Amsterdam Winter Paradise: Tickets & Visitor Guide
The winter festival at RAI Amsterdam with a Ferris wheel, ice skating, mulled wine, drinks and music. Tickets, timing and tips.
Address
Europaplein 22, 1078 GZ Amsterdam (RAI)
Season
December to January
Highlights
Ferris wheel, skating, mulled wine
Best for
Couples, friends, winter evenings
Duration
2–4 hours
Book Amsterdam Winter Paradise Tickets
Entry tickets and winter combinations. Dates only open when you ask for them, and tickets show availability once the season is released.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise: Entry Ticket
Entry to the winter festival at the RAI. Tickets can show as unavailable until dates are released, so check the calendar.
View details on Tiqets →
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Why Book in Advance
Winter Paradise draws crowds on weekends and in the Christmas holidays. Booking ahead secures your date and avoids a queue. The listing may show as temporarily unavailable until the season calendar is released, so check back if you do not see dates yet.
What is Amsterdam Winter Paradise, and why visit?
Amsterdam Winter Paradise is a winter festival hosted at the RAI Amsterdam convention centre. It turns the venue into a winter wonderland with a festive Ferris wheel, mulled wine and ice skating, and after dark adds drinks, dancing and live music.
Why Visit Winter Paradise?
Amsterdam in winter is atmospheric, but many outdoor sights are cold and short on daylight. Winter Paradise brings the season indoors and under cover, with a lively festival feel that suits groups, couples and families.
It combines classic winter activities in one place: a Ferris wheel for views, skating, warm drinks and food, and a party feel after dark.
About the Festival
The festival runs at the RAI Amsterdam, the city's largest convention centre, in the south of Amsterdam. Each season the venue is decorated with festive lighting, rides and bars. The programme can change from year to year, so check the booking page for this season's details.
Top Highlights
The Ferris Wheel
A festive Ferris wheel is the festival's signature image and gives a view over the venue.
Ice Skating
Skating is part of the winter experience. Check the listing for rental and opening arrangements.
Mulled Wine and Drinks
Warm drinks and a bar make the setting social. Drinks are typically bought on site.
Evening Music and Dancing
After dusk the festival adds dancing and live music.
What to Expect
Expect a busy, festive atmosphere with queues for rides at peak times. Entry gets you into the festival, while rides, food and drinks may be charged separately. Read the listing for what the ticket includes.
How Long Should You Plan?
Plan 2 to 4 hours. Many visitors come in the late afternoon and stay into the evening.
Weather
The festival is largely under cover, which makes it a good choice in cold or wet weather.
Visitor Information
- Address: Europaplein 22, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, at the RAI.
- Season: December to January. Check exact dates and times on the booking page.
- Tickets: Entry ticket via the listing. Availability depends on the season calendar.
- Age: Alcohol is for visitors aged 18 and over.
- Accessibility: Check the festival's information before you travel if you need step-free access.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday evenings are calmer. Weekends and the days around Christmas and New Year are the busiest. Arrive early to avoid queues, and consider a weeknight if you prefer a quieter pace.
How to Get to the RAI
The RAI is in the south of Amsterdam, next to RAI station. Trains and the metro connect it with the centre in about 15 minutes, and trams run in the area. Check your journey planner for the best option. Driving is possible, but parking at big events can be expensive and busy.
Local Insider Tips
- Dress warmly even though much of the site is covered.
- Book a time that suits you and arrive early.
- Bring a card, as many stands do not take cash.
- Combine the festival with an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise on another evening.
- Plan your journey home before the last train or metro.
Choosing the Right Ticket
The standard entry ticket covers the festival. For a fuller winter programme, consider combining it with the Amsterdam Light Festival cruises on another evening, or with a museum visit on a day trip.
Who It Suits
Couples and Friends
A festive evening out with drinks, music and a Ferris wheel.
Families
Daytime and early evening suit families. Check the listing for children's pricing and rules.
Those Who Prefer Quiet
If you prefer calmer winter plans, consider a museum or a canal cruise.
Nearby Attractions
- The Upside Down: an interactive photo museum in the same area, a short tram ride away.
- Van Gogh Museum: about 15 minutes from the RAI by tram.
- Amsterdam Light Festival: illuminated art along the canals, best seen from a cruise.
- Canal cruise: see the winter lights from the water.
For more options, browse our Amsterdam museums guide or compare the best museums in Amsterdam.
Suggested Itineraries
Winter Evening
Early dinner, arrive at the RAI around 6 pm, Ferris wheel and skating, and a warm drink to finish.
Winter Weekend
Saturday museum day, Sunday afternoon at Winter Paradise and a Light Festival cruise on another night.
Rainy-Day Plan
A covered festival is a good fit on a wet or cold day.
Amsterdam Winter Paradise FAQ
Where is Amsterdam Winter Paradise?
At the RAI Amsterdam, Europaplein 22, in the south of the city.
When does it take place?
The festival runs in the winter season, from December to January. Check the booking page for this year's dates.
Why does the listing say temporarily unavailable?
Dates are released by the organiser. If you see no dates, check back later in the autumn.
How long should I plan?
Plan 2 to 4 hours.
Is it suitable for children?
Daytime and early evening can suit families. Alcohol is for visitors aged 18 and over. Check the listing for rules.
Is the festival indoors?
Much of the site is under cover at the RAI, but dress warmly.
How do I get there?
Take the train or metro to RAI station, about 15 minutes from the centre.
Are rides and drinks included?
Read the listing for what the ticket includes. Rides and drinks are often paid on site.
Can I combine it with the Light Festival?
Yes. Light Festival cruise combinations are listed on this page.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking is recommended for weekends and the holiday period.
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Final Verdict
Amsterdam Winter Paradise is a festive winter evening out, good for groups and couples who want something lively under cover. Check the season dates, book ahead for weekends and dress warmly.
Who should visit: couples, friends and families who enjoy festive winter events.
Who may skip: visitors who prefer quiet evenings or who want a classic sightseeing day.
Overall rating: 7.5 / 10