As the clock ticks down to midnight, the Netherlands comes alive with unique customs and celebrations to welcome the New Year. Here’s is your guide to Dutch traditions.
Oliebollen: the iconic new year’s treat
No Dutch New Year’s Eve is complete with oliebollen, delicious deep-fried dough balls often filled with raisins or currants and dusted with powder sugar. These golden delights are a must-try for internationals and are available at local oliebollen stands throughout Haarlem in December.
Toasting with Champagne
As midnight strikes, Dutch household toast the New Year with a glass of champagne. It’s the perfect moment to say Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! (Happy New Year!) to your loved ones and neighbors.
fireworks: lighting up the sky
Fireworks play a central role in Dutch New Year’s celebrations. Skies burst into color at midnight as residents set off their own displays, filling the night with sparkles and booms.
fireworks ban in haarlem
Haarlem has had a fireworks ban in place since 2021, and this regulation is still enforced.
what does the fireworks ban in haarlem entail?
In Haarlem, it is prohibited to set off fireworks in categories F2 en F3. These include fireworks such as decorative and loud fireworks, which typically carry higher risks. You can find the category indicated on the packaging of the fireworks.
Fireworks in the category F1 are permitted. These include:
- Sparklers
- Snap bangers
- Bengal sticks
These type of fireworks are considered relatively safe and are perfect for a cozy, small-scale celebration.
For more infornation, visit the official Haarlem municipality website page.
Nieuwjaarsduik: The chilly new year’s day swim
After the celebrations, the Dutch kick off the New Year with the Nieuwjaarsduik, or New Year’s Dive, into icy waters. The most famous dive happens in Scheveningen, but Haarlem locals can join a New Year’s Dive in Zandvoort or Bloemendaal aan Zee.
important update: Scheveningen NEw Year’s Dive 2025 cancelled
Attention all swim enthusiasts! The Scheveningen New Year’s Dive on January 1, 2025, has been cancelled. The organizers made the decision based on the weather forecast for that day.
In Zandvoort, discussions between the relevant parties will take place on Tuesday, December 31, at 10 AM to determine if the swim can go ahead. Safety will remain the top priority in these deliberations.
Stay tuned for updates by visiting www.nieuwjaarsduikzandvoort.nl or following the event;s social media channels!
Nieuwjaarsduik in Bloemendaal aan Zee is also uncertain given the weather forecast.