The best thing to do before, during and after Christmas
What are we going to do (again) with (around) Christmas? Surely - next to 'what are we going to eat with Christmas?' - the most frequently asked question during the month of December. From the run-up to Christmas, to the best activities after the holidays. At Barts Boekje we have taken a good look at all the options, and made a nice Christmas list. This is the best thing to do before, during and perhaps even after Christmas! Please, thank you. Happy (carefree) holidays! Eating out for Christmas? Then check this list!
Nothing is as fun and atmospheric as when the streets are once again hung with Christmas lights at the end of November, beginning of December. Dusk falls from 16 pm, at 17 pm it is dark, but you won't hear us: we enjoy this period. In fact: we go all in. We will decorate! Big bows, lights everywhere, candles lit, and we never like red and green, but we do in December. Ha!
Our friends at De Maaltuin are pulling out all the stops. A truly special outing (or gift) during the festive month of December. As always, you can enjoy a culinary dinner at the most beautiful and unique locations. For example, you can enjoy a 5-course dinner at Nijenrode Castle, or the Grote Kerk in Naarden will be transformed into a pop-up restaurant.
In Utrecht, you'll learn about Wolvenplein Prison while you dine, and there's plenty to learn, and certainly to eat. The menu? Multiple courses, with refined dishes. Think classic Dutch flavors with a modern twist, beautifully presented and perfectly in keeping with the concept or location. There's also always entertainment, live music, a tour—you name it. Highly recommended!
The tickets for December from De Maaltuin
When it's winter, you're supposed to be on the ice. Unfortunately, natural ice has been a long time coming, but don't worry: the ice rink on the Museumplein It's back again, of course! Warm hat on, skates on, and off we go! Skating not really your thing? No problem, plenty of people can't. And for those who prefer a more cozy atmosphere, you can cross the bridge from the ice rink to the Christmas market. It's also perfect for a team skating get-together around the holidays: those who want to skate can fly onto the ice, while the rest can enjoy a glass of wine.
from November 15, 2025 to February 6, 2026
Did someone say party? Then someone probably also mentioned Hotel Okura Amsterdam. It's always a treat to be there, and they really go all out for the holidays. There are also the in-house restaurants – Yamazato (one Michelin star), Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka en Serre – have opened their doors with special Christmas dinner menus.
And as if that wasn't enough fun, they're hosting a festive family Christmas brunch on December 25th. There's even a Kids Corner for the little ones, packed with fun activities.
Feeling full? Then you'll naturally want to stay overnight to complete the experience. You can choose from two packages for your overnight stay: Sleigh All The Way of Merry & Bright, where a magical Christmas stay is guaranteed, as the room is included, personal butler service, €250 food & beverage credit (although you will have to pay extra for that in the in-house restaurants are not very popular), treatments in their spa with babysitting service (if you have kids with you), even a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and to make it even more festive an Elf turndown service with milk and cookies!
Hotel Okura during the holidays
Lights in the winter are already so nice, but it amsterdam light festival takes it a step further! Everywhere in the city you will find the most special and beautiful light installations. Perfect to upgrade your walk! With the app You'll see exactly where to admire the most beautiful works. The lights will be on display from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
As soon as the animals close their eyes, Ouwehands Zoo becomes one giant festival of light. Light Nights is back and bigger than ever: more color, more artwork, more wow. The revamped route, this year divided into 13 themed areas, takes you through a fantastical animal world. The enclosures are closed in the evening (animals need their sleep too), but trust us: there's plenty to see. Tickets range from €24,50 to €30,50. Tip for a big discount: get the combo ticket, go animal spotting during the day (from 14:00 PM), and stay until dusk when the light artworks illuminate Ouwehands Zoo into a magical place. We think it's a great experience with the kids (and a little for yourself too).
It's time...! For cheese fondue, of course. If we have "soul food" in the Netherlands, it has to be cheese fondue! Right? But where do we go for cheese fondue? Tasting room A. van Wees in Amsterdam's Jordaan district. Made with four Dutch cheeses selected by the Men of Cheese, and topped off with a shot of spicy Taainagel grain genever from their own Distillery De Ooievaar in the Jordaan district. The result: an Amsterdam fondue that every cheese lover should try.
Cliche, but true: New York and Christmas is a household name. From skating under the Rockefeller Center Tree to walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, it feels like you're in a romantic movie. If you're traveling to New York for romance, you shouldn't miss Williamsburg's Nitehawk Cinema.
But not just for all happy couples, New York at Christmas is one go, also for families, happy singles and basically everyone. There is so much to do in New York during Christmas that your Christmas has never been so busy. Christmas markets, lights and events everywhere, go go go.
You can find all tips for New York here.
We'd love to snuggle under a blanket during these dark, cold days and watch movies non-stop. Popcorn and play. During the Christmas period you just have to (yes, you have to!) watch Christmas movies. But there are so many Christmas movies nowadays that you can't see the forest for the trees, right? That's why we've compiled a list of our favorite Christmas films.
- Almost Christmas – is about the love of family in a humorous way.
- The best man Holiday – is a comedy film about friends who reunite after fifteen years during the holidays.
- The Night Before – in this American comedy Christmas film, three best friends have a Christmas tradition, namely partying together.
Have you seen it all yet? You can find more Christmas films here!
Don't feel like working for hours in the kitchen, but want to put a three-, four- or five-course menu on the table? Yes, it is possible. At various catering establishments whole the Netherlands you can come by for Christmas takeaway menus. Often all you have to do is heat up a few things and arrange the plate nicely. And voilà, your dish is ready.
Our favorites?
- EatSous
- Neni's Holiday box
- Hello fresh
- Sab's Deli
Okay, with a Christmas tree in your house it quickly becomes 'Christmassy'. But with several accessories you can bring Christmas into your interior. From wreaths and ornaments to table decoration and candles. Did someone say candles? Ha, nice. Of course, that includes a beautiful candlestick. Find it here!
Looking for more interior inspiration? Then take a look at our interior gift tips.
December, the month we have so much to celebrate, and so does the New Year, because just around the corner from Christmas, December 31st is already upon us, and we'll be enjoying a glass of champagne and a thick doughnut. But where should we be for New Year's Eve this year? We know, and of course, we have a plan. nice list made of.
