New Year’s Eve 2022: Events and fireworks shows in the Netherlands

Are you counting down the days till the new year? Well before you can get started on your new year’s resolutions, you’ve got to wave goodbye to 2022 and welcome in 2023 with a bang. 

Not too sure how to do that this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best New Year’s Eve events and fireworks shows in the Netherlands. 

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam 

This year, Amsterdam is one of the several municipalities in the Netherlands that has opted to ban the personal use of fireworks. This means that the council itself is organising various events and fireworks shows for locals and visitors to enjoy on the big night. In addition to the fireworks, several nightclubs are hosting their own New Year’s Eve events and club nights.

• Museumplein: The main event organised by the municipality will be taking place on January 31 at the Museumplein. It will feature live music and performances, as well as a light show and, of course, fireworks.
• Awakenings: Awakenings New Years will be taking place at the Gashouder this year, and while some of their events are already sold out, you might be lucky enough to be able to nab a couple of tickets so you can celebrate the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023 in style.
• Encore: If you’re into more hip-hop than techno, then you might want to check out Encore at the Melkweg on December 31. There’ll be three stages showcasing all the best hip-hop and R&B tunes, and if you’re someone who likes being able to go on a night out in scruffy trainers then this is the event for you, as there’s no dress code.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Rotterdam

Like Amsterdam, Rotterdam has announced a private fireworks ban for 2022. Don’t worry though, the city will still play host to the biggest public fireworks show in the Netherlands.

• Nationale Vuurwerk: England has the London Eye, the Netherlands has the Erasmus bridge. The main event on New Year’s Eve in Rotterdam has got to be the fireworks display held along the banks of the river Maas with the iconic bridge as the backdrop.
• Family-friendly fireworks: Before the main event at midnight, there will also be a special family-friendly fireworks display at 7pm on December 31 - perfect for the little ones who won’t be able to keep their eyes open long enough to welcome in the new year.
• Fireworks near Rotterdam: On top of the Nationale Vuurwerk display, there will also be fireworks shows in Hoek van Holland and Nesselande.
• BIRD: Nightclub and venue BIRD is also hosting a special New Year’s event on December 31, featuring a range of musical genres - everything from jazz to hip-hop.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in The Hague

The Hague hasn’t banned fireworks, but there will be a few fireworks-free zones. 

• New Year's Dive: Probably one of the most famous New Year’s celebrations taking place in The Hague is the New Year’s Dive on January 1, which is held every year at Scheveningen.
• Scheveningen bonfire: The bonfire at Scheveningen is also back this year, so on December 31 you could opt to leave the centre of the city and head to the beach for a night enjoying the highest bonfire in the Netherlands (and fireworks too, of course).
• Club nights in The Hague: Various clubs are hosting New Year’s Eve club nights, including Millers, Club Westwood, Club Rootz, and Club Magistrat, the Nachtluis.
• Hotel Kurhaus: Alternatively, if you’re feeling fancy, you can book tickets for the New Year’s Eve masquerade ball at the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus. 
• NYE events: Other NYE events taking place in The Hague on December 31 include the Disco-Train party at Pavarotti Kijkduin, Sea you next year at PAARD, and the New Year Rooftop Party at Bleyenberg.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Utrecht 

Similarly to The Hague, there’s no city-wide ban in Utrecht but there will be some fireworks-free zones.

• Tivoli Vredenburg: Ring in the new year at Tivoli Vredenburg at the New Year’s Eve festival. The whole venue will be overtaken by one massive party with live music, DJ sets, and a silent disco. 
• 80s 90s and 00s: Do you want to celebrate three decades of great music? Then head to the We all love 80s 90s and 00s event at the Winkel van Sinkel on December 31. This is definitely the event out there for anyone who’s not too impressed by contemporary chart music and TikTok hits. 

Tips for enjoying (or surviving) New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands

Whether you’re a big fan of going all out on December 31, or prefer to stay at home and comfort your frightened pets, we’ve put together some tips for surviving fireworks and Dutch New Year’s Eve celebrations.