New Year's Eve Parties 2024

How Do the Dutch Celebrate New Year's Eve?

If you're not yet familiar with Dutch traditions, it's good to start with understanding how the Dutch celebrate New Year's Eve. We've listed the main Dutch traditions for you when it comes to ringing in the new year.

6x Dutch Traditions New Year's Eve

1. Eating Oliebollen

Number one is eating oliebollen. These fried dough balls with powdered sugar come in many varieties, such as with raisins or filled with custard. There's also the popular apple fritter. We've even made a list of the oliebollen stands in Groningen for you.

2. The Top 2000

Number two is listening to the Top 2000. It’s also common for colleagues or friends to create their own list of favorite songs from the Top 2000.

3. Buying a Lottery Ticket

Number three is buying a lottery ticket. Every year, many Dutch people participate in the lottery. I remember the hopeful conversations at home about what we would do with a million euros!

4. Setting Off Fireworks

Number four is setting off fireworks. In the Netherlands, there are quite a few rules about fireworks, much to the joy or dismay of the Dutch people. Read about the general regulations on fireworks in the Netherlands.

5. The New Year's Dive on January 1, 2025

Last but not least, the New Year's Dive. Last year, we made a list of locations in Groningen where you can take the plunge and how to prepare for it. For instance, you can join the GZVW Nieuwjaarsduik in Meerstad or head to the Nieuwjaarsduik in Veendam. The biggest New Year's Dive takes place annually in Scheveningen, attracting around 10,000 visitors! Tradition dictates wearing something orange, along with a signature UNOX hat.

6. New Year's Eve Show with Pieter Derks

Spending New Year's Eve at home or at a house party is most common in the Netherlands! And often, the New Year's Eve show is on TV. What exactly is this? During the show, a comedian humorously and critically looks back on the year. This year, comedian Pieter Derks will perform the New Year's Eve Show for BNN Vara, announced on March 26. You can watch it at 10:30 PM on NPO1.

How to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Groningen?

Most friends I know simply celebrate at home with their friends, often at a house party. There are also several large events at major venues in the city of Groningen. In this article, we’ll list some of the bigger NYE Parties in Groningen. But, of course, not everyone is up for a big dance party, so let’s first highlight some smaller and more unique cafes in Groningen.

Cafes and Bars in Groningen Celebrating New Year's

We searched for bars in Groningen that are open during New Year's Eve, and it wasn’t easy to find. It was ‘like searching for a needle in a haystack,’ as we say! Many bars are closed for New Year's Eve or host private parties for regulars.

Do you own a bar and want to be included in the list? Send us a message or respond to our desperate call on Reddit. But … how do people celebrate New Year's in Groningen? It turns out that most people spend New Year’s Eve at home with friends or family. House parties are incredibly popular. Here’s a fun tip: grab a festive snack bag from the Zuivelhoeve! While waiting for the countdown, people usually watch a New Year’s Eve comedy show or enjoy music and snacks. Sometimes, fireworks are set off outside the house.

• If you’re looking for a smaller New Year’s party at a cafe or bar, Metalcafé De Witte Wolf hosts a fun event! Of course, you’ll need to be a fan of metal music ;-) 31/12/2024 - New Year's Party | Metalcafé De Witte Wolf.
• Another cozy option is the party starting at 1:00 AM at Dorothy's Dragbar. 01/01/2025 - NYE Party | Dorothy's Dragbar. Book your tickets or check the event calendar.
• We also heard about a hardcore/psytrance event called Cosmic Countdown at Club PEPR, but we couldn’t find further details online.

New Year’s Eve Parties in Groningen 2024/2025

After a festive season in 2024, it’s time to welcome 2025 in style. Groningen offers plenty of dance parties to celebrate the New Year. If you’re not already following our event calendar, now’s the time!

Check Out the Timeline for New Year’s Eve in Groningen!

Check the Timeline!

Follow us on Instagram—you won’t regret it! Here’s a list to help you end 2024 dancing:

• 31/12/2024 - Groningen Counts Down | Grote Markt | The free New Year’s Eve celebration in Groningen as part of Wintergoud.
• Discodots at Huize Maas. Get your tickets.
• 01/01/2025 - CHEAP NYE | OOST | Buy your tickets.
• 31/12/2024 - Paradigm NYE | Zeefgebouw at Suikerunie. Get your tickets.
• 31/12/2024 - Happy Feelings NYE Special | De Graanfabriek. Buy your tickets.
• 31/12/2024 - KOPJEK NYE | Stadspark Drafbaan. Grab your tickets.
• 31/12/2024 - Flonk Friday NYE Party (Glitter & Glamour Style) | Stadslab Groningen.
• 31/12/2024 Nieuwjaarwerker | Uurwerker. 700 tickets sold out, but more will be available on Instagram.
• 31/12/2024 - Together New Year’s Party | Edanz.
• 01/01/2025 - PALACE New Year’s Eve LAS VEGAS | PALACE. Get your tickets.

Hotels in Groningen nearby the NYE PARTY VENUES

At our website we always have an available hotel nearby an event! So book an event and  your hotel nearby! We  have a nice opportunity to book Hotel The Happy Traveler during NYE in Groningen. 

Stay Updated on NYE Parties in Groningen

We hope this list inspires you to end the year with a bang or cozy at home! Whether you’re looking for a vibrant party, an exciting performance, or a relaxing night in, Groningen has plenty to offer during the New Year’s Eve festivities. You always bring your own cheer, of course! Keep an eye on our event calendar for more updates. Enjoy the season, and see you at the next event! You can also subscribe to our newsletters here.