King's Day 2025

Get ready to dance, celebrate, and turn the streets orange! King’s Day is an experience like no other!

King’s Day, or Koningsdag, is a national holiday in the Netherlands celebrated on April 27 each year. When the date falls on a Sunday, like in 2025, it's celebrated a day earlier—on April 26. This holiday honors the birthday of the Dutch monarch and is one of the biggest public celebrations in the country.

History of King's Day

The tradition started in 1885 as Princess’ Day (Prinsessedag) to celebrate Princess Wilhelmina's birthday on August 31. When Wilhelmina became Queen in 1890, the event was renamed Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) and became a national holiday.

In 1948, Queen Juliana took the throne, and the celebration date changed to April 30, as that was her birthday. Under Juliana, Queen’s Day became an official public holiday, marked by a televised royal parade at Soestdijk Palace. In 1980, Queen Beatrix ascended to the throne, but instead of changing the date to her birthday (January 31), she kept April 30 as Queen’s Day to honor her mother. During Queen Beatrix's reign, the event became known for its orange-themed celebrations honoring the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau.

In 2013, Queen Beatrix abdicated in favor of her son, King Willem-Alexander. Since King Willem-Alexander’s birthday is on April 27, the holiday was officially moved from April 30 to April 27 in 2014, and Queen’s Day became King’s Day.

What to Expect When Attending King's Day 2025

Here's a glimpse of what you can look forward to:

• Flea markets: The Vrijmarkt (Free Market) is one of the most famous aspects of King’s Day. Locals set up stalls to sell everything from secondhand clothes to antiques and handmade crafts. You'll find these markets in areas like Vondelpark, Jordaan, Leidseplein, and Dam Square.
• Canal party (boat party): Thousands of boats decorated in orange will float through the city’s canals, blasting music and hosting parties. If you're on the water, expect to see extravagant outfits, Dutch flags, and live music or DJs on the boats.
• Fun fairs (kermis): Amsterdam also has fun fairs, with amusement rides, carnival games, and sweet treats. You'll find a Ferris Wheel, haunted houses, rollercoasters, cotton candy, stroopwafels, Dutch fries, and much more.
• Traditional Dutch games: You’ll find Dutch folk games being played in neighborhoods, parks, and town squares. These are lighthearted and often silly and meant for both kids and adults to enjoy. The most famous ones are Koekhappen (Bite-the-Cake), Spijkerpoepen (Nail Pooping), Ezeltje Prik (Pin the Tail on the Donkey), and Zaklopen (Sack Race).
• Royal family visits: While Doetinchem will host the main celebrations on the King's birthday, the royal family often visits other cities as well. If you’re in Amsterdam, the royal family’s visit is typically marked by a public event or a parade. The Dam Square and Museumplein are likely spots for royal appearances, as these are large, open areas where crowds gather. The royals will be dressed in formal orange outfits, and there will be ceremonies with speeches, cultural performances, and charitable events.

Enjoy all these for free! But Amsterdam will also have many King's Day events, mostly music festivals, that will require a ticket. Some of them are Loveland van Oranje, Kingsland, and Verknipt.

Security Protocols

King’s Day is a massive celebration, and to keep everyone safe, there are a few security measures in place. Expect bag checks at major event areas like Museumplein and Dam Square, and avoid bringing glass bottles and large backpacks. There will be extra police officers and security personnel throughout the city, especially around crowded areas and canals. Public transport will have special routes and crowd control measures, so follow signs and staff instructions.

How to Get To or From the Event

Public transport is the most convenient way to get around, especially since the city can get very crowded:

• Train: If you're coming from outside Amsterdam, you can take a train to Amsterdam Centraal Station.
• Trams: You can catch a tram to get to areas in the city where festivities are happening. The #1, #2, #5, #9, #13, and #17 trams pass by key locations like Museumplein, Vondelpark, and Leidseplein.
• Bus: Routes #170, #172, and #174 go to the Zuid Station and Amstelveen areas. Bus #62 takes you to Leidseplein and Museumplein.
• Metro: Metro lines 52 (North-South line) and 54 are useful if you're coming from certain neighborhoods on the city's outskirts or the Amsterdam airport area.
• GVB day pass: If you plan to use trams, buses, and the metro throughout the day, consider buying a GVB day pass for unlimited travel on all public transport operated by the GVB.
• Bike: Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. You can rent a bike at different bike rental shops around the city or from locations near train stations.

King's Day 2025 Bag Policy

Stick to a small crossbody bag or fanny pack for essentials. Large backpacks and suitcases won't be allowed in busy areas like Museumplein, Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, and Leidseplein.

King's Day 2025 Bag Storage

Celebrate King's Day Worry-Free With Bounce

Store your bags securely in Amsterdam with Bounce and focus on this lively celebration!

You can choose from many spots throughout the city, including near Amsterdam Centraal Station and the Van Gogh Museum, but also in the celebration areas like Vondelpark, Museumplein, and Dam Square.

Book your spot for only €3.00 per day! You'll also get €10,000 in bag protection, no cancellation fee, and 24/7 support from our team.

How to Stow Your Bag at King's Day 2025 With Bounce

1. Choose your spot, book, and pay online.
2. Show your payment confirmation to the store employee and drop off your stuff.
3. Explore Amsterdam and enjoy this wonderful celebration!

How to Make the Most Out of King's Day 2025

• Have fun: If you’re in Amsterdam with kids, head to Vondelpark, where many games are set up for free. And if you want to play games for adults, explore neighborhood celebrations in areas like Jordaan or De Pijp, where you’ll find quirky contests and drinking games.
• Enjoy food and drinks: Food stalls will serve bitterballen (Dutch meatballs), poffertjes (mini pancakes), fries with mayo, and different local snacks. There will also be beer, Dutch gin (jenever), and cocktails on offer.
• Wear orange: In the Netherlands, the color orange symbolizes unity, patriotism, and festivity. If you want to blend in and fully enjoy the celebrations, go all out in orange!
• Kick off with King's Night: King’s Night (Koningsnacht) is the lively pre-party to King’s Day with street parties, live music, and club events. It's celebrated on the evening before King's Day, with many bars and venues hosting special King's Night parties.
• Store your bags with Bounce: Don't drag your bags around the city. Store them securely and wander freely!

Join the party, wear your brightest orange, and make unforgettable memories in Amsterdam on King’s Day 2025!