Amsterdam has several hugely popular Christmas including the Funky Xmas Market. This one-day Christmas market is an extension of the weekly Sunday Market held at Westergas. It’s looking to be one of the biggest Christmas events in Amsterdam in 2023.
Dates are now confirmed so if you’re going to be in Amsterdam in December, put this on your list of things to do.
Funky Xmas Market 2023
The Sunday Market at Westergasfabriek is well-loved by Amsterdam locals and increasingly by visitors.
It’s a fun and festive market that focuses on cultural connections through music, art and design, all celebrated while enjoying the spoils of international food trucks.
The Funky Xmas Market has rapidly gained a reputation as a key destination for unique holiday shopping in Amsterdam. This event is a seasonal spin-off of the well-established Sunday Market.
At this festive market, you can expect a diverse range of stalls featuring not just Christmas gifts, but also unique interior items, fashion, jewellery and vintage collectables.
To add to the atmosphere, the market includes various food stands that serve Christmas snacks from different culinary traditions, as well as live music performances to keep spirits high.
You’ll also find special stages like the Funky Xmas Podium in Westerpark and the Markttheater stage hosting Circus Zanzara for added entertainment.
Funky Xmas Market dates: 17th December 2023.
Location: Westergasfabriek.
Opening time: 12pm to 6pm.
Admission: Free.
How to get there: Westergas is a 30-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal. Tram #3 stops close by and a number of buses stop at the door.
Reason to visit: A special event popular with locals. There are lots of cultural events, food trucks and handmade Christmas presents.
Where to stay: Mr Jordaan is relatively close to Westergas, but you would most likely need to get public transport to the Xmas market. I wouldn’t stay near Westergas as there isn’t much to do in that area.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
The Jordaan district is an excellent area to stay in if you’re visiting the Funky Xmas Market, as it’s relatively close to the Westergas venue where the market is held, while still being near everything else Amsterdam has to offer.
You’ll find a mix of shops, cafes, and scenic canals in this neighbourhood.
As a hotel option, consider staying at Mr Jordaan, known for its great location and popularity among visitors to Amsterdam.
For a full list of where to stay, read my guide to hotels near Amsterdam Christmas markets that shares several options covering all budgets.
The more traditional Amsterdam Christmas Market is another great market if you’re spending time in Amsterdam this December.
Location of Funky Xmas Market
What is a Funky Xmas?
The Westergasfabriek is a dynamic event space showcasing the best Dutch culture, music, and cuisine. With many events occurring throughout the year, one of the most popular happenings is the Sunday Market.
However, during the festive season, this market undergoes a transformation and becomes the Funky Xmas Market, an extraordinary celebration of cultural Christmas in Amsterdam.
The Funky Xmas Market, held at the Westergasfabriek, offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere to experience the holiday season.
With a diverse range of stalls and vendors, visitors can immerse themselves in a festive cheer while enjoying a variety of food trucks, fashion boutiques, vintage items, and exquisite artwork.
While some of the stalls may overlap with those found at the Sunday Market, the Funky Xmas Market takes on a whole new vibe.
The atmosphere is electric, with vibrant colours, twinkling lights, and excitement filling the air. The stalls are decorated in a festive manner, adding to the overall joyful ambience of the event.
Overall, the Funky Xmas Market at Westergasfabriek is a must-visit event for anyone looking to experience a unique cultural Christmas in Amsterdam. With its unique blend of Dutch food, music, and culture, this market is sure to be an unforgettable experience that visitors will cherish for years to come.
What to Expect
The Funky Xmas Market at Westergasfabriek is an exciting event that attracts visitors from all over the world. With its eclectic mix of stalls and vendors, this market has something for everyone.
Although the lineup of stalls is subject to change, visitors can expect to see a diverse range of vendors, each offering its unique products and services at the 17th December event.
One of the stalls that visitors may encounter at the market is Beewise, a company that sells sustainable and organic beeswax products. They offer a range of products, including beeswax wraps, candles, and skincare.
Coffee on the Roll is another popular vendor that visitors can look forward to seeing at the Funky Xmas Market. They serve high-quality coffee from their vintage Citroen H van, which is guaranteed to provide a unique coffee experience.
For music lovers, Eargasm Music offers a selection of vinyl records and turntables. Their stall is a must-visit for those looking to add some new records to their collection.
Jansen Vintage is another stall that visitors should keep an eye out for. They specialize in vintage clothing and accessories, offering visitors a chance to add some unique pieces to their wardrobe.
Foodies will be delighted to see Loveloempia, a vendor that offers delicious homemade Indonesian snacks. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like satay, spring rolls, and dumplings.
Lucignolo Limoncello offers a range of handmade limoncello liqueurs, each made with high-quality ingredients. Their stall is the perfect place to sample some of the best limoncello in Amsterdam.
Pieman Bakery is a vendor that specializes in traditional British pies. Visitors can choose from a range of savoury and sweet pies, including steak and ale, chicken and mushroom, and apple crumble.
For a taste of Japanese cuisine, visitors can check out Takoyaki Ya, a vendor that serves Takoyaki, a popular Japanese street food made from batter, octopus, and various toppings.
The Churros Company is another food vendor that visitors won’t want to miss. They offer delicious churros, which are deep-fried dough pastries sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.
The Hot Dog Factory is a vendor that serves up a range of delicious hot dogs. Visitors can choose from classic flavours like ketchup and mustard or try something a little different, like a hot dog with jalapenos and cheese.
Lastly, YogicTouch offers visitors a chance to relax and unwind with their yoga mats, meditation cushions, and other accessories. Their stall is the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts for yoga enthusiasts.
Overall, the Funky Xmas Market at Westergasfabriek offers visitors a chance to experience the holiday season in a unique and exciting way. With its diverse range of stalls and vendors, this market is a must-visit for anyone looking to add some festive cheer to their holiday season.
Responsible Christmas Tips
Here are some ideas to help you be a more responsible traveller while experiencing Christmas in Amsterdam.
Eco-Friendly Hotels: Amsterdam features various hotels that run on renewable energy. By opting for one of these, you significantly lower your carbon footprint during your stay.
Reducing Food Waste: Many Christmas markets, including the Funky Xmas Market in Westergas, have stalls selling local food. To minimise waste, buy smaller portions to sample and share. Don’t hesitate to ask for a takeaway box for leftovers.
Ethical Consumption: Especially at markets, the temptation to buy can be high. However, try to limit your purchases to items you really need or will use frequently. Amsterdam’s markets often feature handcrafted goods that are both unique and locally sourced.
Sustainable Diets: When eating out, opt for plant-based options. Amsterdam has a range of eateries that focus on using local ingredients, which both support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint.
Sustainable Transport: Amsterdam is a compact city, making it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Public transport is another good option and trams frequently run to popular locations like the Westergas venue. Limit your use of taxis and rideshares, which contribute more to carbon emissions.
Comment below if you want to leave a review of the Funky Xmas Market or have any questions.
—
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
Leave a Reply