Dreaming of a December break to the Netherlands, but not quite sure how to plan it? You want twinkly streets, easy travel, and a plan that actually works in winter. This guide covers the highlights, hurdles, and clever shortcuts that UK travellers use to make a Christmas trip smooth from touchdown to checkout.
The Weather in December (In Reality)
When planning a festive trip to the Netherlands, start with the weather. Winters are damp and chilly rather than freezing, with daytime highs around 3–6°C and wind or drizzle that make it feel colder. Pack as you would for a blustery UK city break, adding waterproof layers, sturdy shoes, and a compact umbrella.
Around Christmas, daylight fades by 4:30 pm, so schedule sightseeing early and spend late afternoons in cosy cafés or museums like the Rijksmuseum or Mauritshuis.
Top Christmas Experiences in the Netherlands
The Netherlands shines at Christmas. These are the moments worth planning for:
Skate at Museumplein in Amsterdam.
From early November through February, the ice rink returns to the city’s cultural center, bordered by the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. It’s one of the season’s most picturesque spots and an easy choice if you’re staying in the downtown area.
Do a day trip to Haarlem’s Christmas market.
Just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, Haarlem’s market is one of the country’s largest and cosiest. Expect hundreds of stalls, carols, and a historic setting around Grote Markt.
Warm up the Dutch way.
After a day of exploring, duck into a brown café for hearty pea soup and a local beer, a simple Dutch ritual that feels made for winter.
Stay Connected the Smart Way
Having data on hand makes everything easier, from checking train times to finding the best spot for dinner. If you want a quick, no-fuss way to stay online while travelling, consider using a prepaid eSIM for the Netherlands from Odido, a Dutch company offering unlimited data, fast 5G internet, and the lowest price for a travel eSIM in the Netherlands on an award-winning network. With your data sorted, you can focus on enjoying the festive sights instead of finding Wi-Fi.
Getting Around Without Faff
“Bicycle Parked on a Bridge.” – Image | Pexels
Public transport in the Netherlands runs like clockwork. Trains link major cities in under an hour, and trams and buses cover the rest. You can buy single tickets at stations or use your contactless card on most services. Timetables are easily accessible on NS.nl, the national rail site.
If you’re travelling from the UK, the train from London to Amsterdam is one of the most comfortable and sustainable ways to arrive. It drops you right at Amsterdam Centraal, within easy reach of hotels and onward connections.
If you enjoy exploring on foot, Dutch cities make it easy. Streets are compact and often pedestrian-friendly, with walking routes that take you past independent shops and quiet canals. For longer distances, rent a bike from your hotel. Locals cycle year-round, even in winter.
Essentials for a Winter Break in the Netherlands
Pack smart for cold days and cosy nights by following these guidelines:
- Layers that dry fast. A thermal base, mid-layer, and waterproof top beats one bulky coat on wet, windy days.
- Hands and head. Gloves and a beanie make cold canal walks far more comfortable.
- Footwear with tread. Cobblestones and tram tracks can be slick.
- Portable battery. Cold drains phones faster.
- Cards over cash. Contactless works almost everywhere.
Before You Go
Few places capture winter’s charm like the Netherlands, where canal walks meet candlelit cafés and festive lights shimmer on the water.
Plan your highlights, pack for the chill, and leave space for those small moments that make travel truly memorable. With good transport, welcoming locals, and plenty to see beyond Amsterdam, spending Christmas in the Netherlands will feel both festive and refreshingly easy.
