New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is one of the best things to experience. There’s nothing more magical than the beginning of a new year, and what better place to begin 2023 than in the heart of Amsterdam? Amsterdam comes alive on New Year’s Eve with events.
1. What is interesting about New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a terrific place to ring in the New Year. Whether you’re a party animal or a romantic, young or young-at-heart, a big spender, or on a budget. The city vibrates in a cacophony of rockets, aerials, brocades, bangers, and sparkling willows as fireworks light up the night sky.
This year there won’t be a formal city-sponsored fireworks display, but several fireworks displays will light up various spots throughout Amsterdam. During all the festivities, the street level might become chaotic. So you might want to find a beautiful rooftop perch or balcony to take it all in.
2. Can you set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam?
Free fireworks displays are presented throughout the city by the municipality of Amsterdam. The custom of allowing locals to light their own fireworks is replaced by these displays. On New Year’s Eve, it is against the law to set fireworks by oneself in Amsterdam.
3. Amazing ways to experience the best New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam
Celebrate the new year
On New Year’s Eve, Amsterdam hosts several events, ranging from sophisticated black-tie festivities to massive warehouse raves. The yearly Awakenings party at Gashouder and Encore at Melkweg are both popular venues to dance your way into the new year. More New Year’s Eve parties are included in our NYE event guide but don’t wait to buy your tickets because Amsterdam New Year’s Eve parties frequently sell out.
Enjoy champagne and oliebollen
Without heaps of these deep-fried dough balls and plenty of champagne to sip on, no Dutch New Year’s Eve celebration would be complete. One of the most well-known New Year’s Eve customs in the Netherlands is the eating of oliebollen (oily balls) at midnight.
This custom has its origins in old Germanic folklore in which oliebollen are consumed to fend off evil spirits. Like we require a defense. The best oliebollen in Amsterdam may be found on our list of the best street vendors, but on New Year’s Eve, expect a little bit of a line.
Decide to eat in a place with a view
It’s best to pick a vantage point that is high up to observe the fireworks in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve in order to truly appreciate the display. If you don’t know many locals, a pub or restaurant with sweeping views will serve just as well. Many Amsterdammers prefer to have parties on rooftop terraces. A fantastic New Year’s Eve may be had at establishments like Mr Porter at the W Hotel, Moon or Madam in the A’DAM Tower, or Canvas at the Volkshotel. Just make sure to make reservations well in advance.
Observe amazing lights around the city
If it’s too late to acquire a reservation at a high-rise restaurant or bar and you’re feeling adventurous, you may watch the chaos unfold on the city’s streets and canals. Since fireworks are only available for purchase in the Netherlands for a short time each year, residents may become a little overzealous with their DIY displays on New Year’s Eve. As soon as it gets dark, fireworks will be set off on every bridge and open area, so use caution! As the Amsterdam Light Festival continues until late January, it’s a lovely (if busy) time of year to walk the canals.
Don’t miss The New Year Swim!
At a number of Dutch coastal locales, the New Year Swim draws daring swimmers from all over the world to start the new year with an ice dip in the North Sea. Thousands of revelers assemble at Zandvoort aan Zee, just 30 minutes west of Amsterdam, for one of the largest festivals, where they strip off and all jump into the water together. Even if you lack the courage to make a splash, you may still take in the party atmosphere while sipping on a steaming cup of pea soup on dry land.
Museumplein New Year’s Eve celebration
This year, Amsterdam is hosting “Amsterdam counts down to 2023,” a celebration with an amazing light and fireworks display on Museumplein. The pre-party at Museumplein on December 31st begins at 23:00 and will feature DJ Alamaison warming up the crowd until the apotheosis at 23:50. The biggest countdown in the Netherlands begins at that time, with a specially made clock that is 40 meters wide and 12 meters tall.
We celebrate the start of 2023 with a spectacular display of “Electric Fireworks.” A combination of classic eco-fireworks and “electric fireworks” made of light explosions synced to music, with you, the audience, standing “in the midst” for the best viewing experience. On January 1, 2023, the ice rink in Museumplein will be open until 01:00. For you to glide into the new year.
It costs nothing to attend the Museum Square New Year’s Eve celebration.
New Year’s Eve Party Winter Paradise RAI in Amsterdam
One of the best events to kick off 2023 is Amsterdam Winter Paradise. This unusual winter event is open from December 31 till January 1 at three o’clock. It promises to be the biggest New Year’s Eve party in Amsterdam. Because space is limited, purchase your tickets early. Tickets are available here for €26.50 per person.
Don’t miss the fireworks show at A’DAM Tower
A display of fireworks will usher in 2023 at the A’DAM Tower. People begin getting ready at 22:00, and the fireworks show ends at 00:15. The quays along the IJ offer the best views of this performance. Additionally, throughout all the nearby residential communities in Amsterdam Noord, from NDSM and Overhoeks to Van der Pekbuurt and IJplein.
