The Tulip Festival is a spring season celebration in Holland, like Japan’s Sakura season. This Tulip Festival in Amsterdam and Keukenhof Gardens in 2025 will bring millions of visitors to see tulips, walk through blooming tulip fields, take photos, and enjoy the joyful vibe.
This guide covers all you need to know about the Holland Tulip Festival in 2025 in Amsterdam, Keukenhof, and Michigan.
The Rise of Tulips As a Symbol of Dutch Society
Have you heard the story of Tulip Mania, one of the most famous financial bubbles in history? Those iconic flowers didn’t originally come from Holland. Instead, they traveled from the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) in the 1600s and became extremely popular sparking the frenzy known as Tulip Mania.
During this period, tulip bulbs sold for outrageous prices and became a status symbol for the wealthy. You could buy a house for the price of a single bulb! Tulips went from beautiful blooms to a symbol of luxury.
For many years, Holland has led the world in growing and selling flowers, especially tulips. Its favorable climate, fertile soil, and innovative spirit helped build a thriving industry. As this industry grew, the Dutch government promoted it as a tourist attraction, leading to flower festivals and events across Holland, like the Amsterdam Tulip Festival.
The Amsterdam Tulip Festival in Holland
The Amsterdam Tulip Festival began in the 20th century, a more recent initiative in contrast with the Holland Tulip Festival, or Keukenhof. It celebrates the iconic Dutch tulips by planting them in parks, streets, and museums around the city.
The Amsterdam Tulip Festival isn’t just a one-place festival, it’s the entire city celebrating the arrival of spring. Every year, 800,000 tulips are planted across the city—one for each resident. Flowers bloom in public spots like Vondelpark, Dam Square, and around the Rijksmuseum. Some events are free, with guided tours, workshops, and photo spots. It’s a tribute to Dutch floral history, best enjoyed on foot or bike.
Visitors can learn about the city’s tulip history at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum or join National Tulip Day (Nationale Tulpendag) in Dam Square, where they can see tulip fields and pick free tulips. Also, the floating Bloemenmarkt (flower market) is a popular spot to buy tulip bulbs and flowers.
The Amsterdam Tulip Festival is one of many flower events in the Netherlands, along with Keukenhof Gardens, which also features millions of spring flowers near Amsterdam.
When Will the Amsterdam Tulip Festival in Holland Begin?
The Amsterdam Tulip Festival in Holland will begin on March 21, 2025, until May 11, 2025. This festival coincides with the blooming season of tulips, with bright displays in gardens, parks, and public spots, including the famous Keukenhof Gardens.
Be aware that the festival coincides with other major events, not only the Keukenhof Gardens (open from March 20 to May 11, 2025) but also the Flower Parade Bollenstreek on April 12-13, 2025. Key spots to visit are Vondelpark, Museumplein, the gardens at the Rijksmuseum, and other public spaces like the Hortus Botanicus and NDSM Wharf.
Amsterdam Tulip Festival in Holland Quick Guide📅 General TimingThe Amsterdam Tulip Festival runs from late March to early May. Mid-April is the ideal time to see the tulips in full bloom, though weather conditions can slightly shift this window.
🌡️ WeatherSpring weather in Amsterdam is cool but changeable. In March, temperatures range from 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F), rising to 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F) in April, and 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F) in May. Light rain showers are common, with about 10-12 rainy days each of these months. The weather can shift quickly from sunny to cloudy and chilly, and it’s usually breezy because of the nearby North Sea. 🎟️ Key Events to Attend:
|
The Keukenhof Tulip Festival in the Netherlands
The Keukenhof Tulip Festival takes place at Keukenhof Gardens (often called the Garden of Europe) in Lisse, Netherlands. It fills a large park in Lisse with millions of blooming flowers each spring, mainly tulips. We’re talking about over 100 flower bulb growers and weekly indoor displays. Visitors can see themed gardens, tulip fields, and Dutch features like windmills and sculptures. The festival is also a means to support business and floriculture in the Netherlands, giving growers a place to share new flower types.
In case you are considering a trip to the Holland Tulip Festival in 2025, this is the place to visit. Not only you will witness a wide array of tulips, but you can also join the festivities for its 75th anniversary.
How Did the Holland Tulip Festival or Keukenhof Begin?
The Keukenhof Gardens, often referred to as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens located in Lisse, Netherlands. The idea for Keukenhof began in 1949 when Dutch bulb growers and the mayor of Lisse sought to promote the Dutch tulip industry by showing tulips and other bulb flowers.
The gardens officially opened to the public in 1950 and soon became a popular destination. Millions of visitors come each spring to admire the displays of tulips. Today, Keukenhof features over 7 million flowers, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, attracting tourists from around the world.
Keukenhof was once a hunting estate in the 15th century. The name “Keukenhof” translates to “kitchen garden”, as the estate originally supplied herbs for a nearby castle's kitchen.
When Will the Keukenhof Tulip Festival Begin in 2025?
The Keukenhof Tulip Festival will start on March 20 until May 11, 2025 in the Netherlands. During this time, visitors can enjoy the gardens daily from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, attend flower shows in different pavilions, and join events like the Flower Parade and Easter fun.
Tickets for the Keukenhof Tulip Festival are €20 online or €25 at the gate for adults, €9 online or €14 at the gate for kids aged 4–17, and free for kids 0–3. On-site tickets may sell out while tickets are already on sale at www.keukenhof.nl.
Note that online tickets tend to be cheaper and you get to choose your preferred date and time. Also, tickets bought online can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before, or canceled up to 4 days before for a €2.50 fee. There are also “combi-tickets” available online, which include entry and public transport. Groups of 20+ get special rates, but you need to book early.
This 2025 Keukenhof Tulip Festival will take place in Lisse, Netherlands, and offers walking paths, bike rentals, and boat tours to enjoy the flowers. Here are key dates that include special events and displays:
-
Easter Weekend: April 19–21, 2025
-
King’s Day: April 27, 2025
-
Liberation Day: May 5, 2025
Keukenhof Tulip Festival 2025 Quick Guide📅 General TimingKeukenhof Gardens will be open from March 20 to May 11, 2025. For the best tulip displays, plan your visit between mid-April and early May, when the tulip fields are in full bloom.
🌡️ WeatherMarch is cool and unpredictable, with temperatures from 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F) and sporadic rain. April becomes milder, ranging from 4°C to 15°C (39°F to 59°F), though rain remains frequent. May brings warmer weather, with 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F) and finally fewer showers. 🎟️ Key Events to Attend:
|
Here’s a fun fact you may not know: This tulip garden is special because its unique planting style creates a beautiful display of tulips throughout the season. The flowers bloom in stages, offering a colorful show at every visit. To make visits more enjoyable and peaceful, there is a timed ticketing system. Be sure to book your tickets early to secure your spot and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Beyond these two famous festivals, many others take place in towns and regions across the country. Here’s one of the most important.
The Holland Tulip Festival In Michigan
The Holland Tulip Festival, or Tulip Time, started in 1929 in Holland, Michigan in the United States. The city, founded by immigrants in the 19th century, wanted to honor its Dutch roots and the beauty of tulips. They planted 100,000 tulip bulbs to create a flower display like those in the Netherlands. The event grew in popularity, as thousands of visitors started coming and parades appeared, Dutch dances, and local arts.
Over time, Tulip Time became one of the largest festivals in the U.S., with many acres of blooming tulips in parks, streets, and gardens. A key part of the festival is the tulip parade, where floats covered in thousands of tulips draw many visitors each year. Guests can visit local sites like Windmill Island Gardens and Veldheer Tulip Farm.
90th Anniversary of Dutch Dance at Tulip Time 2025
The 2025 Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan, will commemorate the 90th anniversary of its Dutch Dance program.
Since 1935, this tradition has celebrated Dutch heritage with dances in authentic handmade costumes, including wooden shoes (“klompen”). Inspired by village and farm life in the Netherlands, dancers, from third grade to adults, honor their cultural past.
Visitors can join lessons to learn the dances, enjoy a Dutch lunch paired with a costume show, and try De Familiedans, a family-friendly dance event. Over 800 dancers take part each year, with sign-ups starting January 2025.
Set among blooming tulips, this 90th Anniversary milestone highlights Tulip Time’s commitment to celebrating Dutch culture. Don’t miss this unique experience in 2025!
When Will the Holland Tulip Festival In Michigan Begin?
The 2025 Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan, United States will begin on May 2nd, the first Friday of May, and will end on May 11th. It will last eight days, giving more time to see the tulips, parades, Dutch heritage events, and shows. It also allows for more activities to honor Dutch roots and shows millions of tulips in bloom around the city.
Tickets for the festival are already on sale on the Tulip Time official website. Many tulip displays in parks and downtown streets are free. However, if you wish to attend events like concerts, workshops, and tours you will need tickets. Popular events may sell out, so it’s wise to book early and check the website for updates on prices or schedules.
The festival will offer a variety of events throughout the week, spread across different locations within a short distance. Visitors can enjoy the tulip displays at their peak in parks, gardens, and around town for free.
Holland Tulip Festival in Michigan Quick Guide📅 General TimingThe festival takes place in the first or second week of May. Early bloomers may appear in late April, but most tulips reach full bloom between late April and early May. 🌡️ WeatherSpring Weather in Michigan can be unpredictable, from cool to warm (average temperatures between 50°F to 70°F or 10°C to 21°C). Be prepared for occasional rain and bring layers for changing weather. 🎟️ Key Events to Attend:
|
Must-Know Travel Tips for Tulip Festival Visitors
Best Time to Visit The Tulip Festivals
-
The best time to visit the Holland Tulip Festival in Michigan is from late April to early May when the tulips are in full bloom.
-
The best time to visit the Amsterdam Tulip Festival is from mid-March to mid-May, with peak bloom occurring in April.
-
Pro Tip: Check the Tulip Tracker App, an online tool provided by the City of Holland for real-time bloom updates to plan your visit perfectly.
-
Respect the Tulip Fields: Avoid picking tulips or trampling fields; stay on designated paths.
-
Cashless Payments: Many places accept cards, but small cash denominations can be helpful for markets and smaller vendors.
-
Try Dutch Treats: While at the festival, don’t skip local specialties like stroopwafels, poffertjes (mini pancakes), and herring.
-
Stay Connected During the Tulip Festival: Whether you’re in Michigan or Amsterdam, stay connected with Yoho Mobile. Share photos, check schedules and enjoy events without worrying about physical SIM cards. Activate your eSIM right away for a smooth, hassle-free festival experience.
🎁 Exclusive Offer for Our Readers!🎁Enjoy a 12% discount on your orders with Yoho Mobile. Use the code 🏷 YOHOREADERSAVE 🏷 at checkout. Stay connected and save more on your trips with our eSIM. Don’t miss out—start saving today! |