Netherlands Public Holidays 2026 and What to Expect

Disclaimer: Public holiday information is based on the Dutch government. Always refer to the official site for updates.

The Netherlands is a country shaped by its seasons. Spring tulips unfurl along quiet canals, summer light stretches across café terraces, autumn turns cobblestone streets golden, and winter markets glow beneath historic rooftops. Visiting during a Dutch public holiday adds another dimension to the experience, revealing cultural moments that define the rhythm of local life.

Whether you are planning a weekend in Amsterdam, a spring trip to see the tulips, or a winter escape to festive towns, understanding the Netherlands public holidays in 2026 helps you know what to expect.

What Makes Dutch Public Holidays Unique for Travelers

Dutch feestdagen (holidays) carry a relaxed charm. Many museums, restaurants, and public transport services remain available, even during major holidays. Cultural celebrations unfold openly across cities, from free outdoor concerts to community markets and orange-filled festivities. Holidays often align with seasonal highlights, making certain times of year especially memorable for visitors.

Netherlands Public Holidays 2026

* Goede Vrijdag (Good Friday) is not a guaranteed paid day off for all workers.
** Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day) is celebrated annually, but only a mandatory paid holiday once every five years.

How These Holidays Shape Travel in the Netherlands

Public holidays shape the pace of Dutch cities. Easter and Ascension weekends often attract more visitors to museums, gardens, and canals. Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year’s Day) and Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day) are peaceful, with many shops closed. King’s Day transforms entire cities into open-air celebrations.

Public transport remains reliable, though NS (Dutch Railways) may adjust schedules during major feestdagen. Popular museums such as the Rijksmuseum (National Museum), Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House usually operate with modified hours and require advance booking during peak holiday periods.

Signature Dutch Holiday Experiences in 2026

Koningsdag (King’s Day)

On 27 April, the Netherlands turns bright orange. Koningsdag celebrates the king’s birthday with a festive energy that fills cities from morning until night. Amsterdam’s canals become lively waterways of music and decorated boats. Streets host vrijmarkten (citywide flea markets), and the atmosphere is unmistakably gezellig (cosy, vibrant, warm). For many visitors, it becomes the highlight of their trip.

Easter and Tulip Season

Eerste Paasdag (Easter Sunday) and Tweede Paasdag (Easter Monday) coincide with spring’s most colourful display. Tulip fields across Bollenstreek (Flower Region) come to life, and Keukenhof Gardens offer vibrant floral landscapes. Mild temperatures make it ideal for canal tours, cycling routes, and outdoor cafés.

Liberation Day Celebrations

Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day) features concerts, exhibitions, and cultural reflections on freedom. Cities host free events that blend remembrance with celebration, creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.

Christmas in Dutch Towns

During Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day), the country feels peaceful and serene. On Tweede Kerstdag (Boxing Day), cities come alive with open museums, winter markets, and holiday dining. Towns like Maastricht, Haarlem, and Leiden feel especially charming with lights, music, and seasonal traditions.

Long Weekends and the Best Times to Visit in 2026

Several holidays create natural long weekends, offering great opportunities for international travelers:

• Easter Weekend (3–6 April)
• King’s Day Weekend (25–27 April)
• Ascension Weekend (14–17 May)
• Whitsun Weekend (23–25 May)
• Christmas Weekend (25–27 December)

These periods often see higher demand for accommodation, train tickets, and museum reservations, especially in Amsterdam and popular spring destinations.

Seasonal Travel Atmosphere

Spring (March to May)

Cool mornings, blooming tulips, and bright afternoons. Ideal for garden visits, canal tours, and cycling routes.

Summer (June to August)

Warm days, bustling terraces, and long daylight hours. Great for exploring Dutch cities and nearby coastal areas.

Autumn (September to November)

Golden canals, quieter streets, and comfortable temperatures. A peaceful season for museums and historic towns.

Winter (December)

Crisp air, festive lights, and winter markets. Christmas holidays bring a cosy and atmospheric charm.

Practical Tips for International Travelers

• Many shops close on Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year’s Day) and Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day).
• Museums often require advance reservations during holiday weekends.
• NS trains and local trams run on adjusted schedules during major feestdagen.
• Keukenhof and tulip fields are busiest in April and early May.
• Restaurants may use holiday menus for Easter and Christmas.

Connectivity for International Travelers

Traveling through the Netherlands often feels effortless. Cities are compact, trams glide past canal bridges, and trains link historic towns with modern hubs. But much of this ease comes from the little things travelers do along the way, checking a tram route, booking a museum slot, or navigating a bike path through a quiet neighbourhood.

Having reliable data becomes part of the journey itself. You will use it for moments like:

• Reserving museum tickets before they sell out
• Finding your way along canal-side walking routes
• Checking NS train platforms during busy holiday mornings

With so much of Dutch travel running digitally, a steady connection helps your trip unfold smoothly, whether you are exploring Amsterdam’s narrow streets or taking a day trip to Haarlem or Utrecht.

How Eskimo Supports International Visitors

Most travelers prefer to stay connected the moment they land. With an eSIM, there is no need to queue at airport kiosks or switch physical SIM cards. You simply activate your plan and step into the rhythm of the city.

Eskimo makes this simple. Travelers can keep unused data when topping up, share data with companions, and try 500 MB of free global data before choosing a plan. And if your journey continues beyond the Netherlands into Belgium, France, Germany, or elsewhere in Europe, the Europe and Global plans work seamlessly across borders without reinstalling.

It keeps the focus on the journey, not the logistics.

FAQs

Are attractions open on Dutch public holidays?

Most major museums and attractions stay open with modified schedules, except on Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year’s Day) and Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day).

Is King’s Day worth planning a trip around?

Yes. Koningsdag (King’s Day) is one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural celebrations and an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Do trains operate during public holidays?

Yes, though NS adjusts schedules during major feestdagen (holidays). Expect more crowds at stations during the spring holidays and Christmas.

When is the best time to visit the Netherlands?

Spring offers tulips and mild weather. December brings winter charm with festive markets and illuminated town squares.