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New Year's Day Amsterdam 2026: 11 Things to Do on January 1st
Last updated: January 1, 2026
Start 2026 off right with one of these fun things to do in Amsterdam
I probably sound quite old saying this, but 2025 has really flown by. January 1st is always such a great day to reflect on how quickly time flies and to update my New Year's resolutions. But hey, I usually give up on those after a few weeks anyway. That's why it might be fun to head out into Amsterdam on the first day of the new year. Once the worst of the tiredness and hangover from the night before are over, I'll head out to do one of these fun things. Where should you be on New Year's Day in Amsterdam? Yourlbb has figured it out for you. Happy New Year!
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
IF YOU ARE READY: 𝗺𝗶𝗷𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀
As a child, I went there with my parents to shop, and as a teenager and in my twenties, I went clubbing. Now, I love coming here for a weekend escape, filled with good food, great wine bars, and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude.
Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT-factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots you'll definitely want to know.
📌Book your next trip to Rotterdam.
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe
⦁ @dunerotterdam
⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant
⦁ @nice.neighbourhood
**Illegible**
⦁ @morganandmees
⦁ @hotelame
⦁ @roommate_bruno
⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ North
⦁ Katendrecht
⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park)
⦁ Shipping Quarter
I
⦁ Take the Water Taxi
⦁ @boijmans
⦁ Walk & unwind at the Kralingse Plas
⦁ @nlfotomuseum
⦁ Visit @stationbergweg
**
⦁ @tresrotterdam
⦁ @barbertarotterdam
⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam
⦁ @barbistroloevetdie
⦁ @oxrotterdam
⦁ @restaurant_rotonde
⦁ on my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @walsjerot_nl
⦁ @cafeverward
⦁ @spikizibar
⦁ @lenselinq
💌What's your favorite spot in Rotterdam?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Perhaps the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️
Are you a cocooner or do you prefer to get outdoors? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city.
Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰
Do you have any great winter tips for Amsterdam? I'd love to read along!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
First of all: thank you for being here to close out 2025 <3.
2025, you were everything I hoped you would be and more. So many new memories.
I don't yet know what 2026 will bring, but last year was one for the books. Highlights included trips to China, Mexico City, Egypt, and exploring the English countryside.
Entrepreneurs probably recognize that 2025 was not an easy year.
When I started Your Little Black Book, I had one dream: not to work to stay somewhere for free in exchange for content and the pressure of a "picture perfect" experience. But to use my revenue models to book and experience those special places myself, as a guest instead of an influencer, and to give you honest tips.
After almost 15 years of entrepreneurship, I'm so happy with the balance between editorial and commercial work and that I can also say no to things that don't feel right.
At the same time, it's still special that destinations, airlines, and hotels hire me to create a customized Little Black Book for them. I have complete freedom with these campaigns, and I believe in the value of these content-based tips that truly suit your taste. And they come from me personally, not from a machine.
So thank you for your support when you see #yourlbbcollab, #pressstrip or #prinvited ;-).
This will always be my dream job, the one I created almost 15 years ago. I still do as much as possible myself. That's energizing—from both successes and failures.
Luckily, I have a small team that helps with certain sections, and this year we're going through all the tips critically. What's still truly fun, and what's not?
As a leisure expert and queen of curation, I'm so excited to take yourlittleblackbook.me to the next level. Even though being an online entrepreneur requires constant attention and doesn't always come naturally, I wouldn't want anything else.
My mission remains: making your life easier.
So you don't have to search, but can simply choose well.
So glad you were here this year. Without you, there would be no Your Little Black Book 🖤
See you in 2026!
With love,
@anne_de_buck
I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. I have a nice garden in my garden 🗝️👀
Mark your calendars! Because on January 17th and 18th, Hotel Night returns to Amsterdam with a year-round event packed with health and wellness events, and of course, legendary parties you'll be talking about all year long.
I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower.
And in my opinion:
• overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026
• access to the spa & wellness (subject to availability via the wellness desk)
• pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor
• fully catered dinner from the chef
• passe-partouts for the Hotel Night parties
• extensive breakfast in the Winter Garden
• participation in unique Ice Experience in Krasnapolsky Summergarden
And in Flanders:
• let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotel Night
• download the Mastercard Hotel Night app where you can see the complete program
• and take a look at @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started!
The winner will be notified on January 5th in a comment from @hotelnacht that I will share in my stories.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Love,
Anne
#hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway
NEW YEAR 🥰 ~ I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
I'll be sharing more of these kinds of diaries with you in 2026. What a month December was! 🖤 So grateful for all the special moments!
From overcoming stage fright to New York, lots of QT with my boys, and delicious food. We're closing out the year in Egypt, and it's so incredibly beautiful here ☺️.
1 'Coming home' to NY, this city continues to surprise 🗽
No fancy dinners this time, but a week full of street food, handrolls, slices, and wine bars. 🍕
3 A bizarre end to the trip and another experience richer 🫣
4 Just in time to present the Entree Award for 'best new luxury hotel'. ✨ Overcoming stage fright: CHECK!
One of the best hospitality parties of the year: the Entree Awards. Luckily, we still have the photos. 📸
6, 7, 8 Date night at the always delicious Café Caron, the newly opened Char-d (also recommended) and the snacky dinner that I had been craving for months 😅
9-night hotel preview at Anantara Krasnapolsky and the best night out in your own city. TIP: There's a fantastic giveaway coming up that you won't want to miss. 👀
Note to self: visit a hotel spa more often for the ultimate luxury experience, such as at Anantara Krasnapolsky Amsterdam.
11 Emily in Paris & Cheese Fondue 🫕. What do you think of the new season?
12 AMS rounds with lunch at De Willem & wine and pate en croute at Twee Prinsen 🍷
13 Our Christmas tradition: the World Christmas Circus in Carré 🎪
Manuel's 14th Best Idea: Everyone Had to Hand in Their Phones at Christmas 📵
15 Early Christmas with the fam, and yes I made the viral shrimp tower 🦐
16 EGYPT, here we come! 🛩️
17 Felucca & magical sunset in Luxor ☀️
Christmas gift for the whole family: checked into my dream hotel in Luxor. 🗝️
Bucket list 19: Hot Air Balloon in Luxor. 🔥
20 This is what I call alfresco dining 😍
PS: I love this age of traveling together, a big boy full of fun ideas, but still sweet and small at the same time 🥰
It's crazy to think that the year is almost over, but I'm really looking forward to 2026 and everything that's to come.
I hope you had some nice days too 🖤.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
Merry Christmas 🎄❤️
I wish you very happy days.
Curious about what you're going to do today ✨.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
PS: Who recognizes this Christmas tree? 👀
Comment WEEKEND for the full guide.🎄
I hope your OOO is on, your plans for the festive season are set, and that you're going to enjoy some wonderful days ahead.
If you need more tips, yourlittleblackbook.me is packed with listicles for Christmas and NYE.
From the best delicacy shops for your groceries to last-minute dinner tables and events.
Maybe you're traveling for the holidays? I would love to hear where you're headed.
For now: happy holidays! I'll check in with you next week from Egypt, where I'm adventuring with my family, chasing mummies and pyramids.
ALL THE LOVE,
ANNE
The Christmas holidays are coming and we have collected the best tips for kids (and parents 😉) for you.
From winter getaways in Amsterdam to great family-friendly tips throughout the Netherlands: you'll find them all in our complete Christmas holiday guides.
Think of Christmas markets, winter events, ice skating rinks, light art and quality time together.
In 𝗬𝗟𝗕𝗕'𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘃𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 on 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 I have bundled everything for you: from Amsterdam to the best tips throughout the Netherlands.
Countdown: we're off to Egypt for a week soon ☀️, but I've deliberately planned it so we can also fully enjoy all the winter events and outings here. The best of both worlds.
In the guides you will find, among other things:
In the evenings
– Winter outings in Amsterdam, from light art to Christmas markets
– Family-proof events throughout the Netherlands
- Many tips that are also fun in cold or rainy weather
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 & 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Cozy winter markets for hot chocolate and mulled wine
– Ice rink, circuses, shows and light festivals
– Outings that are just as fun with the whole family as one-on-one with your child
Of course, this is just a sample of everything there is to do.
Do you want the complete overview?
I have always wanted to make a nice gift to you 🖤
And I'm curious: what do you have planned for this holiday?
I hope you have a great time together!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 Anne de Buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasholiday #christmasholidaytips #kidsproof #familytimewintervibes
I hope this summer you have a nice summer day and a nice bouquet of flowers! 🎄
Send a message right away to that one friend with whom you want to have one this weekend.
𝗭𝘂𝗶𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Royal Christmas Fair – The Hague (until December 23) @royalchristmasfairthehague
– Winter Wonder Weeks – Leiden (12–14 & 18–21 Dec)
– Green Christmas Market – Rotterdam (12–14 Dec)
– Dordrecht December Days Christmas Market – Dordrecht (13–14 Dec)
– Rotterdam Harvest Christmas Edition – Rotterdam (13 & 20 Dec)
𝗚𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Winter Festival Zutphen – Zutphen (14 Dec)
𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴
– Christmas Town Valkenburg – Valkenburg (until January 4)
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗷𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹
– Christmas Market Delden – Delden (13 Dec)
– Dickens Festival – Deventer (13–14 Dec)
– (H)onest Christmas Market – Deventer (13–14 Dec)
𝗡𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Museumplein Christmas Market – Amsterdam (until December 28)
– Haarlem Christmas Market – Haarlem (12–14 Dec)
– Funky Xmas Sunday Market – Amsterdam (21 Dec)
– Winter Market Pure Markt – Amsterdam (21 Dec)
𝗨𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘁
– Winter Market Molen de Ster – Utrecht (13–14 Dec)
– The Utrecht Winter Spectacle – Utrecht (Dec. 18–Jan. 4)
Have fun! There's nothing quite like spontaneous plans in December.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasmarketnetherlands #christmasmarkets2025 christmasmarketamsterdam christmasmarketthehague christmasoutings thingstodointhenetherlands
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭, 𝟭𝟮, 𝟭𝟯 & 𝟭𝟰)
Another cozy December weekend is here, and the city is buzzing with winter vibes.
Think festive markets, Light Festival strolls, Christmas concerts, new food hotspots, ice skating, and QT with friends or family.
In this week's Amsterdam Weekend Guide, I've rounded up 40 things to do!
Here's a sneak peek — comment WEEKEND for the full guide or check the link in bio.
𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
– A magical Christmas concert at Het Concertgebouw (Dec 13)
– Bric & Brac Christmas Market at De Willem (Dec 14)
– The always lovely Museumplein Christmas Market — perfect for snacks & winter vibes
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 & 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
– NEW: Yubu Bento — your new inari go-to in the city center
– NEW: Wonton — dumpling heaven just landed in West
– Do the @lefoodwalk during Amsterdam Light Festival: 10.000 steps, art, street food, oysters & cocktails
– More into sit-down dinners? Book an early or late table with @lefoodwalk
𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Poffertjes Sunday at @hetblauwetheehuis (Dec 14) — always a good idea
– Circus Zanzara is back at Westergas with The Art of Making Art — fun for all ages
And this is just a taste of all 40 tips in this week's guide.
Want the full list with all events and new places to check out?
🖤 Comment WEEKEND and I'll send the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide straight to your DMs, or hit the link in bio.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamweekendguide #amsterdamtips #amsterdamcity
**Illegible text** 👀
This is the coolest new hotel for a night away! Meet @viaantwerp, Antwerp's newest boutique hotel on the border of Zurenborg and Borgerhout (yep, voted the 2nd coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out).
I recently stayed at this gem, and it truly has it all: a lively bar with a cozy atmosphere, walls adorned with creative art, beautiful, bright rooms, and it's within walking distance of great hotspots. And I haven't even mentioned @mea.antwerp! The delightful restaurant, helmed by a chef who previously worked at The Palomar in London. If you know, you know!
And now the best news:
I can surprise one of you with a dream night away at VIA Antwerp. 💛
And in my opinion
• Overnight stay for 2 people
• Breakfast included
• Chef's Dinner at MEA
And in Flanders
• Let us know in the comments which friend you would like to stay here with
• Of course, take a look at @viaantwerp & @mea.antwerp to dream away and follow their updates
The winner will be notified personally via DM on December 10th.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and will soon share a mini guide with more great tips for Antwerp! 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#antwerp #antwerp #zurenborg #antwerpcity #borgerhout
HAPPY ALMOST WEEKEND IN AMSTERDAM
Comment 'weekend' and I'll send you all 32 tips in the new Amsterdam Weekend Guide for December 4, 5, 6 & 7 ✖️✖️✖️
11 fun things to do on January 1, 2026 in Amsterdam
New Year's drinks in Amsterdam
Start the year right with a cozy New Year's reception in Amsterdam! Various cafes and bars are organizing special drinks to toast 2026 with friends. Whether you choose a trendy cocktail bar or a cozy brown caféThere's always a place where the bubbles are chilling. Perfect for putting off your New Year's resolutions and starting the year festively! Check out the YLBB list of the best cafes for New Year's drinks in Amsterdam >>
Louielouie bottemless brunch
Louie Louie kicks off their annual Bottomless Brunch on January 1st. They'll serve a delicious three-course meal, unlimited cava for three hours, and a cocktail of your choice, all while you continue the New Year's Eve party with DJ Randy West. Hungover or not, this brunch (which costs just €45, including drinks) is not to be missed. Reservations can be made here >>
Linnaeusstraat 11A, Amsterdam – louielouie.nl
January 1 = January 1Arie
A good start is half the battle, and Arie knows that better than anyone. On January 1st, or januARIE, as they call it, they'll ring in the new year with live music and bubbles. Whether you're in the mood for a delicious lunch, a bite to eat, or perhaps a liquid lunch with drinks and bitterballen, this spot in De Pijp has it all. Try their famous steak tartare, for example, or, if you need some recovery food after New Year's Eve, the irresistible Arie's double smash cheeseburger.
Ferdinand Bolstraat 24, Amsterdam – arie.goudvisch.nl
©ARIE
Visit the World Circus
Make January 1st extra special with a visit to the World Christmas Circus in the Royal Theatre CarréBe enchanted by the spectacular acts. This iconic circus brings world-class performances to Amsterdam and is the perfect way to end the Christmas season and start the new year in style!
Cheese fondue in Amsterdam
What's better than starting the year with a pot of cheese fondue? Stock up on the ingredients for a cheese fondue with your friends before January 1st. Tip: in addition to the standard ingredients like bread and vegetables, also get fresh ravioli and meatballs. This will upgrade your fondue. Don't feel like cooking? These 15 addresses in Amsterdam serve cheese fondue. This means you don't have to do anything and you can simply join in.
New Year's dinner in Amsterdam
Hotels often have an extra cozy atmosphere around the holidays. People from all over the world come to spend New Year's Eve in Amsterdam, which creates all sorts of fun situations. It's also handy that most hotel restaurants Open as usual on January 1st. Have you visited these new restaurants in Amsterdam yet? If not, January 1st is a great day to do so. View all new restaurants added in 2025 here >>
Amsterdam Light Festival
Fancy a romantically lit walk or boat trip? Then go to the Amsterdam Light FestivalOf course, you don't necessarily have to do it with your lover; it's just as much fun with your best friend.
Amsterdam Light Festival @ Your Little Black Book
| TIP: Want to get out of town for a walk on New Year's Day? You want to know this shortlist >>
More fun things to do on New Year's Day in Amsterdam
To the cinema
New Year's Day is the perfect time to sink into a movie theater seat and watch a good (or delightfully bad) movie. here is our cinema schedule to see which films are showing in Amsterdam this month.
Prefer to stay in for a day? Then snuggle up on the couch with a blanket, a big bowl of popcorn, and your favorite show or movie. Perfect for the ultimate day off at home! Whether you stay in bed or don't leave the couch, we have several nice lists Compiled for the perfect binge-watching session, all you have to do is choose what to watch.
Ice skating on New Year's Day
Want to start the new year fresh? Lace up your skates and sweat out last night's champagne! For example, head to the Jaap Edenbaan or skate among the lights at Museumplein. Check out our list of the 7 best ice skating rinks in Amsterdam and plan your icy outing!
More things to do on January 1st
New Year's Day parties in Amsterdam
Still got energy left after New Year's Eve? Amsterdam has plenty of parties and festivals to keep you going on January 1st. From club nights to big dance events, the city is still buzzing. Think afterparties with top DJs or lively drinks to celebrate the new year.
Home port The New Year's Dance with TJADE & FRIENDS
Start your year on the dance floor at Thuishaven's New Year's Dance, where house and trance take center stage. This year, Tjade & Friends will be at the helm, along with Sam Alfred, Dart, Maruwa, Olivia Lensen, and a B2B set from Kara Okay. Expect an energetic start to 2026 in Thuishaven's signature festival setting.
Home port, Amsterdam
Awakenings – New Year's by Day
Start the new year with a dose of daylight techno at Awakenings New Year's by Day. The lineup includes DJ Gigola, Eva Vrijdag, Lammer, LB aka Labat, Lucky Done Gone x Saidah, and Malugi, perfect for those who prefer to hit the dance floor during the day. Expect the same energy and production Awakenings is known for, but in a daytime setting.
Sugarfactory 1, Amsterdam
Games afternoon at the TonTon Club
Want to be a little more active on January 1st? Then enjoy some gaming at the TonTon Club. They have a variety of arcade games and pinball machines to keep you entertained all day long – perfect for a fun afternoon of games with friends or family.
Polonceaukade 27, Amsterdam – tontonclub.nl
© TonTon Club
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