Your ultimate guide to festivities & long weekends!
Let’s be real — few things feel better than spotting a bank holiday in the Netherlands marked on your calendar, right? Whether you want to visit in 2025 as a traveler or live there as a local, knowing all about the local bank holidays of the country is a game-changer. You might want to plan a weekend escape, or simply a day to do absolutely nothing.
Here’s everything you need to know about all the Dutch bank holidays
Keep reading!
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Good Friday | Goede Vrijdag
📅 Friday, 18 April 2025
For travelers: Some museums & shops may close early, and that’s perfect for quiet sightseeing or canal walks.
For locals: Heads-up: not everyone gets the day off, but if you do, you can definitely enjoy your city peacefully without the crowds, or you can hop on a train and spend your long weekend in another town, right?
Easter Sunday & Easter Monday | Eerste en Tweede Paasdag
📅 Sunday, 20 April & Monday, 21 April 2025
For travelers: Many restaurants & shops are closed; join a traditional Easter brunch or local church service.
For locals: Ideal for a family brunch or that classic Easter Monday furniture shopping spree (wink-wink).
King’s Day | Koningsdag
📅 Saturday, 26 April 2025
For travelers: Amsterdam is THE place to be! Orange everywhere, boat parties on the canals, street markets, and music fests… Join the fun with the locals!
For locals: This is your local party; you could sell old stuff at Vrijmarkt, boat-hop, or simply join the celebration with your friends and neighbors.
Liberation Day | Bevrijdingsdag
📅 Monday, 5 May 2025
For travelers: Head to Amsterdam for free outdoor concerts, parades & lively squares packed with history and celebration. Most popular attractions stay open, too.
For locals: Many don’t get the day off, but if you do, hit up local concerts & remembrance events, especially in the capital.
Ascension Day | Hemelvaartsdag
📅 Thursday, 29 May 2025
For travelers: Shops might be closed, but nature parks & bike routes will be buzzing; rent a bike & ride.
For locals: Classic day for a cycling trip or relaxing. Or you can just take the Friday off and plan a quick getaway in another city!
Whit Sunday & Whit Monday | Eerste en Tweede Pinksterdag
📅 Sunday, 8 June & Monday, 9 June 2025
For travelers: Many shops close; check out local festivals, garden fairs, or head to open-air markets.
For locals: Time for family reunions, music festivals, or maybe… yes, another quick getaway in another city!
Looking to make the most of your days off? Don’t miss our guide to the best festivals in Amsterdam 2025 and plan your next exciting getaway!
Christmas Day & Boxing Day | Eerste en Tweede Kerstdag
📅 Thursday, 25 December & Friday, 26 December 2025
For travelers: Almost everything is closed, so book ahead for special Christmas dinners & stroll festive markets.
For locals: Enjoy precious family time, two days of food & fun, and watch the Christmas light shows. Or… grab the chance to plan a relaxing city break somewhere else!
Curious about holidays in other countries? Check out the bank holidays in Denmark to compare and plan your travels!
Bank holidays in the Netherlands: FAQs
What are the bank holidays in The Netherlands in 2025?
In 2025, the Netherlands celebrates several bank holidays including Good Friday (April 18), Easter Sunday & Monday (April 20 & 21), King’s Day (April 26), Liberation Day (May 5), Ascension Day (May 29), Whit Sunday & Monday (June 8 & 9), and Christmas Day & Boxing Day (December 25 & 26). Knowing these dates helps you plan your trip or long weekends better—whether you’re a traveler or a local.
Is everything closed on King’s Day in the Netherlands?
Most shops, offices, and services shut down on King’s Day (April 26, 2025). But instead, streets come alive with markets, boat parties, concerts, and festivities, especially in Amsterdam. It’s the perfect day to join the locals and celebrate!
Are museums and shops open on Good Friday in the Netherlands?
On Good Friday (April 18, 2025), some museums, shops, and businesses might close early, but many remain open. It’s a quieter day—ideal if you want to stroll around the canals or visit attractions without heavy crowds.
What happens in the Netherlands during Easter Sunday and Monday?
On Easter Sunday and Monday (April 20 & 21, 2025), most shops and many restaurants close. Locals gather for family brunches, and some join church services. Travelers can enjoy special Easter events and traditional meals in hotels or pre-booked restaurants.
Do people get a day off on Liberation Day in the Netherlands?
Liberation Day (May 5, 2025) is a public holiday, but not everyone gets a day off. Still, cities—especially Amsterdam—hold free concerts, parades, and remembrance events, making it a lively day to visit or celebrate.
Are shops closed on Ascension Day in the Netherlands?
On Ascension Day (May 29, 2025), many shops and businesses close. However, it’s a great day to explore nature parks or rent a bike and enjoy scenic cycling routes. Locals often take advantage of the long weekend for short getaways.
What are Whit Sunday and Whit Monday in the Netherlands?
Whit Sunday and Whit Monday (June 8 & 9, 2025) are national holidays. Shops often close, but you’ll find festivals, garden fairs, and open-air markets happening across the country. Locals enjoy family time, reunions, or music events during these days.
Are shops and restaurants open during Christmas in the Netherlands?
On Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 25 & 26, 2025), most shops, restaurants, and public services close. Many locals spend time with family. Travelers should book Christmas dinners in advance and explore festive markets and light shows.
Should I plan my trip around Dutch bank holidays?
Yes! Dutch bank holidays often mean closed shops and busy transport, but they’re also great for experiencing local festivals, markets, or city-wide celebrations. Planning ahead lets you make the most of long weekends, especially in cities like Amsterdam.
Where’s the best place to stay during Dutch bank holidays?
If you’re visiting Amsterdam during any bank holiday, stay at one of the two centrally located MEININGER hotels. They offer the perfect blend of comfort, budget-friendliness, and location—ideal for celebrating and exploring without worrying about transport.
🛎️ Where to stay in the Netherlands
Stay close to the action at one of the two cozy, centrally located MEININGER hotels in Amsterdam, the perfect spot to crash after a day (or more) of dancing and celebrating.
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MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West: Orlyplein 1 – 67, 1043 DR Amsterdam, Netherlands
MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel: Julianaplein 6, 1097 DN Amsterdam, Netherlands
