Netherlands Bank Holidays 2026 Overview
Planning a trip from the UK to the Netherlands in 2026? Or managing business across the Channel? Understanding Dutch bank holidays is essential, especially with Easter falling in early April. While the Netherlands has fewer public holidays than the UK, they often align with Christian festivals, creating opportunities for extended breaks. This guide lists all 2026 dates, compares them to UK bank holidays, and offers practical advice for travellers and professionals.
Dutch public holidays (or ‘feestdagen’) are set by law, with most workers entitled to paid time off. Unlike the UK, where bank holidays are more frequent and regionally varied, the Netherlands focuses on key religious and national days. In 2026, there are seven main national holidays, plus regional observances. Note that Good Friday (3 April) isn’t a statutory holiday but sees many closures.
For UK context, we’ve aligned this with official UK 2026 bank holidays: New Year’s Day (1 January), Good Friday (3 April), Easter Monday (6 April, England/Wales/NI), Early May (4 May), Spring (25 May), plus regional ones like Scotland’s 2 January and Summer holidays.
Full List of Netherlands Bank Holidays 2026
Here’s every Dutch public holiday in 2026, with dates, days of the week, and brief descriptions:
1 January: New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag) - Thursday
The year kicks off with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. Most shops, offices, and transport run reduced services. Like the UK’s New Year’s Day bank holiday on Thursday 1 January 2026 (all UK), expect quiet streets in Amsterdam or Rotterdam. UK travellers: EasyJet and Ryanair flights from London operate, but book trains via NS International early.
3 April: Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag) - Friday
Not a full statutory holiday, but schools close, and many businesses (especially in retail and finance) shut early or fully. Churches hold services. Mirrors the UK’s Good Friday bank holiday (3 April 2026, all UK). Ideal for a long weekend from the UK, with Eurostar services unaffected.
6 April: Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag) - Monday
A major holiday with family meals, markets, and outdoor activities. Parks and attractions like Keukenhof (tulips in bloom April-May) are busy. Directly comparable to the UK’s Easter Monday (6 April 2026, England/Wales/NI; not Scotland). UK families: Ferries from Hull to Rotterdam sail normally, but roads to tulip fields congest.
27 April: King’s Day (Koningsdag) - Monday
Celebrating King Willem-Alexander’s birthday with ‘free markets’ (flea markets), orange attire, and street parties nationwide. Amsterdam’s canals fill with party boats. No direct UK equivalent, but think Notting Hill Carnival vibes. Falls post-Easter, perfect for April 2026 trips. UK tip: Avoid driving; use OV-chipkaart for public transport.
14 May: Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) - Thursday
Marks Jesus’ ascension; a bridge day for many, extending to a long weekend. Churches and some events. UK parallel: Close to Early May bank holiday (4 May Monday, all UK). Flights from Manchester to Schiphol peak; book ahead.
25 May: Whit Monday (Pinksteren) - Monday
Pentecost holiday with fairs, barbecues, and rural festivals. Aligns exactly with UK’s Spring bank holiday (25 May 2026, all UK). Great for city breaks; Vondelpark in Amsterdam hosts events.
25 December: Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag) - Friday
Family-focused with church, meals, and lights. Shops closed.
26 December: St Stephen’s Day (Tweede Kerstdag) - Saturday
Boxing Day equivalent: Visits, skating if cold. Since it’s Saturday, some extend celebrations. UK comparison: Christmas Day (25 December Friday), Boxing Day (26 Saturday, substitute Monday 28 December 2026). KLM flights operate, but trains limited.
Regional notes: Carnival (Carnaval) in February/March (e.g., 13-17 Feb 2026) affects Limburg and Brabant – not national. Liberation Day (5 May) isn’t a holiday in 2026 (every five years; next 2030).
Comparison: Netherlands vs UK Bank Holidays 2026
The Netherlands has 7-8 holidays vs UK’s 8-10 (varying by nation). Key overlaps:
| Date | Netherlands | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | New Year’s Day (all) |
| 3 Apr | Good Friday (partial) | Good Friday (all) |
| 6 Apr | Easter Monday | Easter Monday (E/W/NI) |
| 27 Apr | King’s Day | - |
| 4 May | - | Early May (all) |
| 14 May | Ascension | - |
| 25 May | Whit Monday | Spring (all) |
| 31 Aug | - | Summer (E/W/NI) |
| 25-26 Dec | Christmas | Christmas/Boxing (sub 28 Dec) |
Scotland extras: 2 Jan, 3 Aug Summer, 30 Nov St Andrew’s. Fewer Dutch holidays mean more business days, but bridges (e.g., Fri after Thu holiday) create de facto long weekends.
Impacts on Travel from the UK
With April 2026 context (Easter/Good Friday), expect high demand. Eurostar London-Amsterdam: Runs daily, but books out fast around 3-6 April. P&O Ferries Hull-Rotterdam: 12-hour sailings unaffected. Budget airlines (easyJet, KLM) add flights.
Tips:
- Book early: Use NS International for Thalys/Eurostar.
- Accommodation: Amsterdam hotels spike 20-50% on King’s Day.
- Driving: ANWB app for traffic; toll-free motorways.
- COVID/Entry: Check Dutch gov.nl for rules (post-Brexit, UK passports valid 3 months).
Business and Remote Work Considerations
For UK firms with Dutch offices: Expect closures on listed dates. Finance hubs like Amsterdam Zuidas quiet on Easter/Christmas. Use tools like TimeOut or Google Calendar for iCal exports.
Freelancers: Invoice around holidays. Expats: Many take ‘bridging days’ (e.g., Fri 15 May post-Ascension).
Compared to UK: Dutch workers get 20+ statutory leave days + holidays, similar to UK’s 28 total. But no ‘substitute’ days like UK’s 28 Dec 2026.
Planning Your 2026 Trip: Top Tips
April Focus (Easter/King’s Day)
April 2026 shines: Tulip season peaks. Visit Keukenhof (open 19 Mar-17 May). Combine Easter Monday (6 Apr) with UK holiday for 4-day trip.
Summer Escapes
Whit Monday (25 May) aligns with UK Spring holiday – perfect Norfolk Broads alternative in Dutch lakes.
Winter Festivities
New Year’s fireworks rival London’s; Christmas markets in Utrecht.
Budget: £200-400 return flight/train from London. Use Rome2Rio for routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dutch bank holidays paid?
Yes, statutory for full-time workers.
Do trains run on holidays?
Reduced, but international lines like Eurostar full service.
Differences for Scotland travellers?
Scotland skips Easter Monday holiday, but Netherlands has it – plan accordingly vs UK Summer (3 Aug Scotland).
2026 specifics?
King’s Day Monday bonus; Christmas Friday-Saturday.
This guide ensures you’re prepared. For UK bank holidays, see gov.uk. Safe travels!
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