Guide

Public holidays in the Netherlands in 2027

By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026

The Dutch government lists the official public holidays for 2027, including King's Day on Tuesday 27 April, Liberation Day on Wednesday 5 May and Easter on 28–29 March. But there's no law giving employees a day off on public holidays — your collective labour agreement (CAO) or employment contract decides.

The 2027 dates

According to the Government of the Netherlands, the official public holidays in 2027 are:

Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year's Day) — Friday 1 January
Goede Vrijdag (Good Friday) — Friday 26 March
Eerste en tweede paasdag (Easter Sunday and Monday) — 28 and 29 March
Koningsdag (King's Day) — Tuesday 27 April
Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day) — Wednesday 5 May
Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension Day) — Thursday 6 May
Eerste en tweede pinksterdag (Whit Sunday and Monday) — 16 and 17 May
Eerste en tweede kerstdag (Christmas Day and Boxing Day) — Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 December

Source: Government of the Netherlands — Which days are official public holidays in the Netherlands?, read 8 October 2026.

Do you get the day off?

This surprises many newcomers. The government is clear: there is no law that says employees must be given a day off on certain public holidays, so no one has a legal right to one. Your CAO (collective labour agreement) or your employment contract says whether you're off.

In practice, check your contract before you plan around a holiday.

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King's Day and the Dutch calendar

In 2027 King's Day falls on a Tuesday, and Ascension Day follows on Thursday 6 May, making early May a popular time for a short break.

Christmas falls on the weekend in 2027, so the year's last long weekend comes earlier, at Whitsun.

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Common questions

When is King's Day 2027?

Tuesday 27 April 2027, according to the Government of the Netherlands.

Is Liberation Day 2027 a day off in the Netherlands?

It's an official public holiday on Wednesday 5 May 2027, but there's no legal right to a day off; your CAO or employment contract decides.

Do Dutch employees get public holidays off by law?

No. The government states there's no law requiring employers to give a day off on public holidays.

When is Easter 2027 in the Netherlands?

Easter Sunday and Easter Monday fall on 28 and 29 March 2027.