New Year's Eve in the Netherlands comes with plenty of good options: the fireworks show at the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, which is going ahead one last time this year, counting down in the heart of Amsterdam, the bonfire and New Year's Dive in Scheveningen, the New Year's party at the Efteling, or a quiet night with friends in a holiday cottage. Good to know: 2026 is the first New Year with a nationwide consumer fireworks ban, so if you want to see fireworks, pick an organized show. Below you'll find what to expect from each idea and where to stay the night.
Would you rather ring in the new year somewhere else? Take a look at our best New Year's Eve destinations around the world.
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Rotterdam or Amsterdam
When looking for the best cities to spend New Year's Eve in the Netherlands, Amsterdam and Rotterdam are the top candidates. Fireworks shows have become the new normal at New Year in recent years, and more and more large cities now organize professionally run light and fireworks shows, so you can start the new year safely and in style. It's the perfect choice if you want a big start to January 1st and a lively atmosphere in the city.
Head to the fireworks show at the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam. The 800-meter bridge connects the northern and southern parts of the city and is the icon of Rotterdam. At the turn of the year, the area around it becomes a light show with fireworks, and you count down with thousands of others with a view of the skyline. Arrive early for a good spot, dress warmly and pick a place with a clear view along the Maas river, such as the Boompjeskade or the Willemskade. Want to go out afterwards, or would you rather watch from your room? Book a night at Room Mate Bruno. This design hotel on the Kop van Zuid is within walking distance of the show and an ideal base for New Year's Eve in Rotterdam.
Would you rather party into the new year? Then New Year's Eve in Amsterdam, one of the best party cities in Europe for groups, is a top choice. Around Dam Square, right in the center, the atmosphere is lively all evening. Get tickets for a New Year's Eve party in advance, because popular events often sell out fast. Prefer to hop between bars? Head to Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein, where countless cafés and bars stay open until late into the night. For a carefree night with everything within walking distance, book a room at Albus Hotel Amsterdam City Centre. After the countdown you can walk straight back to bed and start New Year's Day relaxed.
Whether you choose the iconic fireworks show at the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam or a big night out in Amsterdam, a little preparation turns New Year's Eve into a great night.
Book a cottage with family or friends
Getting away from home is sometimes exactly what you need. That's why a holiday cottage with family or friends is a great idea for New Year's Eve. In a house of your own you have all the space and privacy to spend time together, away from the crowds in the city. Set out a snack board, pour something nice and make a playlist of your favorite classics. Count down together, play board games and make it extra cozy with an open fire or wood stove.
The Netherlands has plenty of holiday parks with spacious family homes you can rent for a weekend, a midweek or a full week. Many parks offer special packages around Christmas and New Year, which makes your stay feel even more festive. Think of a complete New Year's package with late check-out, a breakfast basket for New Year's Day, or extras such as a gourmet set for a typical Dutch gourmetten evening, where everyone cooks small portions at the table. Some parks turn their grounds into a winter wonderland with festive lighting, small skating rinks, mulled wine and activities for children. That's handy if you're traveling with several generations, because there's plenty to do for young and old. When choosing, look for useful extras such as a sauna or hot tub, a fenced garden for the dog, high chairs and enough bedrooms, so everyone starts the new year relaxed.
Do you still prefer a hotel stay? Then browse our hotel offer.
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Experience a fairy tale New Year's Eve
Thousands of twinkling lights, winter attractions and fireworks make New Year's Eve at the Efteling feel like a fairy tale. Spend a special evening there with family and friends.
New Year's Eve falls during Winter Efteling, which only makes the atmosphere better. Ride the Python by moonlight or take a winter walk through the beautifully lit Fairy Tale Forest. There's even a skating rink in the middle of the park.
From 7 PM, you can enjoy a musical program with DJs, live acts and other musicians. Before you know it, you're counting down to the new year with everyone. At midnight, the park puts on a fireworks show that pulls out all the stops, including laser effects. Tickets for 2026 are not on sale yet, so keep an eye on the official Efteling website.
Would you rather stay outside the park? Then book your overnight stay at Mercure Hotel Tilburg Centrum, only a 20-minute drive from the park.
Celebrating New Year's Eve in the Netherlands
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Join the New Year's Dive and celebrate New Year's Eve in Scheveningen
A day by the sea is perhaps the most relaxing way to end the year. During the day you take a long walk on the beach, grab a coffee to go at a beach café and let the wind clear your head. In the evening you open the bubbly and watch the fireworks together from the beach. It sounds like a sunny destination far away, but it doesn't have to be. You can do all of this in the Netherlands, with everything close at hand.
Several seaside resorts celebrate New Year's Eve in style, but our favorite is Scheveningen. Start your day with a walk along the boulevard and the Pier, warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine, and sit down for dinner at one of the restaurants along the seafront. Think fresh fish, a festive three-course menu or shared dining with friends and family. That way you start the evening relaxed and you're already in the best spot for the countdown.
When evening falls, Scheveningen is known for the bonfire on the Noorderstrand, a real local tradition. Every year the aim is to build the highest bonfire in the Netherlands. It's lit around midnight and is clearly visible from the boulevard, which is also the place to watch the fireworks and count down with a view of the sea. Check the latest information on times and locations before you go, so you know exactly where to be.
And of course, there's the New Year's Dive in Scheveningen. For those who dare, it's the freshest possible start to January 1st. Would you rather cheer from the sidelines? That's fine too. Bring a towel, warm clothes and a thermos, and finish with a brunch in town.
Make a full weekend of it in Scheveningen and book your overnight stay at Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Scheveningen. Thanks to its central location you can walk to the beach, the boulevard and the restaurants, which is handy if you want to stay out late without worrying about transport or parking.
The typical Dutch way of celebrating New Year's Eve
Celebrating at home is cozy and just as festive. Fill a table with snacks, pour the bubbly and don't forget the oliebollen (literally "oil balls", a deep-fried dough snack eaten at New Year). Make a good playlist, hang up some decorations and count down with friends or family. To make it extra special, plan a round of games, take a photo in party hats and have everyone write down a wish for the new year.
A true classic at home is the oudejaarsconference, the New Year's Eve comedy show on Dutch TV. Settle in on the couch and laugh at the old year before you ring in the new one. Check beforehand what time the show starts so you can count down on time. Think about practical things too, such as candles or fairy lights for atmosphere, water and snacks within reach and a warm blanket for after midnight.
New Year's fireworks in the Netherlands: what's changed
For years, New Year's Eve in the Netherlands meant fireworks going off in every street. That changes this year. Under the Dutch Safe New Year Act (Wet veilige jaarwisseling), consumers are no longer allowed to buy or set off category F2, F3 and F4 fireworks from the 2026/2027 New Year onwards. Sparklers and other F1 fireworks are still allowed, and professional fireworks shows continue. So if you want to see fireworks, head to an organized show and leave the fireworks to the professionals.
Important tips for New Year's Eve in the Netherlands
- Plan your journey home. Public transport runs a reduced service on the evening of December 31st and largely stops for a few hours around midnight. Check this year's timetable with NS or 9292 before you go, whether you're heading to a friend's house, a bar or a fireworks show.
- Shop early. Shops and supermarkets close earlier than usual on New Year's Eve, so buy drinks and snacks during the day.
- Book ahead. Hotels near the Erasmus Bridge, in central Amsterdam and in Scheveningen fill up fast, as do popular New Year's parties.
- Know the local rhythm. Unlike in some countries, New Year's Eve in the Netherlands is usually spent at home with family or friends until midnight. As the clock strikes twelve, people head outdoors or continue the night at a party, bar or club.
Still tempted to end the year abroad? Discover 5 underrated New Year's Eve destinations in the US, or find the best places to visit in Europe in December. Would you rather start January in the sun? Take a look at the best places to visit in January.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to celebrate New Year's Eve in the Netherlands?
Popular choices are central Amsterdam (around Dam Square, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein), the Erasmus Bridge fireworks show in Rotterdam, Scheveningen with its bonfire and New Year's Dive, the New Year's party at the Efteling, and a holiday park with family or friends.
Can you set off your own fireworks in the Netherlands on New Year's Eve 2026?
No. The Dutch Safe New Year Act has applied since August 1st, 2026. From the 2026/2027 New Year, F2, F3 and F4 fireworks are banned for consumers. Sparklers and other F1 fireworks are still allowed, and professional fireworks shows can still go ahead.
How do the Dutch celebrate New Year's Eve?
With oliebollen and bubbly, the oudejaarsconference comedy show on TV, a countdown to midnight with friends or family and, on January 1st, a New Year's Dive in the North Sea. On the coast around The Hague, the bonfires have been part of New Year for decades.
Are there fireworks at the Erasmus Bridge for New Year's Eve 2026?
Yes. The city of Rotterdam is letting the Erasmus Bridge fireworks show go ahead one last time this New Year. Watching from the quays is free, and public transport in Rotterdam is free during the turn of the year. Exact times will be announced closer to the date.
Is the Efteling open on New Year's Eve?
Yes. On December 31st, the Efteling hosts a New Year's Eve party with illuminated rides, entertainment and fireworks. Tickets for 2026 are not on sale yet; you can sign up on the Efteling website to be notified.