The spectacular Amsterdam Light Festival will wow you if you thought the city's architecture was stunning. Throughout the months of December and January, the city is occupied by a large outdoor exhibition that lines its canals and winding streets with giant light sculptures that will make you gasp in wonder.

The first festival was held in 2012, and since then, it has developed into the much anticipated and loved event that it is today. One of the top free things to do in Amsterdam, the incredible light sculptures draw about a million tourists a year to see them firsthand. Visitors will be astounded by the creative works of art that light the capital each winter, which range from a giant house of cards to life-size models of people sitting on a park bench to a display of bacteria-fighting the E. coli virus. Some of them even have music. The exhibits change in size and theme every year. While the canal route tempts visitors to travel by boat to marvel at the complex displays in, around, and over the picturesque waterways, the walking route invites them to explore the dramatic works on foot. You'll never again view holiday lights in the same way.

Tulips are often associated with the beginning of spring, but Amsterdam prefers to enjoy this cheery bloom much earlier in the year. National Tulip Day, or Nationale Tulpendag in Dutch, is celebrated on the third Saturday of January.

At 8 a.m., locals start unloading their trucks and setting up more than 200,000 tulips in a temporary garden in Dam Square. The garden is made available to the public at 1 p.m, and anyone can come in and select flowers for no charge. Arrive early since watching the setup is almost as entertaining as picking your own flowers. If you want to get flowers, be prepared to wait in line (often for an hour or more). One of the best free things to do in Amsterdam in the winter is well known to be this. Visit Keukenhof, the stunning estate of Keukenhof Castle, which is located only 30 minutes outside of Amsterdam, if you're in the mood for more beauty. It doesn't open until the end of March, but its vibrant spring blooms are spectacular.

Although it is one of the most romantic ways to explore the city, skating on one of Amsterdam's renowned Golden Canals doesn't happen very often. During the "big freeze" in March 2018, sections of the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals last were enough frozen to support the weight of skaters. The canals hadn't iced before then in more than six years.

Take a spin around one of the winter ice rinks in the city if you aren't lucky enough to visit during a severe freeze. In one of the most stunning settings, ICE*Amsterdam provides outdoor skating on Museumplein, a magnificent place to skate. From mid-November to March 1st, skaters are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Rijksmuseum. An outdoor skate park is also available on Leidseplein from mid-November to early January. Both rinks offer warm drinks, snacks, and rental skates that you can use before and after your session. Bring the kids with you because skating is enjoyable to do as a family. Lace on your skates at Jaap Eden Ijsbaan, which is open from October to March, for a more professional experience.

Some of the top museums in the world are located in Amsterdam, and they are frequently crowded throughout the summer. Without the hassle of crowds, winter visitors may enjoy the stunning exhibitions located in these tourist destinations.

Take advantage of the relative quiet and visit the must-see Rijksmuseum, often known as the National Museum, located in the picturesque Museumplein. A large collection of ancient and contemporary artwork and artifacts may be found inside this historic building. Visit the Van Gogh Museum while you're in town. Both the building itself, a cutting-edge design by Gerrit Rietveld, and the magnificent works of art created by Van Gogh himself will captivate art lovers. You can find letters, etchings, and paintings at this location, which houses the largest collection of the artists' works. Another significant location is the Ann Frank House. This frightening and fascinating museum is situated on the Prinsengracht and is housed in the house where the Frank family hid from the Nazis during World War II. You'll find additional items that are still in the same condition as when Anne and her family hid here inside, as well as the hidden staircase leading to their living quarters.

Amsterdam, dubbed as the "Venice of the North", is renowned for its enchanting, tree-lined canals. And what better way to discover the city's shining stars than by going on a boat tour and getting up close and personal with them? You're in for an unforgettable night if you book one for New Year's!

There are numerous spots to sail around the city's more than 100 kilometers of canals (also known as grachten). The Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht canals are the most well-known (and touristy). Although most boats are heated, so you shouldn't feel cold, many cruises serve hot chocolate to keep your fingers warm. Over 120 cruise companies, to be exact, have established a successful business out of ferrying tourists between the tourist attractions in Amsterdam or just taking them on a tour of the waterways while pointing out amazing structures and telling them about the history of the region. There are numerous alternatives available for you to choose from. For a trip that will be even more unforgettable, schedule your cruise around the Amsterdam Light Festival.

Who can blame the Dutch for loving the winter? Restaurants dish out delectable warm dishes, romantic canals reflect sparkling lights, and the winding alleyways are lined with festive markets.

Winter is the quietest time in the city usually crowded with museums and tourist attractions, the New Year’s Eve festivities draw young people to celebrate the occasion with fireworks and music. At the renowned Winter Festival Amsterdam, a festival of this cold and wonderful time of year, there are many activities available, including evening canal cruises, ice skating, snowball fights, and cross-country skiing. This well-known festival draws thousands of visitors from late December to early January and is one of the top winter attractions (around the 18th to the 8th). Famous Dutch musicians will perform on the stage, delectable snacks will be available, food trucks will buzz, and visitors can ride a carousel or ferris wheel when they're not twirling around an indoor or outdoor rink.

The streets of Amsterdam are lined with cozy cafés that invite tourists to come in from the cold and warm up with a bowl of soup (Snert is a hearty and filling pea soup served with rye bread), stamppot (mashed potatoes and veggies served with meat), fondue, or a broodje (a.k.a. sandwich).

After your meal is finished, it's time to indulge in some of Amsterdam's best sweets. The most well-known winter dessert, oliebollen, is only offered during this time of year. One of the best winter activities is indulging in these delectable, deep-fried dough balls, which are a beloved and delightful New Year's tradition. These are essentially donuts that have been coated with powdered sugar, and they can be found in the town's oliebollenkramen shops. Appeltaarts (apple pie), Poffertjes (treats that resemble pancakes and are coated in powdered sugar and butter), and Dutch pancakes are also available at this time. You'll feel rejuvenated for a day of sightseeing once you've rinsed it all down with a cup of hot chocolate.

Spend some time shopping at one of the unique shops along Amsterdam's 9 Straatjes (a.k.a. nine little streets). 9 Straatjes offers a great overview of the architectural style of Amsterdam's heritage. After 400 years it is still very lively with artisanal businesses, hidden cafes, hotspot restaurants and galleries, and a unique offer of specialized and authentic shops.

Nine magnificent streets make up this unique commercial district, which is located in Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, some of the city's most well-known neighborhoods. Three of the streets are located in each neighborhood. Crossing bridges over the canals to get to the other side is part of the enjoyment. You can find anything you're looking for right here. There are vintage clothes boutiques, cafés, restaurants, designer stores, and art galleries along every street. Additionally, you can find flower shops, bookstores, and jewelry stores. The streets are exquisitely decked at Christmas, adding their charming appeal. Before you enter this land of temptation, be sure to pack a camera and some extra spending money.

Amsterdam has no shortage of holiday markets during the winter. The fun factor of any cold-weather Dutch holiday is increased by these markets, which feature hand-made crafts, delicious treats, and skating rinks. One of the favorites is the Ice*Village Amsterdam, which is surrounded by a skating rink on Museumplein and has hundreds of vendors selling local products.

The traditional Sunday Market in Westergasfabriek is transformed into the Funky Xmas Market for one day in mid-December in true Amsterdam style. Their unique vendors are selling quirky handmade goods. The ideal store for customers that care about the environment is Pure Winter Markt Amsterdam. The emphasis on sustainability is what makes this a rewarding place to visit. The market offers the tastiest regional cuisine in the area in addition to guilt-free gifts and food vendors taking up 70% of the market's space. This is a traveling market,, go to their website to find out where they'll be when you're in town.

The Willet-Holthuysen museum, which is situated on the Herengracht, is an impressive example of a historic canal home. This attraction provides a charming example of what life was like for wealthy members of Dutch society (and their staff) in the mid-1800s. It was the last residence of Abraham Willet and Louisa Holthuysen.

As part of the Christmas Exhibition, the house is converted from December through early January into a 19th-century winter paradise. Visitors are welcome to look around the 18th- and 19th-century period rooms at their own pace. The museum is decorated with keepsakes and holiday decorations from its former occupants' era. A striking highlight is the magnificently decorated Christmas tree, which includes unwrapped toys for the kids. You can enjoy live music, including Christmas songs, and read Christmas tales if you go during the last week of December. During these times, board games, coffee, and tea are available, luring you to stay longer.