January in Amsterdam may be cold, but that’s all the more reason to make it cozy and explore the city. Whether you love winter sports, enjoy visiting museums, or simply appreciate the city’s vibrant food scene, Amsterdam has something for everyone this month. Get ready to discover the best of the city with our guide to what’s happening this month.
Hortus by Night: an enchanting evening in Amsterdam’s botanical garden
Experience the magic of nature after dark during Hortus by Night, a unique event at Amsterdam’s beautiful Hortus Botanicus. Stroll through the beautifully illuminated gardens and discover a world of nocturnal wonders, with special light installations and enchanting performances that bring the garden to life under the starry sky. This immersive evening invites you to see the botanical garden in a whole new light, where nature, art, and atmosphere come together in an unforgettable nighttime adventure.
📍Address: Hortus Botanicus: Plantage Middenlaan 2A, 1018DD Amsterdam
📆 Dates: December 27–30 and January 2–5, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Amsterdam: a festive mix of culture and color
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Amsterdam on January 29, 2025, with a lively mix of traditional and modern festivities. The streets of Chinatown come alive with dragon and lion dances, colorful parades, and a variety of performances. The main festivities, including the famous dragon parade, begin at 12:00 PM at the Buddhist temple on Zeedijk and wind their way through the heart of Chinatown. The festivities also feature delicious street food, festive markets, and fireworks, making it an event you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting the city during this time.
📍Address: Amsterdam Chinatown
📆 Dates: January 29, 2025
Enjoy a cheese fondue in Amsterdam: the best spots for comfort food
When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing better than enjoying a warm, creamy cheese fondue at one of Amsterdam’s coziest spots. From intimate cafés to stylish restaurants, the city offers a variety of places where you can dip fresh bread, vegetables, and more into melted cheese . Whether you’re a fondue novice or a seasoned fan, these top spots are perfect for a delicious and heartwarming experience on a cold day.
Phantasmopolis: Discover Amsterdam’s Spooky Past at the City Archives
Step into the spooky world of Phantasmopolis at the Amsterdam City Archives, where history and mystery come together in a captivating exhibition. This immersive exhibition by the Wanderwelle collective runs through February 16, 2025, and combines Dadaist, Surrealist, and Victorian spiritual photography to reveal the hidden layers of Amsterdam’s past . Discover eerie images and forgotten stories that bring the city’s soul to life and offer a unique glimpse into its shadowy, unseen history.
📍Address: Vijzelstraat 32, 1017 HL Amsterdam
📆 Dates: December 13, 2024, through February 16, 2025
Art Below Zero: A Frozen Journey Through 750 Years of Amsterdam History
Celebrate Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary in a truly unique way at Art Below Zero. It is an enchanting ice sculpture exhibition in the Central Market Halls. Featuring the largest collection of ice art in Europe, this incredible exhibition brings the city’s rich history to life with stunning, life-size sculptures. From iconic monuments to historical figures, each piece captures a moment in time, all crafted from ice.
📍Address: Centrale Markthallen 170, 1051 KL Amsterdam
📆 Dates: From Saturday, December 21 through Sunday, March 2, 2025
Warm up with a Hot Spritz: the perfect winter cocktail
This winter, give your classic Aperol Spritz a cozy twist with a warm version that’s perfect for cold days in Amsterdam. The Hot Spritz is a delicious mix of Aperol, Prosecco, and hot water, and an easy-to-make cocktail. It combines the refreshing flavors of a spritz with the warmth of a comforting drink. Whether you’re sipping it in a cozy bar or enjoying it at home, this warming cocktail is the ultimate way to stay nice and warm while discovering the city’s winter charm.
Experience movie soundtracks by candlelight in Amsterdam: a magical winter evening
Escape the cold and enjoy a unique evening filled with music and film at the Candlelight: Movie Soundtracks concert in Amsterdam. This magical event brings iconic film music to life in intimate, candlelit venues throughout the city. With a talented string quartet playing your favorite soundtracks, this is the perfect way to spend a cozy winter evening, surrounded by beautiful music and a warm, atmospheric glow.
Get cozy in Amsterdam’s warmest cafés
When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing better than finding a cozy café to warm up and relax. Amsterdam has an impressive array of coffee shops that offer more than just a delicious cup of coffee —they’re the perfect havens to enjoy a hot drink, read a book, or people-watch. From intimate, hidden nooks to trendy spots with a modern vibe, these cafés offer the ideal escape for a relaxing winter day in the city.
Discover the power of color at the Van Gogh Museum: a captivating exhibition
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Vincent van Gogh during the exhibition The Power of Color. It runs through May 2025 at the Van Gogh Museum. This captivating exhibition shows how Van Gogh used color not only to depict the world! He also used it to evoke emotions and tell powerful stories. With a stunning collection of his most iconic works, this is a must-see for anyone who wants to discover the artist’s bold and dynamic use of color in a new light.
📍Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
📆 Dates: January 16 through May 25, 2025
Glide into winter fun at the best skating spots
Embrace the winter chill and glide across Amsterdam’s iconic ice rinks this season. You can skate along the picturesque canals or at one of the city’s popular outdoor ice rinks! Ice skating in Amsterdam is always a magical winter experience. From the historic ice rink on Museumplein to the festive atmosphere of ice rinks in local neighborhoods… There’s no better way to enjoy the city’s winter charm while having fun on the ice.
Enjoy Amsterdam’s best mussels: a delicious winter treat
When it gets cold in January, there’s nothing better than enjoying a hearty plate of mussels at one of Amsterdam ’s favorite seafood restaurants . From classic preparations with white wine and herbs to rich, creamy sauces: the city’s restaurants serve mussels that are always a hit!
