the water and one over land, so you can walk or take a canal cruise, which suits a sleeping toddler in a stroller.
How big is the Christmas tree on the Dam?
In 2019 it was 21 meters tall. It stands in front of the Royal Palace every winter, and that year it stayed until January 8. Height and origin of the most recent tree were not found.
What happened to the Dam Christmas tree in 2019?
After the holidays it was cut up and went to Artis zoo. The elephants got about six meters to pull the branches off and eat the bark, and the zebras, giraffes and camels got the rest. This is only confirmed for 2019.
What was the Sinterklaas window display in Amsterdam's old department store?
Window dresser Dick Verburg built a Sinterklaas display with hundreds of moving figures, boats, trains and moving bridges, starting in June or July. Thousands of children watched it for weeks in the corner window near the Beurs.
Is there a Sinterklaas concert for kids at the Concertgebouw?
Yes, a sing-along concert for ages 4 and up on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 1:00 and 3:00 pm in the Grote Zaal. Tickets are 21 to 25 euros, or 20 to 24 euros for children up to 12, and a drink is included.
Is there a winter family concert at the Concertgebouw in December?
Yes. Let it Snow with Wouter Hamel, for ages 4 and up, is on December 21 and 22, 2026 at 1:30 and 3:30 pm in the Kleine Zaal. Tickets are 19 euros, or 18 euros for children up to 12, drink included.
What can kids do at the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam at Christmas time?
The Feest op zondag (Party on Sunday) program has Sinterklaas crafts on November 15, 22 and 29 and December 6, such as surprises, shoe decorating and gift-wrapping traditions from around the world. Christmas and New Year crafts, with ornaments and ice stars, run December 13 and December 20 to January 3. It is included with your museum visit.
What shows are there for toddlers and preschoolers in Amsterdam?
Pim and Pom, a Sinterklaas musical about two cats for ages 2 and up, plays at the Meervaart on November 29 and at the Zaantheater in Zaandam on November 22. De Krakeling has a Sinterklaas show for ages 3 and up on November 28 and 29, and De Kersthaas for ages 4 and up on December 29 and 30. In Amstelveen, Theater De Landing has a family musical for ages 3 and up on November 25.
Are there Sinterklaas events near Amsterdam, such as Zaandam?
Yes. Zaandam has a free volunteer-run Sinterklaas party on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at De Burcht, with times still to be announced. It is free for children, and a day before the Amsterdam arrival.
Are there free Christmas events in Amsterdam?
Yes, several. The Sinterklaas arrival is free to watch, Zaandam's party is free for children, and the light art can be viewed on foot. The Wereldmuseum crafts are included with museum admission. Concerts and theater shows need tickets.
Are Christmas events in Amsterdam in English?
Most events are in Dutch, including the Sinterklaas concerts and shows. The arrival, light art and parades work without it, and the Light Festival Kids Walk uses an app, so check there for languages. For anything else, check with the host.
Sources
- Terugkijken: Sinterklaas komt aan in Amsterdam, NH Nieuws
- Sinterklaas Entry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, St. Nicholas Center
- Sinterklaasintocht, Wikipedia (nl)
- Bewonersbrief Intocht Sint 16 november 2025, Stichting Sint in Amsterdam
- Saint Nicholas and his helpers are back in town: watch the arrival here, Ground News
- Sinterklaas komt dit jaar aan op geheime locatie, intocht wel te volgen op AT5, AT5
- Hij komt, hij komt: Sinterklaas vaart zondag 15 november door Amsterdam en trekt daarna te paard door de binnenstad, Rodi Media
- Amsterdam Light Festival, Wikipedia (nl)
- Amsterdam Light Festival starts for its 14th year, Daily Sabah
- Kerstboom op de Dam wordt speelgoed voor olifanten in Artis, AT5
- Voor het eerst in 17 jaar weer aftelmoment met muziek op de Dam, NH Nieuws
- Sinterklaas- en kerstetalages, Cultureel Erfgoed de Bijenkorf
- Co-kathedrale basiliek van de Heilige Nicolaas, Wikipedia (nl)