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Amsterdam Bank Holidays 2026: Dates for UK Travellers

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Understanding Bank Holidays in Amsterdam

In the Netherlands, what Brits call ‘bank holidays’ are known as ‘official public holidays’ or ‘feestdagen’. These are days when government offices, banks, schools and many businesses close. Amsterdam, as the capital, follows the national list, though some local events add flair. Unlike the UK’s fixed bank holidays, Dutch ones often tie to Christian calendar dates like Easter, making 2026’s April timings key for planners.

Public holidays mean fewer operational services, but tourist spots like the Rijksmuseum or canal cruises often stay open. Expect crowds during festive periods like King’s Day. For UK travellers, aligning trips with these dates avoids disruptions—or embraces the party atmosphere.

Full List of Amsterdam Public Holidays 2026

Here’s the complete rundown for 2026. Note: Saturdays and Sundays already have reduced services, so midweek holidays impact more.

  • 1 January 2026 (Thursday): Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year’s Day). Fireworks, cosy gatherings. Most shops shut; plan supermarket runs earlier.

  • 5-6 April 2026 (Sunday-Monday): Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (Eerste en Tweede Paasdag). Church services, egg hunts, market stalls. April context makes this pivotal—book hotels now.

  • 27 April 2026 (Monday): Koningsdag (King’s Day). Amsterdam’s biggest street party: flea markets (‘vrijmarkt’), orange outfits, live music everywhere. Canals jam with boats; expect 700,000+ visitors.

  • 14 May 2026 (Thursday): Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension Day). Bridge Day potential—many take Friday off. Quiet family time, some outdoor events.

  • 25 May 2026 (Monday): Pinkstermaandag (Whit Monday). Pentecost celebrations, markets. Similar vibe to Easter Monday.

  • 25 December 2026 (Friday): Kerstmis (Christmas Day). Family dinners, lights. Everything closes early.

  • 26 December 2026 (Saturday): Tweede Kerstdag (Second Christmas Day, like UK Boxing Day). More relaxed festivities, shopping resumes limited.

Good Friday (3 April 2026) isn’t official but observed by some Christians—schools may close regionally. Carnival (February/March) is Limburg-focused, not Amsterdam-wide.

How Amsterdam Holidays Compare to UK Bank Holidays 2026

For UK-focused travellers, comparing helps spot clashes or gaps. UK bank holidays (per gov.uk) vary by nation—here’s the 2026 official list:

  • New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January 2026 (all UK).

  • Scotland only: Friday 2 January 2026.

  • Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026 (all UK).

  • Easter Monday: Monday 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; not statutory in Scotland).

Easter aligns closely: Amsterdam’s Easter weekend mirrors UK’s, ideal for combined trips. But UK lacks King’s Day equivalent—Amsterdam’s 27 April is uniquely vibrant.

  • Early May bank holiday: Monday 4 May 2026 (all UK). Slots near Amsterdam’s Ascension (14 May).

  • Spring bank holiday: Monday 25 May 2026 (all UK)—exact match for Whit Monday!

  • Summer bank holiday (Scotland): Monday 3 August 2026.

  • Summer bank holiday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): Monday 31 August 2026.

  • St Andrew’s Day: Monday 30 November 2026 (Scotland).

  • Christmas Day: Friday 25 December 2026.

  • Boxing Day: Saturday 26 December 2026; substitute Monday 28 December 2026 where applicable.

Key differences: Amsterdam has fewer (7 vs UK’s 8-10), no August summer break, but adds cultural hits like King’s Day. UK Easter Monday is England/Wales-specific; Scotland skips it officially. Plan UK outbound flights around these—Easter 2026 overlaps perfectly for short breaks.

What Closes and Stays Open on Amsterdam Holidays

Shops and Supermarkets

Most close fully on Sundays/holidays, but:

  • Tourist areas (e.g., Dam Square) have extended hours.
  • Albert Heijn supermarkets: limited 12-6pm on some feasts.
  • Markets like Albert Cuyp may pop up specially.

Public Transport

NS trains and GVB trams/buses run reduced schedules—night services boost for parties. Buy OV-chipkaart in advance. From UK, Eurostar to Amsterdam Centraal operates, but book Easter slots early.

Attractions and Museums

  • Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House: open daily, even holidays (queues longer).
  • Vondelpark: always free, perfect picnic spot.

Restaurants and Bars

Brown cafés thrive; tourist eateries open. King’s Day? Street food galore.

Travel Tips for UK Visitors in 2026

Around April 2026 Easter

With Good Friday (3 Apr) and Easter Mon (6 Apr) matching UK, it’s prime time. Flights from Heathrow/Gatwick cheap via EasyJet/KLM. Expect 20% price hikes—book by summer 2025. Weather: mild 10-15°C, tulips blooming nearby (Keukenhof open till mid-May).

Avoid: Arriving Easter Sunday—churches pack out. Pro tip: Cycle hire explodes; rent e-bikes early.

King’s Day Survival Guide

27 April: Wear orange, join vrijmarkt (sell your old clothes!). Stay central (Jordaan, Museum Quarter). Ferries from UK? Overnight to beat daytime rush.

Budget and Visas

No visa for Brits (up to 90 days). £1 ≈ €1.18 (2024 rates; check 2026). Holidays spike prices 10-30%.

Getting There from UK

  • Flights: 1hr from London, £30-100 return.
  • Eurostar: 4hrs London St Pancras-Amsterdam, scenic.
  • Ferry+Train: Newcastle-Amsterdam overnight DFDS.

Compare to UK hols: Visit Amsterdam post-UK Spring Bank (25 May) when Whit Monday crowds thin.

Why Visit Amsterdam During Holidays?

Holidays amplify magic: New Year’s fireworks rival London’s, Christmas markets glow. For families, Easter egg hunts; couples, romantic canals. UK expats/regulars: stock up pre-holiday.

Downsides: Pickpockets peak (King’s Day notorious). Use hotel safes.

Final Advice for 2026 Planning

Use IAmsterdam.com or 9292.nl for updates—dates fixed, but events evolve. Apps: NS Reisplanner, Google Maps. For UK bank holiday crossovers, Easter 2026 is unbeatable: four-day UK weekend meets Dutch feast.

Whether dodging closures or diving into Koningsdag chaos, Amsterdam’s holidays offer unbeatable vibes. Safe travels—prost!

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