Public Holidays in Spring in the Netherlands - What You Need to Know
As the tulips bloom and the sun begins to peek through the Dutch clouds, spring awakens a vibrant spirit in the Netherlands. For expats navigating their way through Dutch work culture, this is not just the season of flowers and festivals, it’s also the time for some delightful public holidays that can transform your work schedule. Let Dutch language expert Taalthuis introduce you to the celebrations awaiting you this spring.
April: A month of traditions and celebrations
Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag) – April 18, 2025
Good Friday is recognized here, but interestingly, it’s not an official public holiday for most. Picture this: while some families might skip work to enjoy the day, many private businesses hum along as usual. If you’re in a government office or a school, you might have a day off, sipping coffee while others still hustle. And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, why not plan a cozy afternoon visit to a local museum that stays open?
Easter Sunday & Monday (Pasen) – April 20 & 21, 2025
Easter Sunday is a time to gather as families indulge in lavish brunches complete with delightful pastries and, of course, those familiar (chocolate) eggs. On Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag), expect a national public holiday, which means most businesses take a breather. Kids embark on cheerful egg hunts, so why not join in and maybe host an egg décor competition!
King’s Day (Koningsdag) – Sunday, April 27, 2025 (But celebrated on Saturday the 26th)
If there’s a day that truly radiates Dutch culture, it’s King’s Day! The streets become a vibrant sea of orange, music fills the air, and everywhere you look, there's a street market buzzing with excitement. Amid the festivities, don’t forget to grab a traditional orange tompouce and enjoy it with a cold ‘pilsje”, “biertje”, “goudgele rakker” or a traditional, tangy and quite strong shot of oranjebitter.
May: A Mix of remembrance and celebration
Remembrance day (Dodenherdenking) – May 4
It’s a poignant moment in the Dutch calendar. While not a public holiday, it’s an essential day of reflection. At 8:00 PM, a two-minute silence echoes across the country, a reverent nod to those who lost their lives in wars. If you’re in the Netherlands, take part in this solemn moment. You might find bars and restaurants pause their music, people stopping their cars at the side of the road, people gathering in silence, drawing everyone together in a shared tribute.
Liberation day (Bevrijdingsdag) – May 5 (Monday)
2025 is special as Liberation Day is only recognized as a public holiday every five years. So, this is your chance to let loose! Most companies graciously offer you a day off, paving the way for concerts and festivals to erupt across the nation. Histories are celebrated, and lively conversations about freedom ensue. Head to one of the bevrijdingsfestivals in various cities around the country for a glimpse of your favorite Dutch artist for a fraction of a concert ticket. Or watch them all fill your TV screen!
Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) – May 29, 2025 (Thursday)
Another national holiday, the Dutch seize this opportunity to venture outdoors. Parks are full, some venture into nature barefoot, the tradition of “dauwtrappen”. Many take advantage of this day off, creating the ultimate long weekend by sneaking in a “bridge day” on Friday. If you’re fishing for some peace, head to a local countryside retreat where the only sounds are the birds chirping.
Understanding Dutch language and culture with Taalthuis
Getting acquainted with Dutch public holidays and workplace culture becomes easier (and much more enjoyable!) when you grasp the language and customs. Taalthuis offers incredible Dutch courses for expats ready to dive deeper into Dutch life. You'll find that knowing more Dutch helps you engage in conversations about local traditions, making events like King’s Day and Liberation Day even more memorable.
By investing time in language learning, you will not only enhance your communication skills at work but also foster connections with colleagues and neighbors. Imagine confidently discussing your favorite local dishes or swapping stories about holiday traditions with your Dutch colleagues or acquaintances—all thanks to your newfound language proficiency!