Every year between Christmas and New Year, the Netherlands listens to the Top 2000, the “list of lists”. In Hilversum, the city where Dutch radio and television are made, you can also experience it live. Live 2000 takes place from 27 to 30 December 2026 and turns the centre into a four-day music festival.
What is Live 2000?
Live 2000 is a music festival for everyone who cannot get enough of the Top 2000. The Marktplein is the heart of the festival, with free live concerts by tribute bands in the Live 2000 tent every day. Beyond the square there is music at De Vorstin, Filmtheater Hilversum, The Skiff and the Keiplein, plus quizzes and hits while you shop.
Sources: Live Hilversum, Live 2000; Live Hilversum, Live 2000 programme.
Good to know before you go
- Free entry: events across the town centre are free. The Tijdmasjien Goes Top 2000 dance night at De Vorstin and the Filmtheater Hilversum programme require a ticket in advance.
- Music films: Filmtheater Hilversum screens concert and music films during the festival.
- 2000-cent deals: participating restaurants and bars offer menus and deals for €20, and spending €20 or more at participating shops earns a voucher for a free drink in the Live 2000 tent.
- Line-up: the full programme is published on the official Live 2000 website, so check it before you travel.
- Accessibility: the Live 2000 tent is accessible, with an adapted toilet; contact De Vorstin in advance to reserve a spot near the stage if you use a wheelchair.
Sources: De Vorstin, Live 2000; hilversumlive2000.nl.
Make a few days of it
Live 2000 falls in the quiet week between Christmas and New Year, which makes it a good moment for a short city break or a visit to family in ’t Gooi. Combine evenings on the Marktplein with daytime visits to Beeld & Geluid on the Media Park (Beleef 75 jaar TV runs until 31 December 2026) or Fotomuseum Hilversum. More ideas are in our Hilversum events overview.
Stay a short walk from the Marktplein
Alphabet Apartments’ studios and apartments on the Kerkstraat are in the centre of Hilversum, a short walk from the Marktplein. After the last encore you simply walk home, with no train to catch and no car to park. With a kitchen of your own, a late breakfast on 28, 29 or 30 December is entirely up to you.
Frequently asked questions
When is Live 2000 Hilversum 2026?+
Live 2000 takes place in the centre of Hilversum from 27 to 30 December 2026.
Is Live 2000 free?+
Yes, the events across the town centre, including the concerts in the Live 2000 tent on the Marktplein, are free. The dance night at De Vorstin and the film programme need a ticket.
Where is Live 2000?+
The festival centres on the Marktplein, with events at De Vorstin, Filmtheater Hilversum, The Skiff and the Keiplein.
Where can I stay near the Marktplein?+
Alphabet Apartments has furnished studios and apartments on the Kerkstraat in central Hilversum, a short walk from the Marktplein.