Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December is a popular month to fly from the Los Angeles area to Amsterdam for holiday markets, winter city breaks, and seasonal events. Travelers departing from Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) should book flights early to secure nonstop or short-connection itineraries with carriers like KLM, Delta, and major alliance partners. Expect higher demand around mid-December and the week between Christmas and New Year; consider departing earlier in the month for lower fares. Nearby cities such as Long Beach, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Burbank, and Orange County can offer alternative airport options if you’re flexible. Pack for cold and wet weather in Amsterdam, and plan arrival logistics to reach nearby destinations like Haarlem, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht quickly via train from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Book now to compare prices and reserve seats — search Los Angeles to Amsterdam flights and set price alerts to get the best December deals.
Search and book early for December travel to secure the best deals, and compare flexible dates across major aggregators and airline sites. Use price alerts for Los Angeles to Amsterdam flights and consider mid-week departures or red-eyes to lower fares. Also check nearby departure options like Long Beach and Burbank if you can drive, and sign up for airline newsletters for last-minute discounts.
Nonstop flights from the Los Angeles area to Amsterdam usually take about 10 to 11 hours eastbound, depending on winds and routing. Connecting itineraries via major hubs can range from 13 to 18+ hours including layovers, so factor in total travel time when comparing options. For December travel, winter jet streams can slightly alter flight time, so check real-time schedules before booking.
Yes — major carriers typically operate seasonal or year-round nonstop flights between the Los Angeles area and Amsterdam, especially in high-demand periods around December holidays. Availability varies by airline and exact airport in the Los Angeles area; book early for peak December travel windows to lock in a nonstop seat. If nonstop options are sold out, two-stop itineraries via major European or US hubs remain common.
Plan airport transfers in advance: rideshares, shuttles, and airport express buses run regularly from downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Anaheim, and Long Beach. December traffic can be heavy due to holiday travelers, so allow at least an extra hour for road travel and consider public transit (Metro and FlyAway buses) for predictable timing. Book airport parking or valet early if you need long-term parking during the holiday season.
Travelers must have a valid passport with at least three months validity beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area; visa requirements depend on nationality. As of December, check the latest Dutch and EU entry rules for vaccination or testing requirements, as policies can change seasonally. Always verify airline-specific health forms and the most recent embassy guidance before departure.
Pack warm layers and a waterproof coat for Amsterdam in December when temperatures are chilly and damp; include travel adapters, compact umbrella, and comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets. Confirm airline baggage allowances for transatlantic flights and consider carry-on essentials like medications, travel documents, and a change of clothes in case of delays. Label luggage and arrive early to avoid the busiest holiday check-in lines.
Arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in December places you within easy reach of festive markets, museum exhibitions, and winter lights across Amsterdam and nearby cities. Trains from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal run frequently and are the quickest route into the city, while regional connections provide straightforward access to Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht for day trips. Expect chilly, damp weather—pack waterproof layers and plan for shorter daylight hours when visiting outdoor markets and light installations. Book airport transfers or train tickets in advance when possible to avoid holiday crowds, and purchase attraction tickets for popular December events early. Explore nearby Christmas markets and winter festivals to make the most of your holiday trip.
The fastest option is the Dutch NS intercity train from Schiphol directly to Amsterdam Centraal, taking about 15-20 minutes. Taxis and rideshares are available but can be slower in December due to winter traffic and holiday crowds; scheduled airport buses and private transfers are also reliable choices. If you plan to visit nearby cities like Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, or Utrecht, regional trains from Schiphol provide quick connections.
Expect cold, damp, and occasionally windy conditions in Amsterdam during December, with average daytime temperatures around 3–7°C (37–45°F) and frequent drizzle. Pack waterproof outerwear, layers, and sturdy shoes for walking through Christmas markets and canalside neighborhoods. Winter daylight hours are short, so plan activities accordingly and check local weather forecasts before arrival.
December in the Netherlands features festive happenings that draw many visitors landing at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates canals and public spaces, while numerous Christmas markets in central Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Leiden offer seasonal food, crafts, and ice rinks. Nearby cities like The Hague and Rotterdam host concerts and winter pop-ups, providing excellent day-trip options by train. Plan travel times around major event dates to avoid station congestion, and book event tickets and experiences early for December.
For December travel, the best time to fly from the Los Angeles area to Amsterdam is early to mid-December to avoid the heavy price and crowd spikes surrounding Christmas and New Year’s. Red-eye departures can offer time-zone advantages and sometimes lower fares, while mid-week departures often cost less than weekend travel. If you must travel during peak holiday weeks, book 2–3 months in advance and be flexible with return dates to reduce cost. Use phrases like 'best time to fly Los Angeles to Amsterdam December' when researching for tailored results.
Nonstop flights between the Los Angeles area and Amsterdam offer the fastest door-to-door travel and reduced risk of missed connections, which is particularly valuable during busy December travel. However, nonstop seats can be more expensive; one-stop flights through hubs like London, Paris, or New York can save money and increase schedule options. In winter, allow extra connection time when booking connecting flights to account for potential weather delays at European or US gateways. Balance cost savings against additional travel time and baggage transfer risks when choosing direct versus connecting itineraries.
KLM and Delta often offer competitive nonstop service between Los Angeles and Amsterdam with full-service transatlantic amenities, reliable schedules, and SkyTeam connectivity. United, Air France, and other alliance partners provide one-stop options via their respective hubs, which can yield lower fares or useful connection times. Compare seat comfort, baggage allowances, onboard meals, and loyalty program benefits when selecting carriers for December travel. Use airline-specific search phrases such as 'KLM LAXA AMS December nonstop' and 'Delta Los Angeles to Amsterdam December fares' to find targeted offers.
Pack smart for December: waterproof outerwear, insulated layers, and power adapters for European outlets. Leave extra time for airport security and baggage check-in at Los Angeles area airports, and arrive earlier than usual during the holiday peak. Monitor flight status and weather forecasts for both LAX-area departure points and Amsterdam, and sign up for airline alerts. Consider travel insurance for holiday bookings to cover cancellations or disruptions. Use search terms like 'December travel tips Los Angeles to Amsterdam' to find updated checklists and airport advisories.
Nonstop flights from the Los Angeles area to Amsterdam take approximately 10 to 11 hours eastbound, but exact block time depends on winds and routing. In December, airlines often adjust frequencies to match holiday demand — expect increased service in early and mid-December plus peak capacity the week before Christmas and around New Year's Eve. Connecting itineraries via European or East Coast hubs add 3–8+ hours depending on layover length. Use keywords like 'LAXA AMS nonstop December' and 'flight duration Los Angeles to Amsterdam' to research schedules and select flights that minimize layovers during winter travel.
To find cheap flights for December travel between Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), start searching at least 8–12 weeks ahead and set price alerts on multiple platforms. Consider flying early-December dates rather than peak holiday weeks, check nearby California airports like Burbank, Long Beach, and John Wayne for alternate itineraries, and be open to one-stop connections through hubs like London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, or New York. Use a mix of primary keywords ('Los Angeles to Amsterdam December flights') and long-tail modifiers ('cheap LAXA to AMS December nonstop') when searching to capture sales. Combine miles, airline promos, and flexible date tools to lower costs. Book when you see a fare that matches your budget—December pricing can spike quickly during holidays.
Yes — Amsterdam hosts several festive markets and winter events throughout December, including Amsterdam Light Festival, ice rinks at Museumplein, and pop-up Christmas markets across neighborhoods. Regional cities accessible from Schiphol like Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, and Rotterdam also operate holiday markets and seasonal concerts. Check event dates in advance and buy tickets early for popular attractions.
Follow signs to international arrivals and passport control; kiosks and staffed counters process EU and non-EU passengers separately. December can see longer waits due to peak holiday arrivals, so allow extra time for customs checks and baggage collection. If you have connecting travel within Europe, verify whether you must recheck baggage and clear customs at Schiphol.
The OV-chipkaart and disposable tickets can be used on trains and buses; consider the Amsterdam Travel Ticket for combined train and public transport access for tourists. If you plan to visit multiple cities like Utrecht, Haarlem, or Rotterdam, look into regional day passes or the Holland Travel Ticket for multi-day flexibility. Buying tickets at the Schiphol train station or via official apps ensures ease of travel during busy December periods.
Most shops, restaurants, and essential services at Schiphol remain open throughout December, including Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, though hours can be reduced on December 25 and January 1. Expect higher foot traffic and busy security lines during holiday periods, so plan for extra time between arrival and onward travel. Check the official Schiphol website for specific store opening hours and airport lounge availability.
