How do you spend Boxing Day in Amsterdam?

Boxing Day in Amsterdam is a lively, full day out; shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions are largely open, and the city has a festive but relaxed atmosphere that makes it one of the more enjoyable days to explore. Unlike in the UK or Australia, December 26 is not a widely observed public holiday in the Netherlands, so the city keeps moving. Below you will find answers to the most common questions about spending Boxing Day in Amsterdam, from what is open to where to eat and how busy the streets get.

What is actually open in Amsterdam on Boxing Day?

Almost everything is open in Amsterdam on Boxing Day. Shops, restaurants, museums, and tourist attractions operate on normal or near-normal hours on December 26. Because the Netherlands does not treat Boxing Day as a major public holiday in the same way the UK does, the city functions much like any other busy winter weekend day.

The main shopping streets, including Kalverstraat and the Nine Streets, are typically open and often busier than usual as locals take advantage of post-Christmas sales. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House all operate on December 26, though booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended. Canal boat tours run throughout the day, and most cafes and restaurants welcome guests without any special reservation requirements, though popular spots can fill up quickly.

Public transport runs on a weekend schedule, so trams, buses, and the metro are all available. The one area where you might notice a difference is in smaller, independent businesses, which may choose to close at the owner’s discretion.

Is Boxing Day a public holiday in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, December 26 is known as Tweede Kerstdag, or Second Christmas Day, and it is officially a public holiday. However, the Dutch approach to this holiday is quite different from the British or Australian tradition of Boxing Day. Rather than a day of rest or retail sales, it is treated as a continuation of Christmas celebrations.

In practice, this means many businesses, shops, and attractions choose to open anyway, particularly in tourist-heavy cities like Amsterdam. Banks and government offices are typically closed, but the hospitality and tourism sectors remain fully operational. Visitors from the UK expecting everything to be shut, or expecting the classic Boxing Day sales atmosphere, will find Amsterdam refreshingly active and accessible.

What are the best things to do in Amsterdam on Boxing Day?

The best things to do in Amsterdam on December 26 include visiting world-class museums, taking a canal boat tour, exploring the historic city centre on foot, and browsing the winter markets still running in late December. The city offers a rich mix of indoor and outdoor activities that suit the cool winter weather well.

• Visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum: Both are open and stunning in winter, with fewer crowds than in peak summer season.
• Take a canal boat tour: A guided tour of Amsterdam’s famous waterways is a magical experience in winter, with the city’s lights reflecting off the water in the late afternoon.
• Walk through the Jordaan district: This charming neighbourhood is ideal for a leisurely stroll, with independent boutiques, galleries, and cosy brown cafes.
• Explore the Red Light District: A guided walking tour through this historic and often misunderstood part of the city offers fascinating cultural and historical insights.
• Browse the winter markets: Depending on the year, Amsterdam hosts several festive markets running through late December that are worth a visit.
• Try Dutch food and drink: December 26 is a great day to settle into a traditional Dutch brown cafe and sample local beers, bitterballen, and stamppot.

For those who prefer a structured experience, a guided city tour is one of the best ways to make the most of the day, especially if it is your first time in Amsterdam.

How crowded is Amsterdam on December 26?

Amsterdam on Boxing Day is noticeably busy but not overwhelmingly crowded. The city sees a steady flow of tourists during Christmas week, and December 26 tends to attract both international visitors and Dutch day-trippers looking for something to do during the holiday break. That said, it is significantly quieter than in peak summer months.

The most crowded spots are typically the major museums, the Anne Frank House, and the central shopping streets. Arriving early in the morning or booking timed-entry tickets in advance makes a meaningful difference at popular attractions. The canal boat tours also fill up, so reserving a spot ahead of time is advisable.

The streets of the city centre feel festive and lively without being chaotic. If you want to avoid the busiest pockets, heading into neighbourhoods like De Pijp, Oud-West, or the Jordaan gives you a more local, relaxed experience of the city.

What is a canal boat tour like in Amsterdam in winter?

A canal boat tour in Amsterdam in winter is a genuinely beautiful experience. The lower light, the bare trees lining the canals, and the festive decorations still in place after Christmas give the city a unique atmosphere that summer visitors simply do not get to see. Winter tours are often more intimate, with smaller groups and a quieter pace on the water.

We offer both open boats and covered Dutch salon boats, which are ideal for winter weather. The salon boats protect passengers from wind and rain while still offering clear views of the iconic canal houses and bridges. Our tours are guided entirely in German, making them a particularly good fit for German-speaking visitors who want to understand the history and stories behind what they are seeing.

A typical one-hour canal tour covers the most scenic stretches of Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal ring, passing the famous Golden Bend, historic warehouses, and the narrowest houses in the city. Drinks are included, and the guides share local knowledge that goes well beyond what a self-guided audio tour can offer. In winter, the late-afternoon departure times are especially atmospheric as the city lights begin to reflect on the water.

Where should you eat in Amsterdam on Boxing Day?

Amsterdam has excellent dining options on December 26, and the vast majority of restaurants are open. The city’s food scene ranges from traditional Dutch brown cafes serving hearty winter dishes to international restaurants, street food markets, and upscale dining. Making a reservation for dinner is wise, as popular spots fill up quickly during the holiday week.

Traditional Dutch options

For an authentic local experience, look for a traditional brown cafe, known locally as a bruin café. These cosy, wood-panelled pubs serve Dutch classics like bitterballen, kroket, and hearty soups alongside a wide selection of Dutch beers and jenever (Dutch gin). The Jordaan neighbourhood and the area around Leidseplein are particularly good areas to find them.

International and modern dining

Amsterdam’s food scene is genuinely international, with strong Indonesian, Surinamese, and Mediterranean influences reflecting the city’s trading history. De Pijp is the go-to neighbourhood for a diverse range of restaurants at various price points. The Albert Cuyp Market area, even if the market itself is closed on December 26, is surrounded by excellent cafes and restaurants worth exploring.

For a quick and satisfying street food option, Dutch herring stands and stroopwafel shops are typically open and offer a classic taste of the city without needing a reservation.

How Incredible Amsterdam Makes Your Boxing Day Unforgettable

We at Incredible Amsterdam have been showing visitors the real Amsterdam for nine years, and December 26 is one of our favourite days to be out in the city. The festive atmosphere, manageable crowds, and crisp winter air make it an ideal time for a guided tour, whether on foot or by water.

Here is what we offer for your Amsterdam Christmas holiday activities:

• German-language walking tours through the historic city centre, the Jordaan, and the Red Light District, led by native German-speaking guides who live in Amsterdam
• Winter canal boat tours in covered Dutch salon boats with drinks included, departing throughout the day on December 26
• Private tours for families, couples, or small groups who want a fully personalised experience
• Small group sizes that keep the experience intimate and allow for genuine interaction with your guide
• Expert local recommendations for restaurants, neighbourhoods, and hidden spots to explore independently after the tour

Whether you are looking for a structured introduction to the city or a relaxed cruise along the canals, we have the right option for your Boxing Day in Amsterdam. Book your guided tour and let us show you Amsterdam the way it deserves to be seen.