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Image from Koen Smilde

Ice skating in Amsterdam

When the temperature drops, the Dutch start dreaming of a frozen winter and the prospect of ice skating outdoors. Weather forecasts are watched eagerly and skates sharpened just in case! But even if the canals don’t freeze this year, there are plenty of spots in Amsterdam to practice your icey jumps and twirls.

Ice-skating on Rembrandtplein

Festive market stalls on Rembrandtplein, surrounded by trees festooned in Christmas lights.
Image from Edwin van Eis

In the winter months, Rembrandtplein transforms into a cosy wonderland, complete with snow cannons, charming chalets, and twinkling lights with an ice-skating rink at its heart. After gliding across the ice, you can warm up at the winter plaza with a glass of mulled wine and tasty treats. The square takes on a magical ambience as night falls, with lively bars and restaurants galore.

Ice skating on Rembrandtplein | 15 November - 5 January | Rembrandtplein, Centrum

Winter Village Amstelveen

Venture out to the centre of Amstelveen, only a stone's throw south of Amsterdam, where the Winter Village reigns for the entirety of the Christmas season. With a big ice skating rink, perfect for children, and over 60 market stalls selling handcrafted wares, it's the perfect gathering place for family and friends alike.

Winter Village | 30 November - 5 January | Winkelcentrum Stadshart, Amstelveen |

Jaap Eden Ice Rink

Jaap Eden Baan people ice skating
Image from Jaap Eden Baan

This huge ice rink in Amsterdam Oost is the go-to spot for pros and first-timers. Budding speedskaters can make use of the 400-metre track, which allows you plenty of space and freedom to glide. But don’t worry, if you haven’t nailed your double axles yet, there’s also an indoor rink complete with a beginner's corner. Jaap is the home turf of the Amstel Tijgers, so be sure to check the agenda for ice hockey matches, discos and other public activities.

Jaap Eden Ice Rink | October to 23 March | Radioweg 64, Oost

Winterparadijs RAI

After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, Winterparadijs triumphantly returns this winter, offering a festive array of activities. In addition to its expansive indoor and outdoor ice rinks, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, curling, tubing, and slides, as well as a cinema, theatre, and a towering Ferris wheel. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the après-ski village provides the perfect place to relax with mulled wine and plenty of dining options. Whether you’re inclined to embrace winter sports or prefer the lively karaoke bar and silent disco, Winterparadijs promises a quintessential holiday escape for all.

RAI Amsterdam | 19 December - 5 January | Europaboulevard 22, Zuid

ICE* Amsterdam at Museumplein

Ice* child ice skating at Museumplein
Image from Koen Smilde

The magical ice rink is back in the heart of Museumplein, Amsterdam’s iconic square. Every winter, the square is transformed into a wintery paradise for the arrival of Ice*Amsterdam. Perhaps the cosiest skating rink in the capital welcomes young and old, skilled or beginner, to enjoy the opportunity to slide about with breathtaking views of the Rijksmuseum. Non-skaters can grab a warming mug of hot chocolate or snacks from the bistro to watch the frosty mayhem. And in December, you’ll find a Christmas market complete with crackling fires and festive stalls.

Ice*Amsterdam | 15 November - 2 February | Museumplein, Oud-Zuid

Winter landscapes in art

Rijksmuseum gallery of honour
Image from Erik Smits

Slide over from ICE* Amsterdam right into the Rijksmuseum for a glimpse of Amsterdam’s winters of the past. The museum has plenty of 17th-century masterpieces on display, with the wintry Dutch landscape as its central muse. Experience works by artists such as Hendrick Avercamp, Adam van Breen, and Jan van Goyen, with emotive scenes of communities wrapped up warm and enjoying ice skating, sledging, socialising, and even ice fishing.

Rijksmuseum | Museumplein, Oud-Zuid