Planning your year in the Netherlands requires a good understanding of the Dutch holiday system, as not every "official" day off is guaranteed for everyone. In 2026, the calendar offers several opportunities for extended breaks. Whether you are searching for the Netherlands holidays 2026 list or checking for Dutch public holidays to plan your next "brugdagen," this guide covers everything you need to know.

Complete List of Public Holidays in the Netherlands for 2026

Below is the official list of holidays observed in the Netherlands for the 2026 calendar year:

• January 1 (Thursday): New Year's Day (Nieuwjaarsdag)

• April 3 (Friday): Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag)

• April 5 (Sunday): Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag)

• April 6 (Monday): Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag)

• April 27 (Monday): King's Day (Koningsdag)

• May 5 (Tuesday): Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)

• May 14 (Thursday): Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag)

• May 24 (Sunday): Whit Sunday / Pentecost (Eerste Pinksterdag)

• May 25 (Monday): Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag)

• December 25 (Friday): Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag)

• December 26 (Saturday): Boxing Day / Second Day of Christmas (Tweede Kerstdag)

Regional Differences and Special Observances

Unlike some other federal countries, the Netherlands generally follows a national holiday calendar, but certain days have unique rules.

The Liberation Day Rule While Liberation Day (May 5) is an official public holiday, it is important to note that for many employees, it is only a paid day off once every five years. The next year this will be widely observed as a paid holiday is 2030. In 2026, you should check your specific collective labor agreement (CAO) to see if you have this day off.

King’s Day (Koningsdag) The biggest national celebration occurs on April 27. In 2026, this falls on a Monday, creating an automatic long weekend for the entire country.

Weekend Overlaps and Substitute Days

In the Netherlands, there is no automatic rule that moves a holiday to the following Monday if it falls on a weekend.

• In 2026, Boxing Day (December 26) falls on a Saturday. Unlike the UK or Australia, this day is not "recovered" on the following Monday unless specifically stated in your employment contract.

Maximizing Your Time Off: Long Weekends and "Brugdagen"

The term "brugdagen" (bridge days) is essential for Dutch workers looking to extend their time off. By taking strategic leave on the days between a holiday and the weekend, you can enjoy significant vacations.

Automatic 3-Day Weekends You naturally get a three-day weekend for these holidays in 2026:

• Easter Weekend: April 3–6 (Friday to Monday)

• King’s Day: April 25–27 (Saturday to Monday)

• Whit Monday: May 23–25 (Saturday to Monday)

• Christmas: December 25–27 (Friday to Sunday)

Strategic 4-Day "Bridges" (Take 1 Day Leave)

• The New Year Bridge: New Year's Day falls on Thursday, January 1. Take Friday, January 2 off to start the year with a 4-day break.

• The Ascension Bridge: Ascension Day is always on a Thursday (May 14). Taking Friday, May 15 off is one of the most popular ways in the Netherlands to secure a 4-day spring holiday.

Employee Rights and Compensation in the Netherlands

It is a common misconception that all Dutch employees are legally entitled to be off on public holidays.

• No Legal Guarantee: Dutch law does not automatically guarantee a paid day off on public holidays.

• CAO and Contracts: Your right to a day off depends entirely on your collective labour agreement (CAO), your specific employment contract, or your employer's policy.

• Essential Sectors: Those working in retail, healthcare, or hospitality may be required to work on holidays, often receiving a "holiday surcharge" depending on their contract.

Practical Tips for Planning Your 2026 Calendar

• Book King's Day Travel Early: King's Day is a major tourist attraction, especially in Amsterdam. If you plan to travel within the country, expect heavy crowds and book accommodation months in advance.

• Check Shop Openings: While most supermarkets remain open (sometimes with shorter hours), smaller shops and banks are often closed on Good Friday and the Mondays of Easter and Pentecost.

• Sync with School Holidays: School holiday dates in the Netherlands are staggered by region (North, Central, South). Check your local region's dates to avoid peak traffic when planning family trips.

• Plan Your Career Moves: Long weekends and brugdagen are also a great opportunity to prepare for your next job interview and get ahead in your career in the Netherlands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Liberation Day a paid holiday in 2026? For most people, no. It is generally a paid day off only every 5 years (next in 2030).

Are shops open on Good Friday in the Netherlands? Many shops remain open, but some may close earlier. Check local listings.

What happens if a holiday falls on a Saturday? You do not usually get a substitute day off on the following Monday in the Netherlands.