Yesterday, on January 18th, the Netherlands celebrated its annual “National Tulip Day”, turning Amsterdam’s Museumplein into a magical sea of flowers with over 200,000 colorful tulips for people and tourists to enjoy, and even pick for free.
Since 2012, the Netherlands has designated the third Saturday of January as “National Tulip Day,” marking the official start of the tulip season in the country that lasts until the end of April.
This year’s Tulip Day fell on January 18th. Starting at 8 a.m. on that day, tulip growers transported over 200,000 tulips of various colors to the Museumplein in the heart of Amsterdam, quickly creating a vibrant giant garden. The garden was open to the public from 1 p.m., allowing everyone not only to admire the beautiful sea of flowers but also to pick their favorite tulips for free (limited to 10 per person).
According to the organizers, the 2025 National Tulip Day was themed around Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, incorporating the city’s history and cultural elements into the garden’s design. Hence, it was not just a floral feast but also a celebration showcasing Dutch traditions, nature, and urban culture.
Tulips grown in the Netherlands are renowned worldwide and serve as an important source of income for the local floriculture and tourism industries. National Tulip Day has become a symbolic holiday in the Netherlands, marking an important way for tourists and locals to welcome the arrival of spring.