How New Year’s Eve Is Celebrated in the Netherlands (2025 Guide)

1. Quick summary box – If you’re in a hurry

What this guide covers
How the Dutch celebrate New Year’s Eve, including traditions, food, fireworks rules, and what to expect as an international student in 2025.

Who it’s for
International students, starters, and newcomers who want to understand Dutch New Year’s traditions without cultural surprises.

Key takeaway
New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands is loud, food-focused, and usually celebrated at home with friends or family — but public fireworks rules have changed, and planning ahead matters more than ever.

2. What international students usually struggle with

New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands can feel confusing if you’re used to big public countdowns or city-organised firework shows. Many students are surprised that:

• The night is mostly home-based, not club- or square-based

• Fireworks rules are strict and vary by city

• Public transport stops earlier than usual

• Most shops close early on 31 December

Understanding these differences helps you avoid last‑minute stress and enjoy the night the Dutch way.

3. How the Dutch celebrate New Year’s Eve (step by step)

Step 1: Spending the evening at home

Most Dutch people celebrate Oudjaarsavond (New Year’s Eve) at someone’s home. Friends or family gather in small groups, often starting around 8 or 9 pm.

Board games, TV shows, snacks, and drinks are central — not going out.

Step 2: Eating traditional New Year’s food

Food is non‑negotiable. Almost every household serves:

• Oliebollen – deep-fried dough balls, often with raisins

• Appelflappen – apple-filled pastries

• Chips, nuts, cheese cubes, and small snacks

Bakeries sell out quickly on 31 December, so locals usually pre‑order.

Step 3: Watching the countdown on TV

Just before midnight, everyone gathers around the TV. National broadcasters show:

• The official countdown

• Recaps of the year

• Fireworks footage from across the country

At exactly midnight, people cheer, toast with champagne, and hug.

Step 4: Fireworks and New Year wishes

After midnight, people go outside briefly to:

• Watch fireworks (or neighbourhood displays)

• Light sparklers or legal fireworks (where allowed)

• Wish neighbours a “Gelukkig nieuwjaar”

Afterwards, most people return indoors.

4. Fireworks rules in the Netherlands (2025 update)

Fireworks rules have changed significantly in recent years.

What still applies in 2025:

• Consumer fireworks are only allowed from 31 December 18:00 to 1 January 02:00

• Many cities enforce local bans on fireworks

• Heavy fireworks are banned nationwide

• Fines apply if you break local rules

Several large cities (including parts of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague) have expanded firework‑free zones for safety and environmental reasons.

Always check your municipality website before New Year’s Eve.

5. What’s open (and closed) on 31 December and 1 January

31 December (New Year’s Eve)

• Supermarkets close early (often 18:00–19:00)

• Non‑essential shops close mid‑afternoon

• Public transport runs, but less frequently in the evening

1 January (New Year’s Day)

• Most shops are closed

• Supermarkets open late or not at all

• Trains and buses run on a reduced holiday schedule

Planning food and travel in advance is essential.

6. Important details international students should know

From the Brave Ones community, we see that students enjoy New Year’s Eve most when they:

• Accept home celebrations instead of expecting street parties

• Bring snacks or drinks when invited (always appreciated)

• Arrange accommodation close to where they celebrate

• Avoid cycling late at night due to fireworks debris

Dutch New Year’s Eve is more about togetherness than spectacle.

7. Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Waiting too long to buy oliebollen
Pre‑order or buy them earlier in the day.

Assuming fireworks are allowed everywhere
Check local rules — ignorance doesn’t prevent fines.

Relying on late-night transport
Stay nearby or arrange a place to sleep.

Expecting a public countdown party
Those are rare in the Netherlands.

8. New Year’s traditions on 1 January

New Year’s Day is calm and quiet. Many Dutch people:

• Sleep in

• Visit family

• Go for a New Year’s Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik) in the sea

• Eat leftovers and rest

It’s normal for cities to feel almost empty.

10. Glossary

Oudjaarsavond – New Year’s Eve
Oliebollen – Traditional Dutch New Year’s pastry
Gelukkig nieuwjaar – Happy New Year
Nieuwjaarsduik – New Year’s Day sea dive

11. Helpful sources

• Dutch Government – Fireworks rules

• Local municipality websites

• NS (Dutch Railways) holiday timetables

Living in the Netherlands means learning to enjoy quieter celebrations — and New Year’s Eve is a perfect example. Once you know what to expect, it becomes a surprisingly warm and memorable way to welcome the new year.