Comprehensive Guide to All Holidays in the Netherlands in 2025

In the Netherlands, holidays are a time for celebration, reflection, and spending time with loved ones. Here’s a comprehensive guide to all the holidays in the Netherlands in 2025, including dates and explanations for each.

All holidays in 2025

New Year's Eve: Ringing in the New Year

Date: January 1, 2025

New Year's Day marks the beginning of the new year. It's a national holiday where people often celebrate with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. Many take part in the traditional "Nieuwjaarsduik" (New Year's Dive) into icy waters.

Amsterdam’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are lively and filled with excitement. The city comes alive with fireworks, parties, and special events.

Celebrations:

• Fireworks Displays: Public fireworks are launched from various points around the city.

• Street Parties: Popular areas like Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt host large gatherings.

• Nightclubs: Special events and parties in nightclubs all around Amsterdam.

Tips for Celebrating:

• Head to vantage points like the Magere Brug for the best view of the fireworks.

• Book tickets in advance for nightclub events.

• Be prepared for large crowds and a vibrant atmosphere.

Good Friday: A Day of Reflection

Date: April 18, 2025

Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag) commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While it is not a public holiday in the entire country, it is observed by many, especially in the southern provinces.

Good Friday, or Goede Vrijdag, is observed as a day of reflection and commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Observances:

• Church Services: Attend special services at churches around Amsterdam.

• Concerts: Classical music concerts, often featuring the works of Bach, are popular.

How to Observe:

• Visit the Westerkerk or the Oude Kerk for traditional services.

• Enjoy a concert at the Concertgebouw for a solemn and reflective experience.

Easter Sunday and Monday: Celebrating Rebirth

Date: April 20-21, 2025

Easter (Pasen) celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday and the following Monday (Easter Monday or Tweede Paasdag) are public holidays. Families gather for meals, and children participate in Easter egg hunts.

Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag) and Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag) are significant holidays in Amsterdam, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Festivities:

• Church Services: Attend uplifting church services.

• Easter Brunch: Enjoy a special brunch at restaurants and cafes.

• Family Activities: Participate in egg hunts and family gatherings.

Tips for Easter:

• Book a table for Easter brunch in advance.

• Join the Easter egg hunts organized in parks and public spaces.

• Visit Keukenhof gardens to see the tulips in full bloom.

King's Day: The Biggest Party in Amsterdam

Date: April 27, 2025

Explanation: King's Day (Koningsdag) is a national celebration in honor of King Willem-Alexander's birthday. The day is marked by street markets, concerts, and parties, with everyone wearing orange, the national color.

King's Day, or Koningsdag, is celebrated on April 27th and is the biggest national holiday in the Netherlands. Amsterdam transforms into a sea of orange, with everyone dressed in the national color to honor the king’s birthday.

What to expect:

• Street Markets: The city's streets are filled with free markets where locals sell second-hand goods.

• Boat Parties: The canals are packed with boats, each one a floating party.

• Live Music: Stages are set up around the city, featuring local bands and DJs.

Tips for celebrating:

• Wear something orange to blend in with the crowd.

• Plan ahead if you want to join a boat party, as they fill up quickly.

• Explore different neighborhoods; each has its own unique vibe.

Liberation day: Celebrating freedom

Date: May 5, 2025

Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) celebrates the end of World War II in the Netherlands. It is a national holiday observed every five years. Amsterdam hosts various events to celebrate freedom and democracy.

Activities:

• Music Festivals: Free music festivals are held in parks and squares.

• Liberation Festivals: Engage in debates and lectures about freedom and democracy.

• Veterans Parade: Honor veterans who fought for freedom.

Enjoying the day:

• Check out the main stages in Museumplein and Westerpark for live performances.

• Participate in discussions and activities to learn more about the history of the day.

• Visit the National Liberation Museum for a deeper understanding.

Ascension Day: A Public Holiday

Date: May 29, 2025

Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a public holiday, and many people enjoy a day off with family activities, picnics, and walks in nature.

Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) is a public holiday marking the ascent of Jesus to heaven, celebrated 40 days after Easter.

Traditions:

• Church Services: Attend special church services.

• Outdoor Activities: Many people take advantage of the day off to enjoy outdoor activities like cycling and walking.

Enjoying the Day:

• Attend a service at one of Amsterdam’s historic churches.

• Explore Vondelpark or the Amsterdamse Bos for a relaxing day out.

Whit Sunday and Monday: Celebrating Pentecost

Date: June 8-9, 2025

Whit Sunday (Pinksteren) and Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag) celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. These days are public holidays, with various cultural and community events taking place.

Whit Sunday (Eerste Pinksterdag) and Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag) are observed 50 days after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Celebrations:

• Church Services: Attend services that focus on the Holy Spirit.

• Festivals: Enjoy local festivals and outdoor events.

• Family Gatherings: Families often come together for meals and activities.

Tips for celebrating:

• Participate in a service at the Nieuwe Kerk.

• Visit local festivals for music, food, and community activities.

• Spend quality time with family in one of Amsterdam’s many parks.

Sinterklaas: The arrival of St. Nicholas

Date: December 5, 2025

Sinterklaasavond, or St. Nicholas' Eve, is a traditional Dutch holiday where children receive gifts from Sinterklaas. Celebrations include festive parades, songs, and the exchange of small presents and poems.

Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam in mid-November, marking the start of the festive season. This traditional celebration is particularly magical for children.

Highlights:

• Parade: Watch the grand parade as Sinterklaas arrives by boat and then parades through the city on a white horse.

• Festive Treats: Enjoy seasonal treats like pepernoten (spiced cookies) and marzipan.

• Gift-Giving: On the evening of December 5th, families exchange gifts and enjoy rhymed surprises.

How to Enjoy:

• Attend the parade early to get a good spot.

• Visit local bakeries for authentic Sinterklaas treats.

• Participate in gift-giving and writing poems if you have Dutch friends.

Christmas in Amsterdam: A winter wonderland

Date: December 25-26, 2025

Christmas (Kerstmis) in the Netherlands is celebrated over two days. Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag) and Boxing Day (Tweede Kerstdag) are public holidays. Families gather for elaborate meals, and many people attend church services and enjoy festive decorations and markets.

Amsterdam is a charming destination during Christmas, with festive lights and cozy markets.

Festive highlights:

• Christmas Markets: Visit markets at Museumplein and Leidseplein for gifts and treats.

• Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating at rinks around the city.

• Canal Tour: Take a canal tour to see the city’s holiday lights from the water.

Tips for enjoying Christmas:

• Try oliebollen, a traditional Dutch doughnut, from street vendors.

• Attend a Christmas concert at the Concertgebouw.

• Wander through the Nine Streets for unique holiday shopping.

Conclusion

These holidays in the Netherlands offer a blend of religious, national, and cultural celebrations. Each holiday provides an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate, and enjoy various traditions. By knowing these dates, you can plan your year better and partake in the rich cultural tapestry of Dutch holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most important holiday in the Netherlands?

King's Day is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in the Netherlands.

Do all Dutch holidays have public holidays?

Not all Dutch holidays are public holidays. Some, like Sinterklaas, are widely celebrated but not officially recognized as public holidays.

Is Liberation Day a public holiday every year?

Liberation Day is a public holiday every five years, with the next observance in 2025.

What is a typical Dutch celebration for Easter?

Easter in the Netherlands is celebrated with family gatherings, elaborate meals, and Easter egg hunts for children.

How is Christmas celebrated in the Netherlands?

Christmas is celebrated over two days with family meals, church services, and festive activities like decorating trees and visiting Christmas markets.