Understanding public holidays in the Netherlands is essential for effective planning, whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel, or organizing personal commitments. This comprehensive guide covers all official nationwide public holidays in the Netherlands for 2026, helping you make the most of your year ahead. However, it’s important to note that this list includes only confirmed national holidays recognized across the entire country, excluding regional observances and unofficial celebrations.
Official Public Holidays in the Netherlands 2026
The Netherlands observes eleven official public holidays throughout 2026, many of which are rooted in Christian traditions. Consequently, most of these holidays fall during the spring and winter months, creating excellent opportunities for extended breaks and travel planning.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag) |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag) |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag) |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag) |
| April 27 | Monday | King’s Day (Koningsdag) |
| May 5 | Tuesday | Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) |
| May 24 | Sunday | Whit Sunday (Eerste Pinksterdag) |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag) |
| December 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day (Tweede Kerstdag) |
Planning Tips for 2026 Dutch Public Holidays
Strategic planning around these public holidays can help you maximize your time off and avoid scheduling conflicts. Meanwhile, understanding the unique characteristics of Dutch holiday observance will help you navigate the year more effectively.
Long Weekend Opportunities
Several holidays in 2026 create natural long weekends, providing excellent opportunities for short trips or extended relaxation. King’s Day falls on Monday, April 27, creating a three-day weekend when combined with the preceding weekend. Similarly, Whit Monday on May 25 offers another long weekend opportunity. On the other hand, Ascension Day falls on Thursday, May 14, which traditionally sees many Dutch workers taking Friday off to create a four-day weekend.
Spring Holiday Cluster
The months of April and May feature an impressive concentration of public holidays, with seven official holidays occurring within an eight-week period. Consequently, this makes late spring an ideal time for vacation planning, though it also means you should book accommodations and transportation well in advance. For those managing work schedules, keeping track of these dates becomes particularly important during this busy period. You can use helpful tools like quick timer tools to manage your time efficiently during these shorter work weeks.
Important Employment Considerations
Unlike many countries, Dutch law does not guarantee employees a day off on public holidays. Therefore, whether you have the day off depends on your collective labor agreement (CAO) or individual employment contract. This unique aspect of Dutch employment law means you should always verify your specific entitlements with your employer. Nevertheless, most businesses and government offices do close on these official holidays.
Understanding Dutch Holiday Traditions
Each public holiday in the Netherlands carries its own significance and traditions. New Year’s Day marks fresh beginnings with fireworks displays lighting up Dutch skies on New Year’s Eve. Easter celebrations combine religious observance with family gatherings and traditional meals. However, the most distinctly Dutch holiday is King’s Day, when the entire nation celebrates in orange, honoring the birthday of King Willem-Alexander with street parties, markets, and festivals across every city and town.
Liberation Day commemorates the end of World War II occupation in 1945, featuring concerts and remembrance ceremonies throughout the country. Meanwhile, Ascension Day and Whit Monday maintain their religious roots while also serving as welcome breaks during the pleasant spring weather. Christmas in the Netherlands is a two-day celebration, with December 25 and 26 both recognized as official holidays, allowing extended time with family and friends.
Planning Your Schedule with Confidence
Staying informed about public holidays helps you plan effectively throughout the year. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, planning family vacations, or simply organizing your personal calendar, having this information at your fingertips proves invaluable. For real-time scheduling assistance, check current local times to coordinate across different time zones when planning international meetings around these Dutch holidays.
Additionally, remember that school holidays in the Netherlands follow a different schedule, staggered by region to prevent nationwide travel congestion. Therefore, if you’re planning family activities, you’ll want to consult both the public holiday calendar and your region’s school schedule for complete planning information.
Making the Most of 2026
With eleven official public holidays spread throughout 2026, the Netherlands offers ample opportunity for rest and celebration. The spring months provide the most concentrated holiday period, while the long stretch from late May to late December contains no public holidays at all. Consequently, many Dutch workers use their annual leave strategically during the summer months to compensate for this gap.
For those new to the Netherlands or planning to visit, understanding these holidays helps you avoid unexpected closures and plan your activities around peak celebration times. Moreover, experiencing Dutch holidays firsthand offers unique cultural insights and memorable experiences, from the nationwide orange festivities of King’s Day to the solemn remembrance of Liberation Day.
To explore more helpful planning resources and stay informed about time management strategies, visit our comprehensive guides section for additional tips on organizing your schedule around public holidays and other important dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands recognizes eleven official public holidays nationwide in 2026: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, King’s Day, Liberation Day, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. These holidays are consistent across all provinces and regions, though individual employers determine whether employees receive time off.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 create extended weekend opportunities. King’s Day falls on Monday, April 27, providing a three-day weekend. Whit Monday on May 25 also creates a long weekend. Additionally, Ascension Day on Thursday, May 14, traditionally sees many workers taking Friday off to create a four-day break, though this depends on individual employment agreements.
Are any holidays subject to change?
The dates for 2026 are officially confirmed by the Dutch government and are not subject to change. However, King’s Day has a special provision: when April 27 falls on a Sunday, the celebration moves to Saturday, April 26. In 2026, April 27 falls on a Monday, so the holiday will be observed on its traditional date without adjustment.
Do I have the legal right to a day off on public holidays?
No, Dutch law does not guarantee employees a day off on public holidays. Your entitlement to time off depends entirely on your collective labor agreement (CAO) or individual employment contract. Always check these documents or consult with your employer to understand which holidays you’re entitled to observe.
How do public holidays affect legal deadlines and payments?
If a legal deadline for payment or response falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or official public holiday, the deadline automatically extends to the next working day. This provision helps ensure that parties are not disadvantaged by holidays when meeting legal obligations or making required payments.