Where to See the Parade & Best Travel Tips
- When: 12th of April 2025
- Where: Noordwijk to Haarlem
Every year, the Flower Parade of Holland transforms the Dutch countryside into a spectacular floral festival. From the sandy shores of Noordwijk to the historic streets of Haarlem, this parade brings thousands of visitors together to witness breathtaking floats decorated with fresh spring flowers. If you're planning to see this world-famous event, this guide will help you find the best spots, book grandstand seats, and make the most of your trip.
Experience the Start of the Flower Parade in Noordwijk 2025
The Flower Parade kicks off in Noordwijk on 12 April at 9:00 am, a charming coastal town known for its beach hotels and vibrant atmosphere. Watching the parade from Noordwijk is a fantastic way to start the day, as the floats gather and prepare for their journey. Since roads are blocked on parade day, staying overnight in Noordwijk is recommended for easy access.
👉 Travel Tip: Book a hotel in Noordwijk to enjoy both the start of the parade and the beach!
From Noordwijk, the parade drives towards Sassenheim, where it is expected to arrive around 11:00 AM. Sassenheim is the first grandstand stop of the parade. It features a covered grandstand, providing a comfortable viewing experience regardless of the weather. On this day, multiple tours from Amsterdam are arranged to Sassenheim, so make sure to book in advance if you want to experience the parade up close.
From Sassenheim, the parade continues towards the most famous village of the Bulb Region: Lisse. Here, the parade passes directly by the entrance of Keukenhof Gardens. Parking will be very difficult in Lisse on this day, so we strongly recommend using public transport.
👉 Travel Tip: Are you traveling from Amsterdam on this day? Book your ticket to Keukenhof now, and you will be able to visit both Keukenhof and see the parade up close.
From Lisse, the parade moves on to Hillegom, a beautiful bulb-growing village with many tulip farms. This is a fantastic place to watch the parade later in the day. The small-town atmosphere provides a relaxed and friendly viewing experience, away from the large crowds in Lisse and Keukenhof.
From Hillegom, the parade heads towards Haarlem at 8:00 PM. By then, it is already quite late. Haarlem is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the Netherlands and serves as the final stop for the Flower Parade. The floats arrive in Haarlem at night, creating a unique and magical experience.
On Sunday, the floats remain on display in Haarlem, giving visitors a special opportunity to admire them up close.
How to Get to Noordwijk Beach?
By Car: Noordwijk is easily accessible by rental car, just a short drive from Amsterdam, Leiden, The Hague, and Rotterdam. However, parking is limited on parade day, so arrive early!
By public transport: Take the train from Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht to the train station Hillegom. From there you can take the bus or you can wait for the parade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best places to watch the parade?
- Noordwijk (Start of the parade)
- Sassenheim (First grandstand stop)
- Lisse (Keukenhof entrance)
- Hillegom (Peaceful tulip village)
- Haarlem (Final stop with floats on display)
How can I reserve a grandstand seat?
Grandstand seats must be booked in advance. Limited tickets are available, so book early to get a comfortable and close-up view of the parade.
📍 Read More: Reserve Your Grandstand Seat »
Which are the most popular stops along the parade route?
Lisse and Keukenhof are the most famous stops, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
How early should I arrive to get a good spot?
- Noordwijk: Arrive before 8:00 AM
- Sassenheim: Arrive before 10:30 AM
- Lisse (Keukenhof): Arrive before 1:30 PM
- **Haarlem: Arrive by 7:30 PM for nighttime viewing
Where can I park my car at the Flower Parade?
Parking is very limited along the parade route. The best options are:
- Noordwijk Beach: Arrive early morning
- Keukenhof Parking: Available for visitors with Keukenhof tickets
- Haarlem Parking Garages: Available for those attending the evening display
Visit a flower parade in the summer time
Did you know that there is always a summer Flower Parade in Rijnsburg and Noordwijk? This parade is beautifully decorated with dahlias and takes place every year on the second Saturday of August. This year, it will be held on August 9, 2025. This parade is also known as the Dahlia Festival.
