Held every year on 27 April, King’s Day (previously known as Queen’s Day) is renowned for being one of the biggest and most colourful festivities in the Netherlands, and especially so in Amsterdam.
All you need to know about King’s Day
Find out all you need to know about King’s Day in Amsterdam, from the history and traditions to the best events in town and travel tips to make sure everyone has a fun, enjoyable day.
King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) is celebrated each year on April 27th, the birthday of the King Willem-Alexander (when the King’s birthday falls on Sunday, celebrations are moved to Saturday. This was the case last year, and celebrations will be held on Saturday April 26th, 2014)
King’s Day, Kingsday or “Koningsdag” (as the Dutch call it) has been the national holiday in Holland for over a century and is the biggest national event in Holland. Everything and everyone turns orange and celebrates on King’s Day. Amsterdam celebrations are the largest and the most attractive. Almost one million people arrive to the city to celebrate King’s day Amsterdam 2015.
The atmosphere on this day is traditionally relaxed and joyful. King’s Day in Amsterdam is a huge orange street party associated with street carnival, dancing and singing combined with an open air free market (vrijmarkt) in the whole city. There are outdoor stages for live music set up all around the city, and party people can drink beer and dance in the streets. In past years there have been huge gatherings at Museumplein and Rembrandtplein, but those big concerts have been relocated outside the center to make the crowds more manageable. Also the weather, usually mild and not too hot, makes King’s Day the day to be in Amsterdam!
What to do on King’s Day?
Free Flea Market – This free market, the so called “Vrijmarkt”, is a citywide street sale on King’s Day in Amsterdam. The Dutch love to trade, they have it in their blood. They celebrate their most important national holiday with buying and selling lots of small unnecessary objects from their homes on the streets and in the parks of Amsterdam. Anyone can set up a little spot and sell their household goods, books, used clothing and abandoned toys. But it’s not only second-hand goods on offer – plenty of food stalls spring up to sell all kinds of food! The “Vrijmarkt” on King’s Day in Amsterdam is a unique family event with children actively participating. Prices are symbolic and the most important is fun. Market activities starts at 9am, peak at 10am and end around 4pm. The Vondelpark is reserved for the kids. Only children may sell here their toys and books. The biggest “Vrijmarkt” in Amsterdam can be found at Beethovenstraat, Stadionweg and Apollolaan.
Canals – Also the canals are a very popular place to be on King’s Day. There is nothing like the sea of orange that fills the world famous canals on King’s Day in Amsterdam! People dance on boats and on the shore. If you know someone with a boat this is a great way to experience King’s Day. Or just catch a view from the streets and bridges along Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, Singel or one of the smaller canals. In fact, the canals can get so crowded (especially Prinsengracht) that it might be possible to walk across the water by hopping from boat to boat.
Street Parties – The Wallen and Jordaan districts and the Nieuwmarkt and other big squares are the best place for big street parties. Locals and cafés have music and drinks in the street, so you can walk from one street party to the next.