Tips for New Year's Eve in Amsterdam
Dine at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
In collaboration with Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
Fill your glass with champagne, sit back, and enjoy a 4-course dinner or a 6-course Michelin-star dinner to pamper your taste buds for the very last time this year. Once the food has settled, hit the dance floor, where DJs will provide the tunes. You can order festive drinks at the bar, and at the stroke of midnight, you can party into the new year.
Take in the [electric] fireworks
Just like last year, Museumplein will be the site of a dazzling electric fireworks display, a spectacle designed for up to 60,000 spectators. Take in the excitement and revelry of New Year's on the streets of Amsterdam in this beautiful locatiom, and be a part of the evening's magical feel. Starting at 10:30 PM, live acts from the city will energise the crowd on the main stage, building a growing anticipation for midnight. As the moment draws nearer, the largest countdown clock in the Netherlands will take center stage, marking the year's final moments.
Party into the new year
When it comes to NYE celebrations, Amsterdam has something for everyone. As midnight beckons, Amsterdam becomes a playground for night owls, whether you have a soft spot for sophisticated dinner parties or gritty warehouse raves. The Awakenings party at the Gashouder in Westerpark - playfully nicknamed the Temple of Techno, and for good reason - is well-known for its unparalleled techno lineup and mesmerizing light displays. Or maybe the Gardens of Babylon are more your thing: spiritual experiences, live performances, and electronic music all combined in one great ethereal celebration at the WesterUnie across several days in the lead-up to New Year's. If you're looking for a stellar view of the city when the clock finally strikes midnight, look no further than Pllek's New Year's celebration. Located right on the river IJ, Pllek boasts stunning panoramic views and combines a three-course meal with a dance party that unfolds afterwards, headlined by top DJs.
Feast on oliebollen and champagne
No Dutch New Year’s Eve celebration is complete without a dreamy bite of oliebollen - deep-fried dough balls covered in powdered sugar - which, besides being a deliciously sweet snack, also have a long history in the Netherlands. Legend has it that oliebollen fend off evil spirits, giving you another reason to indulge. Find the best oliebollen in Amsterdam, and on New Year's Eve, it's only right to enjoy them together with a glass (or bottle) of bubbly.
Dinner with a view
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam with an elevated experience at one of the city’s rooftop bars and restaurants. The A’DAM Tower offers two stellar options: up-scale Moon, a revolving restaurant serving innovative European cuisine with stunning, ever-changing views, and Madam, which after you've tucked into a dinner of Asian-inspired delights, transforms into a dance party with excellent DJs and sweeping vistas of the city as the countdown begins. For a more bohemian vibe, head to rooftop restaurant Canvas at the popular Volkshotel, where you can watch the fireworks with a cocktail in hand. Another great rooftop is Zoku, which offers cosmopolitan dishes in a distinctive setting with a sleek and elegant ambiance. If you're looking for refined dining, Mr. Porter at the W Hotel offers a superb menu cuisine in the hotel's chic and iconic setting, with sweeping views of the city centre.
Reservations are essential, as these hotspots fill up fast. With a glass of champagne or a cocktail in hand, these venues promise a sophisticated start to 2025.
A New Year's canal cruise
It's undisputable that the best way to experience the city is from the water, and what could be more spectacular than spending the last evening of 2024 cruising along Amsterdam's picturesque canals? Take part in a scenic boat tour while enjoying the city’s beauty. Companies like Lovers Canal Cruises and Flagship Amsterdam offer unique canal experiences throughout the year, and are known for providing unforgettable views of the city at night, particularly during the festive season. Always check for special New Year's Eve packages and events.
A chilly dip with the New Year’s Swim on 1 January
The New Year Swim attracts brave swimmers from all around to begin the new year with an icy dip in the North Sea at a range of coastal locations in the Netherlands. One of the biggest celebrations takes place at Zandvoort aan Zee, just half an hour west of Amsterdam, where thousands of revellers gather to strip off and run into the water together. Even if you’re not brave enough to make a splash, you can enjoy the party atmosphere from dry land with a steaming bowl of pea soup. Ready for the New Year? See our tips for spending New Year's Day in Amsterdam.
