I'm thinking about booking another trip to Amsterdam in December but was just wondering what's the Red Light District like at that time of year? I was thinking around the 14th of December but do the girls go home for Christmas or is it still pretty active, thanks

I've been around the 7-9th of December a couple of times and I've actually had some of my best trips, yes it's cold very cold compared to the UK (Manchester area)!but there's less tourists but still enough to give a good vibe, there's usually a Xmas market on Damrak as well.

I believe a lot of the girls take a longish Xmas break but I'd guess there will still be plenty when your there, I find when it's quieter you get more bang for your buck as well!

I've been this time of a year a few times and there is always plenty of girls around. Enjoy

personally i prefer it nov/dec/jan/feb as there is far, far less people about. amsterdam is fantastic in the summer i prefer the chill (no pun intended) of the winter months. it can get cold though, yes.

Most of my trips have been around Nov/Dec time. In fact I'm booked to go this November.

There are still plenty of girls around & as previously mentioned, less tourists. The RLD is still busy at the weekends but nowhere near as hectic as the summer months. Be prepared to wrap up as it can be cold. I don't really feel it too bad as I'm from Scotland and used to the cold but for some it may feel freezing. As long as you get lucky and it's dry then it's fine.

I prefer it that time of year as well as I like the longer dark nights. I like the feel of the RLD in the dark with the red lights against the dark winter sky. Adds to the charm.

Thanks for all your replies, definitely will be booking a trip in December then, don't mind about the cold too much I'm pretty used to it, and I definitely agree with you Glasgow guy about the rld in the dark giving off a way better vibe, last time I went was in June and it was a bit annoying having to wait until 11pm ish to see the bright red lights with the pitch black sky, looking forward to it!

It seems to be fine for punting - there are plenty girls about at that time.
However what puts me off most is that they insist on keeping the bar doors open, even on the coldest days. I don't like drinking when standing or sitting at a very cold bar. What is it about these weird Dutch people that they keep their doors open and curtains to their houses open?
And don't get me started on these bastards bursting into song when going up in a cable car at a ski resort in the morning with a hangover. I just fart when that happens. No escape for them either.

What's the biking situation like in the winter? I've been only twice to Amsterdam, both times in May. I biked around town the entire time. Is it sketchier in the winter? More slippery? Wetter? I imagine fewer bikes on the streets which is a good thing.

I always assumed my next trip would be around April/May again but maybe I should consider winter. I'm sure it would be a bit cheaper as well.

It is a little drier in the winter, believe it or not.
I'm there often in the winter, no problem with bikes, even if it snows!
Just be careful on the bridges. They freeze first, and if you try to make a sharp turn as you go downhill on the far side...
well, it can get interesting!
Plenty of girls, not nearly as many tourists.
Museums are easy to get into, as are bars and restaurants.
It is below freezing most nights, and the wind can be brutal. Coat, gloves, scarf, boots are all helpful.
I like the vibe. It is slower and the bars are friendlier.
Wash your hands to warm them up. Nobody likes cold hands on a warm new friend!

Weasel