Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Knowing the rhythm of the seasons and the calendar of events can truly transform your visit. Blessed with a pleasantly mild temperate climate, the country offers charming experiences year-round, whether you’re chasing sunny days or cozy winter moments.
If you dream of wandering through vibrant tulip fields, aim for mid-March to mid-May—this is when the iconic Dutch landscape bursts into a spectacular sea of color. Summer brings relatively warm, pleasant weather, although you should always be ready for a sudden shower no matter the season. Winters are crisp and can be quite chilly, especially inland where the continental climate has a stronger bite. Meanwhile, coastal areas enjoy slightly warmer winters and cooler summers, thanks to the gentle winds rolling in from the North Sea.
Festivals and Vacations in the Netherlands
The Dutch sure know how to celebrate. Throughout the year, the Netherlands comes alive with everything from world-class music festivals and delicious food markets to charming local traditions and arts events. Most spectacular happenings take place between spring and autumn, though there’s always something delightful going on. Local tourist offices are your best friend for up-to-the-minute event details.
January
Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities’ Journey) – Friesland | elfstedentocht.nl
Imagine thousands of skaters gliding across frozen canals in a legendary ice-skating marathon. This magical event only takes place when the ice is thick enough, turning the province of Friesland into a fairy-tale winter wonderland.
February
Holland Flowers Festival – Enkhuizen | hollandflowersfestival.nl
Step into a fragrant, blooming paradise at the world’s largest indoor flower exhibition. Held over five days in late February, it’s a floral spectacle that welcomes spring in style.
Lent Carnivals
Carnival season fills the streets of southern towns like Breda, ’s Hertogenbosch, and Maastricht with music, parades, and playful mischief. A joyous farewell to winter before Lent begins.
March
Keukenhof Gardens – Lisse | keukenhof.nl
Walk among millions of flowering bulbs in one of the world’s most beautiful spring gardens. Open from late March to late May, Keukenhof is a floral masterpiece you won’t forget.
April
Alkmaar Cheese Market – Alkmaar | kaasmarkt.nl
Every Friday morning from April to September, the historic square of Alkmaar turns into a lively cheese-trading spectacle. Watch cheese carriers in traditional dress and sample some of Holland’s finest dairy delights.
ABN AMRO Marathon – Rotterdam | rotterdammarathon.nl
Runners from around the world gather for this scenic city marathon, tracing a route through Rotterdam’s modern architecture and vibrant urban heart—usually held on a Sunday in April.
King’s Day (Koningsdag) – Nationwide, especially Amsterdam
Orange is the color of the day! On April 27, the entire country erupts in celebration for the king’s birthday. Amsterdam’s canals and streets are packed with music, street markets, and partygoers in outrageous outfits. It’s an unforgettable, tax-free flea market and street party all rolled into one.
May
Scheveningen Sand Sculpture Festival – Scheveningen | sandsculptures.nl
Marvel at incredible sand sculptures created by artists from across Europe. The beachfront display runs from May to mid-June, showcasing intricate and temporary works of art.
Herdenkingsdag (Remembrance Day) – Nationwide
On May 4, the Netherlands pauses for two minutes of silence to honor those who lost their lives in World War II. Wreath-laying ceremonies take place across the country.
Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day) – Nationwide
The very next day, on May 5, the mood lifts as the country celebrates freedom with outdoor concerts, festivals, and parades commemorating liberation from occupation in 1945.
Breda Jazz Festival – Breda | bredajazzfestival.nl
For four days in late May, the streets of Breda pulse with live jazz—from intimate club sessions to lively open-air performances and parades.
Pinkpop Festival – Landgraaf (near Maastricht) | pinkpop.nl
One of Europe’s longest-running open-air rock festivals, Pinkpop draws top international acts and electrifying crowds over three days at the end of May.
June
Holland Festival – Amsterdam | hollandfestival.nl
A cultural feast throughout June, this prestigious festival brings world-class theater, dance, music, and visual arts to Amsterdam’s most iconic stages and spaces.
Oerol Festival – Terschelling | oerol.nl
Over ten days in June, the island of Terschelling transforms into an open-air stage for theater, dance, and comedy performances set against stunning natural backdrops.
July
North Sea Jazz Festival – Rotterdam | northseajazz.com
An absolute highlight for music lovers, this three-day July festival hosts more than a thousand musicians across multiple genres—from jazz and soul to funk and blues.
Woodstock69 – Bloemendaal aan Zee | woodstock69.nl
Party on the beach! This festival brings DJs, live percussion, and dancing to the shores of Bloemendaal. It runs from April to September, with peak energy in July and August.
Internationale Vierdaagse Afstandmarsen – Nijmegen | 4daagse.nl
Join tens of thousands of walkers in this four-day marching event through and around Nijmegen. A true test of endurance and spirit, held in late July.
August
Sneek Week – Sneek | sneekweek.nl
Sail into summer at the Netherlands’ largest sailing event, where over a thousand boats compete in races and festivities in early August.
Amsterdam Gay Pride – Amsterdam | amsterdamgaypride.nl
Celebrating diversity and love, this vibrant festival features colorful canal parades, street parties, and cultural events, usually on the first or second weekend of August.
Grachtenfestival – Amsterdam | grachtenfestival.nl
Experience classical music like never before—performed on floating stages and in historic canal-side locations. Don’t miss the magical Prinsengracht Concert under the stars in mid-August.
September
Open Monumentendag (Open Monument Day) – Nationwide | openmonumentendag.nl
For one September weekend, hundreds of historic buildings, castles, and monuments open their doors to the public for free. A perfect chance to peek behind normally closed doors.
October
Amsterdam Marathon – Amsterdam | amsterdammarathon.nl
Run through the heart of the Dutch capital in this popular autumn marathon, which starts and finishes in the historic Olympic Stadium.
November
Crossing Border – The Hague | crossingborder.nl
A boundary-pushing festival blending music, poetry, and spoken word performances by international artists over four days in mid-November.
Parade of Sint Nicolaas – Amsterdam
Watch Sinterklaas arrive by steamboat, then parade through Amsterdam with his helpers, the Zwarte Pieten, handing out sweets and sparking joy among children and adults alike.
International Documentary Film Festival – Amsterdam | idfa.nl
The world’s leading documentary festival takes over Amsterdam for ten days in November, screening hundreds of compelling films from around the globe.
December
Pakjesavond (Present Evening) – Nationwide
On December 5, Dutch children eagerly await gifts from Sinterklaas and his mischievous helper, Zwarte Piet. Tradition includes festive poems, songs, and the charming story that good children get treats—and the not-so-good might get a playful scare!
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