Amsterdam for Christmas
 

I am planning on going to Europe during the week of Christmas and I'm looking at Amsterdam. I would appreciate it if you could give me some information/advise.

I like museums, stroll along beautiful shop windows and window shopping, farmer's markets, cafes, etc. Not really into clubbing or bars.

That said, is Amsterdam a good place to go for the week of Christmas? Is 5 days/4 nights sufficient? Is there another city close to Amsterdam that I should visit for maybe a day or two?

Thanks in advance.

Ming

If you mean including actually Christmas Eve and Day I think you will find most places closed. If the days after I would think a fine city to visit as kong s you are prepared for the weather - that is have proper clothing and like cold temps.

The Dutch have a second Christmas day (to the English speaking countries it is called Boxing day) This is also a day of closures, well part from Ikea and a few other shops.

Museum are open on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. You need to check their websites as to which is open when. The Rijks is open both days. The van Gogh is closed for refurbishment, the paintings are at the Hermitage, which is also open both days, as are the Stedelijk and the Anne Frankhuis.

It is rarely really cold at Christmas. We do occasionally have a cold snap then, but normally the temps are between 0C and about 7C. It can be wet though.

Many shops in Amsterdam will be open on Boxing Day I expect.
You probably need to book a restaurant for both days though as the Dutch love to go out on one or both days.

Plenty of places to visit nearby, it depends on what you want to do really. Have a look at other peoples trip reports - those places will be just as interesting, and less crowded in December.

Thanks everyone for all your responses. I am an amateur photographer so taking photos will easily keep me occupied when things are slow.

Hetismij2, thanks for the suggestion. I will read some trip reports.