Netherlands Public Holiday Calendar

Overview of Holidays in the Netherlands

• Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday
  Major Christian holidays honoring the central events of the faith. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while Easter Sunday celebrates his resurrection on the third day. Easter Monday, the day following Easter, is also observed as a public holiday in the Netherlands and many other countries.
• King's Day
  Celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, who ascended the Dutch throne in 2013. On this day, nationwide festivities take place, with streets and public spaces decorated in orange—the official color of the Dutch Royal House of Orange-Nassau.
• Liberation Day
  Commemorates the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi German occupation on May 5, 1945. While commemorative events occur annually, it is observed as an official paid public holiday for most employees once every five years (in years ending in 0 or 5).
• Ascension Day
  In Christian tradition, Ascension Day marks the bodily ascension of the resurrected Jesus Christ into heaven in the presence of his apostles. It is celebrated on the 40th day of Easter.
• Pentecost (Pentecost), Pentecost Monday
  A Christian holiday commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and disciples, an event recounted as occurring 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pentecost Monday, the day after Pentecost, is also observed as a national holiday.

National Flag and Anthem of the Netherlands

National Flag

The national flag of the Netherlands is a horizontal tricolor of red, white, and blue. Red symbolizes courage, white symbolizes faith, and blue symbolizes patriotism.

National Anthem