How the Dutch celebrate their holidays in 2026

Many different holidays are celebrated in the Netherlands. Here’s a quick rundown of the public holidays in the Netherlands in 2026, plus a few unofficial ones. Official or unofficial, this overview helps you plan ahead and make sure you don’t miss any important dates.

When do I get a day off?

In the Netherlands, we celebrate both official and unofficial holidays. Official holidays often mean a day off, but it’s not guaranteed. Dutch employers aren’t legally required to give you time off on public holidays, so it depends on your collective bargaining agreement (CAO) or your employment contract. Some businesses stay open and keep running like it’s a regular day. For example, Good Friday (April 3) and Liberation Day (May 5) are also official holidays, but not everyone gets them off. Always check your CAO or employment contract to be sure.

In 2026, you can count on a day off on these official public holidays: 

• January 1, 2026: New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaar)
• April 5, 2026: Easter Sunday (eerste paasdag)
• April 6, 2026: Easter Monday (tweede paasdag) 
• April 27, 2026: King’s Day (Koningsdag) 
• May 14, 2026: Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag)
• May 24, 2026: Whit Sunday (eerste pinksterdag)
• May 25, 2026: Whit Monday (tweede pinksterdag) 
• December 25, 2026: Christmas Day (eerste kerstdag)
• December 26, 2026: Boxing Day (tweede kerstdag) 
  
  

January

• January 1, 2026: New Year's Day (Nieuwjaarsdag)
  New Year's Day is an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's an official day off.
   
  The first day of the new year kicks off with fireworks, family visits, and of course, oliebollen (those amazing deep-fried doughnuts). In the Netherlands, it's not always allowed to set off fireworks yourself. Since 2020, there have been stricter rules regarding buying and lighting fireworks. From 2027, it's not allowed to set off fireworks anymore. Most people use January 1 to visit their family or loved ones.
  
  A big tradition on January 1? The nieuwjaarsduik, where thousands of brave souls dive into the icy waters. The most popular nieuwjaarsduik annually takes place in Scheveningen and is organized by Unox, where about 10,000 daredevils dive into the ice-cold sea. The reward is a bowl of warm pea soup.
  
  
• January 6, 2026: Epiphany (Driekoningen)
  Epiphany is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  After Christmas and New Year, the next holiday is on January 6: Epiphany. Although Epiphany marks the visit of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus, it’s not widely celebrated in the Netherlands. Only in the south of the Netherlands, children go door-to-door dressed as the three wise men and sing songs. As a thank you, they receive candy. It's comparable to Halloween. For many people, Epiphany is the start of clearing out the Christmas tree. You can read more details about recycling your Christmas tree here. 
  
  

February

• February 14, 2026: Valentine's Day (Valentijnsdag)
  Valentine's Day is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is celebrated in the Netherlands too. It’s mostly a commercial holiday, but it’s never a bad thing to surprise your loved one, right?
  
  

March

• February 14 - February 17, 2026: Carnaval
  Carnaval is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning these days are not official days off.
  
  Carnaval in the Netherlands is a folk festival celebrated mainly 'below the rivers', especially in Brabant and Limburg. Originally, carnaval was a Catholic feast celebrated the three days before Ash Wednesday. Nowadays, it's mostly about partying. The official carnaval season starts on November 11. In many places, the prince or princess for the coming carnaval season is presented on this day. This prince or princess rules during Carnaval unofficially over his or her city or village. Don’t be surprised when you see people dressed up on November 11. 
  
  During carnaval, many cities and villages are given different names. Maastricht becomes Mestreech, Eindhoven becomes Lampegat, Den Bosch becomes Oeteldonk, Tilburg becomes Kruikenstad, Arnhem becomes Ernem, Helmond becomes Keiebijtersstad and Kattegat. The parade is the highlight of the carnaval celebration. During carnaval, it's normal to dress up as a character. Google it, and it will make sense – a little. Want to know more about how to celebrate carnaval?
  
  
• March 20 or March 21, 2026: Eid al-Fitr (Suikerfeest)
  Suikerfeest is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning these days are not official days off.
  
  Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday that celebrates the end of Ramadan. Although it's not an official day off, most schools allow for a day's leave to be taken for the celebration of this day. On this day, the mosque and family will be visited. All kinds of festive dishes and sweet treats are eaten, and many women decorate their hands with henna.
  
  

April

• April 2, 2026: Holy Thursday (Witte Donderdag)
  Holy Thursday is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  The Thursday before Easter is Holy Thursday. Holy Thursday commemorates Jesus eating the Last Supper with his disciples. Holy Thursday is an official holiday in several countries (like Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Spain). In the Netherlands, it isn't celebrated everywhere. Traditionally, on Holy Thursday, the program The Passion is broadcast on Dutch television. The Passion is a musical event about the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Dutch celebrities play the various roles of Jesus, Peter, and Judas.
  
  
• April 3, 2026: Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag) 
  Good Friday is an official holiday in the Netherlands, but it's not an official day off for everyone. If you're off depends on your collective bargaining agreement (CAO) or your employment contract.
  
  After Holy Thursday comes Good Friday. On this day, Christians memorialize the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Church bells often don't ring during church services on this day. Be aware that supermarkets and shops will close at 19:00 on this day.
  
  
• April 5 and April 6, 2026: Easter (Pasen)
  Easter Sunday (eerste paasdag) and Easter Monday (tweede paasdag) are official holidays in the Netherlands, meaning these are both official days off.
  
  In the Netherlands, Sunday is Easter Sunday (eerste paasdag) and Monday is Easter Monday (tweede paasdag). Originally, you went to church on Easter Sunday, while Easter Monday was a day of entertainment and festivities. Now, most people go to furniture shops on Easter Monday (just like they do on tweede kerstdag).
  
  Easter is a Christian holiday. In the Netherlands, it's mainly about enjoying good food. Dutch people meet with family and enjoy extensive Easter breakfasts, brunches, and dinners. Children search for easter eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny, and in some villages, bonfires are organized. Searching for Easter eggs has nothing to do with Easter. The egg and the Easter bunny are symbols of new life and fertility. In the past, they were painted and given as gifts to poor people. Eggs are still being colored and painted. Now, it's just a fun tradition!
  
  
• April 27, 2026: King's Day (Koningsdag)
  King's Day is an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's an official day off. 
  
  This day marks the Dutch monarch's birthday and is probably the biggest birthday party you'll ever experience. Throughout the country, King’s Day is celebrated with various festivities, including flea markets, festivals, and wearing orange clothing. Streets are adorned with orange and red-white-blue-colored decorations, and Dutch flags are hung out with a festive orange pennant. Traditionally, the monarch makes a ceremonial visit to one or more municipalities in the country on this day. Read everything about how to celebrate King's Day.
  
  Did you know that King's Day used to be called 'Queen's Day'? Queen Beatrix's birthday used to be celebrated on April 30, on the birthday of Queen Juliana (Queen Beatrix's mother and grandmother of our current King Willem-Alexander). Many tourists still come to Amsterdam in orange outfits on April 30 for Queen’s Day, while King’s Day is now celebrated three days earlier. Whoops!
  
  

May

• May 4, 2026: Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking)
  Remembrance Day is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  During Remembrance Day on May 4, the victims of World War II and all subsequent war situations and peace missions are remembered. People are remembered in local places, like the Dam Square in Amsterdam, where the National Remembrance takes place. At 20:00, two minutes of silence will be held. On this day, the Dutch flag is hung at half-mast in remembrance. Be aware that supermarkets and shops will close at 19:00 on this day.
  
  
• May 5, 2026: Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)
  Liberation Day is an official holiday in the Netherlands, but it's not an official day off for everyone. If you're off depends on your collective bargaining agreement (CAO) or your employment contract.
  
  On May 5, the liberation from the German occupation during World War II is celebrated. In 1945, talks about capitulation took place on May 5. Freedom, democracy, and human rights are also celebrated on this day. Throughout the country, there are liberation festivals. Most supermarkets and shops stick to their regular opening hours.
  
  
• May 10, 2026: Mother's Day (Moederdag) 
  Mother's Day is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  Mother's Day is celebrated in the Netherlands in the same way as in other countries. However, the pampering day is celebrated on a different day than in France, the UK, and Sweden. In the Netherlands, Mother's Day is on the second Sunday of May.
  
  
• May 14, 2026: Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag)
  Ascension Day is an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's an official day off.
  
  Forty days after Easter, it's Ascension Day in the Netherlands. It's not really celebrated. In Christianity, this day remembers Jesus' ascension to God, his father in heaven. The Assumption of Maria is not celebrated in the Netherlands. Ascension Day is always on a Thursday. Be aware that supermarkets and shops will close at 19:00 on this day.
  
  Especially in the east of the Netherlands, it's tradition to go 'dauwtrappen' on Ascension Day. The idea is to get up early and go for a walk or a bike ride to enjoy the morning dew. Dew usually occurs around sunrise. At the end of May, the sunrise is already around 5:30 am, so if you want to go dauwtrappen, you have to set your alarm early!
  
  

June

• May 26 – May 29, 2026: Feast of Sacrifice (Offerfeest)
  The Feast of Sacrifice is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning these days are not official days off.
  
  The Feast of Sacrifice is an important holiday for Muslims. Muslims annually honor the act of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who wanted to sacrifice his son for Allah. Instead of his son, he slaughtered an animal. Since then, there has been a tradition during the Feast of Sacrifice to sacrifice a goat or a lamb according to a ritual. Every year, the holiday is celebrated on different days, on the tenth day of the pilgrimage month.
  
  
• May 24 and May 25, 2026: Pentecost (Pinksteren)
  Pentecost is an official holiday in the Netherlands and consists of two days: Whit Sunday (eerste pinksterdag) and Whit Monday (tweede pinksterdag). These days are official days off.
  
  Ten days after Ascension Day, it's Pentecost. On this day, the Holy Spirit descended upon us. It's considered the beginning of the Christian church. In some places, Pentecost fires are lit.
  
  
• June 21, 2026: Father's Day (Vaderdag)
  Father's Day is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  Like Mother's Day, Father's Day is also celebrated in the Netherlands. Father's Day is also celebrated in the same way as in other countries. As in most countries, Father's Day is celebrated every year on the third Sunday of June.
  
  

July

• July 1, 2026: Keti Koti
  Keti Koti is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  In the Netherlands, Keti Koti is not an extensively celebrated holiday, but it's being celebrated more and more. It's celebrated that on June 1, 1863, the Kingdom of the Netherlands abolished slavery in both Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. Although it's an official holiday in Suriname, slavery is still little discussed in the Netherlands, but its attention is increasing.
  
  

September

• September 15, 2026: Prince's Day (Prinsjesdag)
  Prince's Day is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  Every third Tuesday of September, it's Prinsjesdag. On this day, the King delivers the Speech from the Throne (de Troonrede) at Grote Kerk in The Hague. It resembles the start of a new working year for the parliament. It contains the government's most important plans for the coming year. After the speech, the Minister of Finance goes to the House of Representatives with a briefcase. This briefcase contains the National Budget, which states how much money the government will make available for its plans in the coming year and where the money will come from.
  
  

October

• October 4, 2026: World Animal Day (Dierendag)
  World Animal Day is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  On 4 October, it's World Animal Day (Dierendag). All animals get some extra attention on this day.

• October 31, 2026: Halloween
  Halloween is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  Halloween is becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands. Still, it's not as big as in the USA and the United Kingdom. More and more people decorate their homes and carve out pumpkins nowadays. Also, it becomes more common for children to do some trick-or-treating. During Halloween, many Halloween events are organized. For example, Walibi Holland annually organizes Spooky Days and Fright Nights. Warning: only for daredevils! There are also a lot of dance parties happening nowadays.
  
  

November

• November 11, 2026: Sint-Maarten
  Sint-Maarten is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  Sint-Maarten is celebrated around the same time as Halloween and is quite similar. Officially, it's a mendicant feast. It's not celebrated everywhere in the Netherlands. It's celebrated with bonfires or lantern processions. It's a tradition that children make these lanterns themselves. With these lanterns, children walk door-to-door while singing songs. In exchange, they receive some candy. So, it looks very much like Halloween!
  
  

December

• December 5, 2026: Sinterklaas
  Sinterklaas is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  Sinterklaas is a typical Dutch holiday. Sinterklaas, also called St. Nicholas or Good Saint, is a figure based on a Greek holy bishop. He's a rather stately man with a long white beard and hair, a red miter, and a red cloak. Read everything about celebrating Sinterklaas here.
   
  The Sinterklaas period starts on November 15, 2026, when Sinterklaas arrives from Spain with his boat (De Pakjesboot). Every year, the national entry (intocht van Sinterklaas) takes place in a town or city in the Netherlands. There are also many regional entries organized. It's a tradition that from that day on, children occasionally leave one shoe in front of the fireplace at night. In that shoe, they put a drawing for Sinterklaas, a wish list with gifts they would like to have, or something nice for the horse of Sinterklaas. Overnight, it's being filled with kruidnoten or pepernoten and a small present.
  
  Sinterklaas is a celebration for children. At elementary schools, they pay a lot of attention to Sinterklaas. They sing songs and Sinterklaas often visits the school. Must know: Sinterklaas has a big book with (supposedly) all children’s names, noting how they behaved last year and their gift wishes. On December 5, it's 'Pakjesavond'. In the evening, the birthday of Sinterklaas will be celebrated. Children receive presents that are often given in jute sacks. Young adults and adults use this night to organize a fun surprise evening. Based on a lottery draw, everyone makes craftwork for each other, which includes a present and a poem.
  
  
• December 24, 2026: Christmas Eve (kerstavond)
  Christmas Eve (kerstavond) is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off. However, most employers give their employees a few hours off early to celebrate Christmas Eve properly. It's best to check this with your employer.
  
  December is a real celebration month for the Dutch. Even though many households have traditionally and fanatically celebrated Sinterklaas, Christmas is also being celebrated more extensively. Did you know that Santa Claus is actually derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas? Dutch immigrants brought the celebration of Sinterklaas with them to the United States of America, where it became Santa Claus.
  
  Although the stores are already filled with Christmas items in October, the traditional Christmas tree is often decorated only a few weeks before Christmas, at least after Sinterklaas on December 5. The Dutch have many similar traditions to other countries, such as sending Christmas cards to loved ones, opening advent calendars daily, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, and decorating their homes with Christmas lights. Most companies send their employees a Christmas gift or Christmas 'box' ('kerstpakket') before Christmas. On the evening of December 24, it's Christmas Eve. For some, it's tradition to attend church services on Christmas Eve, where the birth of baby Jesus is told. Be aware that supermarkets and shops will close at 19:00 on Christmas Eve.
  
  
• December 25 and December 26, 2026: Christmas (Kerstmis)
  Christmas Day ('eerste kerstdag') and Boxing Day ('tweede kerstdag') are official holidays in the Netherlands, meaning these days are official days off.
  
  December 25 is Christmas Day (eerste kerstdag). Usually, people spend this day with family and loved ones. A typical Dutch tradition is to eat gourmet. Together, you prepare small dishes on a baking plate. Most shops are closed, while some supermarkets open their doors for half the day. 
  
  Although not all countries celebrate another Christmas Day, the Netherlands has another day off the day after Christmas Day, called tweede kerstdag. This day is also traditionally spent with family. Although on Christmas Day (eerste kerstdag) most stores are closed, they are open on Boxing Day (tweede kerstdag). Especially furniture shops are popular on this day.
  
  
• December 31, 2026: New Year's Eve (Oudjaarsdag)
  New Year's Eve is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, meaning it's not an official day off.
  
  The last day of the year is officially a normal working day. In the Netherlands, it's celebrated by eating lots of 'oliebollen'. You can get these at 'oliebollenkramen': market stands you can find everywhere on and before December 31. If you want to try them (you should!), you can of course do so throughout the whole of December.
  
  The evening is celebrated with friends and family. At 00:00, there will be a toast with champagne and fireworks. In the Netherlands, it's not always allowed to set off fireworks yourself. Since 2020, there have been stricter rules regarding buying and lighting fireworks. From 2027, it's not allowed to set off fireworks anymore. In the north and east of the Netherlands, shooting carbide - using old milk cans - is popular. Many supermarkets and shops will not close earlier on New Year's Eve. Be aware that there is little or no public transport after 20:00.