Netherlands (NL)
The Netherlands is a small, densely populated constitutional monarchy in Northwestern Europe, consistently ranked among the world's most liveable and progressive countries.
Capital: Amsterdam
Region: Europe
Language: Dutch
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 76)
Emergency: 112
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Public Holidays 2026
14 holidays in Netherlands. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Nieuwjaarsdag
Public holiday. Fireworks are traditionally set off at midnight across the Netherlands. Major cities can be very noisy.
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Goede Vrijdag
Officially a public holiday. Many businesses and most government offices are closed.
Sun 5
Easter Sunday Public Holiday
Eerste Paasdag
Public holiday. Easter egg hunting traditions in parks and gardens.
Mon 6
Easter Monday Public Holiday
Tweede Paasdag
Public holiday. Many shops and restaurants open. A popular day for family activities.
Mon 27
King's Day Public Holiday
Koningsdag
The national celebration of King Willem-Alexander's birthday. The entire country turns orange. Amsterdam hosts the world's largest street party. Vrijmarkt (free market): anyone can sell anything on the street.
May 2026
Tue 5
Liberation Day Public Holiday
Bevrijdingsdag
Commemorates the end of German occupation in 1945. Free concerts and festivals nationwide.
Mon 4
Remembrance Day Optional
Dodenherdenking
Not a public holiday but nationally observed. Two minutes of silence at 8pm. All public events and entertainment pause.
Thu 14
Ascension Day Public Holiday
Hemelvaartsdag
Public holiday. Many Dutch take the Friday after Ascension Day off, creating a 4-day weekend.
Sun 24
Whit Sunday (Pentecost) Public Holiday
Eerste Pinksterdag
Public holiday.
Mon 25
Whit Monday Public Holiday
Tweede Pinksterdag
Public holiday. Last long weekend before summer.
September 2026
Tue 15
Prince's Day Optional
Prinsjesdag
Not a public holiday. The King presents the government's budget plans to parliament at the Ridderzaal in The Hague (third Tuesday of September).
December 2026
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Eerste Kerstdag
Public holiday. Family celebrations. Shops mostly closed.
Sat 26
Second Christmas Day Public Holiday
Tweede Kerstdag
Public holiday. The Dutch celebrate with a second day of Christmas. Many shops open.
Sat 5
Sinterklaas Optional
Sinterklaas
Not a public holiday but the main gift-giving celebration in Dutch culture. Children receive gifts from Sinterklaas on Pakjesavond (5 December evening).
Note: Some holidays in Netherlands apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.