Meaning, traditions and official days off
The Netherlands offers a rich mix of public holidays, commemorative days and lively events. In cities like Rotterdam, these dates are often celebrated with festivals, cultural activities and major urban events.
Shops and museums are usually open on public holidays, but opening hours may vary. To make the most of your visit, it is always advisable to check opening times in advance.
Remembrance Day – 4 May
Commemorative day – not an official public holiday
On 4 May, the Netherlands observes Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking). On this day, all civilians and military personnel who have died in wars and peacekeeping missions since the Second World War are remembered.
At 8:00 PM, the country observes two minutes of silence. The national ceremony takes place at Dam Square in Amsterdam, and the Dutch flag is flown at half‑mast.
Keywords: Remembrance Day Netherlands, 4 May remembrance, two minutes silence
Liberation Day – 5 May
National holiday – official day off once every 5 years
Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) is celebrated on 5 May and marks the liberation of the Netherlands in 1945. The day is dedicated to freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
Every year, Liberation Festivals are held across the country. Liberation Day is a national holiday, but it is only an official paid day off once every five years.
Keywords: Liberation Day Netherlands, 5 May public holiday, freedom Netherlands
Christian Holidays in the Netherlands
Easter – Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
Both are official public holidays
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important Christian holidays. In the Netherlands, both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are official public holidays.
Keywords: Easter public holiday Netherlands, Easter Monday day off
Ascension Day
Official public holiday
Ascension Day takes place on a Thursday, forty days after Easter. It commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ according to Christian tradition. Many people take the Friday off as well.
Keywords: Ascension Day Netherlands, Ascension Day public holiday
Pentecost – Pentecost Sunday and Pentecost Monday
Both are official public holidays
Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit and is considered the birth of the Christian church. In the Netherlands, both Pentecost Sunday and Pentecost Monday are public holidays.
Keywords: Pentecost Netherlands, Whit Monday public holiday
Christmas – Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Both are official public holidays
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. In the Netherlands, 25 and 26 December (Christmas Day and Boxing Day) are official public holidays, traditionally focused on family and togetherness.
Keywords: Christmas holidays Netherlands, Boxing Day public holiday
Other National Holidays
King’s Day – 27 April
Official public holiday
King’s Day (Koningsdag) is the national holiday celebrating the birthday of the Dutch monarch. The country is filled with flea markets, festivals and celebrations.
Keywords: King’s Day Netherlands, national holiday Netherlands
Marathon 2027
The Marathon will take place on Sunday, 11 April 2027. This event brings great energy to the city, but it will also cause increased crowds.
On the day of the marathon, there will be temporary road closures along the route. Access may be limited at times. Closures will be lifted as soon as possible, and detours will be clearly signposted.
🚢⚓ World Port Days Rotterdam
Visit Rotterdam during the World Port Days from 4–6 September 2026 and experience Europe’s largest port up close. Just steps from the cruise terminal, enjoy impressive ships, spectacular water shows, and port‑related activities along the River Maas. Compact, easy to explore, and perfect for an unforgettable day ashore.
Overview of Official Public Holidays in the Netherlands
| Holiday | Official day off |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (1 January) | ✅ |
| Good Friday | ⚠️ Depends on sector |
| Easter Sunday | ✅ |
| Easter Monday | ✅ |
| King’s Day (27 April) | ✅ |
| Liberation Day (5 May) | ✅ Once every 5 years |
| Ascension Day | ✅ |
| Pentecost Sunday | ✅ |
| Pentecost Monday | ✅ |
| Christmas Day (25 December) | ✅ |
| Boxing Day (26 December) | ✅ |
Why these holidays matter
Dutch public holidays reflect key values of society: remembrance, freedom, tradition and social connection. By remembering the past and celebrating shared traditions, these days remain meaningful for future generations.