New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands is a spectacular sight to see: but with more and more cities banning fireworks, new ways to celebrate are on the horizon.
Fireworks and the Netherlands are a never-ending love story, sprinkled with passion, affection, and a good bunch of drama.
Here is all you need to know about the Dutch plans for a banging New Year’s Eve in 2024.
What to expect on New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands in 2024
December 31 in the Netherlands is something you’ll never forget. As opposed to Halloween and Christmas, the Dutch take New Year’s Eve very seriously.
And by seriously, we mean that, in the past, all the major Dutch cities turned into something resembling a war zone on the last day of the year.
Dutch people are not shy about throwing firecrackers onto the street where you’re walking, and you’re likely to be shocked by explosions and bangs on every corner.
City centres are usually intensely crowded, and large crowds combined with the fire quickly become a safety hazard.
However, despite no national fireworks ban, more and more Dutch cities are banning personal fireworks and putting on public light or laser shows instead.
In total, 18 municipalities have chosen to ban fireworks in certain areas in 2024.
Of course, Dutchies aren’t known for following the rules (and they love their fireworks), so you can expect to see plenty of illegal fireworks still being set off on December 31 — and the days and weeks preceding it.
So, if you’re not interested in risking injury or sore ears as part of your holiday celebrations, you might want to be extra careful when going out on New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands.
New Year’s Eve in 2024: Which Dutch city is doing what?
No matter where you are in the Netherlands, you can expect one thing from New Year’s Eve 2024: there will be fireworks.
Here’s what December 31 might look like in your city.
Amsterdam’s New Year’s Eve
Amsterdam has banned private fireworks but is compensating with a fantastic public show and activities.
The central Museumplein in Amsterdam will be filled with attractions, including their ‘Electric Fireworks’ display, which they describe as a “spectacle of light, audio and eco-fireworks”.
Here, you can countdown the new year, enjoy an incredible light installation, music, and more. There’s a children’s show at 7 PM and the main event starts at 10 PM.
The Sloterpas and Weesp will also have a big, professional fireworks show.
Best of all, all the events are free!
Rotterdam’s New Year’s Eve
The Dutch harbour city of Rotterdam has also prohibited personal fireworks, but you won’t be short on options this New Year’s Eve.
The oh-so-famous Erasmus Bridge will provide Rotterdammers with a magnificent spectacle, known as the biggest fireworks show in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, there is no earlier show for children in 2024.
The fireworks over the bridge are programmed to music, ensuring a spectacular event.
You’ll also be able to see fireworks at Nesselande and potentially Hoek van Holland, so there’s no shortage of options.
The Hague’s New Year’s Eve
The administrative capital of the Netherlands will not opt for an overall firework ban for private persons, describing such bans as unrealistic.
Instead, stork town will enforce fireworks-free zones around the city, for example, in areas close to petting zoos, animal shelters, and hospitals.
Want something far grander? The Hofvijver will again house The Hague’s main New Year’s Eve show this year. What a location!
However, this celebration will ditch the fireworks in 2024. Because of a fire risk to the nearby Binnenhof, which is being renovated, The Hague will opt for a laser and light show this year.
The festivities will kick off with a DJ from 10 PM and will go on until 1 AM.
As of now, the large bonfire events at Scheveningen and Duindorp are set to go ahead as usual.
No matter the fireworks situation, though, you can rest assured that the traditional New Year’s swim at Scheveningen will take place as always.
Utrecht’s New Year’s Eve
For the first time, Utrecht has implemented a personal fireworks ban. Regardless, it’s reported that plenty of people are risking a €250 fine and still buying fireworks for personal use, so don’t expect peace and quiet.
The city is running some general events. You can walk or cycle through a magnificent and interactive light route, play giant arcade games like Duckhunt and Pacman at Karma Kebab, and then count down the New Year at Jaarbeurs with DJ Jorit, Weekend Warrior, and a massive light show.
Got kids? There’s a musical world tour, light show, and countdown between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM too!
Maastricht’s New Year’s Eve
The southern city of Maastricht has no general fireworks ban this year.
That means that fireworks are allowed throughout the city from 6 PM on December 31 until 2 AM on January 1.
There’s likely to be a show at the Vrijthof and fireworks over the Meuse too, although Maastricht is being a bit quiet about it so far.
Groningen’s New Year’s Eve
Like last year, Groningen has implemented 12 fireworks-free areas in different parts of the city, including the center.
Outside those areas, you’re free to set off fireworks between 6 PM on December 31 and 2 AM on January 1.
If you want all the fun vibes, head to De Grote Markt. There, the fireworks-free event ”3, 2, 1 Goud & Nieuw” (3, 2, 1 Gold and New) will take place, with a local DJ, visual art and interactive performances, and a giant illuminated Ferris wheel.
The dark side of fireworks in the Netherlands
The widespread fireworks obsession in the Netherlands does not come without troubles. Injuries and even casualties are an unfortunate routine every year, with emergency rooms filled to the brim from fireworks-related incidents.
Most large-scale celebrations in the Netherlands have seen dangerous situations unfold where fireworks have set fire to cars, mailboxes, and even buildings.
In addition to regular violence as part of the mayhem that usually erupts during the Dutch New Year’s celebrations, certain individuals also tend to find it sensible to fire fireworks into crowds of people, celebrating in public areas.
Needless to say, it’s an annual struggle to keep the festivities under control and the injuries and damages at a minimum.
Are fireworks legal in the Netherlands?
Officially, untrained individuals are not permitted to light fireworks in the Netherlands, with one notable exception: New Year’s Eve.
Between 6 PM on December 31 and 2 AM on January 1, regular folks can legally set off (almost) whatever fireworks they like. However, they can only be lit in areas allowed by your local municipality.
There might be fireworks-free zones in parts of your city, so make sure to check this first to avoid a fine.
Of course, we’re talking about the Dutch, so you’re likely to occasionally hear fireworks all year round — and a lot in the two months prior to New Year’s.
Also, officially, fireworks can only be sold to private individuals between December 29 and 31 by certified stores. However, the specific rules always differ between municipalities, as firework regulations are set locally, not nationally.
Additionally, there are certain types of fireworks that are banned. That means your local fireworks dealer is not allowed to sell them, and if you somehow obtain them, you’re not allowed to use them. The forbidden types of fireworks are:
- single shots
- category F3 fireworks
- firecrackers (including strings of firecrackers)
- rockets
Despite the rather strict regulations, however, most people largely disregard limitations, buy them from other countries, and set off fireworks whenever and wherever they please.
What can we say? Dutch people just love their fireworks.
NYE fireworks: how to keep it safe
If you do not live in a fireworks-free zone and wish to light up your own show this New Year’s Eve, there are several precautions you should consider.
First of all, don’t light fireworks if you’re influenced by alcohol — it’s a recipe for disaster. Secondly, always wear protective eye gear when handling fireworks, and never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
Keep water close by in case of unintentional fire spreading, and never (ever, ever,) light fireworks indoors.
Finally, make sure you keep the fireworks as far away from other people, houses, or flammable materials as possible.
New Year’s Eve and pets in the Netherlands
Pet owners should consider their four-legged friends’ well-being before committing to their fireworks plans.
New Year’s Eve can be a seriously traumatic experience for many pets, and it might be worth it to skip the fireworks altogether to avoid stressing out your (or your neighbours’) animals.
Other than that, try to keep the curtains closed to limit the number of light flashes in your house, walk your dog before the whole thing starts, and try to behave as normally as possible around your pet to avoid increased stress.
How are you going to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year? Tell us in the comments below!
