Public holidays in the Netherlands


The Netherlands has the second lowest number of public holidays in the world. The holidays in the Netherlands are:
DateEnglish nameDutch nameNotes
1 JanuaryNew Year's DayNieuwjaarsdag
March or AprilEasterPasenThe Dutch have a two-day holiday, called Eerste Paasdag on Sunday and Tweede Paasdag on Monday
27 AprilKing's DayKoningsdagIf 27 April falls on a Sunday, King's Day is celebrated on the 26th.
5 MayLiberation DayBevrijdingsdagThis is a national holiday, but not a mandatory paid holiday for everyone. It is custom for many employers to grant a paid holiday every 5 years on this day. Public offices and schools are closed on this day every year, though.
40 days after EasterAscension DayHemelvaartsdagThe subsequent Friday is a popular day off for many people, though it is not a paid holiday.
7 weeks after EasterPentecostPinksterenA two-day holiday, called Eerste Pinkstersdag and Tweede Pinksterdag
25 & 26 DecemberChristmasKerstmisLike Easter and Pentecost, the Dutch have two days of Christmas, called Eerste Kerstdag and Tweede Kerstdag

Good Friday is a not an official public holiday, though most schools are closed. Some public offices are closed, but shops and commercial offices like banks are open.
Saint Nicholas' Eve on 5 December is not a national holiday, however it is widely celebrated. While Saint Nicholas's traditional name day is on 6 December, it is Saint Nicholas' Eve the day before which is the focus of celebrations in the Netherlands.
In the south of the Netherlands carnival is celebrated. Though not an official holiday, many people in the south take the week off to celebrate. Schools schedule their spring holiday at the same time.
There has been some debate over whether the Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr should be a national holiday. This was met by opposition from right-wing political parties such as the PVV and SGP. For now, Eid ul-Fitr is not an official national holiday, but it usually justifies a day off for Islamic employees. Those opposed to this proposition say that there are enough national holidays as it is. Schools are allowed to give additional days off anyway.