Stay in the square by the large church. that's where they park the floats.

just decided to do this since I missed Floriade 2012, due to a broken ankle>>

Nlingenfel - you didn't miss a lot to be honest. we took my mum [who had been to the 1992 Floriade but had never seen the Keukenhof gardens, so we did both last spring] and she felt that though it was bigger, the 2012 one was not as good. Also it was at an enormous site which was quite hard to get round. Obviously we went in spring, and it might well have got better during the season.

we enjoyed the Keuchenhof very much - i hope that it is on your schedule - but missed the Flower Parade as we were flying home that day. I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks, we were at the 2002 Floriade and enjoyed it. I am really looking forward to the parade. I have owned a flower shop for 27 years, and I think this is my last year. When I fell and had surgery I also took down 3 other ladies, we had bought our tickets and lost 250.00 a ticket. United told me a broken bone was not a valid reason for a lesser fee. I am still taking therapy.

saraho which town? Thanks and Merry Christmas

Harlem.You will love it. We stayed in a great B and B a block away from the square. I'll post more after Christmas. Must go check on the turkey, the grandchildren and the not friendly visiting dog!!

After the parade is over, they dismantle it and give away all the flowers.

Thanks, we have been to Harlem several times, will start looking for B & B. Looking forward to your suggestion.

We went to the end of the Flower Parade in Haarlem in 2011, and LOVED IT! We sat at an outdoor table at a restaurant across from the church and enjoyed some libations as the parade passed 6 feet in front of us! Since the parade was moving slow, you could get up and walk around to photo the other side of the floats. The smell from the hyacinths was sweet and lingering. A great moment for me was watching a guy run up to a float and plucking a flower for his girlfriend.

Afterwards the floats are on display on the Marktplein, although I don't believe all the floats that started the parade in Noordwijk end up there - I think some of them are left at different locations along the route.

Here's a link for the Flower Parade.

http://bloemencorso-bollenstreek.nl/nl/

The theme for 2013 is Bon Appetit (it was Musicals for us).

Enjoy your time at the parade.

Robyn

We stayed at the B and B Wherels. Look it up trip advisor.com and check its website. We loved staying there- great location and delicious breakfast. Book it right now if you decide to stay there.

thanks, will check it out now.