Netherlands Public Holidays

Netherlands Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Netherlands? All public holidays in Netherlands are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Netherlands employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Netherlands and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

The Netherlands is a country rich in cultural traditions, and its public holidays reflect a blend of religious, historical, and national events. These holidays offer time for celebration, reflection, and relaxation, with Dutch people participating in a variety of customs that highlight the nation’s heritage. While some holidays have deep religious roots, others celebrate the Dutch monarchy, national unity, and international contributions.

---

Religious Holidays

Although the Netherlands is a largely secular country today, Christian traditions still have a significant influence on public holidays. These religious holidays often involve family gatherings, religious services, and moments of reflection.

Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag)

• Date: December 25
• Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, a major event in Christian tradition.
• Traditions:
  • According to mathgeneral.com, Christmas in the Netherlands is a family-focused holiday, with most people attending church services and gathering for festive meals.
  • Traditional Christmas dishes include roasted meats, vegetable dishes, and sweet treats like kerststol (Christmas bread filled with dried fruit and almond paste).
  • Christmas trees are widely decorated in homes, and people exchange gifts on either Christmas Day or during Sinterklaas earlier in December.

Second Christmas Day (Tweede Kerstdag)

• Date: December 26
• Significance: A continuation of the Christmas celebration, unique to the Netherlands and some other European countries.
• Traditions:
  • On Second Christmas Day, many Dutch families visit extended relatives, enjoy additional meals, or go on outings like visiting museums or parks.
  • It is a more relaxed day compared to Christmas Day, with less formal traditions and more emphasis on family time.

Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag)

• Date: Varies (March or April)
• Significance: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition.
• Traditions:
  • Good Friday is observed with church services across the country, particularly among practicing Christians.
  • It is not a mandatory public holiday, so many businesses and schools remain open. However, some regions hold quiet commemorations or reflections.
  • Families may gather for modest meals, and some choose to fast or avoid eating meat in observance of the religious significance.

Easter (Pasen)

• Date: Varies (March or April)
• Significance: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a central belief in Christianity.
• Traditions:
  • Easter is celebrated over two days, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag). Families gather for special meals, often featuring eggs, lamb, and sweet pastries.
  • Easter egg hunts are popular with children, and many homes are decorated with spring flowers and painted eggs.
  • Church services are an important aspect of Easter Sunday for practicing Christians, and there are public events such as parades or markets in some towns and cities.

---

National Holidays

Several public holidays in the Netherlands honor the country’s royal family, its historical milestones, and national unity. These holidays are celebrated with a mix of official ceremonies, public events, and informal gatherings.

King’s Day (Koningsdag)

• Date: April 27
• Significance: Celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, the reigning monarch of the Netherlands.
• Traditions:
  • King’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated public holidays in the Netherlands, with street parties, markets, and concerts held across the country.
  • Dutch people wear orange, the color of the royal family (House of Orange), as a symbol of pride and unity.
  • Flea markets, known as vrijmarkt, are held in many cities, where people sell second-hand goods, food, and crafts. This is a tradition that allows anyone to set up a market stall without a permit.
  • Amsterdam hosts one of the largest celebrations, with canal parades, live music, and street festivals.

Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)

• Date: May 5
• Significance: Commemorates the end of the German occupation during World War II and celebrates the liberation of the Netherlands in 1945.
• Traditions:
  • Liberation Day is celebrated with military parades, concerts, and speeches by public officials across the country.
  • In the days leading up to May 5, commemorative events are held to honor those who fought for the country’s freedom, with an emphasis on peace and democracy.
  • On the evening of May 4, the nation observes a two-minute silence at 8 p.m. during Remembrance of the Dead (Dodenherdenking), to honor those who lost their lives in World War II and subsequent conflicts.
  • Liberation festivals, known as Bevrijdingsfestivals, take place in cities such as Utrecht, Groningen, and Rotterdam, with live music and cultural activities celebrating freedom.

Remembrance of the Dead (Dodenherdenking)

• Date: May 4
• Significance: Honors those who lost their lives during World War II and other conflicts.
• Traditions:
  • A two-minute silence is observed nationwide at 8 p.m., with most people standing still at home or in public spaces to pay their respects.
  • The main ceremony takes place at the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam, attended by the royal family and government officials.
  • After the silence, speeches, performances, and wreath-laying ceremonies are held across the country to reflect on the importance of peace and remembering the fallen.

King’s Official Birthday (Koningsdag) and Former Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag)

• Date: April 27 (or April 30 for Queen’s Day in the past)
• Significance: Marks the birthday of the reigning monarch. King’s Day was shifted from April 30 (Queen’s Day) to April 27 in honor of King Willem-Alexander.
• Traditions:
  • While Queen’s Day was celebrated with similar festive traditions, King’s Day continues the legacy of national pride, street markets, and public parties.
  • The royal family often makes appearances in different towns each year, participating in local celebrations.

---

International and Cultural Holidays

The Netherlands also observes international holidays and cultural celebrations that reflect its modern identity and its engagement with global traditions.

New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag)

• Date: January 1
• Significance: Celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
• Traditions:
  • New Year’s Eve is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and outdoor gatherings. Many Dutch people welcome the new year with friends and family, often with sparkling wine and oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts).
  • On New Year’s Day, some people participate in the Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s Dive), a tradition where thousands of people plunge into the cold North Sea at locations such as Scheveningen.
  • The day is generally quiet, with families relaxing at home after the festivities.

Labour Day

• Date: May 1
• Significance: Celebrates the contributions of workers and labor movements worldwide.
• Traditions:
  • Although Labour Day is not an official public holiday in the Netherlands, some labor organizations and political groups hold demonstrations or events to promote workers’ rights.
  • It is a day for reflecting on social and economic issues related to labor, but it does not carry the same level of public observance as in other European countries.

---

Observance and Public Participation

Government and Business Closures

• On major holidays such as King’s Day, Christmas, and Easter, most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. Public transportation may operate on reduced schedules, and public institutions like museums may have limited hours.
• Liberation Day is a public holiday every five years, and government offices may close on this occasion. In other years, it is a working day for most businesses, though cultural events still take place.

Public Participation

• Dutch people actively participate in both national and religious holidays, with King’s Day being one of the most popular and festive. The entire country turns into a sea of orange, with people from all walks of life joining in the celebrations.
• Religious holidays like Easter and Christmas are also important, with many families attending church services and gathering for festive meals.
• Public holidays such as Liberation Day and Remembrance of the Dead are marked by a sense of solemnity, with people honoring those who fought for freedom.

Tourism Impact

• The Netherlands is a popular destination during public holidays, particularly during King’s Day, when cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht host massive celebrations. Tourists flock to see the unique vrijmarkt and street festivals.
• Christmas markets and festive decorations in cities like Amsterdam, Maastricht, and Rotterdam attract international visitors during the holiday season.
• New Year’s Eve and Liberation Day also draw tourists who want to experience the vibrant atmosphere and historic significance of these holidays.