Celebrate New Year's Eve in Amsterdam
Whether you’re a party animal or a romantic, young of years or young-at-heart, a big spender or on a budget, Amsterdam is a great city to ring in the New Year. The Dutch know how to have a good time and the capital is a gezellige (warm and friendly) host. If you make one last resolution this year, decide to spend New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam.
Celebrations across Amsterdam
Amsterdam's largest annual countdown will take place this year in front of the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein, a large grassed square in the museum quarter of the city.
The free event starts at 21:30 and continues until after midnight. The party atmosphere is so warm you'll forget its winter!
The compact, easy to navigate city centre lends itself particularly well to impromptu street parties. In almost every public square, throngs of people from all over the world join in the festivities.
In addition to the big event on Museumplein, Nieuwmarkt (Chinatown), Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are all popular hotspots.
Fireworks
If you'd like to send the year off with a bang, the display of fireworks over the Amstel River is a definite must. Head for the Magere brug (skinny bridge) for the best view of the show.
There are plenty of private fireworks displays across the city and along the romantic canals – some people begin before it even gets dark! Read on about firework regulations and fire safety in the New Year period.
Eat, drink and be merry
Locals and visitors alike usually enjoy dinner before heading out to celebrate. Many restaurants offer special menus and is a wide range of dining options to suit every budget and taste. If you like clubbing you’ve come to the right place, as Amsterdam is brimming with cafes and clubs!
To find out what's on, check out our New Year's Eve party listing.
Dutch traditions
All that activity needs some energy to fuel it! On New Year’s Eve (and the month leading up to it), the Dutch enjoy traditional sweet treats called ‘oliebollen’ (delicious round doughnuts coated with icing sugar) and ‘appelflappen’ (tasty apple fritters). They can be found at stands across the city. Be sure to get your fill as they tend to disappear come the New Year.
Besides, the diet can always start next year…
January 1st
Has indulgence left you feeling a little bloated or bleary-eyed? Spend the first day of the New Year on a tranquil cruise of the canals, or take a brisk walk through the Vondelpark or go Dutch and rent a bicycle to meander through the charming cobble-stoned streets of the Jordaan.
Retail therapy
If you’re feeling a little let down now that festive December has passed into somber January, the good news is that the January sales in Amsterdam are tremendous for bargain-hunters and shopaholics alike!
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