Mother's Day & Father's Day in the Netherlands

Table of contents

Breakfast in bed, flowers and school gifts

Dutch Mother's Day follows a recognisable pattern that expats from the US, UK and many other countries will find familiar. Children make crafts and cards at school or daycare in the week before Mother's Day, often kept as a secret until Sunday morning. On the day itself, families typically serve breakfast in bed, give flowers (especially roses or mixed bouquets), chocolates or small gifts, and many go for a walk, brunch, zoo or museum visit.

Origins and history

The tradition came to the Netherlands in the early 20th century, gaining traction around the 1920s, and became widespread after campaigns by churches, charities and retailers. Today it sits somewhere between a genuinely warm family occasion and a commercially driven event - florists, bakeries and gift shops run big promotions, while the school-made gifts and handwritten cards remain the emotional core for many Dutch families.

Is it a public holiday?

No. Mother's Day is a Sunday observance, not an official public holiday. There is no day off attached to it. The 11 official Dutch public holidays are set separately by law and do not include Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Socks, tools and simple gestures

Dutch Father's Day was introduced later than Mother's Day. It was first marked in 1937, originally in October, and moved in 1948 to the third Sunday of June, mirroring the American date. It remains a lower-key occasion than Mother's Day: children make cards and crafts at school where possible, common gifts include socks, ties, tools, gadgets, BBQ items or beer packages, and families may organise a simple breakfast, brunch or activity such as a bike ride or day out.

Dutch directness about commercial occasions

Dutch media and blogs frequently note the relatively modest scale of Father's Day compared with celebrations in some other countries. This fits the broader Dutch cultural tendency described in our Dutch customs and etiquette guide: practical and genuine over elaborate and performative. A heartfelt card plus a favourite beer is perfectly normal.

How the dates compare to other countries

If you are from the US, UK, Canada, Australia or most EU countries, you will find the Dutch dates familiar: second Sunday in May for Mother's Day, third Sunday in June for Father's Day. Expats from countries that use different dates will need to adjust.

Note that the UK celebrates Mothering Sunday in March, not May. If you are British and your children are in Dutch school, they will be making Mother's Day crafts in early May, so keep that in mind.

Shops and restaurants

Because both days are Sundays but not public holidays, opening is governed by normal Sunday trading rules. In most Dutch cities - especially Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague - shops and shopping centres are open on Sundays, typically from 12:00 to 18:00. Many retailers explicitly advertise Mother's Day and Father's Day Sunday opening and run promotions.

In smaller towns, Sunday opening may still be limited to supermarkets and a handful of shops. If you are last-minute gift shopping in a smaller city, check the store's website first or visit a supermarket for flowers and chocolates. For a broader picture of how Dutch retail and public life works, see our supermarkets and grocery guide.

Public transport

Public transport runs on a normal Sunday schedule. There are no extra services or restrictions tied to Mother's Day or Father's Day. If you are heading to Amsterdam for a family brunch or day out, the OV-chipkaart works as normal. See our OV-chipkaart and public transport guide for how to top up and travel.

School, daycare and inclusivity

What to expect from Dutch schools

Many primary schools (basisscholen) and childcare centres (kinderdagverblijven) in the Netherlands organise craft activities for Moederdag and Vaderdag, where children make gifts and cards. These are typically made in the week before the holiday and sent home in the child's bag. If your child is in Dutch education, this is a normal and expected part of the school calendar.

Diverse family structures

Dutch schools have become more sensitive to diverse family structures over time. Single parents, same-sex parents, bereaved children and other situations are increasingly accommodated. Schools may let children choose whom to make a gift for, or use neutral labels in communications. If you have specific concerns about how your child's school handles these occasions, it is perfectly acceptable to ask the teacher directly - Dutch teachers are generally direct and practical about such conversations.

For a broader overview of how Dutch schools work and what to expect as an expat parent, see our family guide for expats in the Netherlands.

For Mother's Day (Moederdag)

• Flowers: a bouquet of roses, tulips (in season April-May) or mixed spring flowers from a markt or florist.
• Breakfast or brunch outing: book a restaurant with a special Mother's Day brunch - book early as these fill up fast in larger cities.
• Experience voucher: a spa treatment, cooking class, canal cruise or museum visit - see GetYourGuide above for ideas.
• Chocolates or Dutch specialities: stroopwafels, truffles or a selection from a good chocolatier.
• Breakfast in bed: freshly baked croissants, fresh orange juice, good coffee - the classic Dutch favourite.

For Father's Day (Vaderdag)

• A Dutch craft beer set: widely available at supermarkets or specialist beer shops.
• BBQ gear or tools: Dutch summer is BBQ season - a new set of tools or quality charcoal works well.
• Bike accessory: the Netherlands is cycling country. A new bike lock, lights or saddlebag is practical and well-received.
• Family outing: a day trip to a nature reserve, a Dutch cheese market or a theme park.
• Gadgets or electronics: available at Coolblue or Bol.com with fast Sunday delivery in many areas.

Frequently asked questions