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Plan your visit to the Dutch Flower Parade | Best times & attractions

Keukenhof TicketsFlower Parade

Just 40 km from Amsterdam, you can witness the world-famous Flower Parade in Holland—a spectacle that's pure magic. See floats bursting with blooms, a vibrant celebration of spring brought to life. Mark your calendars for April 12, 2025, because that's when the 78th Flower Parade will paint the town of Bollenstreek (and everything else!) in a riot of color. Don't miss this chance to experience the very soul of Dutch culture and the beauty of spring in full bloom.

Keukenhof Flower Parade

Bird sculpture crafted from tulips and hyacinths at the Flower Parade Bollenstreek, Noordwijkerhout.

Holland's most famous parade, Bloemencorso Bollenstreek invites over a million people each year. Forget ordinary floats – these are masterpieces crafted from spring blooms: hyacinths, daffodils, and of course, the iconic tulip. On the Friday evening before the Flower Parade, an illuminated flower parade will glide through the village streets of Noordwijkerhout, showcasing the flowers in a whole new light.

While many call it the Keukenhof Flower Parade, the official name - Bloemencorso Bollenstreek - is a bit more of a mouthful. You can catch the parade right outside Keukenhof, making it the perfect excuse to explore the world-famous tulip garden before or after the floral spectacle. 

Flower Parade tickets

Grandstand seats

You can soak in the vibrant floats from a comfortable grandstand seat. While enjoying the parade from the roadside is free and fantastic, a grandstand seat offers an unparalleled experience. Several grandstands line the route, offering prime viewing, convenient parking, restrooms, and catering. Prices vary by location, so you can find the perfect fit for your budget. Even better, special Flower Parade day trips from Amsterdam are available, making your floral adventure even easier!

VIP Grandstand seats

Best places to view the Flower Parade

parade band standing in a flower garden in the Netherlands.
  • Keukenhof Boulevard: For an unforgettable experience, position yourself along Keukenhof Boulevard to witness the Flower Parade! This prime viewing spot is conveniently located at the main entrance of Keukenhof, making it easy to combine both attractions. However, be prepared for a lively atmosphere as this is a popular event. Arrive at Keukenhof early to secure your spot and make the most of your day. 
  • South Keukenhof: For a less crowded viewing experience, head south of Keukenhof. While the parade at Keukenhof itself is a bustling spectacle, the crowds tend to thin out further along the route. 
  • Lisse: The nearby town of Lisse, just a 15-minute walk from Keukenhof, also hosts a lively party during the parade, offering another fantastic viewing option.
  • Helicopter tours: Only for four days in April do you have the chance to witness the parade from a helicopter! Soar above Keukenhof and the surrounding tulip fields, catch a glimpse of the parade, and admire the Dutch coast. 

Other Flower Parade events

Platform adorned with tulips and hyacinths at Bloemencorso flower parade, Noordwijk to Haarlem, Netherlands.

Decoration Days

Wondering how those magnificent floats come to life? Step into the Decoration Hall from April 9 to 11 and see where the magic happens! See a world of vibrant colors and hyacinth fragrance as you witness the transformation of ordinary materials into extraordinary works of art. The flowers are secured to the floats through a specialized process called 'staking.' Get an up-close look at the intricate details and craftsmanship that go into each float. Chat with the talented decorators, learn about their techniques, and maybe even get a sneak peek at what's in store for the parade. 

Flowers floats at evening Flower Parade Bollenstreek, Noordwijkerhout, illuminated for night display.

Illuminated Flower Parade

The Illuminated Flower Parade by Night floats glide through the flower village of Noordwijkerhout on April 11, 2025, from 9pm. The Friday night parade is a beloved event among locals, offering a unique and intimate experience. As the sun sets, the village comes alive with excitement, and the illuminated floats take center stage. Before the parade kicks off, take a stroll through the village and admire the floral creations up close decorated with thousands of lamps. From 5pm onwards, the floats will be on display.

Flower-covered floats in the annual spring parade from Noordwijk to Haarlem, Netherlands.

Flower Parade EXPO

The flower floats will take center stage in Haarlem's city center on April 13, as the grand finale of the Flower Parade. This is your last chance to get up close with these creations and marvel at their intricate details. The floats will be on display until 5pm, giving you ample time to explore.

Flower Parade routes

Flower Parade
Illuminated Flower Parade by Night

Amsterdam Tulip Festival flower parade with vibrant floats and tulip displays.

The Bloemencorso Bollenstreek flower parade will travel from Noordwijk to Haarlem on April 12.

The parade lines up on the Huis ter Duinstraat - Nieuwe Zeeweg - Duinweg at 7:45am, but officially starts at 9am.

The parade covers the following areas:

  • Noordwijk
  • Voorhout
  • Sassenheim
  • Lisse (The parade passes by Keukenhof at 3:45pm)
  • Hillegom
  • Bennebroek
  • Heemstede
  • Haarlem

Flower floats lined up for the evening illuminated Flower Parade Bollenstreek in Noordwijkerhout.

The Flower Parade by Night route covers a huge chunk of Noordwijkerhout, so you'll have plenty of chances to catch the illuminated extravaganza.

While the parade starts from Kruising Herenweg at 9pm, the official start is at Havenstraat at 9:15pm.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Netherlands Flower Parade

Do I need tickets to attend the Flower Parade?

Viewing the Flower Parade along the roadside is free of charge. However, for a more comfortable experience, grandstand seats are available at various locations along the route. These seats offer amenities such as nearby parking, restrooms, and catering services. Ticket prices vary depending on the location and included services. It's advisable to book these tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly, especially in popular areas like Lisse, Sassenheim, and Hillegom.

What is the route and schedule of the 2025 Netherlands Flower Parade?

The 2025 Flower Parade embarks on a 42-kilometer journey from Noordwijk to Haarlem. The procession commences at 9am in Noordwijk and passes through several towns, including Voorhout, Sassenheim, Lisse, Hillegom, Bennebroek, and Heemstede, and concludes in Haarlem. On Sunday, April 13, the floats remain on display in Haarlem's city center until 5pm, allowing visitors to admire and photograph the floral masterpieces up close.

How can I travel to the Flower Parade from Amsterdam?

Several options are available for traveling from Amsterdam to the Flower Parade. Special Keukenhof buses operate from Amsterdam, Schiphol, Haarlem, Leiden, Noordwijk, and Katwijk, providing convenient access to the parade route and Keukenhof Gardens. It's advisable to book tickets for these buses in advance. Various tours depart from Amsterdam, offering packages that include transportation, Keukenhof entry, and grandstand seating for the parade. These tours provide a hassle-free experience, especially for first-time visitors.

When should I arrive to see the parade?

It will be especially busy in the bulb region and Keukenhof on April 12. Make sure you arrive before 11am, especially if you plan to visit Keukenhof. After that time, several roads in the Bollenstreek will be closed for the Flower Parade. 

Where can I park?

Various free parking options are available near the parade. Follow your GPS to the location indicated and from there, a parking attendant will direct you to the nearest available spot. There are a limited number of parking spaces available for handicapped visitors.

Can I combine a visit to Keukenhof with the Flower Parade?

Absolutely! The Flower Parade passes directly in front of Keukenhof, making it convenient to combine both experiences in a single day. The parade is expected to pass by Keukenhof's main entrance around 3:45pm. Given the popularity of this event, it's recommended to arrive at Keukenhof early to explore the gardens before securing your spot for the parade. Keep in mind that this day attracts a large number of visitors, so planning ahead is essential.