Tips for Easter 2025 in Amsterdam

Experience the Netherlands in full bloom

Easter coincides with the best time to see Dutch flowers in full glory. The fields in the countryside, known as the Flower Strip, bloom with crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips from the end of March through to the beginning of May. For the ultimate flower experience, take a day trip to the Keukenhof – the world’s largest outdoor flower expo. Want to brighten up your garden or balcony? Visit the Flower Bulb Festival and plant market at De Theetuin in Weesp (Friday 18 - Monday 21 April 2025). Or, to surround yourself with flowers without leaving the city, visit the Hortus Botanicus botanical gardens or one of the city's many museums with secret gardens.

Join an Easter egg hunt in a historic garden

At Huis Willet-Holthuysen, there is something to enjoy this Easter for young and old. Be amazed by the style rooms and historical interiors of this 17th-century canal house. At the same time, the kids enjoy Easter activities, from making Easter creations and colouring pictures to searching for eggs in the historic garden. The garden is in full bloom around Easter, so take a stroll among the tulips, spray daffodils, orange and yellow crown imperials, and hyacinths.

Easter at Huis Willet-Holthuysen | Saturday 19 - Monday 21 April 2025 | Huis Willet-Holthuysen

Visit weekend markets and culinary events

Amsterdam’s weekly outdoor markets are also open during the Easter weekend. You can pick up supplies for your Easter brunch, dinner or perhaps (fingers crossed!) even a picnic. Keep your eyes open for traditional Easter treats like paasstol (bread with dried fruit and almond paste), coloured eggs and spring lamb. The Albert Cuypmarkt, Dappermarkt and Ten Katemarkt are open on Friday and Saturday, while the organic markets at the Noordermarkt and Nieuwmarkt are open on Saturday.

Celebrate at an Easter brunch

During Easter weekend, you'll find special brunches and dinners to suit every taste and budget. On Sunday and Monday, the Pannenkoekenboot (Pancake Boat) traditionally hosts brunch and Easter cruises, including all-you-can-eat pancakes plus other festive treats. Other impressive locations usually offer extravagant brunches or lunches, including the Amstel Intercontinental Hotel and Hotel Okura. Likewise, Café De Ceuvel is the place to be for a culinary Easter to delve into orange juice, cakes and a cup of coffee. Before brunch, children can also join in the egg hunt. Read our roundup of the city's best breakfast and brunch hotspots for more eggy treats. 

Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt | Sunday 20 April 2025, 11:30 | Café De Ceuvel

Attend a classical passion concert

Music fans rejoice as Easter brings some unique classical concerts to Amsterdam. Traditionally, Bach's St. Matthew Passion will be on the program at various locations known as the Passie (Passion) concerts. Check out the concert agenda for everything going on. In Amsterdam's Concertgebouw, you can truly lose yourself in the musical mastery with an extra intimate rendition courtesy of The Bach Choir and Concertgebouw Orchestra playing instruments from Bach's time.

Matthäus-Passion | Saturday 19 to Sunday 21 April 2025 | Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam

Rave the weekend away

There's always a reason to party in Amsterdam, and Easter Weekend is no exception! Dance the weekend away at DGTL Festival, at NDSM Wharf over Easter weekend, or join the dancefloor at AFAS Live, for Free Your Mind Festival with DJs Len Faki, Nina Kraviz, PAN-POT and Victoria Engel behind the turntables. Search the cultural agenda for more Easter Weekend events, day raves and techno parties in Amsterdam.

Free Your Mind Festival | Saturday 19 April, 14:00 – 23:00 | AFAS Live

Enjoy a picnic in a picturesque park

Of course, you could always escape into nature for a tasty – or lekker, as the Dutch would say – Easter picnic. Luckily, the Amsterdam Area covers all bases when it comes to parks and green spaces. Fancy being surrounded by beautiful foliage and fauna in a forest?  The 1,000-hectare woodland expanse of the Amsterdamse Bos – three times the size of New York’s Central Park – ticks all the right boxes. There's also the nature reserve Nationaal Park Nieuw Land, which contains vast, magnificent fields, reed plains, rough grasslands and winding water courses. Or, if you'd rather head to a more traditional park to chow down on your picnic, there's always Oosterpark, Flevopark and Sarphatipark – each stunning in its own right.

Celebrate with the whole family

Easter is best celebrated together, and they know that all too well at the community of Ruigoord. Just like in previous years, there are numerous theatre, music and fancy dress activities on the program. You can celebrate both Easter days in the artists' village. So put on your Easter outfit and make sure you are present at 13:00 so you don't miss the Easter lunch. Tip: bring extra marshmallows for the Easter fire. Read our complete guide to enjoying Easter in the Amsterdam Area for more family-friendly ideas.

Family Easter Festival | Sunday 20 - Monday 21 April 2025, 13:00 – 17:00 | Ruigoord

Race into Easter at Zandvoort

The DNRT Easter races in Zandvoort (in Amsterdam Beach) kick off the racing season, making a trip to the beachside town a family weekend where Porsches, BMWs and Westfields take the spotlight. Alternatively, there's also the option to watch the mixed-field races where daring amateur drivers attempt to get the most out of their self-built racing creations. Would you like to get behind the wheel yourself? Then take a seat in a Formula 1 car in the simulation racing center. End the weekend in the Paddock Bar or with drinks and bites in Mickey's Bar.