Netherlands Public Holidays 2025
Netherlands has 9 public holidays and 10 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | school |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 26 Apr | Sat | King's Day | public |
| 4 May | Sun | Remembrance of the Dead | observance |
| 5 May | Mon | Liberation Day | school |
| 11 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | public |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 15 Jun | Sun | Father's Day | observance |
| 16 Sep | Tue | Prince's Day | observance |
| 11 Nov | Tue | Saint Martin | observance |
| 5 Dec | Fri | St Nicholas' Eve | observance |
| 15 Dec | Mon | Kingdom Day | observance |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
| 31 Dec | Wed | New Year's Eve | bank |
About Netherlands's Holidays
The Netherlands has a mix of national, public, and cultural holidays that shape the year. Important official days include New Year, Easter and Easter Monday, Ascension, Pentecost and Pentecost Monday, and Christmas on two days.
King's Day on April 27 is the biggest national celebration. Streets fill with orange clothing, markets and parties. Remembrance Day on May 4 and Liberation Day on May 5 mark wartime memory and freedom. Liberation Day is a national holiday every five years but celebrated each year.
Cultural favorites include Sinterklaas on December 5, a gift and family tradition more important than Christmas for many children. These holidays blend history, religion and fun into Dutch life.
Holiday Traditions
In the Netherlands holidays mix old customs with modern fun. People decorate homes, give flowers or cards, and sing or perform in local parades. Small towns and big cities each add their own local traditions and friendly atmosphere.
Food plays a big role. Families share special treats and warm dishes made for the occasion. You will see sweet pastries, fried snacks, and hearty family meals passed around the table. Children often get small gifts or special sweets.
Public life gets lively with markets, concerts, and fireworks. Flags and lanterns appear in streets. Schools, clubs, and neighbors organize activities so both family time and community celebration feel important and welcoming.
Travel Tips
The Netherlands gets busy during the holiday season. Many shops and offices close on major public holidays, and smaller stores may have shorter hours on surrounding days. Plan for changed opening times and book key activities ahead.
Trains and trams often run on a reduced or holiday schedule, and tickets can sell out. Airports and major train stations are crowded around holidays, especially evenings and weekends. Allow extra time for security and transfers.
Tourist sites can be very busy, with long lines for museums and attractions. Visit popular places early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Consider buying timed entry or skip the line tickets.
Carry weather ready clothes because it can be cold and rainy. Keep digital copies of travel documents and local emergency numbers. Check local transport apps and official sites for real time updates.