The best light and fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is one of the most festive times in the Netherlands, and that means fireworks! Although setting off fireworks yourself has been banned in many municipalities for several years, professional fireworks shows provide a spectacular end to the year. Throughout the Netherlands there are numerous places where you can enjoy a grand fireworks spectacle, and I have listed the best locations for you.

Rotterdam – National fireworks show at the Erasmus Bridge

Rotterdam has been known for years for the biggest fireworks show in the Netherlands: the National Fireworks at the Erasmus Bridge. The city’s impressive skyline and the imposing bridge provide the perfect backdrop for one of the country’s most spectacular fireworks shows. Tens of thousands of people gather along the banks of the Meuse River to watch the show. The show is also broadcast live on television, but it is even more impressive to experience it on the spot. It does become exciting for the turn of the year 2024/2025 whether the fireworks show will still go on, as the municipality has indicated it no longer wants to contribute.

Fortunately, in addition to the city’s fireworks show, there are numerous parties and events every year, from street parties to fancy galas in the clubs. So with or without national fireworks, New Year’s Eve is a big party anyway!

Amsterdam – Magic along the canals

This year again a spectacular light and fireworks show will be organized on the Museumplein in Amsterdam. There is a full program so it will be a party here from as early as 10:30 p.m. onwards. The national countdown 2024-2025 will also be televised, but of course the most fun is to be there live. For small children, a beautiful light and fireworks show will be organized earlier in the evening. This can be visited on New Year’s Eve between 18:45 and 19:10.

The Hague – Fireworks in the Hofvijver

Unfortunately, due to the renovation of the Binnenhof, the annual fireworks show on the Hofvijver cannot take place this year. But not to worry, visitors will still be treated to a spectacular light and laser show in the heart of The Hague! To conclude 2024 and start 2025, a grand show will take place on the Hofvijver. On December 31, starting at 22:00, the evening will kick off with music from a DJ, and the light and laser show will illuminate the Hofvijver until after midnight. The festive show ends around 01:00 and promises a magical transition into the New Year.

In addition, The Hague will host the traditional New Year’s Dive in Scheveningen on January 1, giving your festive start to the year a little extra!

Eindhoven – Light and fireworks show at the Lichttoren

Eindhoven is also organizing a light and fireworks show in the city center this New Year’s Eve, where everyone celebrates the New Year together. The bustling 18 Septemberplein, at the foot of the iconic Lichttoren, is the heart of this free event. The evening is filled with live music from local artists such as Fresku, Joël Borelli and La Fuente, who showcase the city’s diversity with a mix of rap and house. Starting at 9 p.m., the spectacle erupts, with light shows, video projections and a grand fireworks show at midnight. This is the magic of New Year’s Eve in Eindhoven: a party for everyone!

Maastricht – Fireworks with a historical backdrop

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Maastricht is a great way to start the new year! The city is not only atmospheric during the Christmas market, but also offers a spectacular New Year’s Eve. On the Vrijthof there is plenty to do, and the fireworks over the river Maas is an absolute must, with the historic buildings as a beautiful backdrop. You can celebrate in the city with friends and family in the streets or on the Vrijthof, but there are also plenty of New Year’s Eve parties where you can spend the New Year. Maastricht is perfect for people who love not only fireworks, but also good food and drinks. In the city you will find plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a sumptuous dinner before experiencing the fireworks show.

Fireworks-free zones – Cozy without the bangs

For people who would like to enjoy a banging New Year’s Eve, but without the noise of fireworks, there are also more and more fireworks-free zones in the Netherlands. For example, there are cities that organize alternative light and laser shows to end the year in an atmospheric and festive way, but without the traditional fire arrows and bangers. This is a perfect option for people with young children, pets or people who prefer the peace and quiet during New Year’s Eve. This year, in addition to The Hague, Gouda and Zoetermeer, among others, are organizing laser shows without fireworks and bangs.

Credits photos: Canva.com