The complete guide to Dutch national holidays for expats (2025-2026)
Strategic planning, cultural understanding, and practical tips for making the most of your time off
Introduction: Why Dutch holidays are different from what you expect
When you move to the Netherlands, you'll quickly notice something surprising: while the Dutch have 11 public holidays on the calendar, you might not actually get them all off work. This isn't a trick - it's how Dutch employment law works, and it catches expats off guard every single year.
This guide reveals the honest truth about Dutch holidays, who gets time off (and who doesn't), cultural traditions unique to the Netherlands, and proven strategies to maximize your vacation time using "bridge days" (brugdagen) - a Dutch art form that can turn 19 vacation days into 36+ days off if you plan strategically.
Part 1: The complete 2026 & 2027 holiday calendar + 2025 December reference
Since we're already in mid-November 2025, this guide focuses on 2026 planning with reference to December 2025 for immediate use.
December 2025 - Final days of 2025
| Holiday (Dutch) | Holiday (English) | Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sinterklaas Eve | St. Nicholas' Eve (Pakjesavond) | 5 December 2025 | Friday | National celebration (NOT paid day off) |
| Eerste Kerstdag | Christmas Day | 25 December 2025 | Thursday | Official ✅ Guaranteed |
| Tweede Kerstdag | Boxing Day | 26 December 2025 | Friday | Official ✅ Guaranteed |
Strategic planning for December 2025:
- Sinterklaas (December 5): While NOT a statutory day off, many Dutch companies allow people to leave early or take the evening. It's a major cultural celebration, so check with your employer.
- Christmas break: Most companies close December 25-26 (guaranteed) and many stay closed through January 1. Take December 23-24 and/or 27-31 as vacation days to create a 10-12 day break.
Official public holidays in 2026
| Holiday (Dutch) | Holiday (English) | Date | Day | Office Job Typically? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nieuwjaarsdag | New Year's Day | 1 January | Thursday | ✅ YES (Usually) |
| Goede Vrijdag | Good Friday | 3 April | Friday | ❌ Usually NO |
| Eerste Paasdag | Easter Sunday | 5 April | Sunday | (Falls on weekend) |
| Tweede Paasdag | Easter Monday | 6 April | Monday | ✅ YES (Almost always) |
| Koningsdag | King's Day | 27 April* | Monday | ✅ YES (Guaranteed) |
| Bevrijdingsdag | Liberation Day | 5 May | Tuesday | ⚠️ Some companies YES |
| Hemelvaartsdag | Ascension Day | 14 May | Thursday | ✅ YES (Almost always) |
| Eerste Pinksterdag | Whit Sunday | 24 May | Sunday | (Falls on weekend) |
| Tweede Pinksterdag | Whit Monday | 25 May | Monday | ✅ YES (Almost always) |
| Eerste Kerstdag | Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday | ✅ YES (Guaranteed) |
| Tweede Kerstdag | Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday | (Falls on weekend) |
Note on Liberation Day 2026: May 5, 2026 is NOT an anniversary year (next is 2030). While it's a national holiday, it's NOT automatically a paid day off. However, ~30-34% of workers now get it off annually (growing trend). Some companies voluntarily offer it as a bridge day strategy. Check your CAO.
Note on Sinterklaas 2026: December 5, 2026 (Saturday) - NOT a paid day off but a major cultural celebration.
Part 2: The legal reality - who actually gets days off?
The most important rule you need to understand
There is NO Dutch law that mandates employees get public holidays off work.
This shocking truth is embedded in Dutch employment law. While the 11 days listed above are official public holidays, your actual right to take them as paid time off depends entirely on:
- Your Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) - if your industry/company has one
- Your employment contract - specific agreements with your employer
- Your company's policy - what management decides
Source: Government.nl (official Dutch government employment law)
Which holidays are almost always guaranteed for office jobs?
| Holiday | Office Job Guaranteed? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day (Jan 1) | ✅ YES (Usually) | Standard in most CAOs and office contracts; only hospital on-call staff typically work |
| Easter Monday (6 April 2026) | ✅ YES (Almost always) | Customary across nearly all sectors and CAOs; not legally mandated but practically universal |
| King's Day (27 April 2026) | ✅ YES (Guaranteed) | Customary practice; virtually all companies grant this |
| Ascension Day (14 May 2026) | ✅ YES (Almost always) | Standard in most office CAOs; universities, public sector, and major companies give it off |
| Whit Monday (25 May 2026) | ✅ YES (Almost always) | Standard in most office CAOs; widely recognized across sectors |
| Christmas Day (25 Dec) | ✅ YES (Guaranteed) | Virtually universal across all sectors |
Holidays with variable entitlement
| Holiday | Office Job? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Liberation Day (5 May 2026) | ⚠️ Maybe (30-34% get it) | NOT an anniversary year; some companies give it, many don't. Growing trend: 34% of workers nationally got it off in 2024, up from 27% in 2022. Check your CAO. |
Holidays rarely given off in office jobs
| Holiday | Office Job? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday (3 April 2026) | ❌ Usually NO | While officially a public holiday, most Dutch employers don't grant it; most Dutch people work this day |
Part 3: How Dutch employment law actually works for holidays
Two categories of paid time off
The Netherlands separates paid time off into two distinct categories:
Category 1: Statutory vacation days
("Wettelijke Vakantiedagen")
- Legal minimum: 20 days per year for full-time employees
- Calculation: 4 times the number of weekly working hours (e.g., 40 hours/week = 20 days; 36 hours/week = 14.4 days)
- Standard reality: Most office companies offer 25-30 vacation days
- These are YOUR choice: You decide when to take them
- These expire: Must use within 6 months of accrual (though exceptions exist for illness/work overload)
Category 2: Public holidays
- Legal status: NO statutory obligation for paid time off
- Governance: Determined by your CAO or employment contract
- Typical inclusion for office jobs: 8-10 public holidays per year (varies by sector)
- When you work them: Usually paid at regular rate (not premium), unless your contract specifies otherwise
The key difference
If you work on a public holiday when you're supposed to have it off:
- You get paid regular wages (no premium pay automatically)
- You do NOT get the day back as a "comp day" or extra vacation automatically
- Some CAOs specify premium pay (25-50% extra) or time-in-lieu; check yours
Source: Business.gov.nl, Unie.nl, Employment Law Firm NL
Part 4: The art of bridge days for 2026 - how to stretch 19 days into 36+ days off
"Brugdagen" (bridge days) are the Dutch art of strategic vacation planning. By smartly placing just a few vacation days adjacent to public holidays and weekends, you can create extended breaks without using extra days off.
Since we're already in late 2025, focus 2026 vacation planning NOW for maximum impact. Before planning your time off, use our cost of living calculator to understand how much money you'll save by taking strategic time off.
Opportunity 1: Easter strategy (April 2026)
Easter period:
- Sunday 5 April: Easter Sunday (public holiday, falls on weekend)
- Monday 6 April: Easter Monday (public holiday, PAID day off) ✅
- Tuesday 7 April: Regular work day
- Wednesday 8 April: Regular work day
- Thursday 9 April: Regular work day
- Friday 10 April: Take as vacation day (bridge day)
- Saturday 11-12 April: Weekend
RESULT: Take 1 vacation day to create a 4-day break (Mon-Fri 6-10)
But wait - for a LONGER break:
Take Tuesday-Friday (7-10 April) = 4 vacation days
This creates 8 consecutive days off (Sun 5 - Mon 13, including weekend)
VERDICT: Invest 4 vacation days for an 8-day break
Opportunity 2: King's Day bridge (April 27, Monday)
Week of King's Day:
- Friday 24 April: Regular work day
- Saturday 25-26 April: Weekend
- Monday 27 April: King's Day (public holiday, PAID day off) ✅
- Tuesday 28 April: Regular work day OR take as vacation (bridge day)
SIMPLE OPTION:
King's Day (Mon 27) + Weekend = automatic 4-day break with NO vacation days used
EXTENDED OPTION:
Take Friday 24 April as vacation day - creates 5-day break (24-27 April)
Don't miss our secondhand shopping guide for tips on enjoying the vrijmarkt (free market) during King's Day!
Opportunity 3: Ascension Day + Whit Monday strategy (May 2026)
COMBINED BEST OPTION (May 14-30):
- Thursday 14 May: Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) - public holiday, PAID day off ✅
- Friday 15 May: Take as vacation day (bridge day)
- Saturday 16-17 May: Weekend
- Monday 19 May: Back to work
- BUT WAIT - BETTER OPTION with Whit Monday:
- Sunday 24 May: Whit Sunday (public holiday, falls on weekend)
- Monday 25 May: Whit Monday (public holiday, PAID day off) ✅
- Tuesday 26 May: Take as vacation day (bridge day)
- Wednesday 27 May: Take as vacation day (bridge day)
- Thursday 28 May: Take as vacation day (bridge day)
- Friday 29 May: Take as vacation day (bridge day)
- Saturday 30-May: Weekend
Results:
- Take: Friday 15 May + Tue-Fri 26-29 May = 5 vacation days invested
- Get: 12+ consecutive days off (Ascension Day + weekend + Whit weekend + 4 extra vacation days)
- Days gained: ~7 extra days for 5 vacation days used
VERDICT: 5 vacation days = 12-day break in May
Opportunity 4: Christmas break strategy (December 2026)
Christmas period 2026:
- Friday 25 December: Christmas Day (public holiday, PAID day off) ✅
- Saturday 26 December: Boxing Day (public holiday, PAID day off) ✅
- Sunday 27 December: Weekend
- Monday 28 December: Take as vacation day (bridge day)
- Tuesday 29 December: Take as vacation day (bridge day)
- Wednesday 30 December: Take as vacation day (bridge day)
- Thursday 31 December: Take as vacation day (bridge day) + New Year's Eve
- Friday 1 January 2027: New Year's Day (public holiday, PAID day off) ✅
RESULT:
- Invest: 4 vacation days (Dec 28-31)
- Get: 9 consecutive days off (Dec 25 - Jan 1)
- Automatic paid holidays: 3 days (Dec 25-26, Jan 1 2027)
VERDICT: 4 vacation days = 9-day break
Total 2026 optimal bridge days plan
| Period | Vacation Days Invested | Total Days Off | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easter (April) | 4 days | 8 days | Gain 4 days |
| King's Day (April) | 0-1 days | 4 days | Gain 2-3 days |
| Ascension + Whit (May) | 5 days | 12 days | Gain 7 days |
| Christmas (Dec) | 4 days | 9 days | Gain 5 days |
| TOTAL | 13-14 vacation days | 33-37 days off | Gain 19-23 extra days |
If you have 20 statutory vacation days:
- Use 13-14 for bridge day strategy
- Keep 6-7 for scattered single days or spontaneous breaks
- Total time off: ~40 days with smart planning
Part 5: Special mention - Sinterklaas (December 5)
What is Sinterklaas?
Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) is celebrated on December 5 (Pakjesavond - Gift Evening) and is a uniquely Dutch tradition, separate from Christmas.
Key facts
Status
- NOT a statutory public holiday (no mandatory day off)
- But a MAJOR national celebration and cultural tradition
- Most Dutch people take the evening off or leave work early
- Families and friends exchange gifts and read humorous poems to each other
Distinct from Christmas
- Sinterklaas = December 5 (gift-giving, poems, family fun)
- Christmas = December 25 (religious, more quiet, family focus)
- NOT the same as Santa Claus (different traditions entirely)
For expats:
- Check with your employer if you can leave early on December 5
- Many progressive companies allow it informally
- It's a cultural experience worth experiencing
- 2025: Friday, December 5 (easy to combine with nearby weekend)
- 2026: Saturday, December 5 (falls on weekend anyway)
Status: National celebration but not a legally recognized day off.
Part 6: Real situation for standard office workers
What office employees typically get off
Based on verified CAOs (PGGM, Insurance Industry, Universities, and standard office practice):
Almost always guaranteed paid days off for office jobs:
- New Year's Day (1 January) ✅
- Easter Monday ✅
- King's Day ✅
- Ascension Day ✅
- Whit Monday ✅
- Christmas Day ✅
Often OFF but check your CAO:
- Good Friday ❌ (usually NOT given)
- Liberation Day (5 May) - Only 30-34% of workers get it off; growing trend
Total typical days off per year for office workers:
20 statutory vacation + 8-10 public holidays = 28-30 days total
Compare this to your home country using our guide, and check our salary negotiation guide to understand total compensation including vacation days.
Part 7: The growing May 5 trend
Liberation Day status (evolving!)
2025 is an anniversary year
May 5 = mandatory public holiday (day off for most)
2026 is NOT an anniversary year
May 5 = regular working day for most, BUT growing number of companies now offer it annually
The trend:
- 2022: 27% of Dutch workers got May 5 off
- 2024: 34% of Dutch workers got May 5 off (growing 2-3% per year)
- 2026 & beyond: Expected to continue growing as more CAOs voluntarily adopt annual May 5 as a paid day off
Why the change?
- Dutch Cabinet called on employers in 2019 to make May 5 a universal day off to emphasize freedom
- Labour Foundation now recommends annual May 5 holiday
- More progressive companies and sectors (finance, tech, insurance) are adding it to CAOs
- Generational shift toward valuing freedom and democracy
For your planning:
- Check your CAO for May 5, 2026 status
- If not specified, it's likely a regular working day, but your company may voluntarily grant it
- Recommended: Ask your HR department if May 5 will be a paid day off in 2026
Source: DutchNews.nl, Minister of Social Affairs (Eddy van Hijum), Unie.nl, Labour Foundation
Part 8: Cultural deep-dives - what each holiday means
King's Day (Koningsdag) - April 27, 2026
What it celebrates:
King Willem-Alexander's birthday (born April 27, 1967). The holiday marks Dutch national pride.
Why April 27, not a special date in 2026:
In 2026, King's Day falls on Monday (April 27) - a perfect weekday celebration, unlike 2025 when it was moved to Saturday.
What expats need to know:
- The color orange: Everywhere. Homes fly orange flags; people wear orange; boats, bikes, and street stalls draped in orange.
- Vrijmarkt (free market): Flea markets spontaneously appear; families sell secondhand goods. (See our secondhand shopping guide.)
- Canal parties: Major cities host boat parades. Renting a boat or joining a cruise is iconic.
- Live festivals: Loveland van Oranje (Amsterdam), KingsWorld (The Hague), Free Your Mind (Breda).
- Public transport: Packed; consider cycling or arriving very early.
Expat reality: King's Day is genuinely fun. It's when Dutch cultural pride is openly celebrated. Recommended: experience it at least once.
Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) - May 5
What it celebrates:
Liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation (May 5, 1945). Celebrated every year; only a paid day off every 5 years (2025, 2030, etc.).
2026 status:
Regular working day for most (not an anniversary year).
Important history:
Canadian forces liberated the north and east; British forces liberated the south and west. The Netherlands has deep gratitude to Canada.
How it's celebrated (even in non-anniversary years like 2026):
- May 4, 8 PM: Two-minute national silence for those who died in WWII
- May 5 festivities: Open-air festivals, live music, documentaries, walking tours
- Torch relay: 5,000+ runners carry "Flame of Liberty" through the country
Expat take: Important historical day. Even if you work, consider attending a May 4-5 event for cultural understanding.
Sinterklaas (Pakjesavond) - December 5
What it is:
Dutch children's gift-giving holiday (December 5 evening), NOT Christmas.
Distinction:
- Sinterklaas = December 5 (gift-giving, poems, family fun)
- Christmas = December 25 (religious, more quiet, family focus)
How it works:
- Mid-November: Sinterklaas & helpers arrive by boat; city intochten (arrivals) celebrated
- December 5 evening: Families exchange wrapped gifts + read humorous poems about each other
- December 6: Sinterklaas departs until next year
NOT a paid day off, but many people leave work early. It's a uniquely Dutch cultural tradition worth experiencing.
Part 9: Actionable checklist for 2026
Before planning your 2026 vacation:
Part 10: Quick reference summary for office workers
Almost always guaranteed days off in 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day | Office Job | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 Jan | Thursday | ✅ Usually | Check CAO; hospital on-call may work |
| Easter Monday | 6 April | Monday | ✅ Almost always | Customary practice across nearly all sectors |
| King's Day | 27 April | Monday | ✅ YES | Universally given off |
| Ascension Day | 14 May | Thursday | ✅ Almost always | Standard in most office CAOs; universities & public sector |
| Whit Monday | 25 May | Monday | ✅ Almost always | Standard in most office CAOs |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday | ✅ YES | Virtually universal |
Total guaranteed/likely: 6 days + 20 statutory vacation = 26 days minimum
Sometimes given off (check your CAO)
| Holiday | Date | Office Job? | Reality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberation Day | 5 May | ⚠️ Maybe | NOT mandatory in 2026; ~34% of workers get it; growing trend |
Usually NOT given off
| Holiday | Date | Office Job? | Reality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | 3 April | ❌ No | Official but most office workers work this day |
Conclusion: Mastering Dutch holiday strategy
Dutch holidays require strategic thinking: they're not all automatic, but they're highly optimizable. With bridge day planning and a clear understanding of your CAO, you can turn 19-20 vacation days into 36-40+ days off annually.
The secret: Plan early (December 2025 for your 2026 vacation), know your CAO, master bridge days, and make the most of guaranteed holidays. Dutch companies respect vacation planning when it's communicated early.
Before finalizing your holiday plans, check our cost of living calculator to budget for your time off, and review our salary negotiation guide to understand how vacation days factor into your total compensation.
Welcome to the Dutch art of strategic vacation optimization.
Frequently asked questions
I see a public holiday on the calendar - am I guaranteed the day off?
NO. However, most office workers ARE guaranteed the major ones: King's Day, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Christmas Day, and usually New Year's Day. Check your CAO/contract for specifics.
My company doesn't mention holidays in my contract. What are my rights?
Check your CAO (sector collective labor agreement). If none exists, your employer decides. Ask HR which holidays you get off. For office jobs, standard practice includes King's Day, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Christmas Day.
Is Good Friday a day off in the Netherlands?
Usually NO. While officially a public holiday, most Dutch employers do NOT grant it. If you work, you get regular wages (no premium pay unless your CAO specifies otherwise).
Will I get May 5, 2026 off?
Probably NOT, unless your company voluntarily gives it. 2026 is NOT an anniversary year (next is 2030). However, 34% of workers now get it off annually (growing trend). Check your CAO or ask HR.
Are Ascension Day and Whit Monday guaranteed off?
YES, almost always for office workers. While not legally mandated, they are standard in most office CAOs, universities, public sector, and major companies. Verify with your employer, but these are practically guaranteed.
What's a CAO (Collectieve Arbeidsovereenkomst)?
A collective labor agreement between employers and unions in your sector. Sets standard wages, vacation, holidays, and benefits. Your employer is bound by it if applicable to your industry.
Can I be forced to work on a public holiday if it should be my day off?
Not if your CAO or contract guarantees it off. If forced to work, you should receive compensation (regular pay minimum, premium pay if specified in CAO). Consult your HR or union.
Can I take vacation days around public holidays to create longer breaks?
YES. This is called 'bridge days' (brugdagen) and is a standard Dutch practice. Your employer cannot refuse your statutory vacation days just because they're adjacent to holidays (unless they have justified 'compelling business reasons,' which must be submitted in writing within 2 weeks).
Is Sinterklaas a national holiday in the Netherlands?
NO, it's not a statutory holiday, but it's a major cultural celebration (December 5). While NOT a paid day off, many people take the evening. If invited to a Dutch Pakjesavond celebration, it's a unique cultural experience.
Do I have to celebrate King's Day?
No, it's optional. But it's a unique Dutch cultural experience. Most expats find it fun and recommend experiencing it at least once.
What's the difference between Sinterklaas (December 5) and Christmas (December 25)?
Sinterklaas = Dutch children's gift holiday (December 5 evening), unique Dutch tradition. Christmas = Christian holiday (December 25), more religious/family-focused, widely celebrated worldwide.
What's a 'brugdag' (bridge day)?
A vacation day strategically placed adjacent to a public holiday to create a longer break. For example, if Ascension Day is Thursday (public holiday), taking Friday as vacation creates a 4-day break (Thu-Sun) using only 1 vacation day.
Can my employer forbid me from taking bridge days?
No. If they're statutory vacation days, you have the right. Your employer can only refuse if there are 'compelling business reasons' (must be justified in writing within 2 weeks). Most Dutch companies respect bridge day planning.
How many days off do I get compared to my home country?
Netherlands: 20 statutory vacation + 8-10 public holidays = 28-30 days. USA: 0-15 days typical (no mandate). UK: 20 vacation + 8 public = 28 days. Germany: 20 vacation + 9 public = 29 days. Canada: 10-15 vacation + 9 public = 19-24 days.