Planning work, travel, or school schedules in Netherlands starts with understanding the official holiday calendar. This in-depth guide to Netherlands public holidays 2026 explains not only which days are observed, but what they mean, who gets time off, and how they affect daily life.
Unlike many countries, the Netherlands has a clear distinction between public holidays and statutory leave, which often causes confusion especially for expats, international employers, and travelers. This article resolves those questions with government-aligned explanations and practical insights.
Netherlands Public Holidays 2026 – Complete Overview
Netherlands Public Holidays 2026 (Official Calendar)
| Date | Day | Holiday Name (English / Dutch) | Regions Observed |
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day / Nieuwjaarsdag | Nationwide |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday / Goede Vrijdag | Nationwide (limited) |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday / Eerste Paasdag | Nationwide |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday / Tweede Paasdag | Nationwide |
| April 27 | Monday | King’s Day / Koningsdag | Nationwide |
| May 5 | Tuesday | Liberation Day / Bevrijdingsdag | Nationwide (special rules) |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day / Hemelvaartsdag | Nationwide |
| May 24 | Sunday | Whit Sunday / Eerste Pinksterdag | Nationwide |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday / Tweede Pinksterdag | Nationwide |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day / Eerste Kerstdag | Nationwide |
| December 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day / Tweede Kerstdag | Nationwide |
Important: “Nationwide” does not always mean employees automatically get a paid day off. This is explained in detail later.
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Understanding Public Holidays in the Netherlands
Public holidays vs statutory leave
In Dutch law, public holidays are not automatically paid days off. Instead:
- Employers decide whether employees get the day off
- Terms are usually defined in:
- Employment contracts
- Collective Labour Agreements (CAOs)
- Government offices and most schools do close on official holidays
This differs from countries like Germany or France, where public holidays are legally mandated days off.
Why this matters
Expats often assume all public holidays are paid
International companies may misapply foreign policies
Freelancers and contractors must plan independently
Detailed Guide to Each Public Holiday in 2026
New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag)
Date: Thursday, 1 January 2026
Observed: Nationwide
Significance
Nieuwjaarsdag marks the beginning of the calendar year and is one of the oldest recognized public holidays in the Netherlands.
How it’s celebrated
- Fireworks at midnight on December 31
- Family visits and televised New Year speeches
- Quiet cities the following day
Closures
- Government offices: Closed
- Schools: Closed
- Shops: Mostly closed or reduced hours
- Public transport: Limited schedules
Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag)
Date: Friday, 3 April 2026
Observed: Nationwide (limited)
Significance
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While culturally recognized, it is not always treated as a full public holiday.
Practical impact
- Many offices remain open
- Some banks and public institutions close
- Schools may close depending on region
Easter (Pasen)
Dates:
- Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag): 5 April 2026
- Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag): 6 April 2026
Significance
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ and is widely observed culturally, even among non-religious households.
How it’s celebrated
- Easter brunches
- Spring markets
- Family gatherings
Closures
- Easter Sunday: Shops usually closed
- Easter Monday: Many shops open, offices often closed
King’s Day (Koningsdag)
Date: Monday, 27 April 2026
Observed: Nationwide
Why it matters
King’s Day is the largest national celebration in the Netherlands, honoring King Willem-Alexander’s birthday.
Traditions
- Wearing orange (oranje)
- Nationwide flea markets (vrijmarkten)
- Street parties and festivals
Closures
- Most businesses closed
- Public transport runs on special schedules
- One of the most reliable days off for employees
Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)
Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026
Observed: Nationwide (conditional)
Historical importance
Liberation Day commemorates the end of Nazi occupation in 1945.
The key rule (often misunderstood)
- Only a paid public holiday once every five years
- 2025 was a “paid” year
- 2026 is NOT automatically a paid day off
Many employers still grant the day off, but it’s discretionary unless stated in a CAO.
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Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag)
Date: Thursday, 14 May 2026
Observed: Nationwide
Significance
Celebrates Christ’s ascension into heaven, 40 days after Easter.
Practical effects
- Most offices closed
- Popular long-weekend opportunity (Friday off = 4 days)
Pentecost (Pinksteren)
Dates:
- Whit Sunday: 24 May 2026
- Whit Monday: 25 May 2026
Cultural role
Pinksteren marks the descent of the Holy Spirit and is deeply rooted in Christian tradition.
Closures
- Whit Sunday: Shops often closed
- Whit Monday: Offices and schools usually closed
Christmas (Kerstmis)
Dates:
- Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag): Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day (Tweede Kerstdag): Saturday, 26 December 2026
Unique Dutch tradition
The Netherlands officially recognizes two Christmas days, both widely observed.
Impact
- Christmas Day: Almost everything closed
- Boxing Day: Many shops open, popular shopping day
Public Holidays vs Work: What Employees Should Know
Key facts
- No legal right to paid leave on public holidays
- Your contract or CAO determines entitlement
- Government employees usually get all official holidays off
Typical sectors
| Sector | Likelihood of Day Off |
| Government | Very high |
| Education | High |
| Banking | High |
| Retail | Medium |
| Hospitality | Low |
School & Travel Impact
Schools
- All public schools close on major holidays
- Holiday schedules are published yearly by the Ministry of Education
Travel
- Trains and buses run on “Sunday schedules”
- King’s Day and Easter cause heavy congestion
Long Weekend Opportunities in 2026
Strategic leave planning can turn holidays into extended breaks:
- King’s Day (Monday): Instant 3-day weekend
- Ascension Day (Thursday): Take Friday off → 4 days
- Easter Monday: Long spring weekend
- Christmas (Friday): Use 3 days leave → 9-day break
Common Misconceptions About Dutch Holidays
- ❌ “Public holidays are mandatory days off”
- ❌ “Liberation Day is always paid”
- ❌ “All shops close on holidays”
✔ Reality: Rules vary by employer, sector, and agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the public holidays in the Netherlands in 2026?
There are 11 officially recognized public holidays, with Liberation Day having special rules.
Do employees automatically get time off?
No. Paid time off depends on your employment contract or CAO.
Are shops closed on public holidays?
Some are (Christmas Day, Easter Sunday), others are not.
Is Liberation Day a national holiday?
Yes, but it’s only a guaranteed paid holiday once every five years.
Which holiday is the biggest?
King’s Day (Koningsdag) is the most widely celebrated nationwide.
Sources & Official References
Information in this guide is based on:
- Official Dutch government publications
- National employment and labor regulations
- Recognized historical and cultural references
- International calendar standards
Final Thoughts
Understanding Netherlands public holidays 2026 goes far beyond memorizing dates. Whether you are an employee, employer, expat, or traveler, knowing how these holidays actually work helps you plan smarter, avoid misunderstandings, and make the most of the Dutch calendar year.
If you’re organizing work schedules, travel itineraries, or content calendars for 2026, bookmark this guide.
Last Updated: January 2026
