New Year's Day 2025
Date: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
Country: Netherlands Public Holidays
Description
New Year is a national holiday in the Netherlands that marks the start of the calendar year. It falls on January 1 and is a day when schools, many businesses, and government offices are closed.
The holiday means a fresh start. People think about hopes, goals, and changes for the coming year. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the past year and the year ahead.
New Year is set by the international calendar, so it happens at the same time every year. In the Netherlands it is part of the wider holiday season that includes the end of December and the beginning of January.
The day is significant because it connects people across the country. Everyone experiences the same new beginning at once, which creates a feeling of unity and shared time.
For many Dutch people New Year also has cultural and personal importance. It marks time, brings communities together in spirit, and influences plans and choices for the months to come.
Traditions
In the Netherlands people welcome the new year with big fireworks at midnight. Families and friends stand outside to watch the sky. Many light small fireworks themselves while others listen to neighborhood bangs and cheer as the clock strikes twelve.
Eating is important. Oliebollen are deep fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar. You also see appelflappen, bitterballen at parties, and sparkling wine for toasts. After midnight people visit friends and neighbors to say Happy New Year and share snacks and drinks at a nieuwjaarsborrel.
Some brave people join the nieuwjaarsduik, a cold sea swim in places like Scheveningen. In rural areas carbidschieten is still popular for loud fun. Communities hold small concerts and town gatherings to celebrate together.
Travel Tips
Many shops, museums and attractions are closed or have reduced hours on New Years Day. Trains and buses run less often in the early morning. Book tickets and check timetables before you travel to avoid delays or missed connections.
Public squares and station areas can be very crowded around midnight and early morning. Stay with your group, keep valuables safe, and watch for public fireworks. Pharmacies and medical services may be limited, so carry basic supplies and a charged phone with emergency numbers saved.