The Netherlands is a country full of vibrant culture, rich traditions, and world-famous celebrations. From colorful flower parades to lively music festivals and historic events, there is always something happening across the country. If you’re planning a trip, here are the top events and festivals in the Netherlands that you should add to your itinerary.
Why Visit the Netherlands for an Event?
The Netherlands is known how to celebrate life. Whether it’s a national holiday, a city-wide parade, or an international festival, events in the Netherlands bring locals and tourists together. Attending these celebrations gives you a deeper look into Dutch culture and traditions while enjoying unforgettable experiences.
Major Annual Events and Celebrations
New Year’s Dive in the North Sea
If you are looking for unforgettable things to do in the Netherlands in January the famous Scheveningen New Year’s Dive is at the top of the list. Every January 1 thousands of people take part in this icy tradition by running into the North Sea together. It has become one of the most iconic Dutch New Year’s traditions and is a true bucket list experience for visitors.
The event takes place at Scheveningen beach near The Hague where crowds gather to cheer on the brave participants. The atmosphere is festive with live music and plenty of hot drinks and Dutch specialties like ‘erwtensoep’ to warm up afterwards. Whether you join the dive yourself or simply watch from the sidelines this is one of the most unique New Year events in the Netherlands.
For international travelers it is the perfect way to start the year with energy while experiencing local culture up close. Capture the moment on camera for your Instagram or just soak in the excitement of this winter activity in the Netherlands. If you want a story worth telling the Scheveningen New Year’s Dive is an absolute must.
Elfstedentocht – The Legendary Eleven Cities Tour in Friesland
When winter in the Netherlands truly freezes over something magical might happen: the Elfstedentocht. Known in English as the Eleven Cities Tour this legendary ice skating race takes place in the northern province of Friesland and has become one of the most famous events in the Netherlands. Covering nearly 200 kilometers along frozen canals rivers and lakes the route connects eleven historic Frisian towns and brings together both professional athletes and everyday skaters.
The Elfstedentocht is not an annual event – it only happens when the ice is thick enough to safely support thousands of skaters. That rarity makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The last official Eleven Cities Tour took place in 1997 yet the tradition remains one of the most iconic Dutch ice skating events and continues to spark excitement every winter.
For travelers it is not just about the race but about the culture surrounding it. Villages along the route transform into festive hubs with cheering crowds live music and warm Dutch food to keep spirits high. Even if the official Elfstedentocht is not held during your visit you can still experience the route by skating parts of it yourself exploring the towns by bike or joining guided tours.
If you are searching for authentic things to do in the Netherlands in winter the Elfstedentocht is the ultimate mix of Dutch history tradition and adventure. Whether you are skating the frozen canals or simply soaking up the atmosphere in Friesland this legendary event is a story you will never forget.
King’s Day (Koningsdag)
Every April 27, the entire country turns orange to celebrate the birthday of the Dutch king. Expect street parties, flea markets, boat parades, and music festivals in every city.
King’s Day, celebrated on April 27, is one of the Netherlands’ most beloved national holidays, honoring King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. Known locally as Koningsdag, this festive day has roots that stretch back to 1885 when it was first celebrated as Princess’s Day in honor of Princess Wilhelmina, who would later become queen.
The holiday evolved over time, transforming into Queen’s Day during the reigns of Queen Juliana and Queen Beatrix, before officially becoming King’s Day in 2013 when Willem-Alexander took the throne. On this day, the entire country bursts into a sea of orange, as revelers wear the national color in honor of the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. It’s a day of lively celebrations, open-air markets, parades, and festivities, especially in major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, which attract visitors from around the world.
Amsterdam Pride
Held every summer, Amsterdam Pride is one of the world’s most colorful LGBTQ+ events. The highlight is the famous canal parade, where boats turn the city’s waterways into a floating rainbow celebration.
Rotterdam International Film Festival
One of Europe’s most respected film festivals, this event showcases innovative cinema and attracts filmmakers and visitors from all over the world.
The Hague Jazz Festival
A must for music lovers, this event features international jazz artists and a vibrant atmosphere in the political capital of the Netherlands.
Tulip Festival and Keukenhof
Each spring, millions of tulips bloom across the country. The Tulip Festival in Amsterdam and the world-famous Keukenhof gardens showcase the beauty of the Dutch flower season.
Dance Valley
Known as the “Woodstock of Dance,” Dance Valley is one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the Netherlands.
Holland Festival
This long-running performing arts festival features theater, opera, dance, and music in venues across Amsterdam.
Museum Night
Amsterdam’s museums open their doors at night, offering special exhibitions, performances, and workshops with a lively cultural twist.
Christmas Markets
During December, Dutch cities light up with festive Christmas markets where you can enjoy traditional food, ice skating, and holiday shopping.
Carnival in the South
In regions like Limburg and North Brabant, Carnival brings colorful costumes, lively parades, and street celebrations before the start of Lent.
The Netherlands offers events year-round, but spring (for tulips), summer (for festivals), and winter (for Christmas markets) are especially popular.
SAIL Amsterdam
Every five years, Amsterdam hosts one of the world’s largest sailing events, where tall ships and historic vessels fill the harbor.
SAIL is one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated maritime events, bringing together a spectacular fleet of historic tall ships, modern vessels, and maritime enthusiasts from around the world. Held every five years in Amsterdam, this multi-day event transforms the city’s waterfront into a bustling harbor teeming with majestic ships, vibrant parades, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. SAIL began in 1975 as part of Amsterdam’s celebrations and has since become a cherished tradition, drawing millions of spectators to the IJhaven and surrounding areas.
The highlight of the event is the grand SAIL-In Parade, where over 600 ships, including iconic tall ships from around the world, make a ceremonial entrance into the harbor. The event also includes naval displays, historic reenactments, and hands-on activities where visitors can tour various ships, learn about maritime history, and even participate in sailing experiences. SAIL is not only a celebration of Dutch nautical heritage but also a showcase of international maritime culture, featuring vessels from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
While Amsterdam is the central location for SAIL, the event often encourages related maritime celebrations across the Netherlands, including coastal cities like Rotterdam and Den Helder, where local festivals coincide with the main event. However, the grandeur and scale of SAIL in Amsterdam make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many attendees. SAIL’s five-year interval builds anticipation, allowing the event to grow in scale and draw increasingly rare ships and renowned vessels from around the globe.
For maritime enthusiasts, the infrequency of SAIL adds to its allure, making it a must-see event when it returns every half-decade. From its bustling ship parades to cultural performances and educational exhibits, SAIL is a celebration of seafaring tradition and adventure, offering a unique chance to witness one of the largest maritime gatherings worldwide in the iconic setting of Amsterdam’s waterways.
Amsterdam Marathon
People from all over the world sign up for this marathon.
New Years Eve
New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands is a night of lively traditions, citywide celebrations, and local customs that make it a uniquely Dutch experience. Known as Oud en Nieuw (Old and New), the holiday sees people across the country coming together to say farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with friends, family, and festivities.
The evening usually starts with smaller gatherings at home, where traditional Dutch treats like oliebollen (fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar) and appelflappen (apple fritters) are served, often alongside drinks as people share their highlights and reflections of the year.
Just before midnight, anticipation builds as the streets and city squares begin to fill with revelers awaiting the arrival of the new year. In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, many people gather in central locations for public firework displays and music events that bring an electric atmosphere to the night. Rotterdam, in particular, hosts the largest official firework show in the Netherlands on the Erasmus Bridge, drawing thousands of visitors to the riverside for an unforgettable view.
When midnight strikes, the skies across the country explode with color as residents and visitors alike ignite their own fireworks, a Dutch tradition that allows individuals to purchase and set off fireworks from December 31st to January 1st.
This has been a beloved part of the celebration, though recent regulations have limited certain types of fireworks to ensure safety, with many people opting to enjoy the organized displays instead. The sound of crackling fireworks, cheers, and toasts fill the air, and the streets stay busy well into the early hours as people make their way to parties, clubs, and bars, many of which host special New Year’s Eve events.
For those in coastal regions, the celebrations don’t end there; New Year’s Day brings another popular Dutch tradition—the New Year’s Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik), where brave souls take a plunge into the chilly North Sea, with the largest dive held at Scheveningen beach. For anyone celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands, it’s a time filled with warmth, excitement, and Dutch cheer, promising a memorable start to the year ahead.
