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Amsterdam in November 2026: Best Exhibitions, Festivals, Markets & Cultural Events

November is one of the most elegant and enjoyable times to visit Amsterdam. Autumn is at its peak, the city glows in shades of gold and amber, the air turns crisp, and the canals take on a calm, romantic atmosphere. It’s the perfect season to experience Amsterdam at a slower pace, with fewer crowds and an ideal mix of culture, art, and early winter charm.

Throughout November 2026, Amsterdam hosts international festivals, major museum exhibitions, design and food markets, and unique cultural events across the city. At the same time, festive lights and the first signs of the holiday season begin to appear, while the city still feels relaxed and pleasantly uncrowded compared to December.

If you’re planning a cultural fall getaway or an early winter vacation in the Netherlands, this guide highlights the top exhibitions, festivals, markets, and events in Amsterdam in November 2026 that are truly worth experiencing.

An avenue of trees in autumn with yellow leaves on the trees and on the ground, a gray sky, street lights, and a church tower with a clock in the background.
Amsterdam | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

🎃👻 Halloween in Amsterdam – A Spooky Experience You Won’t Want to Miss! 👻🎃

Halloween may not be an official Dutch holiday, but Amsterdam never misses an opportunity to celebrate in style. Throughout the city, you’ll find an exciting lineup of Halloween events, themed parties, immersive experiences, and delightfully eerie festivals.

✨ As every year, Amsterdam’s Halloween weekend promises extravagant costumes, unforgettable nightlife, atmospheric events, and plenty of surprises. More details below.

👀 And that’s only the beginning…Across the city, a variety of attractions offer the perfect way to elevate your Halloween experience:

🏰 The Amsterdam Dungeon – Step into 500 years of dark Dutch history in a series of chilling underground experiences and theatrical encounters.

👻 Ghost Tour & Dark History Walk – Explore hidden alleys, historic canals, and Amsterdam’s most haunting stories on an atmospheric evening walking tour.

🕵️ True Crime Walking Tour – Discover the darker side of Amsterdam through the stories of infamous local criminals and the streets where these real events unfolded.

📅 Dates: October 30 – November 1, 2026

💀 Whether you prefer underground rave parties, mysterious masquerade balls, haunted attractions, or spine-tingling walking tours, Halloween in Amsterdam offers something for every style of traveler.

⚠️ Tickets sell out quickly! Use the links above to secure your spot before prices rise and availability becomes limited.

Black and white photo, a canal with a single-arch bridge on the horizon and a three-arch bridge on the left, boats moored along the canal, bicycles tied to the bridge railing, typical Dutch houses and leafless trees.
Amsterdam | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

Best Museums and Art Exhibitions in Amsterdam (November 2026)

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s great museum cities. Here are some of the most interesting exhibitions and cultural experiences happening in July 2026.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, is dedicated to Dutch art and history.

Located on Museum Square, it displays more than 8,000 artworks and historical objects, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals.

Temporary Exhibition
Willem de Kooning at Work 

This exhibition explores the creative process of Dutch-American artist Willem de Kooning, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century modern art. Through paintings, drawings, archival materials, and personal documentation, visitors gain a rare insight into his working methods, artistic evolution, and sources of inspiration. 

📅 Exhibition dates: October 9, 2026 - January 17, 2027

Van Gogh Museum

Dedicated to Vincent van Gogh, this museum holds the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world. It also showcases works by artists who influenced him or were influenced by him.

Temporary Exhibition
Whistler. Dandy and Disruptor

This exhibition is dedicated to American-British artist James McNeill Whistler, celebrated for his refined aesthetic, provocative personality, and lasting influence on modern art. Through paintings, prints, and historical materials, the exhibition explores how Whistler blurred the boundaries between art, fashion, and urban culture in the late nineteenth century.

📅 Exhibition dates: October 16, 2026 - January 10, 2027

Stedelijk Museum

Amsterdam’s museum of modern and contemporary art and design, covering works from the late 19th century to the present. Artists featured in the permanent collection include Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich and Karel Appel.

Temporary Exhibition

The exhibition: Yayoi Kusama - will present a major exhibition dedicated to iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, one of the most influential figures in contemporary art. The exhibition will feature significant works spanning multiple decades of her career, including immersive installations, sculptures, paintings, and her celebrated Infinity Rooms. It offers a rare opportunity to step into Kusama’s mesmerizing visual universe, where art, psychology, and boundless imagination converge.

📅 Temporary exhibition dates: September 11, 2026 - January 17, 2027

H’ART Museum (Former Hermitage Amsterdam)

This museum hosts rotating international exhibitions.

Current Exhibitions
Chez Matisse

The exhibition, organized in collaboration with Centre Pompidou, will feature more than thirty paintings, sculptures, and prints by Henri Matisse, alongside works by contemporaries such as Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Sonia Delaunay, and Le Corbusier, as well as later artists influenced by his legacy, including Barnett Newman, Ellsworth Kelly, and Mark Rothko. 

📅 October 3, 2026 – February 14, 2027

Allard Pierson Museum 

This is an archaeology and special collections museum in the heart of Amsterdam, showcasing treasures from the ancient world alongside thought-provoking temporary exhibitions.

Temporary Exhibition
Glass, Made in Antiquity

This exhibition explores the artistry and innovation of glassmaking in the ancient world, from luxurious Roman objects to everyday vessels used thousands of years ago. Through rare artifacts, historic production techniques, and fascinating cultural narratives, visitors discover how glass transformed daily life, trade, and artistic expression in antiquity.

📅 May 16 – November 1, 2026

Rembrandt House Museum

Step inside the house where Rembrandt lived and worked during the height of his fame in the Dutch Golden Age.

Visitors can explore: Rembrandt’s reconstructed studio, Etchings and drawings and Works by his students.

View from below up my bicycle saddle with a colorful striped cover, leaning on a bridge railing, street lights, leafless trees, typical Amsterdam canal houses, gray weather.
Amsterdam | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

Foam Photography Museum

One of Europe’s leading photography museums, Foam presents four rotating exhibitions at a time, featuring both emerging and internationally known photographers.

 👉🏼 Photography enthusiast and planning your visit? Read: my photography category posts here.

National Maritime Museum

A fascinating museum dedicated to Dutch maritime history.

Highlights include: historic maps, ship models, maritime artifacts and a full replica of a Dutch East India Company ship.

Temporary Exhibition

The exhibition Crimson Gilt  created by visual artist Vincent Ruijters is an art installation based on the replica of the Dutch East Indiaman Company merchant ship "Amsterdam." The installation includes gold and crimson ribbons, images, and sound.

📅 Temporary exhibition dates: September 17, 2026 - March 21, 2027

Royal Palace Amsterdam (Dam Square)

Still used by the Dutch Royal Family for official state events, this magnificent 17th-century palace is open to visitors when not in official use.

Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church)

Temporary Exhibitions

  • In celebration of WorldPride 2026, hosted this year in Amsterdam, De Nieuwe Kerk presents Queer Amsterdam: The Pink City. This major exhibition traces the rich and layered history of Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ community—a powerful story of culture, love, resilience, and freedom that helped shape the city’s identity as one of the world’s most progressive capitals.

📅 Dates: July 9, 2026 – April 4, 2027

Museum of the Canals

An interactive museum located inside a 17th-century canal house, telling the story of how Amsterdam’s iconic canal ring was built.

Eye Filmmuseum

Amsterdam’s stunning museum of film and cinema.

The Jewish Cultural Quarter of Amsterdam

In the heart of historic Amsterdam, the Jewish Cultural Quarter brings centuries of resilience, faith, and cultural brilliance to life. This moving collection of sites offers an intimate look at Jewish history in the Netherlands — from the grandeur of the Portuguese Synagogue to powerful stories of survival and heritage.

For a truly meaningful visit, I strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance and arranging a private guided tour to fully understand the depth, historical context, and personal stories behind these remarkable landmarks.

Jewish Museum

Located in a former synagogue complex, the Jewish Museum explores Jewish history and culture in the Netherlands through multimedia presentations, art, and photography.

A small canal in Amsterdam, with houseboats moored on both sides of the canal, leafless trees, houses and cars on both sides of the canal, and a gray sky.
Amsterdam | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

Unique Attractions to Visit in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for something beyond traditional museums:

Body Worlds Amsterdam

A fascinating exhibition exploring the human body using preserved anatomical specimens.

STRAAT Museum – Street Art

The largest street art museum in the world, located in a former shipyard warehouse.

Moco Museum

A popular museum showcasing works by artists such as:

  • Banksy

  • Andy Warhol

  • Jean-Michel Basquiat

  • Yayoi Kusama

Banksy Museum Amsterdam

A newer museum dedicated to the mysterious British street artist Banksy, featuring over 160 artworks and recreated murals.

Family-Friendly Attractions in Amsterdam

(Great for Visiting with kids or Grandkids especially on a rainy day)

Fabrique des Lumières – Immersive Digital Art

Fabrique des Lumières presents three stunning immersive exhibitions blending classical, modern, and contemporary art with advanced projection technology, light, and music.

A visually spectacular experience for art lovers of all ages.

📅 Ongoing exhibition

Rembrandt Immersive Experience

Located not far from Leidseplein, this multimedia exhibition explores the life and artistic world of Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.

The experience includes an immersive video installation and a reconstruction of Rembrandt’s studio on the Rozengracht, offering visitors a glimpse into his creative process.

📅 Ongoing exhibition

Nxt Museum – Digital & Media Art

The Nxt Museum is the Netherlands’ first museum dedicated entirely to new media art.

This innovative museum blends art, technology, light installations, and digital storytelling, creating a fascinating experience that appeals to both art lovers and younger visitors.

Expect immersive video installations, light projections, and interactive exhibits that explore the intersection between creativity and technology.

Amaze Amsterdam

Located in a former industrial nightclub in Amsterdam’s western harbor district, Amaze Amsterdam is a fully immersive audio-visual experience.

The attraction spans 3,000 square meters and eight different stages, combining music, light, visual art, and interactive environments designed to stimulate the senses.

The experience lasts about an hour and moves visitors through a series of unique sensory environments — from energetic and playful to calming and atmospheric.

WONDR Experience

A colorful and playful immersive attraction featuring 15 themed rooms designed for fun and creativity.

Visitors can explore rooms filled with disco balls, oversized installations, a life-size dollhouse, and playful karaoke booths.

It’s an especially enjoyable stop for families traveling with children or teenagers, and it’s one of Amsterdam’s most entertaining interactive experiences.

The Upside Down Museum Amsterdam

One of Amsterdam’s largest interactive museums, designed around optical illusions and surreal environments.

The museum features upside-down rooms, playful installations, and visually striking spaces that invite visitors to explore and take memorable photos.

It’s a lighthearted and entertaining experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.

👉🏼 You may also enjoy reading: Amsterdam with Kids and Teens – Family Travel Guide

Dam Square and the Royal Palace at blue hour, tram light strips, lighting decorations and stars bursts from the street lights.
Royal Palace Dam Square | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

Festivals, Performances & Art Fairs – November 2026

Vegas Show & Dinner Experience

A spectacular dinner show featuring Dutch illusionist Hans Klok, live music, and dance performances.

📅 Weekends (tickets sell out quickly)

Supperclub Night Experience

Supperclub offers immersive dining and live performances in an energetic, theatrical setting for guests 21+. A unique evening experience blending music, art, and fine dining.

📅 Thursdays–Saturdays 

Festival: Amsterdam Light Festival 

Each winter, carefully selected artists, architects, and lighting designers transform the canals of Amsterdam into an open-air exhibition of illuminated contemporary art. For the 2026–2027 edition, works by 20 international artists will be presented throughout the historic canal belt, inspired by this year’s festival theme, which will be announced soon. 

📅 Dates: November 26, 2026 – January 17, 2027 

🎟️ Canal cruise tickets for the festival route will become available approximately two months before the festival opens.

 👉🏼 Photography enthusiast and planning your visit during Amsterdam Light Festival? Read my blog post: Zoom In on Amsterdam Light Festival – Tips for Night Cityscape Photography

Festival: Imagine Fantastic Film Festival 

A celebrated festival dedicated to fantasy, horror, and science fiction cinema, featuring both contemporary and classic films from around the world. Screenings and special events take place at multiple venues across Amsterdam. 

📅 Dates: October 29 – November 8, 2026

Art Fair: PAN Amsterdam 

One of the Netherlands’ leading international art, antiques, and design fairs, featuring more than 100 galleries and dealers presenting fine art, Old Masters, photography, contemporary art, antiques, designer furniture, and decorative objects. Every item exhibited is carefully vetted in advance by independent experts who assess authenticity, quality, and condition. 

📅 Dates: November 1–8, 2026

Event: Museumnacht Amsterdam 

During Amsterdam’s annual Museum Night, more than 70 museums across the city open their doors late into the night with special exhibitions, performances, music, and cultural programming. Please note that the regular Museum Card is not valid for this event, and advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. 

📅 Date: November 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM–2:00 AM

Festival: International Whisky Festival 

Held in the historic Grote Kerk in The Hague, this prestigious whisky festival offers tastings from renowned distilleries, expert-led masterclasses, a dedicated whisky shop, and a warm, convivial atmosphere for enthusiasts and collectors alike. 

📅 Dates: November 13–15, 2026

Event: Sinterklaas 

The Dutch version of Santa Claus arrives in Amsterdam each year by boat before continuing through the city on his traditional white horse, accompanied by a festive parade through the historic center. Please note that temporary road closures and transportation disruptions are expected during the celebrations. Additional information about the holiday traditions can be found here. 

📅 Date: November 16, 2026

Festival: Amsterdam Art Week 

Amsterdam Art Week brings together a dynamic program of exhibitions, performances, screenings, discussions, and guided gallery tours across the city. Events take place in leading galleries, artist studios, and contemporary project spaces throughout Amsterdam. Ticketed event. 

📅 Dates: November 18–22, 2026

Art Fair: Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam 

This popular contemporary art fair showcases thousands of works from more than 65 Dutch and international galleries, with all artworks priced below €5,000. It is an excellent opportunity for both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers to discover emerging and established artists. Ticketed event. 

📅 Dates: November 25–29, 2026

Event: Castle Christmas Fair 

Located just over 30 minutes west of Amsterdam at Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg, this elegant Christmas fair features seasonal workshops, artisanal gifts, festive food and drinks, live music, and handcrafted products in a beautifully decorated estate setting. 

📅 Dates: November 28 – December 1, 2026

A Drawbridge, made of white-painted wood, over a stream, reflected in the water, green vegetation and yellow foliage all around, and a cloudy sky.
Amsterdam Forest | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom

Best Weekend Markets in Amsterdam – October 2026

Pure Markt

A high-quality food market featuring some of the best artisanal food producers in the Netherlands.

📍Frankendael Park 📅 November 29, 2026

🕚 11 AM – 5:30 PM

IJ-Hallen Flea Market

One of the largest flea markets in Europe, with hundreds of stalls selling vintage items, antiques, clothing, and collectibles.

📍 Amsterdam Noord

📅 October 31- November 1, 2026 and November 14-15, 2026

🕚 9 AM - 4:30 PM

Sunday Market

A lively market selling fashion, jewelry, design, art, and food.

📍Westergas 📅 November 1, 2026

📍Rokin 📅 November 29, 2026

🕚 12 PM – 6 PM

Museumplein Market

A charming Sunday market offering art, handmade goods, food, and live music.

📅 November 15, 2026

🕚 10 AM – 6 PM

Planning a visit to Amsterdam in November?

November is one of the city’s most elegant and atmospheric seasons. The canals are lined with autumn colors, the crisp air adds to the charm, and Amsterdam’s museums, festivals, and cultural events bring the city to life in a refined and inspiring way. It’s the perfect time to enjoy Amsterdam at a slower pace, with a memorable blend of art, culture, and early winter ambiance.

To make the most of your time in Amsterdam and beyond, a bespoke private tour allows you to experience the city in depth—at your own pace, with a refined focus on culture, art, history, and exceptional culinary experiences.

🚶‍♀️ Private tours in Amsterdam – in-depth storytelling, living history, and hidden gems tucked between the canal houses 

🌿 Curated day trips beyond the city – picturesque villages, Dutch landscapes, and local treasures 

🖼️ Art and museum tours – from the Dutch Masters to the contemporary art scene

While writing the post, I am checking the information, but dates and details may change and events may be canceled at short notice.

A quick note: bookings made through the links may earn me a small commission. Thank you for the support 🫶🏼

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