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The Flower Parade in Holland, also known as the “Bloemencorso,” transforms an entire region into a moving display of spring colors and scents.
You need to time carefully because the parade is only once every year.
For 2025, the Flower Parade will be held on April 12.
⤷ If you’re in a hurry and want to book the tour, I recommend this one.
It is by far the country’s most spectacular spring festival.
Attracting over a million visitors annually to witness twenty massive floats and thirty decorated vehicles crafted with millions of fresh flowers.
The 2025 parade runs 42 kilometers through the Dutch Bulb region on April 12.
The night before, you can enjoy the shorter evening parade with the light on if you can make it; a great experience.
At the end of the parade in Haarlem, the floats are parked for viewing the next day (the Sunday after the parade).
After that, the floats are dismantled, and you’d have to wait another year.
Each float tells its story through incredible clever designs of hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils, creating a UNESCO-recognized celebration of Dutch culture.
Flower Parade (Bloemencorso) Programming
Here is the schedule for 2025.
(I recommend saving this post for future reference).
- Behind the Scenes: April 9-11
- Illuminated Parade: Friday evening, April 11
- Main Parade: Saturday, April 12
- Float Exhibition: Sunday, April 13
Parade Schedule (Hour by Hour)
Complete Parade Schedule – Saturday, April 12 2025:
09:00 – Noordwijk (start point)
10:45 – Voorhout
11:50 – Sassenheim
14:30 – Lisse
15:45 – Keukenhof Gardens
16:30 – Hillegom
18:00 – Bennebroek
19:55 – Heemstede
21:05 – Haarlem (final destination)
⤷ PS: Here is my post for things to do in Haarlem, a beautiful city just minutes from Amsterdam.
Let me break down exactly how to plan your visit.
Consider Before Your Plan (Main Parade Day April 12)
There are a few things to consider before you make your plans:
- Crowds
- Weather
- Viewing type (will you stand along the route, or will you book a Grandstand seat)
- Whether to combine it with another experience like the Keukenhof gardens
- Whether to go on your own, with a group tour, or with a private guide like myself
Crowds
To avoid the crowds, avoid the most prominent locations.
In Lisse, right next to Keukenhof Gardens, crowds are the largest.
I like Sassenheim; it is still relatively early in the day, and there are not too many people, plus relatively good parking options and a railway station nearby.
The parade also takes a break here.
Thus, more time to see the floats.
Weather
It’s spring, and it’s Holland.
Expect anything.
The Dutch have a saying “April doet wat hij wil” or translated “April does what it (he) wants”.
That says it all.
Expect rain, and come prepared.
Even if you book a tour and a covered seat. You’d need to walk (up to 30 minutes) due to road closures.
Different Viewing Options
There are three main ways to watch the parade:
- Free viewing along the route (arrive an hour early, at least)
- Grandstand seating (€29.50-€99.50)
- VIP packages with extras (€139.50)
Free viewing
I prefer an umbrella and standing along the route where you can walk and take photos from different angles.
On a stand, you’re stuck.
But if standing is a problem, go for the seating option.
If you are for the standing options, walk further than the center of things and find a quiet spot.
Be early. If the floats arrive earlier, you’ll have time. You’re there. Just keep in mind they can also be delayed.
Detailed Grandstand Viewing Options (elevated seats) :
1. Sassenheim Premium – €99.50
- Covered Stand (roof will protect against the weather)
- Includes lunch
- Includes transportation from Amsterdam
- Lunchtime viewing (11:50)
Book this package combining transportation AND seats here.
VIP Package
For €139.50 a visit the Keukenhof is also included (transportation and entrance).
Since this is the busiest day at the Keukenhof, book this package if you only have one day to see it all.
Otherwise, you cannot do it (roads are closed for private vehicles that afternoon).
But don’t expect the red carpet when you read the word VIP. It’s coach transportation, large groups, a simple lunch package, but they take care of the logistics for you.
2. Lisse/Keukenhof – €77
- Covered Stand (roof will protect against the weather)
- These premium prices seats include lunch (Brunch at a garden center nearby)
- Located just a 10-minute walk from the Keukenhof Flower Park
- Viewing mid-afternoon
- Near the stand is a coffee truck (extra charge)
- Transportation is excluded
3. Lisse Zuid – €77
- Covered Stand (roof will protect against the weather)
- Parking right behind the stand (extra charge)
- Viewing early afternoon
- Near the stand is a coffee truck (extra charge)
- Lunch (Brunch is included at the nearby garden center)
- Transportation is excluded
4. Noordwijk – €29.50
- Uncovered stands (no roof)
- First viewing of the parade
- Morning light for photos
- Near the beach for extended day
- Local cafes nearby
- Popular Spot (book early)
- Transportation excluded
5. Voorhout – €29.50
- Uncovered stands (no roof)
- Less crowded option
- Easy public transport access (train)
- Great viewing times (between 11:00 and 11:30)
6. Hillegom – 39.50
- Uncovered stands (no roof)
- Afternoon viewing (from 5 P.M)
- French Fries and Drink included
- Easy public transport access (train)
You can book your grandstand seats here (remember these are seats only; if you want a tour including transportation, I recommend this tour)
Transportation
Own transportation
By Train:
Haarlem is the best place to watch the Dutch flower parade if you don’t have your wheels and do not want to book a tour.
Haarlem is just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam.
⤷ Here is my detailed post on how to get to Haarlem
The parade ends here, so I recommend staying here overnight.
(my recommended hotels are below)
Staying overnight allows you even more time with the floats the next day when they’re on display here.
⤷ And here is my post on things to do in Haarlem.
Sassenheim can also easily be reached by train from Amsterdam and Schiphol airport.
Since all of these have good public transportation options.
By Car:
Important Road Closures:
– 14:00-17:00: All roads around Keukenhof
– 13:00-18:00: Lisse town center
– 20:00-23:00: Haarlem city center
Parking is free at Sassenheim station, so that is a great spot to watch if you have a car.
There is also paid parking along the route. This will be a bit closer.
These spots are signposted.
The Keukenhof parking is closed in the afternoon. So remember, if you park here, you must enter before Lunch and wait until at least 5 P.M. before you can leave again.
It’s appropriately best not to travel by car, though. Consider the train or a tour.
Tours
If you plan to book a tour, I recommend this tour. Combine the Flower Parade in Holland with a visit to the Keukenhof.
⤷ More about the Keukenhof in my full article here.
Private Tour With Me
Or consider a private tour with me.
I know some pretty good viewing locations.
I prefer standing (and I know a spot where we can still sit down while we wait)
But of course, I can also book a viewing platform (depending on availability).
You don’t have to worry about group travel, pick-up locations, or large tour buses:
I will pick you up with a luxury SUV and an electric car—the KIA EV9- directly from your accommodation.
I will limit waiting times at the parade (but I can not avoid it).
(For good places, you must be on time, and the parade stretches a long distance, so delays are always possible, or it can be early).
In the afternoon, we have time for another activity. I can take you to quiet tulip fields in the North (if they already flower in the wild), or we can explore something completely different.
Like one of my favorite small cities, Delft. Or we can visit Giethoorn, also dubbed the Venice of the North, or Kinderdijk, or Zaanse Schans.
It’s a private tour, so special requests are most definitely possible.
After you book, you will get a free 1-1 pre-tour video call with me to finalize our tour plans.
A private tour with me is a guaranteed personal day, with no worries about transportation and no strangers.
⤷ More information about a private tour with me can be found here.
Special Events Before and After the Parade
Behind the Scenes (April 9-11)
Location: JUB HOLLAND, Robijnslaan 43, Noordwijkerhout
Want to see how parade floats are decorated?
Visit JUB HOLLAND hall from April 9-11, 2025, the days before the parade.
Watch hundreds of volunteers attach millions of fresh flowers to the floats.
Tickets are just €9.50 (€2.5 for kids).
Tours from Amsterdam are also available if you’d like to combine this with a Keukenhof visit.
Illuminated Evening Parade (Friday, April 11)
Watch the illuminated flower parade in Noordwijkerhout on Friday, April 11, 2025, starting at 21:00.
Would you prefer a tour?
A complete package (€92.50) includes the evening parade on April 11 and a Keukenhof visit before, plus transfers to and from Amsterdam.
⤷ Book this Keukenhof and Evening Parade Tour here
Route & Times Evening Parade in Noordwijkerhout:
21:15 – Herenweg
21:20 – Dorpsstraat
21:25 – Havenstraat/White Church
21:30 – Koninginneweg
21:40 – Viaductweg
21:50 – Maandagse Wetering
22:05 – Gieterij
Other great Flower Experiences during Tulip season are:
- A Helicopter ride over the flower fields (10 minutes price per person) or (private up to 60 minutes)
- A Private Tour with me to more remote flower fields away from the tourist crowds
- See the flower Mosaics at Limmen
- Visit the famous Keukenhof Flower Gardens
- Cycle through flower fields
When to Book
Besides yesterday, there is no better time to book than now.
This is a unique once-a-year event with limited space. So, the longer you wait, the more chance your preferred option is sold out.
Here are some general guidelines, though:
- Grandstands: 2-3 months ahead
- VIP packages: 2-3 months ahead
- Hotels: 2-6 months ahead
- Tours: 1-6 months ahead
How to Book
- Tour including transportation, seats, lunch, and Keukenhof
- Private Tour with Me
- Grandstand seats without transportation
- Train tickets
- Hotels in Haarlem
Future Dates
2026: April 18-19
2027: April 17-18
Please note these days are subject to change. The organization is known to change the dates depending on weather forecasting, holidays, and logistic reasons.
So check back next year for up-to-date dates.
Frequently Asked Questions Flower Parade in Holland
Why does the Netherlands have a flower parade?
The Netherlands is the largest flower exporter in the world. The parade began in 1947 to celebrate the region’s flower-growing industry. The Bollenstreek (bulb region) produces most of the world’s flower bulbs, and the parade showcases this cultural heritage, now recognized by UNESCO.
What happens if I need to use a restroom during the flower parade?
Public toilets are available at all grandstand locations and every 500 meters along the free route. Grandstand tickets include access to private facilities. Most cafes and restaurants along the route also offer restroom access. But they might require a purchase.
Can I bring my food and drinks to the flower parade?
Yes, grandstand locations also have their catering. You’ll find food vendors every few hundred meters along the route. There are also restaurants and cafes in most town centers. I always recommend bringing water with you.
What’s the best location for taking photos?
I prefer the starting point town of Noordwijk, Sassenheim (where they take a break), or Haarlem, where the parade ends. All these places offer extended periods to walk around the floats and take great pictures.
Is the VIP package worth €139.50?
Yes, if you’re also visiting Keukenhof. The package saves money when booking separately and includes transfers, avoiding transportation hassles during road closures. You can book this tour here.
Which is better – the main parade or the illuminated parade?
The illuminated parade offers better photos and smaller crowds. Consider watching both – the illuminated Friday night parade and the Saturday main parade from a different location. They’re each unique in their way.
The Netherlands Flower Parade celebrates spring, Dutch culture, and floral creativity.
Whether you choose grandstand seating or find your perfect spot along the free route, you’ll witness one of Europe’s most spectacular flower events.
Book early to secure your preferred experience.
Consider booking a consultation call with me for personalized advice about creating your perfect parade experience, including custom itineraries.
I’ll help you navigate the options and create a parade visit that matches your interests and needs.
