The Netherlands lists 9 nationally recognized holidays (algemeen erkende feestdagen), but two carry a caveat: Good Friday is a paid day off mainly for government employees, and Liberation Day (May 5) is mandatory for the public sector but only guaranteed to private-sector workers once every five years (next in 2030) — most businesses close for it anyway.
Unlike most of Europe, the Netherlands does not observe Labour Day (May 1) as a public holiday at all.
King's Day (April 27) is the country's most widely celebrated holiday, marked by open-air markets and orange-themed street festivities nationwide; if it falls on a Sunday, it's observed the day before rather than the day after, which is the opposite convention from how the UK and Ireland handle Christmas or Boxing Day landing on a weekend.
See how holidays affect each month's working day count. Note: these monthly links use the general holiday calendar; see the full Netherlands 2026 working-days breakdown for month-by-month figures computed from Netherlands's specific holiday calendar.
Is Good Friday a paid day off for everyone in the Netherlands?
Not always. It's guaranteed for government employees and workers under certain collective labor agreements, but many private employers stay open.
Does the Netherlands observe Labour Day (May 1)?
No. Unlike most of its EU neighbors, the Netherlands does not treat May 1 as a public holiday.
How many public holidays does the Netherlands have?
The Netherlands observes 9 nationally recognized public holidays a year.
What happens if King's Day falls on a Sunday?
It's moved to the preceding Saturday, April 26, rather than the following Monday — the opposite of how most countries handle a holiday landing on a weekend.
Other Countries
More Calculators
Get Monthly Business Day Alerts
We'll send you next month's business day count and upcoming holidays — one email, no spam.