The best 2024 events in the Netherlands

The National Tulip Festival at Museumplein is a floral event not to be missed if you are in Holland during the third weekend of January. The famous square in fact becomes a garden in which more than 200,000 brightly colored tulips are arranged. Each visitor will be able to collect up to a maximum of 20 flowers.

• When: free of January, from 10 am to 4 pm
  
• Where: Amsterdam, Museumplein
• Price: gratis

Don't miss Chinese New Year if you're in Amsterdam in mid-February. here you can live an experience that combines the charm of a European capital with the tradition of Chinese culture. celebrate the arrival of the new year of this thousand-year-old culture in the Chinese quarter of Amsterdam (a few steps from the central station) with musical performances, parades with dancing dragons and martial artists. the areas where to be: Niewmarkt and Zeedijk.

In the Netherlands the carnival is celebrated especially in the southern and eastern regions. during this anniversary the cities stop: the roads are blocked and several commercial activities close for several days. The celebrations last from Sunday to Tuesday, although, especially in recent years, many begin as early as the previous Friday. Celebrations in Holland are essentially of two types: Rijnlands or Bourgondish. The first type, which has its origins in Germany, has the typical colors yellow, red and green. It is celebrated in the province of Limburg and part of Brabant. The second type of carnival is celebrated in the areas of Eindhoven, Den Bosch and Oosterhuit. It once also included a simpler type of clothing (especially the use of old clothes) and less facial decorations.

After the exceptional Vermeer exhibition in 2023, the Rijksmuseum presents another major exhibition in 2024, this time dedicated to the Dutch painter Frans Hals. Don't miss this opportunity to come into contact with the genius of this artist who managed to vividly portray the everyday life of his time. His portraits convey an extraordinary depth of emotion.

The Eden not to be missed for outdoor lovers is the Keukenhof. A Dutch botanical garden a few kilometers from Amsterdam that offers a fascinating experience with millions of flowers arranged in meticulously arranged creations. Different varieties of types and colors cannot extend as far as the eye can see. Seasonal events and exhibitions mark the opening months of this wonderful park.

Amsterdam awakens in spring with a colorful event that decorates its streets with floral beauty. Visitors can immerse themselves in the enchantment of this tenth edition which brings over 5000 tulips to the Noord, Centrum, Oost, Nieuw-West, Zuid and Zuidoost districts of Amsterdam.

• When: from the 1st to the 30th of April 
  
• Where: Amsterdam
• Price: free
  

For coffee lovers, the Amsterdam Coffee Festival is an extraordinary opportunity not to be missed. In this eighth edition, visitors will be able to discover flavors from all over the world, participate in workshops, and listen to dedicated concerts. Artisan coffee producers, expert baristas, and enthusiasts come together to share creations and discover new flavors.

This year the traditional Bollenstreek flower parade celebrates its 77th edition. a colorful event that transforms the streets into an explosion of color and vitality. each wagon is a moving work of art. the parade takes place between noordwijk to haarlem, passing through keukenhof around 3.30pm. The ideal is to combine it with a visit to Keukenhof.

The most anticipated annual event in Amsterdam is King's Day. It is held every year on April 27th on the occasion of the birthday of the King of the Netherlands. The city fills with thousands of people dressed in orange for this special occasion. A parade of decorated boats is held in the canals, creating a unique and picturesque atmosphere. Don't miss this opportunity if you come to Amsterdam at the end of April.

Four intense days to celebrate art on paper. An event that shines the light on exciting works that range across different artistic genres. Variety of themes, styles, and techniques create a magical experience for visitors. Also at this festival you have the opportunity to meet the artists in person.

A culinary event that takes you on a multi-sensory journey through the world of gastronomy on wheels. Rolling Kitchens is not only a way to delight the palate, but also to embrace culinary culture in different nuances. Broadening your gastronomic horizons is the motto for all visitors.

The Vondelpark in Amsterdam hosts numerous concerts and shows of different genres in the summer months. Classical music, rock, pop, cabaret shows, children's shows. The shows offered are free but if possible a donation is requested to maintain the programming.

An interesting event that celebrates creativity in different forms, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in the effervescent artistic scene of the capital. Art galleries, private and public spaces present a diverse mosaic of contemporary and experimental works. Our favorite aspect is that it gives you the chance to connect directly with the artists.

Vlaggetjesdag, a celebration of the Netherlands' maritime roots, is held every year in Scheveningen. During this event, which is particularly interesting for all fish lovers, homage is paid to the fishing tradition by celebrating together in the ports where the boats are decorated for the occasion. Here you will have the chance to taste fresh North Sea fish, from herring to prawns.

The Vierdaagse is a walk to remember. Thousands of runners take up the challenge and joy of walking together for 4 days on a march through the beautiful landscapes of the Nijmegen countryside. Alongside the march there are also cultural events such as shows, exhibitions, and parties that contribute to the magic of the event.

Every year the Dutch capital celebrates love, diversity, and equality through Queer and Gaypride. This event is part of a global solidarity movement, which wants to encourage reflection and political commitment for LGBTQ+ rights. During the celebrations you will be able to see a colorful parade on the most beautiful canals of the city, attend theatrical performances, art exhibitions and concerts.

One of the most interesting music festivals is held in the beautiful city of Utrecht, the Holland Festival Oude Muziek. An event not to be missed for all lovers of ancient music or for those eager to discover the charm of bygone eras. Let yourself be carried away by a sweet journey through musical time. Concerts, workshops, and collateral events are organized during this musical week.

Elegance and cultures are the backdrop to an event that celebrates Dutch art and craftsmanship. At the Masterly festival in The Hague you can get an overview of creations of designers and artists who transform the city into an elegant art gallery. What is striking is the harmony between the works on display and the architecture.

The documentary festival par excellence in the Netherlands. The stories told on the big screen have the power to catalyze the attention of visitors, often offering reflections on various topics including social changes. During the festival you also have the opportunity to meet documentary protagonists and directors.

At the end of 2024 the small town of Valkenburg will become the destination for lovers of Christmas markets. A fascinating event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Twinkling lights transform the streets into a magical tableau. The peculiarity of this market are the performances in the underground caves which are carefully decorated. Shopping, Christmas shows, and concerts will be the setting for your visit to this little village.

For years now the Amsterdam Light Festival has become a regular stop for winter travellers. A show that can be enjoyed from the ground or, for those who want, from the Amsterdam canals with a special cruise. Different installations are placed every year in different points of the capital. The dates for 2023/24 are not yet known, but keep an eye out for this event if you want to come here at the end of the year.

Markets, lights, songs and mulled wine are the backdrop to 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 every year in the historic city center.

The Dutch city famous for its modern architecture is a favorite destination for New Year's Eve. Its Skyline offers a unique landscape for the fireworks displays that light up the sky in the night between December and January.