Imagine a country painted in vibrant orange, buzzing with infectious energy and overflowing with a sea of colourful blooms. This isn’t a dream, oh no, it’s the Netherlands in spring, where two spectacular celebrations, King’s Day and the Tulip Festival, create an unforgettable experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in Dutch culture, from lively street parties to breathtaking floral landscapes – it’s an invitation you won’t want to refuse!

King’s Day: A Nation United in Orange

Mark your calendars for April 27th, because that’s when the Netherlands erupts in a jubilant celebration known as King’s Day (“Koningsdag”). What may seem like just a birthday party, is actually a nationwide festival honouring King Willem-Alexander and showcasing the vibrant spirit of the Dutch people.

The Historical Roots of King’s Day

The roots of this festive day stretch back to 1885, initially celebrated as Princess’ Day for the young Wilhelmina, fostering a sense of national unity. When she ascended the throne in 1891, it transformed into Queen’s Day. Over the years, the date shifted with each monarch, finally settling on April 27th in 2014 when Willem-Alexander became the first king in over a century. If the 27th happens to be a Sunday, the festivities simply shift to the Saturday before, ensuring no one misses out on the fun!

King’s Night: The Pre-Party Buzz

The excitement often kicks off the night before with “King’s Night” (“Koningsnacht”), as cities like The Hague, Deventer, Eindhoven and Arnhem come alive with live music, DJs and free open-air festivals. It’s the perfect warm-up for the main event!

King’s Day Festivities: A Nationwide Celebration

On King’s Day itself, the entire country transforms into a giant street party. From bustling cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht to the smallest villages, the atmosphere is electric. Streets become pedestrian paradise, filled with open-air concerts, parades and the famous “vrijmarkt” – flea markets where everyone can buy and sell second-hand treasures and homemade goodies. Don’t be shy to haggle for the best price; it’s part of the fun!

You’ll find people engaging in traditional Dutch games like the hilarious “Spijkerpoepen” (trying to get a nail on a string into a bottle), the tasty “koekhappen” (biting at biscuits hanging from a string), and the ever-popular “tombola” (bingo).

City Hightlights: Where the Celebrations Shine

Each major city offers its unique King’s Day flavour. Amsterdam pulls out all the stops, attracting over a million visitors. Its picturesque canals, particularly the Prinsengracht, become the stage for dazzling boat parades. The city centre becomes a car-free zone, with vibrant markets popping up in South Amsterdam and Jordaan, a lively children’s market in Vondelpark and open-air concerts filling Museumplein. Public transport in Amsterdam can be limited, so consider joining the locals on a bike or hopping on a boat to navigate the crowds.

The Hague focuses its energy on “Konignsnacht” with a massive free open-air music festival alongside traditional markets and a lively fair (kermis). Rotterdam offers a slightly more laid-back vibe with bustling markets and parties concentrated around Coolsingel, Binnerotte and Stadhuisplein. Utrecht stands out with its unique 24-hour flea market starting the evening of April 25th, alongside charming children’s markets and lively celebrations around its historic squares and festively decorated canals.

Adding a special touch each year, the King and his family visit different Dutch municipalities. In 2025, the lucky city is Doetinchem, promising an extra dose of royal excitement with live music, speeches and community celebrations. Spectators, naturally clad in orange, will be waving Dutch flags and proudly displaying the tricolour.

The Significance of Orange

And then there’s the unmistakable colour that dominates the day: orange. From clothing and accessories to face paint and street decorations, everything is drenched in this vibrant hue. This isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a powerful symbol of loyalty and support for the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau, whose historical significance is deeply woven into the fabric of the Netherlands. Tracing back to Willem of Orange, who led the Dutch revolt against Spain, orange became a symbol of national unity and pride, particularly after the capture of Den Briel.

A Day of Unity and Merriment

Beyond the official festivities, King’s Day is about community, connection and letting loose. You’ll find impromptu street parties, neighbours sharing treats and an overwhelming sense of national camaraderie. And yes, beer flows freely as part of the celebration, with many humorously recommending a “herstelbiertje” (recovery beer) for the next day! While some might view the holiday with a touch of nostalgia for a time when the monarchy held greater sway, the undeniable energy and collective joy make it a truly unique and captivating experience.

Tulip Season: A Kaleidoscope of Colour

While the orange reign of King’s Day provides a concentrated burst of excitement, the Netherlands in spring is also synonymous with another breathtaking spectacle: the blooming of its iconic tulips. The tulip season is a more extended affair, painting the landscape in a stunning array of colours.

National Tulip Day: The Blooming Kickoff

The official kickoff of this floral fiesta is National Tulip Day, held annually on the third Saturday in January. In 2025, the special day coincided with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, adding an extra layer of significance. On this day, Amsterdam’s Museumplein transforms into a vibrant, free tulip pick-up graden, boasting around 200,000 blooms! It’s an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a sea of tulips in the heart of winter and capture some stunning photos. These early bloomers are grown indoors in greenhouses, a delightful prelude to the outdoor spectacle that awaits. In 2024, this fragrant event attracted a remarkable 18,000 visitors from over 100 nationalities, showcasing the global appeal of these iconic flowers.

Tulip Festival Amsterdam: A Springtime Extravaganza

The main event for tulip lovers is the Tulip Festival Amsterdam, running from Thursday, March 20th, to Sunday, May 11th, 2025. During this period, millions of tulips burst into colour in and around Amsterdam, signalling the true start of spring. While the indoor display of National Tulip Day is impressive, nothing compares to the vast, vibrant fields stretching prime time to witness these breathtaking panoramas at their most glorious. Keep an eye out for the free “Flower Forecasts” that provide updates on weather and tulip growth, ensuring you don’t miss the peak bloom.

Exploring Tulip Fields and Gardens

It’s important to distinguish between tulip fields and tulip gardens. Tulip fields are primarily cultivated for their bulbs and their flowers are often headed (cut) after a few weeks of blooming. For a more leisurely experience where the tulips remain in bloom until mid-May, head to the renowned Keukenhof Gardens and various show gardens. Keukenhof, open from March 20th to May 11th, 2025, is a world-renowned flower park showcasing millions of spring-flowering bulbs, including a spectacular array of tulips.

Beyond Keukenhof, the Tulip Festival offers numerous ways to experience these floral wonders. Consider visiting the Tulip Experience or the Tulip Barn for an immersive look into tulip cultivation. Many tulip farms also offer sightseeing tours throughout the fields, providing a unique perspective on this iconic Dutch history.

The Bloemencorso: A Parade of Flowers

Adding to the festive atmosphere is the Bloemencorso (Flower Parade) on Saturday, April 12th, 2025. This spectacular parade features elaborately decorated floats adorned with thousands of colourful blooms, creating a feast for the senses.

The Tulip’s Journey to Dutch Icon Status

The story of the tulip in Holland is a fascinating one. Originally not from the Netherlands, the tulip’s journey and its eventual iconic status are explored in detail at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. It’s a testament to the Dutch appreciation for beauty and their mastery of horticulture.

A Perfect Spring Pairing

Imagine experiencing the vibrant, orange-filled energy of King’s Day, followed by the tranquil beauty of endless tulip fields bathed in spring sunshine. This is the magic of visiting the Netherlands in late April and early May. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way, a chance to immerse yourself in Dutch culture, celebrate with locals and witness nature’s artistry in full bloom. So, pack your orange attire, prepare your camera and get ready to be captivated by the unique charm and colourful delights of the Netherlands during King’s Day and the Tulip Festival – an invitation to create memories that will last a lifetime.