Dutch Holidays and Celebrations
The Netherlands has a mix of official public holidays, national remembrance days, seasonal celebrations, and personal traditions. Some are linked to Christian holidays, while others are national or cultural events. This page explains common Dutch holidays and celebrations, what they usually mean in daily life, and what internationals in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe may notice at work, school, or in their neighbourhood.
What you can find on this page:
Public holidays in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has several official public holidays. Some have a fixed date, while others change each year because they are connected to Easter.
Common public holidays include:
- New Year’s Day, or Nieuwjaarsdag, on 1 January
- Good Friday, or Goede Vrijdag
- Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, or Eerste en Tweede Paasdag
- King’s Day, or Koningsdag, on 27 April
- Liberation Day, or Bevrijdingsdag, on 5 May
- Ascension Day, or Hemelvaartsdag
- Whit Sunday and Whit Monday, or Eerste en Tweede Pinksterdag
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day, or Eerste en Tweede Kerstdag, on 25 and 26 December
Not every public holiday automatically means everyone has the day off. Whether you are free from work can depend on your employment contract, collective labour agreement, employer, school, or organisation. Good Friday and Liberation Day are good examples of holidays where days off can differ per workplace.
Shops, schools, public transport, municipal offices, and healthcare services may also use different opening hours during public holidays. Always check in advance if you need to arrange something around a holiday period.
National remembrance and celebration days
Two important national dates in the Netherlands are Remembrance Day and Liberation Day.
Remembrance Day, or Dodenherdenking, takes place on 4 May. On this day, the Netherlands remembers civilians and members of the armed forces who have died in war situations and peacekeeping missions. A two-minute silence is held at 20:00. You may notice ceremonies, flags at half-mast, and public transport or events pausing briefly.
Liberation Day, or Bevrijdingsdag, takes place on 5 May. This day commemorates the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation during the Second World War and reflects on freedom, democracy, and human rights. Many cities organise festivals, concerts, and public events.
King’s Day, or Koningsdag, takes place on 27 April. It is one of the most visible national celebrations in the Netherlands. Many people wear orange, visit street markets, attend parties or concerts, and celebrate outdoors. If 27 April falls on a Sunday, King’s Day is usually celebrated on Saturday 26 April instead.
In many towns and cities, children and adults take part in a vrijmarkt, a free market where people sell second-hand items on the street. Public transport, city centres, and event areas can be very busy on King’s Day, so it is worth planning ahead.
Regional celebrations in the North
Alongside national holidays, Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe also have local and regional celebrations. These are not always official public holidays, but they can be an important part of local identity.
In Groningen, Bommen Berend, also known as Groningens Ontzet, is celebrated on 28 August. It marks the relief of Groningen in 1672, when the bishop of Münster, Bernard von Galen, withdrew his siege of the city. Today, the celebration can include a fair, music, cultural activities, historical events, and fireworks.
In Friesland, regional celebrations are often connected to Frisian language, water, sport, and local culture. Examples include Sneekweek, a large annual sailing event and festival in Sneek, and Skûtsjesilen, traditional Frisian sailing competitions. Friesland also has many cultural festivals throughout the year, including events connected to music, arts, and Frisian identity.
In Drenthe, well-known regional events include Zuidlaardermarkt, a historic horse market in Zuidlaren held on the third Tuesday of October, and the TT Festival in Assen, which takes place around the Dutch TT motorcycle racing week. Drenthe also has local flower parades, fairs, village festivals, and cultural events.
Regional celebrations can be very local. If you have just moved to the North, check your municipality or regional tourism website for Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe.
Sinterklaas, Christmas, and New Year
Sinterklaas is celebrated in the Netherlands in late November and early December, with the main celebration often taking place on 5 December, known as Pakjesavond. Many families exchange gifts, poems, and small surprises. Children may put a shoe near the fireplace, door, or window and receive small treats.
Sinterklaas is not an official public holiday, but it is an important cultural celebration, especially for families with children. Schools, childcare centres, and workplaces may organise Sinterklaas activities.
Christmas, or Kerstmis, is celebrated on 25 and 26 December. These are known as First Christmas Day and Second Christmas Day. Many people spend Christmas with family or friends, and some attend church services, dinners, or seasonal events. Shops, public services, and public transport may have adjusted opening hours.
New Year’s Eve, or Oudjaarsavond, is celebrated on 31 December. Many people gather with friends or family, eat oliebollen, and watch fireworks at midnight. New Year’s Day, 1 January, is an official public holiday.
Birthdays and personal celebrations
Dutch birthdays can feel surprisingly structured if you are new to the Netherlands. It is common to congratulate not only the person whose birthday it is, but also their family, partner, or close friends. You may hear people say “gefeliciteerd”, meaning congratulations, to several people in the room.
At work or school, the birthday person may bring cake or treats for others. In some homes, guests sit in a circle, drink coffee or tea, and eat cake before the gathering becomes more informal.
Other personal milestones, such as weddings, graduations, births, and funerals, can differ widely depending on the family, religion, background, and personal preference. Some Dutch traditions you may come across include sending cards, giving flowers, eating beschuit met muisjes after the birth of a baby, or displaying a school bag and flag when someone passes their final secondary school exams.
There is no single correct way to celebrate these moments. If you are invited to a Dutch celebration and are not sure what to bring or expect, it is perfectly acceptable to ask. Dutch people are often known for being direct and practical, including around gifts. For example, someone may ask for the receipt or ask whether a gift can be exchanged. Try not to take it to heart, this is usually just meant to be practical!
School holidays and days off
School holidays in the Netherlands are not the same as public holidays. Public holidays are national dates, while school holidays are longer holiday periods during the school year.
School holiday dates can differ by region. The Netherlands uses regional school holiday schedules to spread holiday traffic and avoid everyone travelling at the same time. Schools may also have their own additional study days or closure days.
If you have children, always check the calendar of your own school or childcare provider. If you work, check your employment contract, collective labour agreement, or employer policy to see which public holidays are paid days off.
FAQ about Dutch Public Holidays & Celebrations
Are Dutch public holidays always days off work?
No. Some public holidays are widely treated as days off, but this is not automatic for every workplace. Whether you are free from work can depend on your employment contract, collective labour agreement, employer, or organisation. Be sure to ask your employer well in advance before making any plans.
Why do people congratulate everyone at a Dutch birthday?
At Dutch birthdays, it is common to congratulate not only the birthday person, but also close family, partners, or friends. This can feel unusual at first, but it is a normal social custom in many Dutch birthday gatherings.
What is the difference between Remembrance Day and Liberation Day?
Remembrance Day, on 4 May, is a solemn day to remember people who died in war situations and peacekeeping missions. Liberation Day, on 5 May, celebrates freedom and the liberation of the Netherlands after the Second World War.
What happens on King’s Day?
King’s Day is a national celebration on 27 April. Many people wear orange, visit street markets, attend events, and celebrate outdoors. City centres and public transport can be very busy.
Is Sinterklaas the same as Christmas?
No. Sinterklaas and Christmas are separate celebrations. Sinterklaas is usually celebrated around 5 December and often includes gifts, poems, and surprises. Christmas is celebrated on 25 and 26 December.