December 31
Fireworks... everywhere!
and night-long outdoor parties on Dam Square, Rembrandtplein and Nieuwmarkt
from 20:00 to 05:00
New Year's Eve celebration at Oosterdok where the official fireworks show of Amsterdam takes place
from 20:00 to 05:00
New Year's Eve in Holland is called Oudejaarsdag (Old Year's Day) or Oudejaarsavond (Old Year's Evening), respectively. You might also see and hear December 31 referred to as Oud en Nieuw (Old and New).
But whatever you call it, if you're looking for a memorable party, Amsterdam is the place to go. The streets and squares of central Amsterdam - especially at Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt and Leidseplein - will be filled with people and there are plenty of parties in bars and clubs. Not the place to be if you don't like crowds.
Throughout Amsterdam there will be fireworks everywhere. As soon as it's dark, kids (and kids at heart) start shooting, throwing and lighting all sorts of crackers, bangers and sparklers.
Locations of organized fireworks displays vary from year to year, but usually take place at Oosterdok, Nieuwmarkt and/or Rembrandtplein. These sites and the streets around them are packed. Nieuwmarkt is especially wild and loud, as this is the heart of the Chinese community in Amsterdam and the fireworks are plentiful.
TIP Go for the best view on all fireworks to the roof of NEMO.
On Nieuwmarkt, widely known for a rowdy scene on New Year's Eve, it seems almost everyone has a bottle of Champagne in tow ... and if they don't, they're lighting fireworks. If you stand in the first lines it can be dangerous. So, be warned and take cover in time!
Fireworks around De Waag building at Nieuwmarkt ⟩
This annual traditional Chinese lion dance is performed by local Kung-Fu clubs to congratulate Chinese shopkeepers and businessmen in Amsterdam's Chinatown for the new year.
Lion dance at Warmoesstraat ⟩
For a banging start of the new year you can go to Oosterdok (Eastern Dock) at the IJ Waterfront of Amsterdam. Nearby the East Indiaman Amsterdam and the National Maritime Museum the official fireworks show of Amsterdam takes place.
There are endless organized parties and themed events in Amsterdam's bars and clubs on New Year's Eve.
Tickets range from €10 to more than €1,000 and sell out quickly, so buy in advance!
Check out the list of New Year's Eve parties in Amsterdam with entrance prices and opening hours listed.
