The mayor had resisted this party for security reasons.

Traditionally, there are large outdoor New Year's eve parties on two other squares too: one on Dam Square and one on Nieuwmarkt square.

The character of each New Year's Eve celebration is different:

The party on Rembrandtplein is going to be more like a dance party. There will be large tv screens, with footage from dance parties in Melbourne (Australia) and Düsseldorf (Germany).

The Dam Square party is the more 'official' party. There will be a stage, with music performances, and there is the 'official' count-down at midnight. Firework is not allowed on Dam Square.

The Nieuwmarkt square party is the oldest party. Traditionally, there is a lot of firework - and lots of drinking.