New Year’s Eve in Utrecht
Before you know it, it will be that time of year again: the year is coming to an end, the smell of oliebollen fills the streets, and the champagne is chilled. Time to welcome 2026 in style! Utrecht will once again be hosting fun activities and events for young and old, from free performances in the city center to dancing until the early hours.
Countdown together at Jaarbeursplein
Once again, Jaarbeursplein will be the bustling center of Utrecht’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. From 9:30 p.m., you can join in a party full of music, performances, and fun. Expect surprising acts, plenty of festive vibes, and of course the moment when the whole city counts down to 2026 together. It will be busy, so arrive early to secure a good spot!
The program runs from 9:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and is open to all ages.
Countdown for children
Especially for the youngest residents of Utrecht, there will be a festive children’s countdown earlier in the day. During this cheerful and interactive show presented by Lucas van de Meerendonk (known from the NOS Jeugdjournaal), children will perform fun tasks and count down to the new year together. This way, they too can experience the magic of New Year’s Eve, but at a child-friendly time.
In the evening, the party continues on Jaarbeursplein for adults, with performances and surprising acts, including cover band The Recipe.
The children’s program runs from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Time for a New Year’s Eve party
After the countdown, it’s time to really let loose. Utrecht has plenty of places where you can dance the new year in: think TivoliVredenburg, De Helling, Club Maggy, Club Basis, EKKO, and Club Poema. The programs for New Year’s Eve 2025–2026 will be announced soon, so keep an eye on our website for the latest updates on ticket sales.
Oliebollen to ring in the new year
Of course, New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be complete without a freshly baked oliebol. Wondering where to find the best ones in December? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite oliebol stands in the city center, perfect for on the go or as the perfect end to a festive evening.
