Netherlands Public Holidays 2026 – A Complete Guide
The Netherlands will observe a full calendar of public holidays in 2026, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to celebrate national traditions, enjoy time off work, and explore cultural events. According to a government announcement made on 16 May 2025, the year will feature **17 general public holidays** that apply nationwide. Below you will find the dates, brief descriptions, and practical information to help you plan your activities, travel, or business schedule.
Calendar Overview
All dates are given in the Dutch format (day‑month‑year) and reflect the official public holidays recognized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. When a holiday falls on a weekend, the day is not automatically moved to a weekday; however, many employers grant a compensatory day off, especially for holidays that fall on a Saturday.
List of Nationwide Holidays
- 1 January – New Year’s Day. A quiet start to the year, marked by fireworks in major cities and family gatherings.
- 6 January – Epiphany (Driekoningen). Celebrated mainly in the northern provinces with traditional “king’s cake” and processions.
- 27 March – King’s Day (Koningsdag). The nation turns orange for a massive street market and music festivals; the date is fixed to 27 April when the monarch’s birthday changes.
- 7 April – Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag). A Christian observance with church services; not a mandatory day off for all sectors, but many companies close.
- 10 April – Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag). A public holiday that allows families to extend the Easter weekend.
- 1 May – Labour Day (Dag van de Arbeid). Demonstrations and rallies are common, especially in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
- 5 May – Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag). Celebrated every five years with large festivals; 2026 is a regular observance year, but many still enjoy a half‑day off.
- 14 May – Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag). Falls on a Thursday, creating a long weekend for many workers.
- 24 May – Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag). Marks the end of the Pentecost period with outdoor activities.
- 15 July – Prinsjesdag (Prince’s Day). The monarch delivers the Speech from the Throne; government offices are closed.
- 21 August – Assumption of Mary (Maria Hemelvaart). Recognized in certain Catholic regions, with processions in Limburg and North Brabant.
- 30 November – Saint Andrew’s Day (Sint‑Andreas). Observed mainly in the province of Friesland, where schools may close.
- 5 December – Sinterklaas Arrival. Not a statutory holiday, but many workplaces close early for the celebration.
- 25 December – Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag). A major family holiday with gifts and meals.
- 26 December – Boxing Day (Tweede Kerstdag). Extends the Christmas break and is a public holiday across the country.
- 31 December – New Year’s Eve (Oudejaarsavond). While not an official holiday, many businesses shut down early, and public fireworks light up the sky.
- 1 January 2027 – New Year’s Day. The holiday cycle closes with the first day of the new year.
Regional Variations and Additional Observances
While the list above covers the 17 general holidays, some provinces observe extra days that are not nationwide. For example, the province of Limburg celebrates **Carnival** (Carnaval) with a public holiday on the Monday before Ash Wednesday, typically in February. In Friesland, **Saint Nicholas Day (Sinterklaas)** may be treated as a half‑day for schools. Travelers should check local calendars, especially when planning visits to smaller towns where regional customs are prominent.
Impact on Work, Schools, and Public Services
Most private sector employees receive a day off for each of the 17 holidays, though some sectors—such as retail, hospitality, and emergency services—continue operating with reduced staffing. Schools across the Netherlands close for all national holidays, and many also observe the regional days mentioned above. Public transportation runs on a reduced schedule on holidays, especially on Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Whit Monday. It is advisable to verify timetables in advance, as trains and buses may run on a “holiday service” plan.
