Understanding public holidays in the Netherlands is essential for global employers managing remote or distributed teams in the region. Public holidays influence workforce planning, employee availability, and compliance with Dutch labor laws.
This guide outlines all official public holidays in the Netherlands for 2025 and for 2026, along with their cultural significance and considerations for employers operating in the region.
National Public Holidays in the Netherlands 2025/ 2026
Date (2025) | Date (2026) | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
January 1 | January 1 | New Year's Day | New Year's Day (nieuwjaarsdag, oud en nieuw) is the first day of a new calendar year. In the Netherlands, it always falls on January 1. |
April 18 | April 3 | Good Friday | Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday in the Netherlands. |
April 20 | April 5 | Easter Sunday | On Easter Sunday (paaszondag, pasen) many Christians in the Netherlands celebrate this day. |
April 21 | April 6 | Easter Monday | Easter Monday (tweede paasdag) in the Netherlands is the day after Easter Sunday. |
April 26 | April 27 | King's Birthday | The King’s official birthday in the Netherlands is a festive occasion that is annually celebrated on April 27. |
May 5 | May 5 | Liberation Day | Liberation Day in the Netherlands celebrates the end of World War II in Europe. |
May 29 | May 14 | Ascension Day | Ascension Day (hemelvaart) in the Netherlands is the 40th day of Easter and ten days before Pentecost. |
June 8 | May 24 | Whit Sunday | Pentecost (Pinksteren) in the Netherlands is seven weeks after Easter Sunday. |
June 9 | May 25 | Whit Monday | The second day of Pentecost (tweede pinksterdag) in the Netherlands is on a Monday seven weeks after Easter Monday. |
December 25 | December 25 | Christmas Day | Christmas Day (kerst, kerstmis) is a public holiday in the Netherlands. It always falls on December 25. |
December 26 | December 26 | Second Day of Christmas | The second day of Christmas is a holiday for many people in the Netherlands. It always falls on December 26. |
Employer Considerations for Netherlands Public Holidays
In the Netherlands, employees do not have an automatic legal right to a day off on a public holiday. That is to say, there is no mandatory legal obligation on the employers to give employees a day off on public holidays. How public holidays are observed can depend on collective labor agreements (CAOs), industry norms, and individual employment contracts. Some holidays are mandatory rest days, while others may require negotiation with employees.
Global workforce managers should:
Review contracts and CAOs to confirm entitlements for public holiday and public holiday pay.
Adjust project timelines to accommodate Dutch public holidays.
Communicate holiday schedules well in advance to distributed teams.
Consider cultural observances when planning meetings or deadlines.
Key Takeaway
By understanding and respecting the Netherlands public holidays, global employers can improve compliance, maintain productivity, and strengthen relationships with Dutch employees. Aligning operational plans with local holiday schedules ensures smoother workflows and demonstrates cultural awareness—an essential factor for effective global team management.