List of 11 public holidays in Netherlands for 2026, including New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and more.
The Netherlands boasts a vibrant holiday culture that blends long-standing traditions with exuberant public celebrations. From the orange-tinted madness of King's Day to the cozy, family-centric arrival of Sinterklaas, the Dutch embrace festivities with a spirit of 'gezelligheid'—a unique sense of coziness and social connection.
On King's Day (April 27), public transportation follows a special schedule and major city centers, especially Amsterdam, become pedestrian-only zones. During Christmas and New Year's Day, most shops, museums, and supermarkets close early or remain shut, and train services are significantly reduced after 8:00 PM on New Year's Eve.
The Dutch prioritize work-life balance, so avoid scheduling important meetings during the school holiday weeks in May or the summer months of July and August. It is common for business operations to slow down between Christmas and the first week of January. Always check for 'bridge days' where employees might take a Friday off if a holiday falls on a Thursday.
Visit in late April to experience the peak of Dutch culture during King's Day and the tulip season. To avoid the heaviest crowds and holiday-related closures while still enjoying mild weather, aim for mid-May or September.
For general holidays, use 'Fijne feestdagen' (Happy holidays). On King's Day, say 'Fijne Koningsdag.' During Christmas, 'Vrolijk Kerstfeest' is standard, and 'Gelukkig Nieuwjaar' is used for the New Year.