On New Year's Eve locals and tourists pack into the streets and squares of central Amsterdam to celebrate before heading to one of the city's many bars and clubs. Dam Square and the Leidseplein become the centre of most of the revelry and as midnight approaches the sky is lit up with fireworks. The atmosphere in the bars is festive and friendly, though a little seedy around the red light district. Many nightclubs offer New Year specials with top DJs and performances. For more information contact the Amsterdam Tourist Office on +31 (0)20 551 2525 or email info@amsterdamtourist.nl

Date: 31 December annually