Amsterdam is buzzing this week, and if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual holiday clichés, this city has you covered. Whether you’re a local or just vibing in town, here’s your insider guide to cool events that go beyond Christmas markets and mulled wine.
1. Amsterdam Light Festival (Dec 16 – Jan 21): Technically it’s seasonal, but this isn’t your basic holiday lights. The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city’s canals into a glowing gallery of wild, trippy art installations. Hop on a canal cruise or grab a coat and wander the streets to see Amsterdam lit up like never before. This year’s theme? Infinite Horizons, perfect for dreamy wanderers and Instagram addicts alike.
Pro tip: Walk the route for free and splurge on hot chocolate at a random café instead.
2. Ramen Festival Amsterdam (Dec 17): Who needs Christmas dinner when you can slurp your way through an all-you-can-eat ramen fest? Yep, the Ramen Festival at De Hallen is a noodle lover’s dream, featuring vendors from all over the Netherlands serving up steaming bowls of umami goodness. Bring your appetite—and maybe stretchy pants!
Tickets: €15 gets you in; ramen is sold separately.
Bonus: Vegan and spicy options are available!
3. Rollerdisco Christmas Party (Dec 21): The Rollerdisco at Skate Dance Club combines funky beats, neon lights, and retro vibes for a night of skating (and falling) to bangers from disco to house. Don’t skate? No worries. Chill with a drink or laugh at the pros wiping out. Where: Zeeburgerpad 5
Skates rental: Included with your ticket €17.50
4. Secret Garden Pop-Up Dinner (Dec 20): Get whisked away to a culinary wonderland with this intimate, secret location dinner featuring seasonal dishes, live music, and storytelling. Hosted by Rare Radish, this pop-up event is a hidden gem that merges art and food into one unforgettable experience.
5. Asian Film Festival Amsterdam (Dec 19 – 22): From Japanese drama to South Korean thrillers, this mini film fest showcases movies you won’t find on Netflix. Great for anyone needing a break from Christmas rom-coms.
Must-watch: Ajoomma, a heartwarming comedy about a middle-aged woman on a solo adventure in Seoul.
Tickets: Around €10 per film.
6. Late-night Jazz & Cocktails at Brouwerij ’t IJ: For a laid-back but vibey evening, head to the cozy Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a brewery inside an old windmill, for some smooth live jazz paired with their signature craft beers. If beer isn’t your thing, their cocktail collabs are next-level.
Time: Starts at 9 PM.
Entry: Free