The Tulip season in the Netherlands starts with the spectacular celebration of National Tulip Day on the Dam Square in Amsterdam. Scheduled for the third Saturday in January, this annual event transforms Museumplein into a colorful tulip-picking garden featuring approximately 200,000 tulips. This event is a moment to embrace Amsterdam's cultural charm, with 2025 being a special year as it coincides with the city's 750th anniversary.
The centerpiece of National Tulip Day is the tulip-picking garden, which opens to the public at 1 pm. Entrance to the garden is free and visitors are invited to pick up to 10 tulips each, with biodegradable tulip bags provided at the entrance to encourage sustainable participation. Beyond tulip picking, the event features live music from a traditional Dutch mop orchestra, which adds to the festive atmosphere by playing popular songs like Tulpen uit Amsterdam.
For those waiting in line—queues can average about 60 minutes—there are vantage points to admire and photograph the garden's vibrant display. The event is family-friendly, with volunteers in bright orange jackets on hand to assist visitors and share their enthusiasm for tulips.
Museumplein, the event's location, is a central and easily accessible area in Amsterdam, known for its iconic museums and cultural landmarks. Public transportation options, such as trams and buses, make reaching the square convenient from any part of the city. For those driving, parking in the area may be limited, so public transit is recommended.
Historical background
National Tulip Day was first introduced in 2012 by Tulip Promotion Netherlands, an organization representing Dutch tulip growers. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity, attracting international visitors and serving as a platform to showcase the Netherlands' iconic flower. Each year, a new tulip variety is unveiled at the celebration, often named after notable figures. For instance, in 2024, a tulip dedicated to renowned DJ and producer Hardwell was introduced.
Source: Rove