Lighting the Christmas Tree on Dam Square

Missing the usual Christmas plans? Don't worry - you can still soak up the festive cheer while catching a glimpse of the Christmas tree on Dam Square, with its impressive lights!

Four kilometres of Christmas lights on a 20-metre high tree

The Christmas Tree on Dam Square in Amsterdam will be illuminated with twinkling Christmas lights from December 12 onwards. This 20-metre high Christmas tree takes its usual place in front of the Royal Palace and this festive lighting ceremony will kick off the Christmas spirit in Amsterdam. 

The 20-metre high Christmas tree chosen for Dam square is traditionally grown in the German Ardennes. The tree is so large that to cover it in lights, it requires 40.000 energy-efficient LED bulbs. That’s a four-kilometre string of lights! 

View the festive Dam Square in your own time

Once the sun goes down, the majestic lights come on. For the occasion, there are usually carol singers and other music acts, and families and kids usually treat themselves to festive food from the many stalls, but this year will be much different, to prevent the spread of coronavirus. There will be no public event to mark the lighting of the tree, but it's worth seeing in your own time!

If you are ever in the neighbourhood during the month of December, it's a nice idea to pass by to catch a glimpse of the Christmas tree, perhaps with some takeaway hot chocolate and Dutch snacks like poffertjes or oliebollen. The tree forms the perfect centrepiece for the famous square. With such a festive scene, you'll feel like you're already on your holidays.