Every year, we enjoy the cosiness of friends and family, elegant fireworks illuminating the sky, and the start of a new year during New Year’s Eve. Around New Year’s, there’s plenty to experience in Amsterdam, such as firework shows, various parties, and delightful dinners at upscale restaurants. Even on January 1st, there’s plenty of enjoyable activities in Amsterdam to kickstart the new year on a positive note! This and more are covered in this article about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. Let’s go out with a bang!
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all info for CELEBRATING NEW YEAR’S IN AMSTERDAM
FIREWORK shows DURING NEW YEAR’S IN AMSTERDAM
Every year in Amsterdam, various firework shows are organized around the New Year’s period, most of which are usually free for the public to attend. There’s often a firework show held at Museum Square (Museumplein) and in the past, at locations like the A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam-North and downtown at Oosterdok, where New Year’s fireworks were set off along with a large countdown clock.
In 2023, the major fireworks shows have been announced at Sloterplas and at Museum Square. More details about Museumplein are provided below. At Sloterplas (Nieuw-West), near De Meervaart, there will be a professional fireworks show lasting 10 minutes from 00:00 to 00:10. Additionally, in 2023, professional fireworks will also be visible in Weesp, but the city centre of Amsterdam will remain quiet.
These shows are perfect opportunities for families and groups of friends to enjoy the spectacle. Additionally, in Amsterdam, there is a ban on setting off consumer fireworks, enhancing the organized shows to embody the essence of New Year’s Eve. Currently, there’s no information available about the fireworks shows that will mark the transition from 2023 to 2024, but more details will be announced soon. For the latest information, check the website of the Municipality of Amsterdam here >>
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam at Museum square
On New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam, you can, for instance, celebrate at Museum Square starting from 10:00 PM on December 31st. Here, a spectacular sound, light, and fireworks show takes place featuring the world’s largest countdown clock, measuring 40 meters wide and 12 meters high. The square is open to the public and is the perfect spot to gather with friends and family. There will be music of various genres and styles, and this year, several artists are also expected to perform. At midnight, the Electric Fireworks spectacle begins, showcasing light explosions and eco-friendly fireworks for the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience. It’s good to know that there’s an early celebration for the kids! The entry to Museum Square for that show this year starts at 6:30 PM. At 6:45 PM, the pre-show begins, and the main show itself lasts from 7:00 to 7:10 PM.
CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN AMSTERDAM AT THE NIEUWMARKT AND IN CHINATOWN
On New Year’s Eve, there’s a lot to experience at the central square of the Nieuwmarkt in Chinatown, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while enjoying fireworks and a spectacular show organized by the municipality of Amsterdam. This show is usually inspired by traditional Chinese festivities, featuring performers dressed in elaborate traditional costumes. Additionally, the biggest celebration in 2024 falls on February 10th, which marks the Chinese New Year and traditionally includes a lion dance parade. Around this time of year, there’s also a focus on spiritual messages.
CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN AMSTERDAM AT DAM SQUARE
Or celebrate New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam at Dam Square, where beautiful Christmas decorations are still on display and attract thousands of people. Although there isn’t a fireworks show on the square itself, it’s crowded around the Christmas tree. Additionally, various festivities take place at Dam Square, where many people enjoy the new year outdoors with drinks and snacks. Locals tend to hit the streets around midnight to seek the festivity, with Dam Square being a central meeting point.
MORE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS IN AMSTERDAM
CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE AT A SKYBAR OR ON A ROOFTOP IN AMSTERDAM
You can also choose to ring in the new year from a great height, allowing you to have a better view of all the festivities and fireworks shows. Consider visiting the following skybars and/or rooftops. Note: tickets are required for these venues!
• Restaurant Canvas (Volkshotel): On the seventh floor of this hotel, a tropical oasis awaits during New Year’s Eve, featuring a great line-up, delightful cocktails, and a nice and crowded dance floor.
• LuminAir: At this luxurious skybar, you can see the beautiful view over Amsterdam while enjoying delicious cocktails and listening to great music.
• Hotel Jakarta: Or celebrate the final hours of 2023 at the Pasar Makan New Year’s Eve Party in Hotel Jakarta, where an Indonesian-style food market is organized. You can taste various delicacies while enjoying a glass of champagne and fantastic entertainment featuring Amsterdam’s best DJs.
THE BEST PARTIES FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE IN AMSTERDAM
In addition to various fireworks shows, festivities at well-known squares, and parties at great heights, there are plenty more parties to attend around NYE in Amsterdam. For this year, we’ve compiled a list of the coolest parties to be found in Amsterdam on NYE. For instance, wrap up the year at The Gardens of Babylon (tickets: thegardensofbabylon.com) in the WesterUnie during the Nightsky Celebration. The party kicks off on the 29th, giving you multiple days to dance to your heart’s content ;-). Or take a trip back in time to The Roaring Twenties. At the Great Gatsby Club, you’ll ring in the new year this year in full retro style. With live performances by THE MAESTROs, burlesque and variety acts, and a cocktail bar, your evening will be complete. Read all about the coolest parties on NYE in Amsterdam here >>
CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN AMSTERDAM AT A (fancy) RESTAURANT
New Year’s Eve is also the perfect opportunity to indulge in a delightful dinner, and various restaurants create special menus for this holiday. Are you opting for a classic dining experience on New Year’s Eve, or would you prefer a real party atmosphere with entertainment during dinner? NYE entertainment can be found at places like NELA and Ventuno. If you prefer a more serene atmosphere, then join Chez Nina in West. For New Year’s Eve, Haus Am See is hosting the New Year’s edition at Helling7 & Lagerwal (tickets: tickets.twelveticketing.eu) this year. Complete your evening with a 4-course walking dinner at Helling7, followed by a spectacular start to 2024 with a magnificent view over Amsterdam.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT DURING NEW YEAR’S EVE IN AMSTERDAM
On New Year’s Eve, public transportation in and around Amsterdam operates until 8:00 PM. Night buses resume service at 1:30 AM on the night of December 31st to January 1st, followed by the municipality’s transport system, including trams and metros, adhering to Sunday schedules. This aligns with the nationwide policy for public transportation during New Year’s Eve, as the Dutch Railways (NS) also halts train services from 8:00 PM on December 31st. This arrangement allows the personnel working in this sector to celebrate the final hours of the old year and the start of the new year.
WHAT TO DO ON JANUARY 1ST IN AMSTERDAM?
Waking up on January 1st always feels a bit odd to me. A sense of emptiness, but also plenty of opportunities. What works best for me? Heading outdoors and doing something! Don’t worry, even on New Year’s Day, there’s still plenty to experience in Amsterdam. For instance, the Amsterdam Light Festival runs until January 21st. You can explore various extraordinary light artworks on foot, by bike, or by boat, all based on different themes. Several museums are also open on New Year’s Day, including the Rijksmuseum, FOAM Photography Museum, and NEMO. Would you like to have brunch with friends on January 1st? Or catch another party? Several cafés are organizing something! For example, Louie Louie or Arie.
How will you celebrate New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam this year to kickstart a new year full of surprises?
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
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