New Year's Eve in Amsterdam 2013 Festival / Holiday Event Dec 31, 2012

Amsterdam is notorious for its debauchery and legalized vice, so it’s no surprise that the city hosts some of the craziest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. Whether you’re looking to let loose or searching for family-friendly traditions, New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam offers plenty of options to choose from.

All throughout the city, fireworks light up the streets and canals as Dutch locals and travelers usher in the New Year. Sparklers and firecrackers resound through sprawling parties located at historic centers like Nieuwmarkt, Rembrandtplein, and Dam Square.

Families come early to the Amsterdam New Year’s Countdown at the Museumplein for the best views of the massive fireworks show, while art hounds say goodbye to the past by burning a giant wooden effigy to the ground at Dazzleville. Meanwhile, ravers and EDM fans dance until morning to live DJ sets at the Loveland New Year.

Traditional New Year’s Eve events in Amsterdam are generally free. But tickets to New Year’s Eve concerts, raves, and festivals typically cost around €15 to about €50 per person depending on the event.