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Amsterdam is beloved around the world for being a vibrant, inclusive party city and the good vibes only increase at New Year. If you're looking to ring the bells for 2025 outside of the UK this year, there's no better choice than spending New Year in Amsterdam. But, if you prefer more laid-back New Year celebrations, Amsterdam also offers a huge range of more subdued activities, meaning that you can make your New Year's Eve 2025 in Amsterdam as tranquil or as lively as you like!
In this blog, we'll cover:
- Why you should consider spending New Year 2025 abroad
- Unique Dutch New Year traditions
- The best NYE events in Amsterdam for 2025
- Unique ways to spend New Year 2025 in Amsterdam
So get ready to kick start your 2025 like never before in this truly incomparable Dutch city.
Why You Should Celebrate New Year in Amsterdam
Celebrating New Year in a foreign city like Amsterdam is an opportunity to infuse your New Year with different energy. It's a chance to:
- Embrace new traditions
- Celebrate with locals
- Create lasting memories
- Step outside your comfort zone
Amsterdam, with its serene canals, bikes and inclusive spirit, offers a captivating backdrop for your New Year 2025. Plus, it's only a short flight from the UK so you can be over and back in no time at all, leaving you recharged and refreshed for 2025.
Unique Dutch New Year Traditions
Amsterdam, like the rest of the Netherlands, has its own set of cherished traditions that add a special Dutch flavour to New Year's celebrations. Here are some unique Dutch New Year traditions that you might come across during your New Year in Amsterdam:
- Oliebollen Indulgence: It's impossible to escape the heavenly aroma of oliebollen, Dutch doughnuts, during the holiday season. These deep-fried, powdered sugar-dusted treats are a must-try. Locals and visitors alike eagerly queue up at oliebollen stands throughout Amsterdam, making it a sweet Dutch tradition.
- Carbide Shooting: In some rural areas of the Netherlands, particularly in the north and east, you might stumble upon a rather explosive tradition. Carbide shooting involves igniting carbide gas in milk churns, creating impressive bangs. It's a loud and lively way to bid farewell to the old year.
- Firework Frenzy: The Dutch take their New Year's fireworks seriously. While you can enjoy public displays in Amsterdam, you'll also witness countless locals setting off their own fireworks throughout the city. It creates a mesmerising, if somewhat chaotic, display that lights up the night sky.
- New Year's Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik): If you're feeling adventurous, consider participating in the New Year's Dive. Brave souls across the country, including Amsterdam, take a chilly plunge into the North Sea or other frigid waters as a refreshing way to start the year.
- Watching the "Oudejaarsconference": While not unique to Amsterdam, tuning in to the "Oudejaarsconference" is a quintessential Dutch New Year tradition. It's a televised comedy show that reviews the year's events in a humorous and satirical manner, providing plenty of laughs as the old year comes to a close.
- Burning Christmas Trees: With Christmas well and truly over and a new year approaching, it's not uncommon to see Dutch neighbours gathering to burn their Christmas trees - watch out for the flames!
These unique Dutch traditions infuse New Year's celebrations in Amsterdam with a distinct charm, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of this city and its people. So, be sure to sample oliebollen, join in the fireworks fun, and maybe even consider taking the plunge for a truly Dutch New Year experience!
The 7 Best NYE Events in Amsterdam 2025
1. Electric Fireworks Show at Museumplein
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 18:45 - 04:00
Address: Museumplein, Amsterdam
To prevent locals from setting off their own fireworks the Amsterdam council organises a spectacular firework display at Museumplein with tons of fun activities for the whole family including a musical journey through time. There's even a family-friendly firework display held at 7.30pm so the little ones don't need to stay up too late.
2. New Year's Eve Pub Crawl
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 20:00 - 04:00
Address: Starts at The Black Tiger Bar, Warmoesstraat, Amsterdam
Get ready to party with locals and fellow travellers as you hop from bar to bar in Amsterdam’s famous nightlife scene. This lively pub crawl covers some of the city's best bars and clubs, with free drinks, shots, and a bubbly toast at midnight included. Perfect if you're looking to meet new people and celebrate in true Amsterdam style!
3. Amsterdam’s New Year’s Eve Indoor & Outdoor NYE Party
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 22:00 - 05:00
Address: Q-Factory, Atlantisplein 1, Amsterdam
New Year’s Eve 2024 at Q-Factory promises to be Amsterdam’s biggest indoor celebration yet! With 1,250 partygoers, top DJs, and a buzzing atmosphere, this event is set to be one of the highlights of the city’s NYE events. Get ready to dance the night away and share a midnight moment to remember. Whether you’re with friends, family, or that special someone, this is a party not to be missed.
4. Pllek New Year’s Eve 2024!
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 22:00 - 05:00
Address: Pllek, TT Neveritaweg 59, Amsterdam
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Pllek, one of Amsterdam’s trendiest spots with a spectacular view of the city skyline. Known for its eclectic vibe, this party promises a blend of live performances, DJs spinning tunes until the early morning hours, and a cosy bonfire by the waterfront to ring in 2025 in style.
5. Awakenings New Year 2024
Date: 31st December 2024
Time: 12:00 - 08:00
Address: Gashouder, Amsterdam
For techno lovers, Awakenings is the best way to spend New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. Known for its cutting-edge lineup of world-class DJs and jaw-dropping light shows, this all-night rave at Gashouder is a must for those looking to dance into 2025.
6. WE ALL LOVE 80’s 90’s 00’s 10’s
Date: 31st December
Time: 21:00 - 05:00
Address: Panama, Amsterdam
For a whole lot of cheese (and a whole lot of fun) this nostalgic club night is held in Amsterdam year-round but at NYE you can expect it to be bigger and better. Expect all the classics from the likes of Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Madonna and Justin Bieber.
7. Belushi’s Amsterdam New Year’s Eve Party
Date: 31st December
Time: 20:00 - 04:00
Address: Belushi's, Amsterdam
Ready to kiss 2024 goodbye in style? Head to Belushi’s Amsterdam New Year’s Eve Party, located near Dam Square, for a night filled with the best party hits. At this top NYE Amsterdam event, the DJ will be spinning tunes from all genres, ensuring the dancefloor is packed until the early hours. It’s one of the city’s most popular parties, so make sure you grab your tickets early!
11 Unique ways to spend New Year 2025 in Amsterdam
Now let's dive into 11 unique ways to celebrate New Year in Amsterdam so that you can have an unforgettable start to 2025 that doesn't just involve clubbing.
1. Party in Dam Square
Join the lively crowds at Dam Square just off the Dam Rak for an unforgettable fireworks display that illuminates the heart of Amsterdam as the clock strikes midnight. Be prepared for busy crowds and a party atmosphere.
2. Enjoy a Dinner Cruise on the Canals
Enjoy a romantic New Year's Eve dinner on a canal cruise. Feast on delectable Dutch cuisine while gliding through Amsterdam's picturesque canals, taking in the city's shimmering lights.
3. Attend the Andre Reiu Amsterdam New Year Concert
If you're looking for a truly special way to kick off the New Year, you can’t go wrong with the André Rieu New Year's Concert at the Ziggo Dome Arena. This guy is a legend in the Netherlands, and his shows are something really special. Known for his infectious energy and love for music, André brings his Johann Strauss Orchestra along to create a festive atmosphere that’s hard to beat. On stage, you can expect a night filled with lively waltzes and classic tunes, all performed by André, his choir, and some fantastic soloists and guests.
4. Get Tickets to the Amsterdam Light Festival
For a more serene way to spend New Year's Eve in Amsterdam, explore the Amsterdam Light Festival. You can buy tickets for canal cruises to view the stunning light installations and art pieces scattered along the city's canals and streets, or opt to go on a tour of the festival for free on foot or with your bikes.
5. Laid-Back Pub Hopping
If your idea of a perfect New Year's Eve involves hopping from one Amsterdam pub to another, Amsterdam won't disappoint. The city boasts several neighbourhoods where you can enjoy a memorable pub crawl experience:
- Jordaan: Famous for its cosy and traditional Dutch brown bars, Jordaan is a superb choice. This picturesque Amsterdam neighbourhood offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying local brews and mingling with friendly locals.
- Leidseplein: For a vibrant and energetic pub crawl, head to Leidseplein. This bustling square is home to numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. It's the ideal place to dance the night away and celebrate with fellow revellers.
- De Pijp: This trendy Amsterdam area is known for its lively bar scene and diverse crowd. De Pijp offers an eclectic mix of pubs, from traditional brown bars to modern craft beer spots, making it a great area for a pub crawl adventure on New Year in Amsterdam.
6. Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year's Dive)
As mentioned previously, you can embrace Dutch tradition by joining the New Year's Dive and taking a refreshing plunge into the cold waters of Amsterdam's canals or nearby lakes. It's a bracing and invigorating start to the year and one you certainly won't forget.
7. Stargazing at ARTIS Planetarium
For a truly out-of-this-world New Year's experience, head to the ARTIS Planetarium. Escape the city lights and step into a realm of stars, planets, and galaxies. The planetarium offers special New Year's stargazing events that allow you to explore the universe in a captivating and educational way.
As the clock nears midnight, join fellow stargazers under the domed ceiling to witness the celestial beauty of the night sky. Expert astronomers guide you through the constellations and share fascinating insights about the cosmos. It's a mesmerizing way to welcome the New Year, far from the crowds and noise.
8. Visit Amsterdam's Botanical Garden
If you're a nature enthusiast looking for a peaceful way to welcome the New Year, consider a visit to Amsterdam's botanic garden on New Year's Day. This centuries-old botanical garden transforms into a serene oasis during the winter season. Stroll through lush greenhouses and admire exotic plant collections while enjoying the tranquillity of nature.
Hortus Botanicus often hosts special New Year's events and guided tours that provide insights into the garden's history and unique flora. It's a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to unwind and connect with the natural world on your New Year in Amsterdam.
9. New Year's Day Brunch Cruise
There are not many places in the world where you can go on a brunch cruise, but of course, thanks to the infamous canals, in Amsterdam it's possible! Choose to spend New Year's Day on G's Brunch Boat—a unique two-hour cruise that operates every weekend, rain or shine, and claims to be the world's only brunch boat. Picture yourself sipping on a refreshing mimosa as you leisurely glide through the city's picturesque waterways. The brunch menu offers a variety of delicious options, from classic eggs benedict to breakfast burritos and delightful chicken and waffles. It's the best way to nurse any New Year hangovers!
10. Take An Amsterdam Disco Taxi
For a fun and unique way to get around on New Year’s Eve, why not jump into an Amsterdam Disco Taxi? These colourful cabs are kitted out with disco balls, neon lights, and music pumping through the speakers—turning your ride into a mini party! Whether you're heading to a club or just cruising around town, it’s a fun way to get to your Amsterdam New Year party.
11. Spend The Day at Efteling
Looking to keep the New Year’s magic going? Head to Efteling, a much-loved theme park in Europe only about an hour from Amsterdam, where fairytales come to life. At New Year, Efteling transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months, with twinkling lights, cosy spots to warm up, and fun rides (our favourite is the Flying Dutchman) - making it great for kids!
Ready To Spend New Year 2025 in Amsterdam?
And that's a wrap on our list of what to do at New Year in Amsterdam. We hope you've found the Amsterdam NYE 2025 event for you, whether you want to let loose at an NYE party or take it easy at the botanic gardens on January 1st. Regardless, a trip to Amsterdam for New Year offers tons of fun activities regardless of your tastes.
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