Every year from 27 to 31 December, the Scheveningen Bonfire is built on the Noorderstrand in Scheveningen and the Zuiderstrand in Duindorp. During these days, there is a fun programme of activities. The bonfire is concluded with a fireworks display starting at 11 p.m.!

Scheveningen tradition

On 27 December, the stacking begins and the first lorries arrive with pallets. The entire beach is always filled with enthusiastic Scheveningen residents (builders and family) to welcome the first loads. The Scheveningen Bonfire is an annual tradition with the aim of organising the highest bonfire in the Netherlands. The bonfire is lit at midnight on New Year's Eve with a fireworks display and is free to visit. From the Scheveningen boulevard, you have a good view of this gigantic bonfire. So welcome in the new year with a bonfire and fireworks.

A woman laughs as a man places an orange hat on her head, surrounded by festive lights.

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Who has the most beautiful bonfire?

Every year, Scheveningen (the North Beach) and Duindorp (the South Beach) compete for the most beautiful bonfire on New Year's Eve. This is a long-standing tradition passed down from generation to generation that keeps people excited in both Scheveningen and Duindorp, but also in the rest of the Netherlands. Many people, young and old, help with the bonfire, if not for the competition then for the fun of seeing each other again. For many Scheveningen residents, the bonfire is just as important a tradition as Flag Day, and for some it is even the most important time of the year!

Bonfire activities

Since 2014, the Scheveningen Bonfire has been on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Netherlands, and since 2015, it has been the official world record holder for the largest bonfire in the world, with a mention in the Guinness World Records. This tradition has grown into the most popular New Year's event in the Netherlands, attracting many visitors from home and abroad. In addition to the traditional building of the bonfire, there are daily children's activities from 11:00 to 16:30, including boot camp, laser tag, Dutch games, kids' shows, bingo and graffiti, including lunch. In the evening after 6 p.m., artists perform daily, including Wolter Kroes, Robert van Hemert, Ammar, Lange Frans, Kimberley Fransens, Mike Peterson and many more.