Public holidays in 2026 in the Netherlands

The official holidays in 2026 in the Netherlands change every year. Below is an overview of the holidays in the Netherlands for 2026, including the day of the week:

  • New Year  : January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
  • Good Friday  : April 3, 2026 (Friday)
  • Easter  : April 5, 2026 (Sunday) and April 6, 2026 (Monday)
  • King’s Day  : April 27, 2026 (Monday)
  • Liberation Day  : May 5, 2026 (Tuesday)
  • Ascension Day  : May 14, 2026 (Thursday)
  • Pentecost  : May 24, 2026 (Sunday) and May 25, 2026 (Monday)
  • Christmas  : December 25, 2026 (Friday) and December 26, 2026 (Saturday)

What are the holidays in the Netherlands?

Public holidays are days when a specific event is celebrated or commemorated. This can be a religious event (such as Christmas or Easter), a national holiday (such as King’s Day), or a day of historical significance (such as Liberation Day). Many people in the Netherlands will have a day off and a weekend off on public holidays in 2026, depending on legislation and specific agreements
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Compensation for working on public holidays in the Netherlands

If you work on a public holiday in the Netherlands in 2026, you may be entitled to additional compensation. This is often stipulated in your employment contract or collective agreement. The compensation can range from a supplement to your salary to a day off later in the year. However, this is not always mandatory, so it is important to check what is stated in your contract.

Vacation on non-Christian holidays in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, many holidays have a Christian origin, such as Easter and Christmas. However, more and more employers are paying attention to non-Christian holidays, such as Ramadan or Yom Kippur. In some cases, you can take these days as vacation or exchange them for another holiday
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Holiday exchange in the Netherlands

Some employers offer the option to swap holidays that you don’t want to or can’t celebrate with other days. This can be useful, for example, for people who don’t celebrate Christian holidays. This is often a flexible option, but you should check with your employer in advance.

Is King’s Day a public holiday in the Netherlands?

Yes, King’s Day is an official public holiday in the Netherlands. This means that many people have the day off from work and school to celebrate the King’s birthday. In 2026, King’s Day falls on Saturday, April 26, one day earlier than usual.

This national holiday is usually celebrated on April 27, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. King’s Night falls on Friday, April 25.

Is King’s Day a legally binding holiday in the Netherlands?

King’s Day is not a legally binding day off. Employers are not required to give their employees the day off unless expressly provided for in their employment contract. Many companies give their employees the day off on King’s Day, but this is not legally binding
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How do I know if I’m free on King’s Day in the Netherlands?

Whether you will have a day off on King’s Day depends on your employer and the terms of your employment contract. If King’s Day is an official holiday under your collective bargaining agreement or contract, you are entitled to this day off. Conversely, you may also be required to work, for example if you work in the hospitality or retail sectors
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Do I get paid on a public holiday, such as King’s Day in the Netherlands?

If King’s Day is a public holiday and you have a day off, your salary will generally continue to be paid. If you have to work, special conditions may apply, such as additional pay for working on the public holiday.

Liberation Day 2026: Am I free in the Netherlands?

In 2026, Liberation Day falls on Monday, 5 May, and is a public holiday. Liberation Day is not usually a statutory holiday in the Netherlands. Employers are not obliged to give their employees a day off on this day unless this is specifically provided for in the employment contract or collective agreement.

What does this mean for you?

  • Day off  : In 2026, you are entitled to a paid day off on May 5, provided that your employment contract or collective agreement provides for it. Not all employers are required to provide this day off, but it is more common in anniversary years
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  • Celebrations  : Liberation Day is celebrated throughout the Netherlands with festivals, celebrations, and other events that emphasize freedom and democracy.

Why this particular anniversary arrangement  ?

The anniversary  means that Liberation Day is an official holiday only in years that are divisible by five. This means that the celebration of the liberation is given special attention in these years, while in the intervening years it is mostly a day of remembrance.

Holiday management for employers

As an employer, it is important to have a clear understanding of public holidays and the associated leave conditions.

Why?

  • Compliance with legal requirements  : Fulfilling legal obligations regarding holidays and vacations.
  • Cost Management  : Predict staff costs and overheads by getting insight into leave arrangements.
  • Employee satisfaction  : transparent leave policies increase employee satisfaction and engagement