Don't miss the top cultural events in the Kingdom of the Netherlands in February!

Culture Multure
2 days ago
4 min read

February—is it really the final chord of winter already? This shortest month is filled with holidays, premieres, festivals, and new exhibitions. Here are some events that truly deserve a place on your calendar. Let February be a time of inspiration and vibrant, memorable emotions!

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year in the Netherlands isn't a headline-grabbing event, but rather a cultural phenomenon that's easy to miss if you're unaware of it. In The Hague, Amsterdam, and other cities, it manifests itself in specific ways: through neighborhood celebrations, festivals, and street parades. This is a case where an event can either pass by in the background or unexpectedly become a vibrant personal experience if you're in the right place at the right time.

Amsterdam

The Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt districts host lion and dragon dances, colorful parades, and traditional ceremonies at the Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple. The atmosphere is noisy, vibrant, and very lively.

February 17, 2026, ~3:30 PM–10:30 PM

Hague

The Hague's Chinatown becomes the main stage of the festival, filled with parades, performances, and traditional music. It's one of the most compact yet intense festivals—perfect for experiencing Chinese culture.

February 21, 2026, ~1:00 PM–5:30 PM

Rotterdam

Rotterdam celebrates in style, with a multitude of events, fairs, shows, and workshops. In the evening, spectacular fireworks displays and light installations combine tradition with urban vibrancy.

February 17–March 3, 2026

Leiden

This cozy, family-friendly event is taking place at the Wereldmuseum Leiden. It offers an introduction to Chinese traditions in a calm, educational atmosphere suitable for all ages.

February 15, 2026, 10:00–17:00

CARNIVALS

Carnivals in the Kingdom of the Netherlands are unique and are held mainly in the south, where Catholic traditions predominate. Don't expect elaborate celebrations or expensive costumes. These are vibrant and slightly wild celebrations with plenty of music and beer.

Maastricht

Every winter, the city of Maastricht becomes the epicenter of merriment: the legendary Vastelaovend, a local carnival with street parades, music, and vibrant costumes, takes place here. Musicians create a lively atmosphere on the streets, while the colorful Boonte Störrem parade , imaginative costumes, and enchanting crowds take center stage .

February 15–17, 2026

Tilburg

Tilburg transforms into a festive Kruikenstad, with green and orange costumes, music, street parties, and traditional events for all ages. Every day, there are colorful parades, concerts, themed gatherings, and friendly get-togethers in bars and squares.

February 13–17, 2026

Breda

Breda's city center transforms into a vibrant carnival town known as Kielegat . The program includes numerous processions through the surrounding villages and districts ( Princenhage , Bavel , Prinsenbeek , Ulvenhout ), and the main Kielegat parade takes place on February 16th through the city center, attracting spectators and participants from all over the Netherlands.

February 14–17, 2026

Den Bosch ('s-Hertogenbosch):

During carnival, 's-Hertogenbosch becomes Oeteldonk —a city with its own carnival culture and traditions. The celebration takes place in the form of street parties, parades, and music throughout the city center.

February 15-17

FESTIVALS

Holland Dance Festival 2026

Over four decades, the festival has presented hundreds of choreographers and thousands of performances, and this time it is a distillation of everything relevant happening today in New York, Toronto, London, and Antwerp.

The Hague, Utrecht, Tilburg, Rotterdam

February 4–21, 2026

A detailed article about the festival with our recommendations is here.

MUSEUMS, EXHIBITIONS AND ART FAIRS

The New Museum of Photography – Nederlands Fotomuseum in Rotterdam

The National Museum of Photography will open its doors to a new permanent location—in the renovated historic Pakhuis Santos building on Rotterdam's waterfront. This marks the beginning of a new era for national photography, as the museum aims to become one of the largest in the world.

Rotterdam

February 7, 2026 – Grand opening of the new museum

More details

Exhibition "Metamorphoses"

A unique look at how Ovid's famous ancient Roman epic Metamorphoses inspired over 80 masterpieces.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

February 6 – May 25, 2026

London calling

"London Calling" is a major exhibition of British painting from the second half of the 20th century, the first to be collected in a single museum in the Netherlands. Featuring works by such celebrated artists as Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, David Hockney, and Paula Rego, the exhibition explores London as a center of artistic ideas and a city that reflects its era.

The Hague, Kunstmuseum

February 14 – June 7

Art on Paper

At the fifth Art on Paper exhibition in Amsterdam, around 40 contemporary galleries and 10 art dealers will present their collections of artworks created on paper, from paper, and with paper.

Amsterdam

February 12–15

OPERA and BALLET

Opera Tristan and Isolde

Wagner's opera about forbidden love and fate is presented in a powerful contemporary production by the Dutch National Opera. A large cast, a live orchestra, and world-class vocals make this production a key event of the season.

📍 Nationale Opera & Ballet, Amsterdam

February 8-23, 2026

Ballet Paquita / Carmen / 5 Tangos — Het Nationale Ballet:

Three ballets in one program on the Dutch National Ballet stage: the classical Paquita , the passionate Carmen , and the sensual 5 Tangos . Audiences will experience virtuoso technique, energy, and temperament in a variety of choreographic styles, from classical to contemporary.

Nationale Opera & Ballet, Amsterdam

February 10 – March 4, 2026

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And that's not all! Follow our news and publications on social media and at culturemulture.com to stay up-to-date on the most exciting exhibitions, festivals, and events of the year!