Fireworks, getting around and what to book for the days around 31 December 2026.
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam: what to know and book
Amsterdam marks New Year's Eve with fireworks. In recent years the official celebration was the Electric Fireworks on Museumplein, with a fireworks show at Sloterplas in Nieuw-West too. Last year public transport stopped for part of the evening, so plan ahead. This page is for visitors spending 31 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 in Amsterdam.
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How to choose
An evening cruise with drinks
Cocktails with nachos, or Dutch cheese and wine, on a cruise from Damrak in the days around New Year. For guests aged 18 and over.
A classic daytime canal cruise
A 60-minute canal cruise with audio guide, departing from Central Station, Damrak Pier 5 or Rijksmuseum.
Museums for the days around New Year
Plan a museum visit before or after 31 December, and check opening times for the holiday days before you go.
One card for museums, transport and a cruise
The I amsterdam City Card gives free admission to 50+ museums and attractions, unlimited GVB transport and one canal cruise.
Cruises and tickets during the event
Live prices, instant confirmation.
Premium ChoiceCocktail Cruise Amsterdam
Sipping cocktails while cruising through the world-famous canals, sounds like a night to remember! The Amsterdam night tour with cocktail bar is the perfect nighttime activity.
Why here: 75 minutes along the lit canals from Damrak, with cocktails, nachos and stories in English. 18+ only.
Cheese & Wine Cruise
Sail through Amsterdam's UNESCO canals for 1.5 hours while sampling a cheese platter and selected wines in intimate lighting. Adults only (18+).
Why here: 90 minutes with a Dutch cheese platter and selected wines, from Damrak 13. 18+, bring a valid ID.
Signature Boats Amsterdam Saloon cruise
Sail Amsterdam's narrower canals on a 1.5-hour luxury saloon cruise for up to 12 guests, where a live guide shares stories from the city's history. This intimate boat tour reaches corners larger vessels can't, taking you through the Jordan district, past the Westerkerk, and along the Amstel.
Why here: Covered saloon boat, up to 12 guests and a live English guide, from Leidsebosje 2 near Leidseplein.
Premium ChoiceAmsterdam Canal Cruise
The classic canal cruise through Amsterdam's historic waterways. Pick your departure time and location: Central Station, Damrak Pier 5 or Rijksmuseum.
Why here: 60 minutes with audio guide; choose your departure time on the day, subject to availability.
I amsterdam City Card
Get free access to Amsterdam's top museums, unlimited public transport, a canal cruise and 24-hour bike rental with this digital city card. Valid for 96 hours from activation.
Why here: Digital card with 50+ museums and attractions, unlimited GVB transport and one canal cruise.
Plan your visit
Departure points
Damrak · Departure point: Leidsebosje 2, one minute's walk from Leidseplein. · Centraal Station, Damrak, Rijksmuseum
18+
Some experiences are 18+
Highlights of this edition
- The city's official celebration in recent years is the Electric Fireworks on Museumplein, with room for up to 60,000 spectators (source: I amsterdam, updated 27 December 2025).
- Last year's Museumplein programme: Electric Fireworks Junior at 19:00, live acts from 23:00 and the countdown from 23:50 (source: I amsterdam).
- A sustainable fireworks show takes place from 00:00 to 00:10 on the edge of Sloterplas near the Meervaart Theatre in Nieuw-West (source: I amsterdam).
- Public transport: Amsterdam Central Station was closed entirely between 20:00 and 01:00; trains, buses, metros and trams did not run in that window; night buses departed from the IJ side from 01:30 and normal service resumed from 07:00 (source: I amsterdam, 2025/2026).
- On 1 January the New Year swim is held at coastal locations; the largest is at Zandvoort aan Zee, half an hour west of Amsterdam (source: I amsterdam).
Good to know
- Plan your route home before the evening starts. Last year no trains, buses, metros or trams ran between 20:00 and 01:00.
- Check the I amsterdam tips page close to the date. The programme on this page is from last year.
- Plan cruises and museum visits for the days before or after New Year, and leave 31 December free for the celebrations.
- Activate your City Card when you are ready to use it. The 24 to 120 hours start at activation, and an unactivated card stays valid for a year.
- Dress warmly. You may be outside for several hours on a winter night.
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam takes some planning. Check the official I amsterdam tips page for the 2026/2027 programme and transport times, as last year's details may change. Then fill the days around New Year with things you can book ahead. Choose an evening cruise with cocktails, or one with cheese and wine. Take a 60-minute canal cruise with audio guide. Or get the I amsterdam City Card for museums, GVB transport and a canal cruise. Every ticket here comes with instant confirmation, and the cruises offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before start. Simple to book, all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
What happens on New Year's Eve in Amsterdam?
In recent years the city's official celebration was the Electric Fireworks on Museumplein, with room for up to 60,000 spectators. Check the I amsterdam tips page for the 2026/2027 programme.
Where can I watch the fireworks?
Last year there were two official locations: the Electric Fireworks on Museumplein, and a sustainable fireworks show from 00:00 to 00:10 on the edge of Sloterplas, near the Meervaart Theatre in Nieuw-West.
Does public transport run on New Year's Eve?
Last year Amsterdam Central Station closed entirely between 20:00 and 01:00, and trains, buses, metros and trams did not run in that window. Taxis were available. Night buses left from the IJ side from 01:30, and normal service resumed from 07:00.
Is there something for children?
Last year the Museumplein programme started with Electric Fireworks Junior at 19:00, designed for younger children. Check the official site for this year's times.
Can I take a canal cruise around New Year?
We recommend the cruises on this page for the days around New Year. Availability is shown when you book. The cruises offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before start.
What can I do on 1 January?
On 1 January the New Year swim is held at coastal locations. The largest is at Zandvoort aan Zee, half an hour west of Amsterdam.