The 27th April is King Willem-Alexander birthday and there is no city better placed to celebrate this extravaganza than the city of Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. The public holiday now attracts visitors from all across the world to partake in the ultimate Dutch tradition. Here is our ultimate guide to King’s day in Amsterdam 2025.
Amsterdam canal parade boat party during King’s day © Complete Amsterdam
A day celebrating national pride and unity in the form of festivals, nightclub parties, flea markets, open air street and boat parties. A tsunami of orange descends upon the streets and canals of Amsterdam for one day only and recent figures suggest up to 1 million people come to revel in all that King’s day Amsterdam has to offer. Are you coming to the biggest Birthday party in the world?
King’s Day Boat Parties
Iconic, chaotic and so much fun. There really is no place quite like the canals of Amsterdam on King’s day. From 1pm on the day, Amsterdam canal ring becomes a myriad of boats, fancy dress and orange apparel. Music pulsates as people congregate on bridges, streets and any vantage point to observe the spectacle taking place on water. The atmosphere is electric – infectious smiles on peoples faces – King’s day really does bring happiness to all generations and cultures in the city.
Our top recommendation is to experience an authentic King’s day boat party. You can book your place on board an open top boat here
King’s Day Flea Markets
During this most cherished public holiday, there is no permit required to sell goods so the streets are full of people selling everything from orange merchandise, antiques and souvenirs. Vondelpark becomes Amsterdam’s biggest open air flea market. Dutch children are encouraged to show their entrepreneurial side by selling old toys and vintage games to the crowds.
King’s Day Afterparties
Following the day’s events, revellers continue the party indoors at some of the best electronic dance led club nights the city has to offer. Many of the large brands put on impressive line-ups, big production and King’s day decoration to match. Strangers become friends. Check out the biggest King’s day after parties here
King’s Night
Known as King’s night, the night before brings huge one off nightclub raves. Each year, King’s night is becoming more popular and attracts a mainly young crowd.
King’s Day Festivals
King’s day is synonymous with large scale festivals which take place across Amsterdam. From open air to those in green spaces, the craft and creativity of the skilled organisers comes out to play. Electronic dance led bills typically lead the way however there are jazz and reggaeton infused gatherings where you can enjoy the day. Discover the King’s day festivals here
King’s Day History
Begun in 1885 and originally called Princess day – it wasn’t until 1902 that the date became a fixed national holiday. By September 1948, following the inauguration of Queen Juliana, Queen’s day began to make inroads to become a key date in the public calendar. On the 30th April, Queen Julianas birthday, the event was first televised to the Dutch public in the mid 1950’s. Popularity rapidly increased – the time was right to make it an official public holiday.
Later, when Queen Beatrix came to the throne and to honour her late Mother decided to celebrate Queen’s day on her birthday, a poignant message to her mum and a unified nation. Today, the reigning King Willem-Alexander continues the tradition of visiting a Dutch town to celebrate the occasion. King’s day attendees wear orange as this is the colour of the Dutch Royal Family – the House Of Orange Nassau.
Anything item of orange clothing is typically a good place to start – you can also buy from the street vendors selling anything from orange hats, sunglasses and lei garlands
King’s Day typically starts to warm up around 11am and goes right the way through to the early hours of the morning
