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Plan your visit to the Netherlands Flower Parade 2026 | Best times & attractions

Experience the world-famous Netherlands Flower Parade, located just 40 km from the heart of the city. This spectacular parade is a display of floral artistry and a vibrant celebration of spring. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18, 2026, for the 79th edition of the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek.

The iconic Bloemencorso Bollenstreek

Flower sculptures of ducks at the Amsterdam Tulip Festival parade.

As the most famous Flower Parade in the Netherlands, the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek attracts over a million visitors annually. Unlike many other floral events, this spring Flower Parade is crafted using hyacinths, daffodils, and the world-renowned Dutch tulips.

While often referred to as the Keukenhof Flower Parade due to its proximity to the gardens, the parade follows a massive 42-kilometre route. Whether you call it the Tulip Parade or the Holland Tulip Parade, this event is a must-see for anyone visiting in 2026.

Quick dates for your 2026 trip:

  • April 15–17: Decoration Days (Watch the floats being built)
  • April 17: Illuminated Flower Parade in Noordwijkerhout (Evening)
  • April 18: Main Netherlands Tulip Parade from Noordwijk to Haarlem
  • April 19: Flower Parade Haarlem EXPO (Floats on display in the city centre)

Best places to view the Flower Parade in Holland

To make the most of your Flower Parade in the Netherlands experience, choosing the right spot is essential.

Keukenhof Boulevard (Lisse)

The most popular spot for the Keukenhof Flower Parade is the boulevard directly in front of the Keukenhof main entrance. This is the perfect place to combine your garden visit with the Flower Parade.

  • Passing time: Approx. 3:30pm
  • Tip: Arrive before 11am to avoid road closures

The start: Noordwijk Boulevard

Witness the grand beginning of the Noordwijk Flower Parade at the seaside. The Noordwijk Haarlem Flower Parade starts its journey here at 9am.

The finish: Flower Parade Haarlem

The day concludes with the Flower Parade in the Netherlands entering the historic city of Haarlem. If you miss the Saturday action, the Flower Parade Haarlem EXPO on Sunday, April 19, allows you to see the floats stationary in the city centre until 5pm.

VIP & Grandstand seats

While watching from the roadside is free, many prefer the comfort of a Flower Parade in Holland Grandstand seat. These offer:

  • Reserved seating and elevated views
  • Nearby parking, restrooms, and catering
  • Expert commentary on the float design

Travel from Amsterdam

Many visitors stay in the capital and look for an ideal experience. While the main procession doesn't enter Amsterdam, it is incredibly easy to reach the Flower Parade from Amsterdam.

  • Amsterdam Tulip Parade tours: Specialised day trips depart from Amsterdam Centraal, including transport and grandstand seating.
  • Public transport: Use the Keukenhof Express buses for a direct link to the Tulip Parade in Amsterdam’s outskirts.
  • Helicopter tours: For a truly unique view, book a flight to see the Netherlands Flower Parade and the blooming bulb fields from above.

2026 route & schedule: Saturday, April 18

The Bloemencorso Bollenstreek will travel from Noordwijk to Haarlem for 42 kilometres:

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

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

No, watching from the roadside is completely free! Tickets are only required if you want a seat in a Grandstand or if you are booking an Amsterdam Tulip Parade organised tour.

Frequently asked questions about the Netherlands Flower Parade

No, watching from the roadside is completely free! Tickets are only required if you want a seat in a Grandstand or if you are booking an Amsterdam Tulip Parade organised tour.