If you're an expat in the Netherlands, you might notice that the country has its own unique set of public holidays. Some days that are national holidays elsewhere are just regular workdays here. In this blog, we’ll explain the Dutch public holidays, how they compare to international ones, and what to expect as an employee.
Dutch National Holidays and Their Meanings
If you're an expat in the Netherlands, you might notice that the country has its own unique set of public holidays. Some days that are national holidays elsewhere are just regular workdays here. In this blog, we’ll explain the Dutch public holidays, how they compare to international ones, and what to expect as an employee.
Dutch National Holidays and Their Meanings
- 1. New Year's Day – January 1
Like in many other countries, the Dutch celebrate the start of the new year with fireworks, family gatherings, and the traditional Nieuwjaarsduik – a cold plunge into the North Sea. - 2. Good Friday – Friday before Easter (varies)
This Christian holiday is not an official public holiday in the Netherlands. This means that many employees still have to work unless their employer or collective labor agreement (CAO) states otherwise. Government institutions and some schools are closed. - 3. Easter Sunday & Easter Monday – March/April (varies)
Easter is widely celebrated with family gatherings, Easter brunches, and egg hunts for children. Easter Monday is an official public holiday, and many people take advantage of the long weekend for a short trip. - 4. King’s Day – April 27 (or April 26 if on a Sunday)
One of the biggest celebrations in the Netherlands! On King’s Day, the entire country transforms into a festival zone with street markets, concerts, and parties – everyone dressed in orange. If King’s Day falls on a Sunday, it is celebrated a day earlier, on April 26 - 5. Liberation Day – May 5
Liberation Day marks the end of World War II in the Netherlands. Although it is a national holiday, this does not automatically mean a day off. Employees are only entitled to a day off if this is stated in their employment contract or collective labor agreement. Some employers give a day off once every five years, but this is not a legal obligation. Read more about this. - 6. Ascension Day – Always on a Thursday (40 days after Easter, varies)
This Christian holiday always falls on a Thursday. Many people take the following Friday off ("bridge day") to create a long weekend. - 7. Whit Sunday & Whit Monday – 50 days after Easter (varies)
Pentecost is a Christian holiday, with the second day (Whit Monday) being an official public holiday. Many Dutch people use the long weekend for festivals or trips. - 8. Christmas Eve – December 24
Unlike in many other countries, Christmas Eve is not an official public holiday in the Netherlands. However, some employers allow employees to leave work early, especially if the company closes between Christmas and New Year’s. - 9. Christmas Day and Boxing Day – December 25 and 26
Christmas in the Netherlands is celebrated over two days. The first day is usually spent with family, while the second day is often more relaxed, with visits to friends, shopping, or a winter walk. - 10. New Year's Eve – December 31
New Year’s Eve is not an official public holiday, but many companies close early. If you want a full day off, you will need to take a vacation day.
International Holidays That Are NOT Public Holidays in the Netherlands
Although these holidays are widely observed in other countries, they are regular workdays in the Netherlands unless arranged otherwise with an employer.
- 1. Labour Day (May 1)
In many European countries, Labour Day is an official holiday, but in the Netherlands it is a normal working day. - 2. Christmas Eve (December 24)
As mentioned before, Christmas Eve is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, while it is in many European and Latin American countries. - 3. New Year's Eve (December 31)
Some businesses close earlier, but it is not an official holiday, unlike some countries where it is a half or full day off.
What expats need to know
- Holidays are rarely moved to a Monday
In some countries, a holiday that falls on a weekend is moved to the following Monday. In the Netherlands, this usually does not happen. - Paid holidays: legal minimum and additional leave days
By law, Dutch employees are entitled to at least four times the number of days they work per week (for example, 20 days for a full-time job). However, many employers offer extra leave days (bovenwettelijke vakantiedagen) through a CAO or individual contract. This number varies depending on the sector and employer. - Many shops and businesses remain open on public holidays
Unlike in some countries where public holidays mean everything shuts down, many shops, restaurants, and businesses in the Netherlands remain open, even on official holidays. However, opening hours may vary. - Plan holidays early
Holidays such as Ascension Day and Whit Monday are popular for long weekends. Holiday requests for these periods often need to be submitted well in advance.
How does De Unie help you
Do you have any more questions about vacation days? Or do you want to know what your rights are? De Unie offers legal advice and practical support. Contact us at 0345 851 963 of sc@unie.nl. Join today and become stronger in your work!
