Planning a trip, managing a team, or just organising your year in the Netherlands? Knowing the public holidays is key. Here at Calendar Times UK, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the Netherlands’ bank holidays for 2025 and 2026. This article provides the full list of official public holidays in the Netherlands, including key dates such as King’s Day in the Netherlands 2025, Liberation Day in the Netherlands 2025, and Ascension Day in the Netherlands 2026. We’ll also clarify your right to a day off and explore the rich tapestry of Dutch observances.
Official Bank Holidays in the Netherlands: Full Calendar
Unlike the UK’s standard eight bank holidays a year, the Netherlands has a unique set of national days. It’s important to know that not every public holiday guarantees a day off; this depends on your CAO (collective labour agreement) or employment contract.
Below, you’ll find the official dates for your Dutch holiday calendar.
Netherlands Bank Holidays Calendar 2025
Mark your calendars! Here are the official Netherlands bank holidays 2025.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 18 Apr | Friday | Good Friday |
| 20 Apr | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| 21 Apr | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 26 Apr | Saturday | King’s Day |
| 5 May | Monday | Liberation Day |
| 29 May | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 8 Jun | Sunday | Whit Sunday |
| 9 Jun | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 25 Dec | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Friday | Second Day of Christmas (Boxing Day) |
Netherlands Bank Holidays Calendar 2026
Looking ahead to Public Holidays in the Netherlands 2026? Here is the full schedule.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 Apr | Friday | Good Friday |
| 5 Apr | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| 6 Apr | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 27 Apr | Monday | King’s Day |
| 5 May | Tuesday | Liberation Day |
| 14 May | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 24 May | Sunday | Whit Sunday |
| 25 May | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 25 Dec | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas (Boxing Day) |
Read More: US Bank Holidays
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Netherlands Bank Holidays Calendar 2027
For those planning even further ahead, here are the projected dates for the Netherlands Holidays 2027.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 26 Mar | Friday | Good Friday |
| 28 Mar | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| 29 Mar | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 27 Apr | Tuesday | King’s Day |
| 5 May | Wednesday | Liberation Day |
| 6 May | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 16 May | Sunday | Whit Sunday |
| 17 May | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 25 Dec | Saturday | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Sunday | Second Day of Christmas (Boxing Day) |
Complete List of Dutch Observances and Cultural Holidays
The Dutch calendar is filled with beloved observances in the Netherlands that, while not official bank holidays, are deeply woven into the culture. Understanding these days gives you a real feel for life in the Netherlands.
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Sinterklaas: The fun begins on St. Nicholas’ Eve (5 December) with gift-giving and festivities.
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Remembrance Day:Â Held on 4 May, this solemn day commemorates victims of war.
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Keti Koti:Â On 1 July, this observance marks the emancipation of enslaved people in Suriname and the Dutch Antilles.
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Family Days: Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May) and Father’s Day (third Sunday in June) are celebrated with family.
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Seasonal Markers: The June Solstice and September Equinox are noted, much like in our guides for England Bank Holidays and Australia Bank Holidays.
FAQs
Q1. Is Liberation Day a public holiday?
Yes, but not automatically a day off. Liberation Day (5 May) is an official national holiday. However, it is only a mandatory paid holiday once every five years. Whether you have it off depends on your employer and your CAO.
Q2. Do I have a right to a day off on public holidays?
Not by law. Unlike standard UK bank holidays in 2026, there is no Dutch law granting an automatic right to a day off. Your right to a day off is determined by your employment contract or your sector’s CAO (collective labour agreement).
Q3. When is King’s Day in 2025?
Saturday, 26 April 2025. King’s Day is normally on 27 April, but if that date falls on a Sunday, it is celebrated the day before. So for King’s Day Netherlands 2025, mark your calendar for the 26th!
Also Read: German Bank Holidays
Conclusion
We hope this guide from Calendar Times UK helps you navigate the Netherlands bank holidays with ease. From the national orange frenzy of King’s Day to the quiet reflection of Remembrance Day, understanding this calendar is your first step to planning a successful time in the Netherlands.
For the most authoritative information, always refer to the official Dutch government website.
