The Netherlands

Amsterdam

There are plenty of options in Amsterdam throughout December. The hands-down favourite with the mamas is the ever-popular Westergasfabriek Funky Xmas Market (doesn’t the name say it all?) on 21 December 2025, showcasing lots of local foodies and homemade crafts in full Amsterdam-style.

For additional information on holiday offerings in the city, check this full list of Amsterdam’s Christmas markets and festivals.

And make sure you don’t miss out on any of this month’s festive happenings for families in Amsterdam by signing up to the Amsterdam Mamas’ newsletter.

Haarlem

One of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands, the Kerstmarkt Haarlem has a guaranteed spot in the seasonal top 5. As a backdrop to the hundreds of stalls in the picturesque square, there are live choirs singing Christmas carols.

If you are available in the weekend of 12 till 14 December and need no further arguments, then just visit the official website to get all the infomation on how to get there: approximately 20 minutes by train or by car from Amsterdam.

The Hague

The tenth edition of The Royal Christmas Fair will once again be hosted at Lange Voorhout from 4 till 23 December. With more than 80 Christmas stalls, a genuine and dedicated children’s fair, thousands of lights and an abundance of heated wine served in pfandbechers this is a Christmas fair that will appeal to the imaginations of both young and old alike.

The Hague is approximately one hour from Amsterdam by car. Regular trains leave from Amsterdam Central station or Schiphol Airport. Check the NS website for details.

Maastricht

Located on the Vrijthof, Maastricht’s charming Christmas market is open from 28 November – 29 December and features plenty of stalls, an ice rink and carousel. With gluhwein and oliebollen galore, you’ll have a great time.

Reaching Maastricht by car takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Travelling by train takes around 2 hours 30 minutes on ICE. Check the NS website for details.

Valkenburg

This charming town in South Limburg offers a unique Christmas experience – markets in caves! Visit the Velvet Cave and Municipal Cave from 14 November till 30 December for all the festive happenings whilst the Wilhelmina Caves are home to the sand sculpture nativity scene.

Valkenburg is a 2.5 hour drive from Amsterdam. It can also be reached by NS train via Maastricht. Valkenburg station is around 15 minutes’ walk from the centre. See the NS website for more details. 

Germany​

Köln (Cologne)

Perhaps the most popular of Germany’s Christmas markets, Cologne offers several different markets spread throughout the city from the beautiful Old Market in front of the Town Hall to the Market of Fairytales on the Rudolfplatz. Cologne attracts thousands of visitors to its markets, so The Mamas advise to visit during the week when it is less busy. The Christmas markets are open from 17 November till 23 December.

Cologne is around a 3 hour drive from Amsterdam. You can also take the ICE train straight through, which takes the same amount of time.

Düsseldorf

From late November until the end of December, Düsseldorf offers a number of charming and atmospheric Christmas markets throughout the city from 20 November till 30 December.

Düsseldorf is around a 2 hour and 40 minute drive from Amsterdam. You can also get there in a little over 2 hours by travelling by ICE train.

Aachen

Aachen offers a more intimate affair around the Market Place and Katschhof. Enjoy mulled wine, ginger bread and spekulatius (spiced biscuits) as you peruse the many craft and food stalls from 21 November till 23 December.

Aachen is a 3 hour drive from Amsterdam. Alternatively, it can be reached by train in 3.5 hours, with 2 changes. Check the NS website for more details.

Osnabrück

Considered one of the prettiest Christmas markets, the Osnabrück Christmas Market offers kids the thrill of meeting St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) every afternoon. Try the local Käsegriller sausage as you wander around the market. It is set around the town hall, Marienkirche and the Cathedral from 24 November till 22 December.

You can reach Osnabrück in 2 hours and 45 minutes by car or in 3.5 hours by ICE train.

Münster

The picturesque town of Münster offers delightful Christmas markets with jewellery, high-quality craftsmanship, toys, lights, delights, and of course, warm, aromatic mulled wine from 24 November till 23 December.

You can reach Münster by car in approximately 3 hours or by train with NS International.

This list has been compiled by our editors from the recommendations of our members on the Amsterdam Mamas Facebook group and has been updated for 2025.

photo credit: Pixabay

The post Our Favourite Christmas Markets 2025 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

The words most often used by people seeking movers are “reliable” and “affordable”. Indeed, it can be hard to differentiate among moving companies because their sole purpose is to be good at moving and not too expensive. So it’s a good idea to get quotes from at least five companies before choosing because cost will vary depending on the distances and how much stuff you have.

Helpful Tips:

• When it comes to boxes, ask whether the company can loan you moving boxes! Most good movers will do this but may charge extra for it – ask about this when you are getting quotes.
• If you are moving to the Netherlands and must wait for your furniture to arrive, consider leasing furniture in the interim rather than renting a temporary furnished place, which can be double the price.
• If you are moving out of/into a home on a shopping street, check to see whether you require a permit to block your street/sidewalk by contacting your local city council . Most of the time the moving company can help you organise this, but it’s best to double check!

Moving Within the Netherlands

Bearstorm Moving Service
06 170 242 41/ 06 411 397 39
AM quote: “Used them twice. Young guys super quick, and effective.”

Briand
06 543 866 10
AM quote: “Great service, super friendly.”

Duim Verhuizingen
020 614 93 93
AM quote: “We have used them for all our moves and they are a great family company.”

Fa. de Wit & Zonen
020 686 7440
AM quote: “They were really professional and quick!”

Fran with a Van
06 333 660 73
AM quote: “He is great.”

Student Verhuis Service
0900 1787
AM quote: “Very professional and good pricing!”

Top Movers
088 199 0900
AM quote: “We were very happy with Top Movers!”

Van Vliet
020 631 0447
AM quote: “ They were excellent!”

Vlaming
0800 33 44 558
AM quote: “Professional and reasonable prices.”

Wiggelaar
020 42 05 000
AM quote: “Can’t recommend them highly enough.”

International Movers

Atlas
0297 34 82 81

Crown Relocations
020 658 3398

De Haan
078 69 20 333

Santa Fe
0172 44 79 79

Team Relocations
020 7900 200

The Mamas Recommend is a series generated from responses on our Facebook group from multiple sources. The opinions are representative of the individuals who contributed to it and not of Stichting Amsterdam Mamas. The information is current as of the date of publication. If you find any discrepancies or broken links, please notify us.

The post The Mamas Recommend: Moving Companies appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Presenting the winner of the category of Best Hairdresser for Parents in Amsterdam:

Gleiton Pedro Studio

Brazilian-born Gleiton Pedro has a devoted following among members of our community. One mama described him as “a gem”, while another shared how she trusts him “with her eyes closed”. He aims to blend the best of the classic and the modern while bringing his clients the most updated trends of the beauty market. He offers an exemplary level of service and really listens to what you want. Just be warned: he’s heavily in demand so you may need to wait for an appointment. You’ll find the Gleiton Pedro Studio in Amstelveen.

The runners-up were:

Haartheater 

Cosmo 

Francesca Bomardi 

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: Images from yayimages.

The post AMR Awards 2018 – Best Hairdresser for Parents appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Presenting the winner of the category Best Family Photographer in Amsterdam:

Egac Photos – Emily Rocha

We understand why our community voted Emily of Egac Photos the winner of the Best Family Photographer Award 2018. Emily specialises in what so many of us looking for: authentic family moments set against a local Dutch backdrop. She always aims to capture spontaneous, genuine feeling in her images and will ensure that you make – and preserve – those special memories of your time in Amsterdam.

The runners-up were:

Asha Pradeep Photography

Luciana Blair Photography

Philippe Bro

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: All images Egac Photos – Emily Rocha, all rights reserved.

The post AMR Awards 2018 – Best Family Photographer appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Presenting the winner of the category Best Museum for Families in Amsterdam:

Nemo Science Museum

NEMO, the 2016 and 2017 winner of Best Museum for families, is back. This unique museum in Amsterdam’s harbor continues to promise family fun for all ages. Bring the kids to create huge soap bubbles, make computers talk, learn how a phone works, watch a chain reaction demonstration, push buttons and pull levers to find the relationship between action and reaction. As the Netherlands’ largest science museum, NEMO packs five floors with scientific and technological wonders and a hands-on interactive approach to captivate kids with the fascination of science. The roof terrace at the top of the building makes for a nice break for lunch or a snack.

The runners-up were:

ARTIS – Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Rijksmuseum

Het Scheepsvaartmuseum

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: All images © Roel Baeckaert, amsterdam&partners, all rights reserved.

The post AMR Awards 2018: Best Museum for Families appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Presenting the winner of the category in Best Soft Play/Indoor Playground in Amsterdam:

Candy Castle Speelparadijs    

Fourth-time winner for Best Indoor Playground, Candy Castle Speelparadijs offers fun for children up to age 12, with comfortable accommodation for their parents in a recently restored monumental church. The biggest indoor playground in the Benelux, Candy Castle Speelparadijs offers kids the opportunity for movement, hands-on play, and even a go-kart track. Younger children up to age four can play in their own special age-appropriate section, and parents can snack, chat with friends, or plug into the wifi with a full view of their playing kids. Candy Castle Speelparafjis will even host a super leuk birthday party for your child!

Honourable Mentions went to:

Monkey Town        

TunFun Speelpark    

Ballorig        

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

The post AMR Awards 2018: Best Soft Play/Indoor Playground appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Presenting the winner of the category Best Relaxation/Spa for Parents in Amsterdam:

Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver 

Spa Zuiver offers the ultimate spa experience in its beautiful facility on the edge of the Amsterdamse Bos. Step out of your daily routine and pamper yourself. Alone. With a friend. With a partner. Experience this Amsterdam institution with one of several 10-year Spa Zuiver anniversary packages. Get a massage. Take a sauna. Treat yourself to a healthy and delicious meal. Our community has been recommending Spa Zuiver for years. Never forget that to look after others, you need to also look after yourself. For those members of our community not quite ready to go the full Dutch, take note, Tuesdays and Thursdays are swimwear days. 

Honorable Mentions:

Conservatorium 

Doctor Feelgood 

Amstel Hotel 

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver 

The post AMR 2018 Awards: Best Relaxation/Spa for Parents appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Presenting the winner of the category Best Party Services Provider in Amsterdam:

Jeugdland

The combination workshop and outdoor nature playground Jeugdland is a place for children up to age 14 to explore, build, play, and celebrate birthday parties! Jeugdland emphasizes the hands-on exploration of the technology of building things. Kids can construct many things, including huts, go-carts, and pumpkins. At Jeugdland behind the Flevopark, you can book a  festive picnic table with unlimited lemonade and free play on all of Jeugland, or a fun activity or workshop of your choice. Don’t worry about the weather, because the party will go on even if it does rain. 

Honourable Mentions went to:

Cakeaholic Amsterdam

English Cake Lady

Little Star Fitness

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: Images courtesy of ©jeugdland/Maakland.

The post AMR Awards 2018: Best Children’s Party Services Provider appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Presenting the winner of the category in Best Day Out (Indoors) for Families in Amsterdam:

Nemo Science Museum    

NEMO, the 2016 and 2017 winner of Best Museum for Families, is back! This unique museum in Amsterdam’s harbor continues to promise family fun for all ages. Bring the kids to create huge soap bubbles, make computers talk, learn how a phone works, watch a chain reaction demonstration, and push buttons and pull levers to find the relationship between action and reaction. As the Netherlands’ largest science museum, NEMO packs five floors with scientific and technological wonders and a hands-on interactive approach to captivate kids with the fascination of science. The roof terrace at the top of the building makes for a nice break for lunch or a snack.

Honourable Mentions:

Candy Castle Speelparadijs    

Nijntje Museum    

Kinderkook Cafe    

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

The post AMR Awards 2018: Best Day Out (Indoors) for Families appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Presenting the winner of the category of Best Workout Studio or Class for Parents in Amsterdam:

David Lloyd

We understand why many members of our community rate David Lloyd so highly. This goes beyond the high-quality childcare which, of course, may be what actually makes it possible for parents to exercise at all. David Lloyd offers a wide choice of classes, state-of-the-art machines, friendly staff and an indoor pool. It’s rare to find so much under a single roof in the city. On the Overtoom, not far from the Centre. 

The runners-up were:

Chassé Dance Studio

Delight Yoga

Mom in Balance

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: Image from yayimages.

The post AMR Awards 2018 – Best Workout Studio/Class for Parents appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.