Must Visit Festivals in the Netherlands

King’s Day, or Koningsdag, is the biggest and most celebrated national holiday in the Netherlands, held annually on April 27th in honor of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. This vibrant day is characterized by its jubilant street parties, flea markets, music, and a sea of people dressed in orange—the national color of the Netherlands.

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The heart of King’s Day festivities is in Amsterdam, where people fill the canals on boats, dance to live music in the streets, and explore the various open-air markets selling second-hand goods. The city is awash in orange from head to toe, with even the buildings adorned with orange decorations. King’s Day is a celebration of Dutch national pride, and its atmosphere is contagious—whether you're enjoying the boat parties on the canals, exploring the flea markets, or simply soaking up the infectious energy, it’s a festival that captures the spirit of the Netherlands.

Held annually from late November to mid-January, the Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city into a dazzling winter wonderland. This contemporary art festival showcases spectacular light installations from artists around the world, illuminating Amsterdam’s canals, bridges, and historic buildings in a magical display of creativity and innovation.

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The festival’s installations are spread across the city, and one of the best ways to experience them is by taking a boat tour through the canals, allowing you to enjoy the light displays from the water. The art installations explore themes of sustainability, technology, and society, making it not just a visual experience, but also an intellectual one. The Amsterdam Light Festival is a perfect winter event for those looking to combine art, culture, and the charm of one of Europe's most picturesque cities.

Spring in the Netherlands is synonymous with tulips, and the Tulip Festival, held every year in the Keukenhof Gardens from March to May, is one of the most iconic events in the country. Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof in Lisse becomes a breathtaking kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, as over seven million tulips bloom in full glory.

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The Tulip Festival showcases an array of tulip varieties, with gardens meticulously designed to highlight the beauty of each flower. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, admire floral sculptures, and attend special flower arranging demonstrations. In addition to Keukenhof, the surrounding fields of South Holland are also blanketed with endless rows of tulips. The Tulip Festival is an essential experience for nature lovers and anyone who wants to see the Netherlands at its most picturesque.

For music enthusiasts, the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam is one of Europe’s premier music events. Held annually in July, this massive three-day festival features performances from some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, funk, soul, and even pop and rock. The festival, which takes place at the Ahoy arena in Rotterdam, brings together more than a hundred performances across multiple stages, making it one of the largest indoor music festivals in the world.

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The North Sea Jazz Festival has a rich history of hosting legendary artists, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Miles Davis, as well as modern-day stars like Herbie Hancock, Gregory Porter, and Billie Eilish. The festival offers an intimate yet vibrant setting to enjoy world-class music, with food and drink stands offering a taste of local and international cuisine. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or just love great live music, the North Sea Jazz Festival is a musical celebration like no other.

The Sinterklaas Festival, celebrated on December 5th and 6th, is one of the most cherished traditions in the Netherlands. This festive season marks the arrival of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas), who, according to Dutch folklore, arrives from Spain in mid-November to bring gifts to children on his feast day, December 5th. The holiday is filled with parades, concerts, and traditional events leading up to "Sinterklaasavond" (Saint Nicholas' evening), when children receive presents and sweets.

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The highlight of the festival is the grand Sinterklaas parade, where the “good” Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as “Zwarte Piet” (Black Peter), sail into cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, greeted by excited crowds of children. The festival is steeped in fun traditions, including the giving of chocolate letters, marzipan treats, and "pepernoten" (spiced cookies). Though the festival has sparked some modern-day discussions, it remains a beloved holiday that captures the essence of Dutch family traditions and holiday cheer.