What's on
What's on in the Netherlands
Events worth planning a trip around. We check each date with the organiser, but confirm before you book.
November 2026
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15 Nov
Tradition · Amsterdam
Sinterklaas Intocht Amsterdam
Stand among Dutch families in central Amsterdam to watch Sinterklaas and his helpers arrive, the city's 88th edition of this Sunday welcome. It's the most child-centred day of the Dutch holiday season, so go early for a view.
December 2026
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11 Dec
Tradition · Gouda
Gouda bij Kaarslicht
Gouda's 71st candlelit evening fills the old centre with a day-long programme that builds to a ceremony around a Christmas tree. With the town hall under renovation, the 2026 focus moves to the Waag.
January 2027
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1 Jan 2027 12:00
Tradition · Scheveningen
Unox Nieuwjaarsduik Scheveningen
Start the year by running into the North Sea with a crowd at the largest of the Dutch New Year's dives. Gates and ticket sales open at 10:30, and the plunge is at noon, so bring swimwear, a towel and warm clothes.
February 2027
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7 Feb – 9 Feb 2027
Tradition · 's-Hertogenbosch
Carnaval in Oeteldonk
For three days 's-Hertogenbosch takes the carnival name Oeteldonk, with a prince's arrival and a big street parade among the events. Come for the street life, and check the Agenda on the official site for what's on each day.
April 2027
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14 Apr – 18 Apr 2027
Tradition · Noordwijk
Bloemencorso Bollenstreek
Floats covered in hyacinths travel 42 kilometres from Noordwijk to Haarlem on the Saturday of this five-day spring festival. Pick one village along the route, get there by public transport or bike, and watch from the roadside or a covered stand.
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27 Apr 2027
Tradition · Lelystad
Koningsdag (King's Day)
The national holiday for the King's birthday. In 2027 the royal family spends the day in Lelystad, Flevoland, so that's where to go if you hope to see them. Anywhere else, check the programme of the town you're staying in.
September 2027
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September 2027 Exact dates not announced
Tradition
Corso Zundert
Twenty neighbourhoods of Zundert compete with huge dahlia-covered floats pushed through the streets by hand. It's normally the first Sunday of September, but the organiser hasn't posted the 2027 date yet.
October 2027
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October 2027 Exact dates not announced
Tradition · Leiden
3 October: Leidens Ontzet
Leiden remembers the end of its 1574 siege with a funfair, herring, hutspot and hymn singing. It's held on 3 October, which falls on a Sunday in 2027, and the organiser hasn't yet posted that year's programme.