Netherlands events guide for families

Usually Third Saturday of January: 16 January 2027 (2026 was 17 January), 13:00-16:30 on Museumplein.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

Two hundred thousand tulips laid out in a free picking garden on Museumplein - everyone picks a free bunch to open the Dutch tulip season.

For families: Free, and children love choosing their own bunch. Arrive before the afternoon rush and bring a bag for the flowers.

Event website ↗

Usually 18 March - 9 May 2027. Open daily 08:00-19:00; the surrounding bulb fields bloom in the same weeks.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

The world's biggest spring flower garden: seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths over 32 hectares, with pavilions, a windmill and whisper boats along the bulb fields.

For families: Book timed entry online weeks ahead and take the combi bus from Schiphol or Amsterdam RAI. Rent bikes with child seats at the entrance for the fields outside.

Event website ↗

Usually 27 April every year (26 April if the 27th falls on a Sunday).. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

The whole country turns orange for the King's birthday: free street markets (vrijmarkt) where anyone can sell, boat parties on the canals and live music in every square.

For families: Amsterdam is packed - with children try the vrijmarkt in Utrecht or Haarlem, go early, and dress them in orange. The Vondelpark children's market is the gentle version.

Event website ↗

Usually First Saturday of August: 1 August 2026. Boats sail the Prinsengracht through the afternoon.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

The world's only floating pride parade: eighty decorated boats sail the Prinsengracht past hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the canals.

For families: The canal banks are very crowded; with small children watch from the quieter Amstel stretch or follow on the park screens. Book canal-view rooms months ahead.

Event website ↗

Usually Arrival parade mid-November (2026: 14 November); Pakjesavond gift evening always 5 December.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

The Dutch Saint Nicholas arrives by steamboat in mid-November with his Pieten, parades through a host city live on national TV, and children get their gifts on 5 December.

For families: The arrival parade (intocht) is free and throws pepernoten (spiced biscuits) to children; the host city is announced each autumn. A magical first taste of Dutch winter.

Event website ↗

Usually Late November - mid January (edition 14 ran 27 Nov 2025 - 18 Jan 2026). New dates each autumn.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

Twenty light artworks along the canals, best seen from an evening boat or the free walking route; the city centre glows through the darkest weeks of the year.

For families: An easy early-evening outing - the boats are heated and the walking route is stroller-friendly. Combine it with the Christmas markets in the same weeks.

Event website ↗