Best 2023 events in the Netherlands

Check out in this blog all the best events that will be held this year in the Netherlands!
We know how great it is to combine a trip with a local event. Catch the best of Holland!


National Tulips Day - 2023
Amsterdam

Every year on the third Saturday of January, the Dutch flower par excellence, the tulip, is celebrated. This occasion, which this year will be January 21, is called De Nationale Tulpendag in Dutch. It marks the beginning of a new season for tulips. The biggest celebration is definitely the one held in Amsterdam at Dam Square. A giant garden of more than 200,000 tulips is organized there, which can be picked for free by the public. An event not to be missed if you are here in the capital.

  • When: 21st January 2023
  • Where: Amsterdam
  • Price: free

Tulip Festival 2023
Amsterdam

The city of Amsterdam celebrates tulips every year by decorating its streets with these colorful flowers. Thousands of tulips light up the capital from north to south, east to west. Streets, courtyards, squares, bridges, parks, and gardens are festively decorated. A great many of the flowers you will see blooming in April have already been planted during November. More than 5,000 tulips can be found in the Vondelpark alone!

  • When: 1st April 2023 - 30th April 2023
  • Where: Amsterdam
  • Price: free

Vermeer Exhibition 2023
Amsterdam

The exhibition that all Dutch art lovers have been waiting for for a long time. In February, the prestigious Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam will open its doors for the Johannes Vermeer exhibition. For the first time ever so many works by the 17th-century artist will be in the same rooms: as many as 28, from all over the world. It will in fact be the largest Vermeer exhibition ever held.

Attention. The Girl with the Pearl Earring will be here only until March 30. From April 1 it will return to its original home, Mauritshuis in The Hague.

  • When: 10th February 2023 -
  • Where: Rijksmuseum - Amsterdam
  • Price: Euro 30,- (free up to 18 years old).
  • 125 years Escher

    It is now 125 years since the birth of the great artist Maurits Cornelis Escher. To mark the occasion, Kunstmuseum Den Haag and Het Paleis are organizing four exhibitions dedicated to the world's most famous graphic artist:


  • Escher: Euwigheid en oneindigheid. Until 12th February 2023.
  • Escher: Andere wereld. From 18th February until 10th September 2023.
  • De ontdekker van Escher: Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita. From 18th February 2023 to 1st October 2023. 
  • Ner als Escher. From 3rd November 2023 to 24th March 2024.

  • Dutch Carnival

    In the Low Countries, the anniversary of carnival is celebrated mainly in the southern and eastern regions. During this festivity, cities come to a standstill: streets are blocked off and various businesses close for several days. Festivities last from Sunday to Tuesday, although, especially in recent years, many start as early as the Friday before. The festivities in the Netherlands are essentially of two types: Rijnlands or Bourgondish. The first type, which finds its origins in Germany, has the typical yellow, red and green colors. It is celebrated in the province of Limburg and parts of Brabant. The second type of carnival, on the other hand, is celebrated in the areas of Eindhoven, Den Bosch and Oosterhuit. It also once involved a simpler type of clothing (especially the use of old clothes) and less facial decoration.

  • When: 18th February to 21st February 2023.
  • Where: South and East Netherlands 
  • Price: free

  • Keukenhof

    Once again this year we will be able to visit one of Europe's most beautiful gardens, Keukenhof. From the end of March until the end of April, you will be able to walk among millions of flowers carefully planted by hand by the park staff. Are you ready to take the most beautiful photos among the colorful Dutch flowers?

  • When: 23rd March to 14th May 2023
  • Where: Keukenhof Gardens
  • Price: Euro 19,- (free up 3 years, Euro 9,- from 4 to 17 years)
  • Flowe Parade di Bollenstreek

    The year 2023 sees the 76th edition of the famous Bollenstreek flower parade. A colorful and fragrant parade that gathers millions of visitors each year. The show will be held from Noordwijk to Haarlem via Keukenhof around 3:30 pm.

  • When: 22nd April 2023
  • Where: Netherlands
  • Price: free
  • Kingsday 2023
    Amsterdam

    The holiday par excellence in the Netherlands. Anyone who has been here during this day will remember it. It is true that it is celebrated all over the country, but it is in Amsterdam where it actually happens! If you don't want to miss the Dutch on their favorite day and in their favorite color, orange, plan your trip in late April.

  • When: 27th April 2023
  • Where: Amsterdam
  • Price: free
  • Flag Day 2023
    Scheveningen

    Vlaggetjesdag is the event that celebrates the new arigue season in the Netherlands. A real highlight for all fish lovers. At the port of Scheveningen there are many events organized for this special occasion, even for children.

  • When: 17th June 2023
  • Where: Scheveningen
  • Price: free
  • Vierdaagse 2023
    Nijmegen

    The four-day walk. The Dutch organize the world's longest walking performance every year! With more than 45,000 participants from over 70 different nations coming together to walk 30, 40 or 50 kilometers together. It is also possible to participate with a wheelchair, non-motorized. Registration by June 15.

  • When: 18th July until 21st July 2023
  • Where: Nijmegen
  • Price: n/d
  • Queer and Gaypride 2023
    Amsterdam

    One of the most important summer events in the Dutch capital. The 27th edition of Gay Pride Amsterdam will begin on Saturday, July 22, and culminate with a canal parade on Saturday, August 5.

  • When: 4th August until 6th August 2023
  • Where: Amsterdam
  • Price: free
  • European Para Championship 2023
    Rotterdam

    For the first time, European championships of 10 different sports disciplines will be held simultaneously in one city - Rotterdam. Don't miss one of the most exciting sporting events of this 2023!

  • When: 8th August until 20th August 2023
  • Where: Rotterdam
  • Price: n/d
  • Lightfestival 2023
    Amsterdam

    For years nowmail Amsterdam's Light Festival has become a regular stop for winter travelers. A spectacle that can be enjoyed from land or, for those who wish, from the Amsterdammer canals on a special cruise. Various installations are placed in different locations around the capital each year. The dates for 2023/24 are not yet known, but keep an eye on this event if you want to come here at the end of the year.

  • When: December 2023 - January 2024
  • Where: Amsterdam
  • Price: n/d
  • Royal Christmas Fair
    The Hague

    Markets, lights, carols and mulled vi are the backdrop for this winter event. A special occasion for Christmas lovers. Not only Amsterdam, but also The Hague can be visited during the Christmas celebrations. In fact, the Royal Christmas Fair is organized in the historic city center every year.

  • When: December 2023
  • Where: The Hague
  • Price: n/d
  • New Years Eve
    Rotterdam

    Why not celebrate the New Year in the most modern Dutch city? The largest fireworks display in all of the Netherlands is held here. Are you traveling with children? You can watch the children's show held at 7 p.m.

  • When: 31st December 2023 - 1st Januay 2024
  • Where: Rotterdam
  • Price: Free

  • Eye Film Museum in Amsterdam - Accessibility
    How to reach Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport
     

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    Monday, 14 September 2026