New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam 2026/2027
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam is celebrated without consumer fireworks for the first time: since 1 August 2026 they are banned in the whole of the Netherlands. The big free celebration takes place on Museumplein with Electric Fireworks, a show of light, lasers, music and a countdown to 2027. Below you'll find everything to plan your night: the show, parties with tickets, where to stay and how to get home. We update this page as soon as the City of Amsterdam publishes the 2026 programme.
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam at a glance
| Date | Thursday 31 December 2026 into Friday 1 January 2027 |
| Main celebration | Electric Fireworks on Museumplein, free entry. Last year: family show at 19:00, main show from 22:00 with the countdown to midnight |
| Other shows | Last year the City also organised professional fireworks shows at the Sloterplas (Nieuw-West) and in Weesp |
| Fireworks rules | Consumer fireworks are banned nationwide since 1 August 2026; small F1 items such as sparklers are still allowed |
| Parties | Many New Year's Eve parties sell out in December, so book in advance |
| Public transport | Stops around 20:00 on 31 December; night services from about 01:00–02:00 |
| Hotels | Central hotels fill up weeks in advance; stay within walking distance of where you celebrate |
Stay close to the celebration. With no public transport around midnight, a hotel within walking distance is the easiest way to enjoy the night.
Find hotels for 31 DecemberElectric Fireworks on Museumplein
The biggest New Year's Eve celebration in Amsterdam takes place on Museumplein, in front of the Rijksmuseum. The City of Amsterdam organises Electric Fireworks: a show of light, lasers, eco-fireworks and live music, building up to a giant countdown to midnight. Entry is free.
Last year there were two shows: a shorter show for children and families at 19:00 and the main programme from 22:00 until after midnight. The 2026 programme has not been published yet; we will add the exact times as soon as the City announces them.
- Arrive early. Space on the square is limited and it gets very busy towards midnight.
- Dress warmly. You will be standing outside for hours on an open square.
- Plan your way home. There is no public transport around midnight, so stay nearby or be ready to walk.
- Make a day of it. The ice rink on Museumplein is open on 31 December until 21:00.
© OpenStreetMapOn the winter map
Electric Fireworks: New Year's Eve on Museumplein
Museumplein
See exactly where it is, with the Christmas markets, ice rinks and Light Festival cruises nearby.
Watch last year's show
Other fireworks shows in Amsterdam
Besides Museumplein, the City of Amsterdam organised professional fireworks shows at the Sloterplas in Nieuw-West and in Weesp last year. These shows are free and attract mainly local families. The 2026 locations will be announced by the City in December; we will add them here.
Fireworks rules on New Year's Eve 2026
Since 1 August 2026, consumer fireworks are banned in the whole of the Netherlands under the Safe New Year's Eve Act. Buying, carrying or lighting regular fireworks (category F2 and higher, such as rockets, cakes and fountains) is not allowed, and fines start at €100. Small F1 fireworks, such as sparklers and party poppers, are still allowed from the age of 12. Professional shows like Electric Fireworks are not affected.
New Year's Eve parties and dinners in Amsterdam
Want to party past midnight? These New Year's Eve events need a ticket and many sell out in December. Prices are starting prices per person.
Our pick for night owls · 18+
New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry
Ring in 2027 with a local guide and a group of fellow travellers. You visit at least three bars and clubs around the Red Light District and Leidseplein, with shots, drink deals and skip-the-line entry to a VIP club for the countdown.
- 5 hours with a live guide, in English
- Shots, drink deals and VIP club entry
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
€99 per person★ 5.0 (4 reviews) · only on 31 December
Check availabilityStart the evening on the water
On 31 December the canal boats sail until early evening, so a cruise is a relaxed way to start the night before dinner or a party. The New Year's Eve canal cruise is a 90-minute trip in a small electric saloon boat (max. 12 guests) with a welcome glass of champagne, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks and Dutch snacks. There are a few departures in the afternoon and early evening from Amsterdam Central Station; the last one leaves around 18:40. Another option is an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise or ice skating on Museumplein (both until 21:00).
New Year's Eve canal cruise from €49 per person, drinks and snacks included. Only 12 seats per boat, so book early.
Check availabilityPublic transport on New Year's Eve
On 31 December, trams, buses, metros and trains in Amsterdam stop at around 20:00. Night services restart from about 01:00–02:00 on 1 January. The exact 2026 timetable is published by GVB and NS in December; we will update it here. Plan to walk, or book a hotel close to where you celebrate.
What's open on 31 December and 1 January?
Most museums and attractions are open on New Year's Eve with shorter hours, and many reopen on New Year's Day from late morning. A few examples:
- Rijksmuseum: 09:00–17:00 on 31 December and 1 January
- Stedelijk Museum: 10:00–18:00 on both days
- A'DAM Lookout: 10:00–22:00 on both days
- Amsterdam Winter Paradise: closed on 31 December, open on 1 January
See all opening hours in our overview: what's open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only professional shows. Consumer fireworks are banned nationwide since 1 August 2026. The main celebration is Electric Fireworks on Museumplein, a free show of light, lasers, eco-fireworks and music with a countdown to midnight.
Yes. Electric Fireworks on Museumplein is free and you do not need a ticket. Space is limited, so arrive early.
The 2026 programme has not been published yet. Last year there was a family show at 19:00 and the main programme started at 22:00, building up to the countdown at midnight.
No. Since 1 August 2026 regular consumer fireworks are banned in the whole of the Netherlands, with fines from €100. Small F1 items such as sparklers are still allowed from age 12.
Only until about 20:00 on 31 December. Night buses and night trains restart from about 01:00–02:00 on 1 January. Plan to walk or stay nearby.
Yes, almost all parties and dinners need a ticket, and many sell out in December. Book in advance.
Museumplein is the main free celebration. For a party, popular options are hotel parties; for something quieter, a dinner show such as Supper. An early-evening canal cruise is a nice way to start the night.
Yes. Many museums and attractions open on 1 January, usually from late morning. Most shops are closed. See our overview of what's open on 31 December and 1 January.
Popular links
New Year's Eve on Museumplein
Museumplein Ice Rink ticket
Skate in the late afternoon or early evening, right next to the New Year's Eve celebration on Museumplein. Book your time slot ahead, especially for the evening.
- Skate rental included
- Skate with the Rijksmuseum as your backdrop
- Free cancellation up to 72 hours before
€16 per personincl. skate rental
Check dates & timesYou book securely with our ticket partner. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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