Christmas tree on Dam Square

Lighting the Christmas tree

Join in the festivities when the tree is lit up in all its glory. Carol singers, musical performances and seasonal food and drinks make the occasion extra special. Mayor Halsema will turn on the lights. Half an hour earlier, brass band Ritmo will play, followed by music by Untailored Suits. Entrepreneurs on Dam Square will hand out chocolate milk.

Christmas tree on Dam Square

Traditionally grown in the German Ardennes, the tree soars over 20 metres into the Amsterdam sky, decorated by four kilometres of Christmas lights. An imposing feature outside the Amsterdam Royal Palace, the tree is adorned with upwards of a whopping 40,000 energy-saving LED fairy lights.

The tree will remain on Dam Square until the beginning of January and after that, the tree will move from Dam Square to ARTIS Zoo. The trunk and thick branches will go to the elephants, who will be delighted by the smell and they can play and lug it around. The finer branches go to the hoofed animals.

Illuminating the heart of the city

The illuminated Christmas tree and de Bijenkorf building on Dam Square form a centrepiece for the Christmas decorations installed earlier on the lamp posts, making the square an attractive Amsterdam highlight.