The Best Time To Visit The Netherlands In 2016

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.