What to Wear in Amsterdam in December: 10 Outfit Ideas for Canals, Cold Wind, and Festive Lights

Your Amsterdam trip is coming up. Or maybe you’re still deciding whether to see the city in winter.

Either way, December in Amsterdam is magical. The canals sparkle during the Amsterdam Light Festival, cozy brown cafés glow with candlelight, and Christmas markets pop up around the city.

It’s also cold, damp, and very windy.

Dressing for Amsterdam in December comes down to one core principle: dress for wind and drizzle along the canals, and wear comfortable, waterproof shoes for walking and biking.

The Dutch dress practically and stylishly — long coats, puffer jackets, dark jeans, and sturdy boots, often with a rain jacket for cycling. With that in mind, here are 10 outfit ideas for what to wear in Amsterdam in December.

1. Long Puffer Coat with Jeans and Waterproof Boots

A long puffer is the warmest choice for windy canal walks.

Buying guide

• Long black puffer coat with a hood
• Dark wash straight-leg jeans
• Chunky knit sweater
• Waterproof Chelsea or lug-sole boots
• Beanie and gloves

Styling tips: Choose a water-resistant puffer. Lug soles grip wet cobblestones. Wear thermals under jeans on colder days.

2. Wool Coat with a Turtleneck and Trousers for Museums

For the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, a wool coat looks polished.

Buying guide

• Long camel wool coat
• Black fine-knit turtleneck
• Tailored straight-leg trousers
• Lug-sole loafers
• Leather crossbody bag

Styling tips: Museums are warm, so wear a layer you can keep on comfortably. Lug soles give grip. Check your coat at the cloakroom.

3. Rain Jacket with Leggings for Biking

Biking is the best way to see Amsterdam like a local — dress for rain and movement.

Buying guide

• Waterproof rain jacket with hood
• Fleece-lined leggings
• Thermal top
• Waterproof sneakers or boots
• Gloves

Styling tips: Avoid long coats and skirts that can catch in bike wheels. Gloves are essential for cold handlebars. Choose a jacket with reflective details for dark evenings.

4. Sweater Dress with Tights for Brown Cafés

A sweater dress is cozy for café hopping and canal-side dinners.

Buying guide

• Ribbed knit midi sweater dress
• Fleece-lined tights
• Knee-high boots
• Long coat
• Scarf

Styling tips: Fleece-lined tights keep you warm. Choose jewel tones for festive flair. Boots handle damp streets.

5. Puffer Jacket and Layers for the Light Festival Canal Cruise

The Amsterdam Light Festival is best seen from a canal boat — but it gets cold on the water.

Buying guide

• Warm puffer coat
• Thermal leggings
• Chunky knit sweater
• Warm boots
• Hat, scarf, and gloves

Styling tips: Open boats can be very cold, so layer up. Choose a covered boat if you run cold. Keep your hands warm for photos.

6. Leather Jacket with a Hoodie for the Jordaan

For exploring the Jordaan’s shops and markets, a streetwear look fits in.

Buying guide

• Faux leather jacket
• Hoodie
• Thermal top
• Black jeans
• Combat boots

Styling tips: Layer the hoodie under the jacket. Combat boots handle wet streets. Keep the palette neutral.

7. Trench Coat with a Sweater for Milder Days

On milder, drizzly days, a lined trench is chic and practical.

Buying guide

• Lined trench coat
• Merino sweater
• Straight-leg jeans
• Waterproof ankle boots
• Compact umbrella

Styling tips: Choose a lined trench. Umbrellas can flip in strong wind, so a hood helps. Merino keeps you warm.

8. Plaid Skirt with Tights and Boots

A plaid skirt is festive for Christmas markets and shopping.

Buying guide

• Plaid wool midi skirt
• Black turtleneck
• Opaque tights
• Knee-high boots
• Long coat

Styling tips: Tuck the turtleneck in. Wool skirts are warmer. Avoid this look on biking days.

9. Velvet Blazer for Christmas Dinner

A velvet blazer is festive and refined for holiday dinners.

Buying guide

• Velvet blazer
• Silk blouse
• Black trousers
• Heeled ankle boots
• Long coat

Styling tips: Wear a warm coat over it. Book ahead for Christmas dinners. Keep jewelry classic.

10. Comfortable Travel Outfit for Arrival Day

Arrival days mean trains from Schiphol and lots of walking with luggage.

Buying guide

• Knit lounge set
• White sneakers
• Packable puffer
• Large scarf
• Crossbody bag

Styling tips: Wear bulky layers on the plane. Keep valuables secure — pickpockets are common around Centraal Station. A scarf doubles as a blanket.

Where to Shop for Amsterdam December Outfits

For long coats and knits, Mango, Zara, and & Other Stories offer classic European styles. Uniqlo is great for thermals and down layers. Rains is a popular Danish brand for stylish rain jackets. For waterproof boots, try Blundstone, Dr. Martens, and Sorel. Amazon is great for gloves, beanies, and fleece-lined leggings.

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam in December is cozy, glowing, and full of charm. Pack wind- and rain-ready layers and waterproof shoes, and you’ll be ready for every canal, café, and twinkling light.