Markus Anecdotes-New Year’s Celebrations in the Netherlands: Traditions and Festivities

Written by Markus, with photos by Markus

The New Year’s celebration in the Netherlands is a time of joy, community, and traditions that blend the old with the new. People across the country eagerly await the stroke of midnight on December 31st, marking the end of one year and the hopeful start of another. From fireworks to family gatherings, the Dutch celebrate this occasion with vigor and unique customs that make their New Year’s festivities a time to remember.

New Year’s Eve (Oudejaarsavond) – A Night to Remember

New Year’s Eve, or Oudejaarsavond in Dutch, is a time for festivities, parties, and family celebrations. As the clock ticks closer to midnight, the excitement builds, and the streets come alive with lights, music, and the scent of delicious food. This night is as much about creating memories with loved ones as it is about celebrating the arrival of a new year. The Dutch celebrate in various ways, but a common theme is the collective joy that fills the country on this special evening.

Fireworks: A Spectacular Tradition

Perhaps the most iconic element of Dutch New Year’s Eve celebrations is the fireworks. From late afternoon on December 31st until early morning on January 1st, fireworks light up the sky across the country. The Dutch tradition of setting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve is both a cultural and festive expression, marking the end of the year and welcoming the new one.

Fireworks have been an integral part of Dutch New Year’s celebrations for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to ancient Chinese practices, where firecrackers were used to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. This practice spread to Europe in the 13th century, with Italy and the Netherlands being among the first to adopt the tradition. Over time, the Dutch added their own flair, with elaborate firework displays becoming a popular way to celebrate milestones, especially the arrival of the new year.

In the Netherlands, fireworks are seen as a way to drive away evil spirits and bad luck, a custom that dates back centuries. As the new year approaches, families and friends gather outside, armed with sparklers, rockets, and firecrackers.

But with fireworks comes responsibility, and in the Netherlands, there are specific regulations in place to ensure safety and reduce the environmental impact. Private fireworks can only be set off during a limited period: from 6:00 PM on December 31st until 2:00 AM on January 1st.

In recent years, stricter rules have been introduced. For example, only certain types of fireworks are allowed to be sold to the public, and there are bans on more dangerous items like rockets and larger, more hazardous fireworks. These regulations aim to reduce the number of accidents, especially given the high number of injuries caused by improper handling of fireworks in previous years.

Despite the restrictions, fireworks continue to play a huge role in New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many Dutch people purchase their fireworks across the border in neighboring countries like Belgium and Germany, where the regulations surrounding the sale of fireworks are more lenient. This practice has become a tradition in itself, with some individuals spending significant amounts of money on large displays. On average, Dutch households spend between €50 and €100 on fireworks, though some may invest more to create an unforgettable show for friends and family.

Large-scale public firework displays are common in major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, where local authorities arrange impressive pyrotechnic shows that are free for the public to enjoy. These shows are a spectacle to behold, with brightly colored explosions lighting up the sky, accompanied by cheers and excitement from the crowd.

New Year’s Eve Parties: A Celebration with Friends and Family

While fireworks are a central element of New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands, parties are equally important. On Oudejaarsavond, many people host or attend parties, celebrating the night away with loved ones, friends, and colleagues. These gatherings often take place in private homes, but there are also many parties held in bars, nightclubs, and public spaces.

The atmosphere is festive, with everyone counting down the final minutes of the year. As midnight approaches, the excitement becomes palpable, with people preparing for the big moment. Some even take part in the tradition of singing Auld Lang Syne (or the Dutch equivalent) to bid farewell to the old year. At the stroke of midnight, the room erupts into celebration as everyone raises a glass of champagne to toast the arrival of the new year.

It’s not just about the party; it’s also about spending quality time with those closest to you. In a country that values gezelligheid (a term that embodies the sense of coziness, warmth, and togetherness), New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to connect with friends and family. Whether it’s reminiscing about the past year or discussing the hopes and dreams for the upcoming one, Dutch New Year’s Eve parties are filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of shared experience.

Traditional Foods: A Delicious Way to Welcome the New Year

No Dutch New Year’s celebration would be complete without food, and Oudejaarsavond is the perfect occasion to indulge in some beloved treats. Two of the most popular traditional foods during this time are oliebollen and appelbeignets.

Oliebollen are deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, often filled with raisins or currants. These delicious pastries are similar to doughnuts and are considered a must-have during New Year’s celebrations. Vendors selling oliebollen pop up on street corners and at markets throughout the holiday season, creating long lines as people eagerly await their turn to buy a warm, freshly made batch.

Another favorite is appelbeignets, or fried apple fritters. These sweet treats are made by dipping apple slices in a batter and deep-frying them until golden brown. Like oliebollen, they are dusted with powdered sugar and are enjoyed by many as part of the festivities. Eating these treats is as much about tradition as it is about indulging in something delicious, and they are a symbol of the sweetness and joy that the new year brings.

New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag) – A Relaxed Start to the Year

While New Year’s Eve is filled with fireworks and festivities, New Year’s Day, or Nieuwjaarsdag, is typically a much quieter affair. After a night of celebration, many Dutch people enjoy a relaxed start to the year, spending time with family, recovering from the previous night’s events, and reflecting on the year ahead.

The Nieuwjaarsduik: A Bold and Refreshing Tradition

One of the most famous and exhilarating traditions in the Netherlands on New Year’s Day is the Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s dive). This daring tradition involves thousands of people braving the freezing cold waters of the North Sea to celebrate the new year. The Nieuwjaarsduik is particularly popular in places like Scheveningen, a beach resort town near The Hague, where thousands of brave souls gather on January 1st to take a plunge into the icy waters.

The tradition of taking a New Year’s Day plunge dates back to the early 20th century. It’s believed that the first Nieuwjaarsduik took place in 1960 when a group of local residents in Scheveningen decided to take a swim on January 1st to mark the new year. Over time, this spontaneous activity grew into an annual event, and it has since become one of the Netherlands’ most iconic traditions. The event has grown in popularity over the years, with people of all ages participating in the chilly tradition. Despite the freezing temperatures, participants are filled with enthusiasm and energy as they dive into the water, with cheers and laughter echoing through the air. For many, the Nieuwjaarsduik is seen as a way to cleanse themselves of the old year and start fresh with the new one, symbolizing new beginnings and a sense of adventure.

While it’s not for the faint of heart, the Nieuwjaarsduik has become a beloved part of the Dutch New Year’s celebrations, with large crowds gathering to watch and cheer on those brave enough to take the plunge.

New Year’s Greetings: A Time for Reflection and Well-Wishes

In the Netherlands, New Year’s Day is also a time for reflection and connection. Many people visit friends and family to exchange New Year’s greetings and offer their best wishes for the upcoming year. It’s common to exchange small gifts, flowers, or cards, with people typically saying, "Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!" (Happy New Year).

In addition to personal visits, New Year’s greetings are often sent through cards or messages. Dutch families also gather around the dinner table to enjoy a meal together, often featuring traditional dishes such as snert (pea soup), a comforting and hearty dish that is especially popular in the winter months.

Unique Aspects of Dutch New Year’s Traditions

While many of the customs described above are common to New Year’s celebrations in many countries, there are several unique aspects of the Dutch way of ringing in the new year.

Celebrating with Family

Unlike in some countries, where New Year’s Eve is often centered around partying and going out, many Dutch people focus on family and close friends. The emphasis on gezelligheid means that the company of loved ones takes precedence over more extravagant parties. For many, New Year’s Eve is a time to enjoy each other’s company and reflect on the past year in a cozy and intimate setting.

The Importance of Gezelligheid

One of the key elements that distinguish Dutch New Year celebrations is the strong emphasis on gezelligheid. This word, which doesn’t have a direct English translation, encapsulates a sense of coziness, warmth, and togetherness. While other countries might focus on lavish parties or extravagant events, the Dutch prioritize creating a comfortable, friendly atmosphere where people can truly enjoy each other's company. For the Dutch, New Year’s Eve is as much about bonding with loved ones as it is about celebrating the passage of time.

This focus on gezelligheid manifests in the way Dutch people gather to enjoy oliebollen, chat over drinks, and share in the joy of the occasion in a relaxed, welcoming environment. It’s not uncommon for people to spend the evening at home with family, friends, or neighbors, surrounded by good food, warm drinks, and lots of laughter. Many host oliebollen and appelbeignet stalls in their front yards or driveways, serving these traditional treats to neighbors, spreading a sense of community.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy 2025!!!