Netherlands Public Holidays 2025
The Netherlands observes 11 official public holidays in 2025. King's Day is celebrated on Saturday April 26 because April 27 falls on a Sunday. Liberation Day (May 5) marks the special 5-year cycle where most collective labour agreements (CAOs) grant a paid day off. There is no statutory right to a substitute day when holidays fall on weekends.
At a glance
Netherlands has 11 official public holidays (11 days off) in 2025 and 4 long weekends; the longest break is Easter (Apr 18 – 21, 4 days).
| Public holidays | 11 |
|---|---|
| Total days off | 11 |
| Longest break | Easter · 4 days (Apr 18 – 21) |
| Long weekends | 4 |
Official public holidays
New Year's Day (January 1, 2025), Good Friday (April 18, 2025), Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025), Easter Monday (April 21, 2025), King's Day (April 26, 2025), Liberation Day (May 5, 2025), Ascension Day (May 29, 2025), Whit Sunday (June 8, 2025), Whit Monday (June 9, 2025), Christmas Day (December 25, 2025), Second Christmas Day (December 26, 2025)
Netherlands public holiday list
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2025 | Wednesday | New Year's DayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| April 18, 2025 | Friday | Good FridayOfficial public holiday, but paid leave depends on CAO or employment contract.Public holiday | Public holiday |
| April 20, 2025 | Sunday | Easter SundayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| April 21, 2025 | Monday | Easter MondayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| April 26, 2025 | Saturday | King's DayCelebrated on Saturday April 26 as April 27 falls on Sunday.Public holiday | Public holiday |
| May 5, 2025 | Monday | Liberation Day5-year anniversary cycle: paid day off under most Dutch collective agreements.Public holiday | Public holiday |
| May 29, 2025 | Thursday | Ascension DayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| June 8, 2025 | Sunday | Whit SundayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| June 9, 2025 | Monday | Whit MondayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| December 25, 2025 | Thursday | Christmas DayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| December 26, 2025 | Friday | Second Christmas DayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
Official holidays
11
King's Day date
Apr 26 (Saturday)
Liberation Day
Paid in 2025
Longest break
Easter · 4 days
2025 Netherlands calendar
01January
02February
03March
04April
05May
06June
07July
08August
09September
10October
11November
12December
Netherlands long weekends in 2025
Easter
4 daysApr 18 – 21
Runs from Good Friday through Easter Monday.
Liberation Day
3 daysMay 3 – 5
Liberation Day falls on Monday for a three-day weekend.
Whit Monday
3 daysJun 7 – 9
Whit Monday (June 9) gives a three-day break.
Christmas
4 daysDec 25 – 28
Thursday and Friday holidays connect seamlessly into the weekend.
Public holidays in the Netherlands: CAO rules and employee rights
Under Dutch law, there is no automatic statutory right that compels employers to grant days off on official public holidays. Entitlement to paid leave on these days is determined by collective labour agreements (collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst, CAO) or individual employment contracts. Most employees receive paid time off on major holidays including New Year's Day, Easter Monday, King's Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and Christmas.
Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag) is officially recognized by the government, but many private-sector CAOs treat it as a regular working day, whereas civil servants and schools generally observe it. Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag, May 5) is recognized as a national holiday every year, but under most CAOs it is only granted as a paid day off once every five years (2025, 2030, etc.).
King's Day Sunday rule: why 2025 is celebrated on April 26
King's Day (Koningsdag) marks the birthday of King Willem-Alexander on April 27. However, under long-standing Dutch tradition dating back to Queen Wilhelmina, if the monarch's birthday falls on a Sunday, celebrations take place on the preceding Saturday (April 26) to respect religious Sunday observance.
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Official sources & data
- Which days are official public holidays in the Netherlands? - Government.nlVisit sourceGovernment of the Netherlands
- Public holidays - Business.gov.nlVisit sourceNetherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
Frequently asked questions
What is the longest holiday break in Netherlands in 2025?
The longest break in Netherlands is Easter (Apr 18 – 21, 4 days).
What are the official public holidays in Netherlands in 2025?
Netherlands has 11 official public holidays in 2025: New Year's Day (January 1, 2025), Good Friday (April 18, 2025), Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025), Easter Monday (April 21, 2025), King's Day (April 26, 2025), Liberation Day (May 5, 2025), Ascension Day (May 29, 2025), Whit Sunday (June 8, 2025), Whit Monday (June 9, 2025), Christmas Day (December 25, 2025), Second Christmas Day (December 26, 2025).
Are employers in the Netherlands legally required to give days off on public holidays?
No. Dutch labor law does not mandate automatic paid leave on public holidays. Your right to time off is governed by your collective labour agreement (CAO) or personal employment contract.
What happens when a Dutch public holiday falls on a weekend?
The Netherlands does not have a general substitute day system. If a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, there is no automatic replacement day off on Monday, unless your specific CAO provides for one.
Why is King’s Day celebrated on April 26 in 2025?
April 27, 2025 falls on a Sunday. By royal decree and historic convention, whenever King's Day falls on Sunday, it is shifted to Saturday April 26.
Is Liberation Day (May 5) a paid day off every year?
No. While it is an official national holiday every year, most CAOs only grant a paid day off once every five years (such as 2025 and 2030). In other years, it is usually a standard working day.
Is Good Friday an official holiday in the Netherlands?
Yes, it is recognized as an official holiday by the Dutch government, but private companies are not required to give employees time off. Government offices, banks, and schools are generally closed.
