December in the Netherlands is pure magic! It's when art, light, and human warmth take over the streets. The canals glow, cities sparkle, and every corner turns into a small celebration of creativity. It’s that cozy, festive time when you feel life moving, from Christmas markets and concerts to immersive light installations and winter fairs. One of the season’s biggest highlights is the Amsterdam Light Festival 2025, a signature winter experience that brings the city to life.

Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend, a family trip, or to catch your favorite artist live, this guide highlights the best December 2025 events in the Netherlands — blending art, culture, and experience in true Outhere style.

When darkness falls early, the Netherlands answers with light. Cities transform into outdoor galleries filled with installations and glowing trails designed by artists from around the world.

November 27, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Every winter, Amsterdam’s canals become an open-air art route with floating sculptures, projections, and interactive works that play with water, space, and imagination. Take the walking route along the Herengracht or enjoy it from a boat, the reflections make the experience even more dreamlike.

November 7 – 14, 2025
Eindhoven lights up with one of Europe’s boldest art-and-tech experiences. Expect massive light installations, creative storytelling, and a city that literally glows with innovation. GLOW connects science and art, and shows how creativity can illuminate entire streets.

It’s impossible not to fall for the charm of Dutch Christmas markets. Think fairy lights reflected on canals, the smell of mulled wine and stroopwafels, and cozy moments in every city square.

November 14, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Deep inside ancient caves, Valkenburg turns into one of Europe’s most unique Christmas towns, part underground market, part fairytale wonderland. Expect handmade gifts, live performances, and that pure Dutch gezelligheid feeling.

December 12 – 14, 2025
Haarlem’s city center becomes one of the largest markets in the country, with over 350 stalls, music, and food. Meanwhile, Amsterdam’s Ice Village at Museumplein brings together skating rinks, local designers, and cozy winter vibes, all under the glow of the Rijksmuseum.

If you’re dreaming of a Christmas market tour across Europe, don’t skip the magic in:

• Strasbourg, FR – Europe’s oldest Christmas market
• Berlin, GE – The iconic Gendarmenmarkt fair
• Vienna, AT – A classic winter dream at Rathausplatz
• Colmar, FR – A fairytale of lights and Alsatian wine

December isn’t just about snow globes and fairy lights, it’s also about high energy, creativity, and lifestyle.

The Netherlands is buzzing with European sports this season. From Ajax’s thrilling home games to the Rugby Europe Super Cup bringing international excitement to Dutch fields, fans are in for a month of unforgettable matches. Football lovers can also follow every goal, schedule, and knockout round on the official UEFA Champions League website. A must for anyone keeping up with Europe’s top clubs this winter.

December 11 – 16, 2025 | RAI Amsterdam
Europe’s most exclusive luxury and innovation fair returns with an extraordinary display of art, travel, gastronomy, and technology. Expect supercars, yachts, and design concepts that merge creativity with elegance, all curated in the spirit of Amsterdam.

From soulful harmonies to electronic art, December 2025 brings a mix of major music names and fresh fringe acts that deserve your attention across Dutch stages.

December 2, 2025
The world’s most iconic R&B trio brings nostalgia, love, and pure emotion. Expect timeless classics and smooth harmonies.

December 13, 2025
The electronic pioneers return with a futuristic audiovisual show, still decades ahead of their time.

December 10, 2025
Sweden’s power-metal legends take the stage with a theatrical new production celebrating their history and fire.

December 02, 2025 - Bitterzoet

Los Angeles duo Rio Kosta are redefining modern groove. Formed by session veterans Kosta Galanopoulos and Mike Del Rio, the band blends rhythm, melody, and raw emotion in a sound that feels both retro and futuristic

December 20, 2025
This event has been canceled. Originally planned as an immersive art-meets-holiday experience filled with parades, music, and creative installations, perfect for families and dreamers, it will no longer take place this year.

Stay tuned for new festive experiences coming soon across the Netherlands.

We’re here to make it easy to dive into it all. From Christmas markets and canal light art to concerts, festivals, and nights that stretch till sunrise.

Already planning ahead? Check out our guide to Things to Do in Amsterdam in January, or keep exploring our curated picks of art, music, and cultural events happening now across the Netherlands.

Outhere is your shortcut to real experiences, not endless scrolling. Follow your favorite artists, find hidden gems, compare tickets fast.

This season’s not for staying in. Get out there, live the culture, and make memories worth remembering.

Explore Outhere.guide or download the app. Your December adventure starts here.