The Netherlands - the land of tulips and orange colour - attracts millions of tourists every year, regardless of its unexpected rainy and cloudy weather during the early winter months. If you would like to experience the stereotypical qualities of Holland, with tulip flowers, windmills, and people almost everywhere dressing in orange, come to Holland during their special celebrations. There are plenty of things to do and see in Holland, especially on the following ideal occasions throughout the year.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
Easter - the best time for tulip lovers
If you have been dreaming about seeing the endless flower fields full of tulips, come to the Netherlands between March and May. Keukenhof is one of the largest parks in Lisse (about a half hour drive from Amsterdam), where you can see an abundance of flowers, and visit a small petting zoo for children. Take your Easter holiday break and come to Holland to see many beautiful spring flowers blooming throughout the country starting in March. Throughout April and May, there is a wide variety of events for tulips-lovers, such as cycling through flower fields. The 2016 flower parade will be held on the 23rd of April.
King’s Day - Go orange!
Previously known as Queen’s Day, King’s Day refers to the Dutch monarch’s birthday, and is also one of the biggest festivals in Holland that brings together locals as well as visitors to soak up Amsterdam’s open-air celebration. As everyone literally dresses in orange on this day, the whole city is bursting with orange colour along the streets, canals, and parks. The biggest street parties of the year are held with live music, DJs, parties, and a citywide street flea-market. While most tourist attractions in Amsterdam are closed on King’s Day, some museums remain open for visitors.
King’s Day 2016 will be happening on the 27th of April.
Sinterklaas Day - Christmas of the Netherlands
December is an exciting month when there are many events and festivals going on throughout the Netherlands. Like Santa Claus, Sinterklaas, or St.Nicholas, is the Dutch character loved by children and adults. Every year, he goes touring around the Netherlands on a huge parade and water show. Besides Christmas, this is a good time of the year to gather with your friends and family to give presents to each other, or spend time together eating special treats, like chocolate, marzipan, and spiced biscuits.
Sinterklaas usually takes place on the night of December 5th, and continues throughout the day of the December 6th. The annual Amsterdam Light Festival also happens during this time of the year, between 28th November 2016 and 3rd January 2016.
A magical Christmas with lights and markets
Like in other European countries, the Dutch celebrate Christmas with their families. After the Sinterklaas celebration, many Christmas markets are open with typical specialties, like gluhwein, ginger biscuits, and Christmas decorations. The Dutch Christians go to churches, and most homes have a Christmas tree with lights and gifts underneath. A special dinner (e.g. with rabbit or pheasant) is served only among family members. As the Dutch population’s origin is very multinational, each family celebrates by following their own tradition.
Christmas Eve takes place on the night of December 24th and the 25th of December.
Amsterdam Tour Guide
Locally Louke
Hi, my name is Louke and I live and work in the historical city of Amsterdam. My style of guiding is custom. That feeling you get from meeting up with a friend that shows you around their city. Obviously, I will take you to see the things on your bucket list and I will help you get the lay of the land and share tips and tricks of how to get the most out of your stay in my city.
Tours by Locally
New Year’s Eve and other exciting events
New Year’s Eve is also a big celebration in Holland, attracting a large number of visitors to Amsterdam’s Dam Square every year. Other important holidays of the Netherlands include Liberation Day, Ascension Day, and the Whitsuntide. The carnival time during February is also ideal for partygoers.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
