❄️ Introduction

Each winter, Amsterdam transforms into a festive wonderland — glittering lights, cozy markets, snowy adventures, and holiday magic. But the Amsterdam Winter Paradise (Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs) takes this winter spirit to a completely new level.

Held at RAI Amsterdam, this massive indoor–outdoor winter festival combines ice, snow, entertainment, food, rides, and immersive attractions all in one place. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a date night, or a winter holiday trip, the Winter Paradise 2025–2026 edition is set to be the most spectacular yet.

Running from 13 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, it’s the perfect winter escape during Christmas, New Year’s, or the school holidays.

📅 Festival Dates & Location

• Dates: 13 December 2025 → 3 January 2026

• Venue: RAI Amsterdam

• Address: Europaboulevard 22, 1078 RV Amsterdam

• Closest Metro/Tram: RAI Station (Metro 52), Tram 4

The venue is directly accessible from Amsterdam Zuid and Schiphol Airport, making it ideal for both locals and tourists.

🎡 What Makes Amsterdam Winter Paradise Special?

Unlike typical winter markets, this event is on a much larger scale — think of it as a winter theme park mixed with a festival, photogenic attractions, entertainment shows, and Dutch winter traditions.

Inside, you’ll find warm halls filled with lights and immersive installations. Outside, you’ll step into a snowy alpine-like playground with rides and ice zones.

It’s basically winter in one place.

🎢 Top Attractions at Amsterdam Winter Paradise

Here’s everything you can enjoy during your visit:

⛸️ 1. Giant Indoor + Outdoor Ice Rink

The most iconic part of the festival is the skating experience.
You can skate:

• Indoor rink covered with lights

• Outdoor rink surrounded by snowy decorations

• Children’s skating zone for kids under 6

• Curling lanes for friends & families

You can bring your own skates or rent them on-site.

🛷 2. Snow Paradise & Tubing Slides

This is where the winter fun gets adventurous!

• Real snow slides for tubing

• Snowball zones

• Winter maze

• Cross-country ski track

• Family-friendly “snow play area”

Great for vloggers, Instagram posts, and family fun.

🎢 3. Ferris Wheel With City Views

The mega Ferris wheel outside RAI gives you an amazing winter skyline view of Amsterdam — especially magical in the evening.

Perfect spot for photos.

🌌 4. Indoor Light Experience (Immersive Show)

Inside, the festival features:

• Light tunnels

• Projection domes

• Immersive digital art

• Festival-sized light rooms

If you like the Amsterdam Light Festival, you will love this indoor light world.

🎤 5. Live Shows, Music & Evening Entertainment

As night falls, the festival becomes even livelier:

• Live music

• DJ sets

• Performances

• Après-ski parties

• Winter disco nights

• Big indoor stage events

It’s a great winter nightlife option without going to clubs.

🍽️ 6. Food Markets & Pop-Up Restaurants

Winter Paradise is also a food heaven.

Expect:

• Dutch favorites: poffertjes, oliebollen, stroopwafels

• Cheese fondue huts

• BBQ stands

• Asian street food

• European winter dishes

• Hot chocolate & mulled wine bars

• Marshmallow roasting stations

There are also indoor restaurants for warm dining.

🎅 7. Christmas Vibes Everywhere

During Christmas week, the festival includes:

• Christmas trees & decorations

• Santa photo spots

• Festive lights

• Kids’ workshops

• Holiday-themed mini-parade

A perfect place for families and couples.

🎟️ Tickets & Prices

These may vary slightly each year, but typical pricing is:

• Standard Entry: €19,50 – €25

• Evening Pass: €22 – €28

• Kids Tickets: discounted

• Skate Rental: €6–€8

• Ferris Wheel Ride: €5–€7

• Snow Tubing: small extra fee

TIP:
Book online early! Weekend and evening slots sell out fast, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

🕒 Opening Hours (Expected)

Each day includes early sessions and evening events.

Typical schedule from previous editions:

• Daytime: 09:00 – 17:00

• Evening: 17:00 – 00:00

Some activities (like the Ferris wheel or après-ski) may run later.

🚆 How to Get There

By Metro

• Metro 52 (North–South Line) → Stop: Europaplein / RAI

By Tram

• Tram 4 → Stop: RAI

By Train

• Train to Amsterdam RAI Station

From Schiphol Airport

• 10–12 minutes by train → Amsterdam Zuid

• Then metro/tram to RAI

By Car

RAI has a large parking area but it may be full on weekends. Using public transport is highly recommended.

🧊 What to Wear & Bring

• Warm winter jacket

• Gloves (required for skating)

• Waterproof shoes for snow areas

• Extra socks

• Small backpack

• Portable charger

• Camera or phone tripod

Indoor zones are warm, but outdoor and snow areas can feel freezing.

👨‍👩‍👧 Is Amsterdam Winter Paradise Family-Friendly?

Absolutely — it’s one of the best family events of winter.

Kids’ favorites include:

• Snow play zones

• Children’s ice rink

• Train ride

• Carousel

• Tube slides

• Light rooms

• Santa photos

There are safe play areas and plenty of food options.

❤️ Best Time to Visit

For Fewer Crowds:

• Weekdays

• Around 11:00–14:00

For Best Photos:

• After sunset (17:00–19:00) for the best lighting

For Entertainment & Nightlife:

• Evenings after 19:00

• Fridays & Saturdays

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby

If you’re traveling to Amsterdam, here are ideal neighborhoods:

1. Amsterdam Zuid

Closest to RAI.
Hotels:

• Novotel Amsterdam City

• Motel One Amsterdam

2. De Pijp

Trendy, food-rich area.
Hotels:

• Hotel Okura

• Sir Albert

3. Amsterdam Centre

Easy transport + nightlife.
Hotels:

• Room Mate Aitana

• The Hoxton

💡 Insider Tips for 2025–2026 Visitors

• Book tickets early for Christmas week

• Reserve skating shoes online

• Visit during blue hour for the best photos

• Bring gloves if you want to skate

• Eat before peak dinner time (18:30–20:00)

• Buy a GVB day pass if traveling around the city

• Combine this trip with:

  • Amsterdam Light Festival

  • Ice*Amsterdam (Museumplein)

  • Dutch Christmas markets

🎁 Why You Should Visit Amsterdam Winter Paradise

This event offers something magical for everyone — kids, couples, and groups of friends.

You get:

• Ice skating

• Snow adventures

• Music & entertainment

• Delicious winter foods

• Unique Amsterdam vibes

• Indoor warmth + outdoor winter fun

• Visual experiences perfect for photos and videos

Whether you’re spending the holidays in the Netherlands or visiting Amsterdam for a winter escape, the Winter Paradise delivers a full day of joy, warmth, and celebration.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Amsterdam Winter Paradise 2025–2026 is more than a festival — it’s a winter playground filled with lights, snow, adventure, and festive cheer. It offers the perfect escape during the holiday season and is one of the top winter experiences in Europe.

Pack your gloves, charge your camera, and prepare to experience Amsterdam like never before!