Holidays & Celebrations

Koningsdag (King's Day) — April 27

Koningsdag is the biggest national celebration, honoring the King's birthday. The entire country turns orange (the royal color). There are street markets (vrijmarkt) where anyone can sell things, live music everywhere, and boat parties on the canals.

People wear orange clothing, hats, and accessories. Many cities have live music stages, and Amsterdam's canals fill with boats. It's a national holiday, so most businesses are closed.

Sinterklaas — December 5

Sinterklaas is the Dutch version of Santa Claus, but celebrated on December 5 (Pakjesavond). Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat from Spain in mid-November, accompanied by his helpers (Pieten). Children put their shoe (schoen) by the fireplace with a carrot for Sinterklaas's horse.

Adults also celebrate by exchanging "surprises" — creative handmade gift wrappings with a funny poem (gedicht) about the recipient. Writing these poems is a beloved tradition.

Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day) — May 5

Bevrijdingsdag celebrates the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation in 1945. The day before, May 4, is Dodenherdenking (Remembrance of the Dead), when the entire country observes two minutes of silence at 8:00 PM. It's a deeply respected moment.

On May 5, there are festivals across the country with free concerts, speeches, and celebrations of freedom. It's a national holiday every five years (2025, 2030, etc.).

Other Notable Holidays

Carnaval (February/March) is celebrated in the south of the Netherlands (Brabant, Limburg) with costumes, parades, and three days of festivities. Oud en Nieuw (New Year's Eve) features fireworks everywhere — the Dutch spend millions on fireworks each year. Pasen (Easter) and Kerst (Christmas) are family-focused holidays.