How to have a chilled New Year’s Eve

For some, New Year’s Eve means banging parties with the best dance music until the early hours, preferably with as many people as possible in the city’s hippest spots. That’s all good fun, but sometimes you don’t always want to spend the whole night – and morning – with every friend of a friend and acquaintance in a crowded club. A nice relaxing evening and night with a few friends can also be a good way to do it. If you need some inspiration for your chill new year, why not check our plans?

Throw a dinner party
There’s nothing better than a New Year’s feast! In keeping with tradition, everyone can bring a dish or you can get everyone in early for some group-cooking in the kitchen. Get some bubbly and good food, chat about the past year and, of course, your plans for the next. You don’t have to think about dessert for a long time, but there is only one choice: oliebollen! You can make them yourself, but if you don’t want to make a mess, you can buy them ready-made or even order online from Uber Eats.

Check out the fireworks
Want some firework action but don’t want the hassle of buying and setting them yourself? Then go to one of the many fireworks shows after your dinner party. There’s no better way to countdown towards the new year than with a well-filled stomach and a bottle of champagne in your hand. In Rotterdam, for example, you can visit one of the largest firework shows in the Netherlands, the National Fireworks. You can enjoy a breathtaking aerial spectacle and avoid sweeping the ash up the next day.

Chill at a street party
Are you in Amsterdam this New Year’s Eve or want to celebrate New Year’s Eve outside together with your friends? Once the fireworks are over, you could visit one of the many street parties at, for example, the Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein or Nieuwmarkt for some outdoor festivity. You can enjoy the fresh winter air whilst celebrating the new year, and the parties are so cozy that you’ll almost forget the cold – almost!

Warm yourself up to a bonfire
There are some feelings that only come around once in a year, like the warmth of a bonfire on a cold night of celebration. In the Netherlands, there are cozy bonfires lit in many places, where you can enjoy the start of a new year under the stars. In Scheveningen you can return to the Noorderstrand for the traditional New Year’s fire, which has been held since 1850.

Dive into the new year
Scheveningen is not only known for the traditional bonfire – it also hosts the biggest New Year’s open-water dive. No less than 10,000 participants dive into the ice-cold water every year to celebrate the new year. You do not have to go to Scheveningen, the dive is being held in many more places. So, put on your swimming cap, bring a thermos flask and find your nearest New Year dive for a splashing, shivering start to 2019!

You see, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the new year in style, without having to buy tickets well in advance for crowded events or clubs. Whatever you’re up to, be careful, but above all… have fun!