Public holiday in Netherlands
Easter Day in Netherlands
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Easter Day is a nationwide public holiday in the Netherlands, observed on Easter Sunday. In Dutch public life it is the first day of Easter and is closely followed by Easter Monday, which is also a public holiday.
About Easter Day in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Easter Day is observed nationwide and is part of the two-day Easter period in spring. For many people it marks a quiet holiday weekend that also includes Easter Monday, so the public-holiday effect is usually felt across both days rather than on Sunday alone. The day has both Christian meaning and a broader cultural presence in Dutch society. In practice it is associated with family time, spring activities and seasonal meals, while formal observance varies widely from religious services to a mostly secular day off.
History
Easter Day has long been observed in the Netherlands as part of the Christian calendar. Its modern role as a nationwide public holiday reflects the country’s continued recognition of Easter within the public-holiday calendar.
Traditions
Common Dutch Easter customs include attending church services, especially for people who observe the holiday religiously, and sharing a special breakfast or brunch with family. Seasonal foods such as eggs are widely associated with the holiday, and Easter markets and spring decorations are familiar in many places.
How Easter Day is celebrated in Netherlands
Many Dutch families spend Easter Day at home or with relatives, often over a long breakfast, brunch or lunch. Because the holiday falls at the start of spring, outings, short trips and outdoor activities are also common, depending on the weather and personal preference.
Interesting facts
Easter Day is followed by Easter Monday, giving the Netherlands a two-day Easter break in the national holiday calendar. The holiday date changes from year to year because Easter is movable.
Dates in published calendars
Sources and verification
- 2026: Government of the Netherlands · checked 20 Oct 2026
- 2027: Government of the Netherlands · checked 20 Oct 2026
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.