Free Tulip Day (Dutch: Nationale Tulpendag) is an annual event in Amsterdam that marks the official start of the Dutch tulip season. This festival is held on the third Saturday in January each year. In 2026 it takes place on Saturday, January 17, at Museumplein, the large public square near major museums. (Amsterdam)
Dam Square hosted previous years but crowd control is an issue.
The event began in 2012. Dutch tulip growers organised it to promote tulips and celebrate an iconic part of Dutch culture. The foundation Tulip Promotion Netherlands (Tulpen Promotie Nederland) leads the event. It is supported by more than 400 growers and breeders working to share tulips with people from all over the world. (Wikipedia)
A key feature of Free Tulip Day is a temporary tulip field in the centre of Amsterdam. Organisers plant roughly 200,000 tulips in bright colours and many varieties. Visitors are invited into the garden from about 13:00 to 17:00 to pick up to 10 tulips for free. Bags for carrying the flowers are provided. (Amsterdam)
It does turn into something of an urban battle scene, even if Amsterdamers are generally good natured. Free tulips are free tulips!
Because the garden is popular, queues often form before the gates open. Waiting times can range from 30 to 60 minutes or longer. Tulip growers and volunteers keep a steady flow of people moving through the garden so more visitors can collect flowers. (I amsterdam)
Amsterdam’s Free Tulip Day draws thousands of visitors each year, including Dutch residents and international tourists. In past editions some 15,000 to 18,000 people attended, representing over 100 nationalities. (tulpenpromotie.nl)
The event also has a lively atmosphere with music and local traditions, often featuring Dutch brass bands and the popular song “Tulpen uit Amsterdam.” Free Tulip Day is more than a giveaway. It is a way to celebrate Dutch horticulture, share a national symbol, and bring people together in winter before tulip fields bloom in spring. (I amsterdam)
30-Second Voiceover Script
Every January in Amsterdam is Free Tulip Day, the start of tulip season. On the third Saturday, growers plant 200,000 tulips at Museumplein. From 1 pm until mid-afternoon, you can pick up to 10 flowers for free. The event began in 2012 and now draws thousands from around the world. Expect a queue, live Dutch music, and crowds eager for blooms. It’s a bright winter tradition and a way the Netherlands shares its most famous flower. (Amsterdam)
Sources
Official event info: https://amsterdam.org/en/event/117/tulip-day.html (Amsterdam)
Museumplein details: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/whats-on/calendar/festivals/events/national-tulip-day (I amsterdam)
Event background: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Tulip_Day (Wikipedia)
Visitor and tulip numbers: https://www.dutchamsterdam.nl/11060-national-tulip-day-amsterdam (Amsterdam Tourist Information)
Organiser profile: https://tulpenpromotie.nl/en/ (tulpenpromotie.nl)
