New Year's Eve in Amsterdam: Coffeeshop Tips

A different kind of New Year

New Year's Eve, known in Dutch as Oud en Nieuw, is one of the liveliest nights in Amsterdam. For years the city was known for heavy private fireworks in the streets. That is changing. A national ban on consumer fireworks is reported to take effect from August 2026, which would make the 2026/2027 celebration the first without private fireworks across the Netherlands. In their place, the city stages organised light shows and public displays.

The details below reflect what is normally expected and what has been reported for 2026/2027. Times, rules and venues can change, so check the latest information a few days before you travel.

The main things to know

• Private fireworks. Expected to be banned nationwide from 2026, with fines for breaking the rules.
• Official shows. Museumplein, Sloterplas and IJburg are the three main places for organised displays.
• Coffeeshop hours on 31 December. Many close early, often between 18:00 and 20:00, so staff can celebrate.
• Late openers. A few shops have traditionally stayed open later. Confirm with them.
• New Year's Day. Many shops open late, around midday or early afternoon.
• Public transport. Trams, buses and ferries normally stop at about 20:00 on 31 December. A limited night service starts again after 01:00.
• Street smoking. Cannabis smoking is banned in parts of the centre, including De Wallen and Dam Square, with a fine of around €100.
• Hotels. Prices rise sharply from 30 December to 1 January, so book well ahead.

The early closing problem

The single biggest surprise for visitors is how early many coffeeshops close on New Year's Eve. Owners let staff spend the countdown with family and friends. If you leave your hotel late in the evening hoping to buy something for midnight, you may find locked doors across the city.

Plan ahead

• Buy on 30 December or on the morning of 31 December, ideally before mid-afternoon.
• Stay within the limit of 5 grams per person per day.
• Keep what you buy safely at your hotel or apartment.
• Do not plan to buy after dinner.

Shops that have stayed open later

A small number of shops have traditionally kept longer hours on the night. Barney's on Haarlemmerstraat, Green House Centrum on Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Easy Times on Prinsengracht have been mentioned in the past. Their hours change from year to year, so check with each shop before you rely on it, and expect queues.

Where to watch the celebrations

• Museumplein. The central hub, with music, lasers and a light and drone show. Entry is usually free.
• Sloterplas. A waterside display in the west, good if you are staying outside the centre.
• IJburg. A waterfront show in the east.

Look for stalls selling oliebollen, the traditional fried dough balls dusted with sugar, and appelflappen, apple turnovers. They appear on squares such as Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.

Getting around

• Plan your evening so you are within walking distance of where you want to be when public transport stops at about 20:00.
• A limited night metro and some night trains run after 01:00.
• Taxis and ride apps are hard to find in the canal ring late at night. Book ahead if you can.
• Wear warm, waterproof shoes, since you will do a lot of walking.

See our transport guide for the general picture.

New Year's Day

On 1 January many museums fill with pre-booked visitors and most coffeeshops open around midday. It is a good day for a slow start: a warm drink, a gentle walk and a relaxed visit. Look for a quiet shop with a vaporizer and comfortable seats, and choose a window seat if you can. You can browse listings in our coffeeshop directory.

Staying sensible

• Do not mix cannabis with heavy drinking.
• Keep track of your belongings in the crowds.
• Do not smoke in restricted areas.
• Do not drive or cycle afterwards.

Where to stay

Book early, because rooms fill and prices rise. Look at hotels near coffeeshops and stays with balconies and lounges.