Queen's Day, and today is King's Day - a truly national holiday in the Netherlands, which is loved and awaited by literally all the inhabitants of the country. it National holiday, and each inhabitant has an orange outfit in store for him - the colors of the royal house of Orange-Nassau. Ribbons, garlands, balloons and flags that adorn the streets are also all orange. Inflatable crowns are in particular demand, which, of course, orange color. National flags flutter everywhere, portraits of the reigning person are hung out. The holiday begins the night before with the “royal night”. It is best to be in The Hague that night, where the royal palace is located. There goes the Big music Festival, which begins at half past six in the evening and continues until the morning.

The entire city center is lined with mobile attractions, slot machines, carousels, and stages. On every corner there are stalls selling lightly salted herring - the favorite national dish of the Dutch. The main difference between the “royal night” is the abundance of loud cheerful music. Ribbons, garlands, balloons and flags adorning the streets are also all orange. The capital of the Netherlands is having fun all day long. There is no crowding on the streets and squares, on the rides too. In the evening, the sky lights up with fireworks. From 9 a.m. traffic stops in the city center. All of Amsterdam participates in the carnival. All kinds of concerts and folk balls are open to everyone. Celebration atmosphere, unlimited fun, especially in the Vondelpark.

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The funniest place is Dam Square in front of the Royal Palace. There they sing and dance all day long - both young people in breathtaking outfits and old people in traditional clothes. Everyone is treated free of charge with a national delicacy - herring. The police are forbidden to interfere in what is happening, so the festivities know no boundaries, and in the evening groups of drunk people wander around, and trams cannot pass through the crowd. Of the means of transportation, only barges filled to capacity remain. One of the main spectacles is the Flower Parade. Flowers are loved in the Netherlands. They are grown both in tiny pots and in huge fields. However, in this matter, the Dutch are rather characterized by gigantism. Flowers (and dairy products) form the basis of Dutch exports. The Netherlands, with 0.008% of the world's surface, is the world's third largest exporter of agricultural products. At the same time, only 5% of the country's population works in agriculture. Just in time for the holiday, tulips are blooming in the Netherlands. Velvety, with terry edges, elongated like narrow champagne flutes or, conversely, huge and lop-sided like poppies, they will forever remain in the memory.

King's Day in Amsterdam: bright photos and videos, detailed description and reviews of the King's Day event in Amsterdam in 2019.

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Dutch King's Day is both old and new holiday. Old - because the tradition of holding celebrations in honor of the ruling monarchs appeared in 1885. Since then, for almost 130 years, only women have been at the head of the Netherlands. And the new one is because in 2013 Queen Beatrix handed over the throne to her son Willem-Alexander. Queen's Day has become King's Day. However, the Dutch almost did not notice the difference, even the date of the holiday practically did not change - it shifted from April 30 to April 27.

Naturally, the largest festivities take place in the capital. The streets of Amsterdam are filled with tens of thousands of people in orange clothes - in honor of the family color of the Orange dynasty, spontaneous markets unfold everywhere, concerts are held.

How and where do they celebrate

The main feature of King's Day is the opportunity for anyone and everyone to engage in trade with impunity. So almost the entire center of Amsterdam is strewn with tables with a variety of second-hand trinkets. What is not here: from frank rags to beautiful vintage dresses; from old audio cassettes to unique vinyl records; from cute, baby-made cakes to delicious, authentic dishes from family cookbooks. Frijmarkts, or "free markets" are a rare chance to buy a real Dutch souvenir, including antiques, at a very affordable price. True, it is advisable to go on such shopping in the morning (the first collapses appear at 6:00) and, of course, with cash.

Most of the capital's shops are closed on King's Day. Supermarkets tend to work on closed hours, while small grocery stores, on the contrary, often extend their opening hours.

At 9:00, traffic in the center of Amsterdam stops. The main means of transportation are barges, each of which hosts its own party. Organized and impromptu concerts begin, beer flows like water. The most "driving" places in the city are Dam Square near the Royal Palace and Vondelpark.

Music lovers go to Leidseplein and Museumplein - large-scale concerts are held there. Street events start at 12:00 and continue until 20:00-22:00.

When does the fair in Amsterdam open before Christmas: dates 2019, addresses of bazaars, entertainment and souvenirs worth paying attention to.

In contrasting Amsterdam, everyone will find a fair to their liking. It has everything from traditional bazaars with the magic of Victorian Christmas to modern markets inside industrial premises. We will tell you what awaits tourists on the eve of the Christmas holidays in Amsterdam, which of the fairs you can buy at, and where the largest ice rink in the country is located.

ICE Amsterdam - fair number 1 in Amsterdam

The most notable fair is famous not so much for its goods as for its huge ice rink. Hence the name - "Ice City Amsterdam" (Ice * Village Amsterdam). The market is located on Museumplein Square (literally a ten-minute walk from Park Plaza Vondelpark) and in 2019 will be open from December 14 to December 26 inclusive.

You can always check the details on the official website www.iceamsterdam.nl.

The entire ICE Amsterdam complex will start working on November 17, 2018 and will close only on February 3, 2019. But let's take a closer look at how Amsterdam plans to entertain tourists and citizens on Christmas Eve and a whole month after:

• Ice rink. The highlight of the program is a huge open-air skating rink with an area of ​​1400 square meters. meters. By the way, overlooking the famous Rijksmuseum! The skating rink will be open daily, from 10:00 to 21:00, and on Friday and Saturday even an hour longer - until 22:00. Entrance fees: from € 5.00 (when booking online), skate rental - € 6.50. Other prices on the site.
• Christmas market at the Museumplein in Amsterdam. As we have already specified above, the Christmas Eve Fair will only run for two weeks, starting in mid-December. It will be possible to buy anything there: from interior items self made to traditional sweets. They sell excellent mulled wine there, be sure to treat yourself to another mug! In the wooden pavilions, you can also choose national souvenirs and New Year decorations.
• Restaurants and street food. There is something to do for those who do not know how to skate. A fast food restaurant will operate on the territory of ICE Amsterdam, where you can order both Dutch dishes (fish sandwiches, hearty soups, hot dishes) and hits of European cuisine (pizza, assortment of cheese plates, fondue, etc.). It is worth trying the local beer and even affording slightly stronger drinks. Delicious grilled dishes await visitors right next to the ice rink.

Restaurant in the Christmas complex at the Museumplein

Other fairs in Amsterdam 2019

There are many Christmas markets in Amsterdam, for every taste!

This year on Tripster an excursion from our friend Anastasia is again available. Last year the route was a success, even some of our website visitors know it. There are places available for December 2019. Festive atmosphere guaranteed!

Walking with an individual guide who has lived in the Netherlands for a long time, knows the capital well, knows the language and customs, of course, is exciting. But each of the bazaars can be found on your own if you know the addresses and turnouts:

• Fair Dam. Every year in December, a huge twenty-meter Christmas tree is installed on Dam Square. A tall beauty stands just opposite Royal Palace and amuses the eye with decorations from more than 40 thousand LED bulbs. This is a kind of symbol of festive Amsterdam. The highlight of the market is its round-the-clock work;
• Leidseplein Fair. This bazaar, located on the square of the same name, is also designed for fans of figure skating;
• Pure Winter Fair. This annual bazaar will be held on only two days - 11 and 18 December (in the parks Amstelpark and Frankendael respectively). The main product here is organic products directly from the manufacturer. Delicious tastings, Christmas decorations and a lot of pleasant pre-holiday fuss await guests;
• Fair Funky Xmax. A certain tradition has developed in Amsterdam - every year in December, the Sunday market in Westergasfabriek, where creative art and design products are sold, turns into a themed Christmas market. This year the action will take place on December 11th.

Where to stay in Amsterdam 2019

If you have long dreamed of seeing Amsterdam's Christmas markets, it's time to book a hotel. We have selected three options that are optimal in terms of price / quality in the center. But if the historical part seems unreasonably expensive to you, do not forget that Amsterdam has a metro and well-developed public transport - you can always find a cheaper hotel in a residential area.

1. Hotel Rudolph

Address: 563 Herengracht, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Canal View Room at Hotel Rudolph

Hotel overlooking one of the canals of Amsterdam. Historic building of the 17th century, near Rembrandt Square and the Flower Market. Near transport stops, shops (including grocery), restaurants and cafes. The rooms have quality beds, mattresses and linen; there is soundproofing - those who suffer from noisy neighbors will appreciate it!

2. Hotel V Nesplein

Address: Nes 49, Amsterdam, Netherlands

4 star hotel with fantastic design close to the railway station. If you're planning to visit the Christmas markets outside of Amsterdam, you won't find a better location. The spacious rooms have a coffee machine, hair dryer, bath amenities. There is The Lobby restaurant, but there are many other cafes near the hotel.

3 Hotel Il Fiore

Address: Lindengracht 25 b, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Standard room at Hotel Il Fiore

Budget mini-hotel in a historic building. The rooms are simple, not overly spacious, but clean and comfortable. There is a TV, electric kettle, coffee and tea set, mini bar. But the main location: close to most attractions, in particular - 500 m from the Anne Frank House.

Christmas markets outside the city

• Grote Markt in Haarlem. The Christmas market will be held on December 10-11, 2019 near the Grote Kerk church. A professional choir will create a festive mood for the guests, and the organizers promise fireworks on weekends.
• Castle Keukenhof. The Keukenhof Fair is one of the most grandiose holiday markets in all of Holland. It is scheduled for December 8-10. In addition to various souvenirs and delicacies, visitors will enjoy live performances by talented performers. It will not be boring!

Local cuisine, souvenirs and toys

Walking around elegant Amsterdam, you should definitely try the national delicacy - Oliebollen donuts. No less tasty are poffertje - small pancakes of the same size. You can drink them with hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Best gifts: Dutch cheeses, handmade holiday cards, merino wool and Christmas decorations(expensive, but very high quality).

Excursions in Amsterdam and surroundings

No matter how interesting the Christmas markets and festivities in Amsterdam are, you should devote your free time to excursions. Regardless of the season, museums (State, Madame Tussauds, Van Gogh), flower (Bloemenmarkt) and flea (Waterlooplein) markets, the Red Light District are especially popular in Amsterdam.

For those who are in the city for the first time, there is no more interesting place to start acquaintance with. See Dam Square, take pictures against the backdrop of bridges and canals, walk with a guide to the Blumenmarkt market.

Places and dates
- places and dates
- by train

On April 27, the Netherlands celebrated another King's Day.
On this holiday (and it starts from the evening before), residents leave their bicycles at home, put on orange (every resident certainly has something orange, no doubt) and go for a walk around the taverns.
I suggest you take a look at how it was in Amsterdam this spring.

Brief historical background.

This holiday traces its history back to 1885, when the Liberal Party decided to designate a day national unity August 31, celebrating Princess Day at once - the birthday of Princess Wilhelmina.
Then the princess became queen, and the holiday was renamed Konninginnedag = Queen's Day, that is, Queen's Day.
Then the queen changed, and it began to be celebrated on April 30. on the birthday of Queen Juliana.
The next queen, Beatrix, decided not to change the date and it was on April 30 that she wisely ascended the throne :-)
And in 2013, the country's ruling queen, Beatrix, officially abdicated in favor of her eldest son, Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange.
And now, starting in 2014, instead of the usual Queen's Day, the Netherlands celebrate King's Day.
Well, the date has moved a bit to April 27 - His Majesty's birthday.

The city is decorated for the holiday.

The holiday begins the night before with the Royal Night = Queen's Night.
There are many concert venues in the center.

Mostly students have fun.

The performers are diverse, incendiary and sing well:

From 9 a.m. traffic stops in the city center. The whole of Amsterdam is carnival.

Pay attention - the lions are also in orange raincoats!

The canals are a great place to celebrate.

They even have orange boats:

It feels like something fun is in the air :-)

Disco continues:

People in funny costumes walk the streets:

And not only people

Something orange is falling from the sky.

Carousels are placed right on the central square.

By the way, they also appear on Dam Square on other holidays.

In the video from the carousel, you can hear a little how the wind whistles above and the girls squeal. I apologize for the vertical angle. but it's breathtaking.

View from above. Here you will not only squeal!

There is also a flower parade on this day.
It moves from the city of Aalsmeer to Amsterdam. It is said to be a very beautiful sight, but that is a completely different story that goes beyond the scope of this report.

Since 2014 we no longer celebrate Queen's Day, but we do celebrate King's Day. Celebrations are held on April 27 across the country (instead of April 30, as it was before 2014), with everyone dressed in orange, and the brighter the better.

• Get your orange outfit ready to celebrate King's Day with us in Holland on April 27th!
• Celebrate King's Day in Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague or Eindhoven!
• Enjoy spectacular rides in one of the many amusement parks!

King's Day all over the country

On April 27, the whole of Holland turns into a holiday! From the largest cities to tiny villages, the whole country celebrates King's Day. Everywhere there are street markets where residents sell all sorts of things and (homemade) goodies. Music bands singing on every corner, in every pub selling beer - on the street and everywhere people dance in their orange robes. According to the unchanging tradition, The Royal Family on this day visits one or two cities in Holland, so with a good combination of circumstances, you can see them with your own eyes!

King's Day in The Hague

Combine the Night and Day of the King

If you want to celebrate King's Night and Day the way the locals do, be sure to book a hotel in the city of your choice.

Public holidays in the Netherlands:

January 1 - New Year. Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. April 27 - King's Day, annually. Ascension of the Lord. Trinity and Spirits Monday. We celebrate Christmas on December 25th and 26th.

Read more about public holidays in the Netherlands here.