Public Holidays in the Netherlands 2026

If you work in the Netherlands through DB Work, it is essential to be aware of the public holidays in 2026, their corresponding days of the week, and how to plan your rest periods or short breaks in advance.

In the Netherlands, public holidays are set at the national level, but not all of them are automatically paid days off. This depends on your employment contract and the sector you work in.

How public holidays work in the Netherlands

In general:

• public holidays are recognized nationwide;
• whether a paid day off is granted depends on the individual employment contract or the collective labor agreement (CAO);
• in sectors such as naval, industrial, construction, or logistics, work may continue on certain public holidays;
• all conditions are clearly defined in the contract.

Through DB Work, you have access to clear information about your work schedule and the applicable holidays for your specific project.

Public holidays in the Netherlands in 2026 (with weekdays)

January

January 1 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag)
Usually a day off for most employees.

April

April 3 (Friday) – Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag)
Not an automatic day off; it depends on the employer.

April 5 (Sunday) – Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag)

April 6 (Monday) – Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag)
Frequently a paid day off.

April 27 (Monday) – King’s Day (Koningsdag)
One of the most important national holidays, celebrated with events throughout the Netherlands.

May

May 5 (Tuesday) – Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)
National holiday; paid day off only once every five years for many employees. Otherwise, it depends on the contract.

May 14 (Thursday) – Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag)
Usually a day off in many sectors.

May 24 (Sunday) – Whit Sunday (Eerste Pinksterdag)

May 25 (Monday) – Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag)

December

December 25 (Friday) – Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag)

December 26 (Saturday) – Boxing Day / Second Day of Christmas (Tweede Kerstdag)
Usually a day off, even if it falls on a weekend.

What DB Work employees should know

If you work through DB Work:

• days off depend on the project and your employment contract;
• you may be scheduled to work on certain public holidays;
• all conditions are clearly communicated before and during the project;
• the DB Work team provides support and explanations whenever needed.

How to make the most of public holidays in 2026

Even a single day off can be used efficiently:

• for rest and recovery;
• for visiting nearby cities;
• for local events or traditional celebrations;
• for spending time with colleagues.

Conclusion

Public holidays in 2026 can offer valuable moments of rest and balance, but your exact schedule depends on your employment contract. Working through DB Work gives you the advantage of transparency, well-organized projects, and a team that supports you consistently.