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A Local’s Guide to Celebrate Like a Dutchie!

Family During Koning's Dag in Vondelpark, Amsterdam

King’s Day is easily one of my favorite festivals in the Netherlands. It’s the perfect harmonious blend of a Mardi Gras-like atmosphere and a family-friendly and enjoyable experience for any path you want to go to celebrate the festival. In this guide, I will showcase the variety of options. You have to celebrate the way you like to enjoy festivals.

King’s Day, known in Dutch as “Koningsdag,” embodies the heart and soul of Dutch festivities, marking the monarch’s birthday and the country’s love for epic celebrations. The streets of Amsterdam transform into a bustling canvas of orange as locals and visitors come together to enjoy street parties, flea markets, concert performances, and the jovial spirit that sweeps the city.

Places like Vondelpark, where you’ll find a family-friendly atmosphere with vendors selling their own used items completely tax-free and games you can play in the park. Here’s me and my daughter enjoying the moment in front of Figure découpée, a sculpture by Pablo Picasso and Carl Nesjar.

Family During Koning's Dag in Vondelpark, AmsterdamFamily During Koning's Dag in Vondelpark, Amsterdam
Me with my daughter on King’s Day (Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers)

Amsterdam’s take on King’s Day is notable for its unique blend of tradition and modern-day revelry. The 27th of April is a day when the ethos of Dutch culture is on full display, paying homage to the nation’s royal heritage while also making room for contemporary music, food, and entertainment.

I was on a KLM Airlines flight from Costa Rica to Amsterdam for one year and arrived on King’s Day, jet lag and all. They even had King’s Day streamers on the plane, and the flight attendants wore crowns!

Orange garland decorations celebrating King's Day inside a KLM aircraft with violet lighting and branded overhead compartments.Orange garland decorations celebrating King's Day inside a KLM aircraft with violet lighting and branded overhead compartments.Orange garland decorations celebrating King's Day inside a KLM aircraft with violet lighting and branded overhead compartments.
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers

I’ll have full time to prepare this year, so I thought this guide would be helpful as I’m eagerly awaiting this epic day. For those planning to join the festivities, understanding the day’s origins enriches the experience. King’s Day has its roots dating back to 1885 as a celebration of national unity and pride, evolving over the years to become the all-encompassing festival it is today.

The day is open to everyone and is particularly family-friendly during daylight hours, with activities and games for all ages. As the sun sets, the city morphs into a hotspot for electronic and dance music enthusiasts, welcoming globally recognized talent and thriving on the energy of the night.

The History of King’s Day in Amsterdam

King’s Day, which takes place on April 27th, marks the birth…

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