Celebrating New Year's Eve in
Amsterdam this year? Well, you're in for a treat! The Dutch capital may not be as famous for the holiday as the likes of New York, Dubai, Paris, and more, but it's exciting nonetheless. For one thing, the city holds the most fabulous parties and events in its public squares. From markets to fun fairs, the whole family can end the year on a happy note! You can also explore Amsterdam's annual Light Festival, absorbing the artistry that this city offers. And on New Year's Day, dare to join the Dutch capital's annual New Year's Dive!
Watch The Fireworks
New Year's Eve is all about the fireworks. It's the one time of the year people can put on these breathtaking displays and shows and no one bats an eye. Of course, the
fireworks in Dubai, New York City, Paris, Shanghai, and more trump all else. But that doesn't mean that the show here in Amsterdam is a letdown! In fact, what's great about New Year's Eve in Amsterdam is that the city sets up fireworks displays all over. The one by A’DAM Tower is perhaps the most famous of them all. It's a definite must-see if you're in the Dutch capital on the holiday.
Party in The Public Squares
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam is always a party! Just go to the city's public squares and you'll see it for yourself! On these massive spaces, the city sets up markets, rides, games, and more for the holiday season. They begin at around Christmastime and stay up until the end of New Year's. And they're the best places to spend most of December 31st as you wait for the new year to arrive. Midnight is hours away, after all, so in the meantime, you can shop in the market, go on the rides, play some games, and just have a ball!
Experience Amsterdam's Nightlife
Many people often forget that Amsterdam's nightlife is stellar. Perhaps it's not on the same level as the
nightlife in Bangkok, London, Miami, and more, but it's still exciting nonetheless. This is especially true on New Year's Eve, with the city's popular hotspots hosting their respective year-end parties. De School, Garage Noord, Club Nyx, Radion, Vondebunker, and more are the places to be on the night of December 31st. For a more adventurous night out, however, check out the infamous De Wallen Amsterdam red-light district. Their sex shows, sensual soirees, and more offer a different kind of fun for the end of the year.
Eat Out
If you prefer a more chill way to welcome the new year, a nice dinner out is a good way to go. Fortunately, Amsterdam has its fair share of culinary hotspots that stay open later than usual every December 31st. Ranging from
Michelin-starred restaurants to affordable bistros, these places will feed you well into the new year. Some even set up buffets to ensure that you'll still keep eating as the clock strikes 12. And of course, there's no sweeter way to start the new year than to indulge in some
Dutch pastries along the way.
See The Amsterdam Light Festival
During the holiday season, the different
neighborhoods in Amsterdam turn into one huge gallery of the most amazing light displays. This is the annual Amsterdam Light Festival, a highly-anticipated seasonal event that never fails to dazzle and delight locals and tourists alike. A number of local and international artists set up their elaborate works in various parts of the city, from peaceful residential areas to the iconic canals. They lighten up the Dutch capital unlike any other, almost to the point that the city could very well take the “City of Lights” moniker from Paris.
Go on a Canal Cruise
Speaking of the famous canals, they're actually some of the best places to spend New Year's Eve in Amsterdam. While the rest of the city have fun in the public squares or party in the nightlife hotspots, the canals remain largely peaceful and serene. If you prefer to end the year on a quieter note, you'd do well to go on a canal cruise on the night of December 31st. Some even sail on to the perfect vantage point to watch the city's fireworks displays. And there's no doubt that this is the
most romantic way to welcome the new year in the Dutch capital.
Join The New Year's Dive
Though it's not technically a New Year's Eve activity, it'd be a waste if you welcomed the new year in Amsterdam and not join its iconic (some would say infamous) New Year's Dive! Called the “Nieuwjaarsduik” tradition, thousands of locals head to the nearest beach or lake and take a dip despite the freezing cold of the winter season. It's the largest dive in the
Netherlands, with over 25,000 participants taking part throughout the country. Some even make it more festive by donning Santa Claus hats as they plunge into the water.
Source: Flickr.com/ Maurice Haak
Amsterdam is already an exciting city no matter the time of year. With that said, the Dutch capital lights up in a whole new light every New Year's Eve. There are parties all around, spectacular fireworks, and an iconic dive in the morning!
