Public Holidays

The Netherlands boasts a diverse array of public holidays, each with its unique significance and festive customs. From the lively King's Day festivities to the evocative Remembrance Day ceremonies, Dutch public holidays offer a glimpse into the nation's rich heritage and collective identity. Learning about the traditions behind Dutch public holidays will make your integration easier, and knowing in advance when offices and schools will be closed will save you from any embarrassment!
 
During public holidays, schools and most businesses are closed. However, check your employer collective agreement to verify which days you will be free from work.
 
Here is an overview of the official public holidays for 2025.
 
Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Eerste en tweede kerstdag     Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December 2025
 
Here is an overview of the official public holidays for 2026.
 
New Year’s Day, Nieuwjaarsdag Thursday 1 January 2026
Good Friday, Goede vrijdag Friday 3 April 2026 (not all businesses close)
Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, Eerste en tweede paasdag Sunday 5 April and Monday 6 April 2026
King’s Day, Koningsdag Monday 27 April 2026
Liberation Day, Bevrijdingsdag Tuesday 5 May 2026 (official day off in 2026)
Ascension Day, Hemelvaartsdag Thursday 14 May 2026
Whit Sunday and Whit Monday, Eerste en tweede pinksterdag Sunday 24 and Monday 25 May 2026
Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Eerste en tweede kerstdag Friday 25 and Saturday 26 December 2026

School Holidays

For those who have children who go to school in the Netherlands there are some more dates to take into account. The school holidays in the Netherlands are different depending on the region: the country is divided in three areas (North, Centre, South), and the Leiden region follows the calendar of the Centre region. There are five school breaks during the year: while some are fixed and cannot be changed (Summer, Christmas, May), some can be extended or shifted by the single school (Autumn, Spring). Our advice is thus to always check with your school the exact dates.

The guidelines for school holidays for primary and secondary schools for the Leiden region in 2025 are:

Christmas vacation (kerstvakantie)                                                                            20 December 2025 - 4 January 2026

The guidelines for school holidays for primary and secondary schools for the Leiden region in 2026 are:

Spring break (voorjaarsvakantie, carnavalsvakantie or krokusvakantie) 14 February - 22 February 2026
May vacation (meivakantie) 25 April - 3 May 2026
Summer vacation (zomervakantie) 18 July - 30 August 2026
Autumn vacation (herfstvakantie) 17 October - 25 October 2026
Christmas vacation (kerstvakantie) 19 December 2026 - 3 January 2027

Discover Dutch Traditional Holidays

Find out what to do during the holidays!