Gong Xi Fa Cai! Lunar New Year, still known to many in the Netherlands as Chinese New Year, takes place on 29 January. But where do you celebrate Lunar New Year in Amsterdam? We found out for you.
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Lunar New Year 2025/Chinese New Year: The Year of the Snake
Chinese New Year begins every year between 21 January and 20 February, on the second new moon after the winter solstice on 21 December. This year, it falls on Wednesday, 29 January 2025. Lunar New Year will be celebrated in many places across Amsterdam. Today, it’s all about being together with family and loved ones, enjoying delicious food and drinks, and honouring associated traditions. It will mark the Year of the Snake, symbolising prosperity and fertility.
Wondering where to ring in this special year? We’ve listed the spots where you can celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 in Amsterdam.
Lunar New Year Amsterdam: 5 Festive Spots to Celebrate the New Year
Ron Gastrobar x Sea Palace
Ron Gastrobar is teaming up with Sea Palace to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Amsterdam. That evening, they will serve a special menu at Amsterdam’s most famous floating restaurant (that enormous floating building next to Central Station) for €150 per person, bringing together the best of both worlds. But that’s not all, as it promises to be a night full of celebration, spectacle, fireworks, shows, and more.
Oosterdokskade 8, Amsterdam – rongastrobar.nl
© Ron Gastrobar, @rongastrobar
Dragon Dance at Zeedijk and Surroundings
To celebrate the European New Year, there was already a tiny dragon dance at Zeedijk, and on Wednesday, 29 January, this tradition will take place. The parade will start at the Buddhist Temple—where an offering ceremony will first be held—and continue through and around Chinatown. There will also be fireworks.
Zeedijk 106-118, Amsterdam – ibps.nl
Oriental City
Oriental City is a household name in Amsterdam and far beyond. You can order takeaway here if you’re celebrating Chinese New Year at home. If you’d rather dine out, enjoy a meal at this unique spot with dim sum. It’s not only delicious but also lets you stay very close to all the festivities at Zeedijk while offering a brief escape from the hustle and bustle.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 177 – 179, Amsterdam – oriental-city.com
© Oriental City
Dining in Chinatown
Nam Kee, Oriental City, Wing Kee, New King, China Sichuan, Xi’An Delicious Foods at Zeedijk, etc. The list of great Chinese restaurants in Amsterdam’s Chinatown (in and around Zeedijk) is endless. Make a reservation in advance at one of Amsterdam’s best Chinese restaurants to secure a spot.
Festivities at Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square
Various festivities are planned at Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square, including the traditional and unique dragon dance with live music and fixed rituals. Start the year afresh, as the dance is said to drive away evil spirits.
iamsterdam.com
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
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