King’s Day in Amsterdam
Celebrating King’s Day Amsterdam style is an experience like no other. The city transforms into a sea of orange, with street celebrations, live music and parties across neighbourhoods and canals.
One of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam on King’s Day is to join a canal party, where boats fill the waterways with music and celebration, creating one of the most iconic scenes of the national holiday.
Vondelpark is a must-visit for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. Filled with street performers, musicians and pop-up stalls, it’s ideal for families and visitors who want to enjoy traditional King’s Day activities while soaking up Dutch culture. With so many Amsterdam King’s Day festival events, it’s worth checking which are free and which require tickets.
The Jordaan neighbourhood is another highlight during King’s Day in Amsterdam, known for its lively streets, traditional music and spontaneous parties. Museumplein also comes alive with food trucks, live music, and market stalls, making it a great place to experience a wide range of activities on King’s Day in one central location.
Museumplein is another lively area where visitors can enjoy fun activities with locals and tourists. The open square comes alive with plenty of things to do on King’s Day, including tasty food trucks, live music, and people selling traditional Dutch souvenirs. Here, many locals and tourists can enjoy it.
King’s Day Events in Rotterdam
Another popular destination in Holland to celebrate King’s Day is Rotterdam. Filled with plenty of activities, it also offers lots of must-see locations where you can fully enjoy the culture and endless King’s Day parties and parades. One of the must-visit locations is the lovely Witte de Withstraat, a trendy street in the city centre that comes alive with great music and delicious food and drinks during the national holiday.
A standout event during King’s Day Rotterdam is the annual ‘Royal Walk’, celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. This parade-style walk showcases the city’s diversity and community spirit, making it one of the most distinctive King’s Day activities in the Netherlands.
Visitors can also enjoy local attractions such as the Markthal, Erasmus Bridge and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen while taking in the festive atmosphere, making Rotterdam an excellent option for combining sightseeing with King’s Day Rotterdam celebrations.
Alternatively, you can stroll along the iconic Erasmus Bridge, which offers stunning views of the city skyline. For art lovers, the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is a must-visit, with its impressive collection of contemporary and classical art. So you can enjoy all the King’s Day events going on as well as its local attractions too.
With its many attractions and festive atmosphere, celebrating King’s Day in Rotterdam will surely bring a lot of joy to any tourist!
King’s Day in The Hague
Looking for an impressive King’s Day experience? Look no further than The Hague! One of the must-visit locations in this vibrant city is the Lange Voorhout. This picturesque, tree-lined avenue is transformed into a bustling street market where visitors can indulge in traditional Dutch cuisine and entertainment.
Another popular destination for King’s Day celebrations in The Hague is the Malieveld, a large open field that hosts live music, sports, and children’s games. The field is also home to a large market where visitors can find authentic and unique Dutch gifts.
If you’re looking for things to do on King’s Day in The Hague, you can visit iconic attractions such as the Peace Palace and Mauritshuis museum or enjoy a hearty shopping spree in the Noordeinde Palace district.
Utrecht events on King’s Day
Utrecht is another great city in the Netherlands that offers a unique King’s Day experience. On this day, the city is decorated in orange and filled with celebrations, music, food, and markets.
You can join the many locals in the streets and canals to participate in the King’s Day parties and festivities. One of the main locations to visit during King’s Day in Utrecht is the Domplein, the city’s central square. Here, you’ll see the traditional “vrijmarkt,” a huge city-wide flea market where anyone can sell their goods.
Utrecht also hosts friendly ‘Internationals meetups’ and will be hosting one, especially for King’s Day, where you can meet other travellers to enjoy all the King’s Day festivities!
Other things to do on King’s Day in Utrecht include visiting The Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and offering a stunning view of the city during all the wonderful King’s Day celebrations.
Groningen on King’s Day
Groningen is another dynamic city you’ll find covered in orange decorations on King’s Day! During Groningen King’s Day, you’ll get to enjoy a bustling market with live music, food and street vendors selling everything from clothing to souvenirs!
The most popular location during King’s Day in Groningen is the Vismarkt, the city’s central square. Visitors can enjoy live music performances while tasting the local Dutch delicacies, such as stroopwafels and bitterballen.
For an even more unforgettable experience, don’t miss the ‘Kingsland’ live concert in Standpark, featuring a talented line-up of musicians and performers. From traditional treats to cutting-edge entertainment, Groningen offers something for everyone on King’s Day.
Are you ready to kick off your King’s Day celebrations in Holland? Why not take a scenic journey onboard our P&O Hull to Rotterdam ferry route?
Where are the best places to visit on King’s Day 2026?
If you’re planning a trip for King’s Day 2026, you’ll find celebrations happening across the entire country. King’s Day in the Netherlands is a nationwide event, meaning every town and city hosts its own markets, live music and street parties.
Many visitors choose to explore smaller towns and local communities during King’s Day celebrations in the Netherlands to experience more traditional festivities. These areas often offer a more relaxed atmosphere, with local music, family-friendly activities and traditional food stalls.
Another great option is heading to coastal destinations such as Scheveningen or Zandvoort, where beach clubs and seafront venues host special King’s Day events alongside the usual festivities. Celebrating by the sea can be a fun alternative to the busy city centres.
Wherever you decide to go, you’ll see streets filled with orange decorations, live performances and markets as people across the country celebrate the birthday of King Willem-Alexander.
Finding the Best King’s Day Parties
One of the biggest highlights of King’s Day across the Netherlands is the number of parties that take place throughout the day and night. From open-air festivals to canal boat celebrations, there are countless ways to enjoy.
Many of the largest King’s Day parties are organised by well-known festival brands and music promoters. These events usually take place in outdoor venues, parks and industrial spaces, attracting international DJs and huge crowds.
For something more spontaneous, street parties are a huge part of the celebration. Entire neighbourhoods transform into lively celebrations with local DJs, food stalls and pop-up bars. These parties are usually free to attend and give visitors a more authentic look at King’s Day Holland traditions.
Boat parties are another popular way to celebrate, particularly in canal cities. Groups gather on decorated boats, with music and drinks, creating a unique floating-festival atmosphere that has become closely associated with Amsterdam King’s Day.
If you’re planning to attend the biggest events for this year, it’s best to book tickets early and arrive in the city centres before midday, as many streets become extremely busy later in the afternoon.
Whatever way you decide to take part and enjoy these special festivities, travelling with P&O Ferries is easy. Before the busy day of celebration, why not treat yourself to our premier cabins and enjoy a relaxing sleep before you start partying and exploring the city painted in orange.
Netherlands