On New Year's Eve (Oud en Nieuw) in Amsterdam the crowds, especially the younger generation,  head for the squares of central Amsterdam.

As expat Naveen Haroon writes: "The night begins with an explosive round of fireworks throughout the city around 11 p.m. Main squares such as Dam Square, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are full of festivities. The Nieuwmarkt in particular has been a desirable location for New Year’s Eve celebration for years.

"If you prefer a quieter spot to see the fireworks, choose any bridge on Amsterdam’s main canals, such as the ones over the Amstel River. If possible, try to make some contact with the locals beforehand who will be able to recommend the best spots."

For those who prefer to stay near home, street parties abound and when food is included in the plan, residents often cook up some Dutch winter food to share around.

Alternatively, hang out in your local joint.  Especially in the Jordaan neighborhood and the cafés of the Western Canal Ring you'll experience a more local feel.

Naveen offers some further advice: "If you find being part of the excited masses rather impersonal, a night out in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve may not be an ideal choice. Partygoers tend to get incredibly drunk in the mood of the night and become excessively noisy and disruptive. Fireworks are set off across Amsterdam and you may feel uncomfortable picking your way home through the crackles and pops as enthusiasts continue their celebrations way after the witching hour. In the morning the city is strewn with the pink remnants of blasted bangers.

"If you are seeking a quiet night and would rather spend quality time with family or your  partner, perhaps a night out for dinner followed by a cosy drink at home is the way to go; light the candles, bring out your best wine, watch a good movie...

"For those on a tight budget, you’ll certainly keep the costs down through celebrating at home or at a friend’s house--a night out will set you back anything from EUR 20 to 120."

For party animals, here's our listing of parties in Amsterdam on 31 December 2011!

Also check out our What's on in the Netherlands calendar. Click  here to add your own event.

31 December

Amsterdam BeatClub NewYears GoGo-Party at Paradiso Bovenzaal!
www.amsterdambeatclub.nl
Live:  Juice Box (Soul & Boogaloo)
WestHell 5 (Crime & Mod)
The Consolers (6ties Beat)
Deejays:  Ir.Vendermeulen
Daan Modern - De Pep

Pre-sale tickets for this FAB party are available at: AUB Ticketshop, Concerto & www.Paradiso.nl! Tickets €25

31 December

Intergalactic New Year's Eve Party 2011 Beam into 2012!
 www.boomchicago.nl
Tickets are €109 for the full package. This package includes a VIP Ticket for the show with great seats, a nicely set table, party tickets and a glass of Prosecco at midnight. Enjoy a delicious menu and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee and tea during the show (till 22:00). The party starts at 22:30 and the main hall opens at 23:00.

31 December
Pacific Parc Oud & Nieuw 2011-2012 Trailer Trash Party #7: Lipstick & Switchblades!
www.pacificparc.nl
Glitter and glam, lipstick and switchblades, dress like a sleazy downtown doll. Outrageous! Pimps, hookers and gangs, 70s sleeze and trash!
Watch press video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYj3VP2XBks&feature=player_embedded
Pacific Parc (Westergasfabriek), Haarlemmerweg 8-10
Ticket sales begin on 5 December only at the Pacific Parc bar.EUR 30 in advance and EUR 40 at the door. 40
Party from 22.00 till extremely late!


31 December

Het Knotsgekke Oud&Nieuw Kermisbal
Club 8, Admiraal de Ruyterweg 8
Online: www.club-8.nl
Price: EUR 30 (presale only) After1:30 entry is EUR 5
With DJS: Freddy Spool // RobotRock // Rubix . Pure fun spread out over three floors. Start: 22:00

31 December

Nataraj New Years Party ~ NOW & EVER

www.nataraj.info

Club Lite Amsterdam

31 December

KWIJT Old & New
www.sugarfactory.nl
Sugar Factory, Lijnbaansgracht 238
Time: midnight - 6am
Price: EUR 30 presale. EUR 35 at door.
Terry Toner, Sebastiaan Sleebos, Matt & Mancow, Claire & Sheila, LoPoll & Radiosus & Jordi, Max Coppens & Sud, Rooiecol & Grythm, Epic & Ginger, Mind One & Freddy Lucas

31 December
Wicked Jazz sounds NYE

www.melkweg.nl

Melkweg  Lijnbaansgracht 234a

Party takes place over whole building.

Dj's Leroy Rey / D-Rok / Phil Horneman live: Berenice van Leer (vocals) / Lady La Coco (vocals) / Jeff Hollie (sax) / Robbert Scherpenisse (trompet) / Bastiaan Woltjer (trombone) / Quinten Huigen (gitaar) Funk, soul, jazz, hiphop, house, elektronica en meer. The full line-up will shortly be on the site.

31 December

LOVELAND NEW YEAR | FIRE!
http://loveland.nl/

22.00- 05.00 Hotel Arena, Amsterdam
Tickets: EUR 45
Line-up: FIRE! Gregor Tresher (GER), Butch (GER), Secret Cinema, Remy. RISE: Aril Brikha LIVE (SWE), Arjuna Schiks LIVE, De Man Zonder Schaduw, Juan .Sanchez. NEST: Melon. Terry Toner.

31 December

R&B LEGENDS

 www.club-classic.nl

Start: 00:30 till late

Location: Vakzuid, Olympisch Stadion 35, Amsterdam

www.q-dance.nl
The finalQountdown The Q-dance gala
Heineken Music Hall Amsterdam
20:00 tot 07:00
sold out

31 December
Escape NYE 2011
www.escape.nl
The Escape NYE party will take place in Escape Club and Escape deLux with the following DJ line-up:

Club: BINGO PLAYERS, RAYMUNDO. BRIAN CHUNDRO& SANTOS, FREDERIK ABAS. Mc Pryme, Mc Choral, Costar on Sax.  deLux: Joshua Walter, Danney Canova, Rob Boskamp, Martino Rosso, Mell MorenoTickets on sale for € 60,- through this link. @ the door = more!

Escape also offers a fine 4-course menu with VIP Club entrance to the NYE party included. It is also possible to book a VIP arrangement for the NYE party.

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31 December
Club Home Amsterdam
NYE SAPPIG MEETS JUICE!
www.clubhome.nl 
Juice invites sappig & Rich NYE special - NewYearsEve
23:00 - 05:00
Cost: EUR 50
Address: Wagenstraat 3 (near Rembrandtsplein) Amsterdam.
Urban eclectic night at club home.

Expatica