A Guide to Dutch Holidays: King’s Day, Sinterklaas, and more!

The Netherlands is known for its lively holidays that reflect its rich culture and community. If you're considering a visit, planning your trip around one of these celebrations can create unforgettable moments. Here’s a month-by-month guide to the most festive Dutch holidays.

Carnaval - February/March

Celebrated primarily in the southern provinces, Carnaval is a lively holiday marked by colorful costumes, parades, and non-stop partying. Towns like Maastricht and Den Bosch transform as locals and visitors alike fill the streets in wild costumes, enjoying music and dancing well into the night. Expect big crowds, loads of energy, and lots of Dutch gezelligheid (coziness)! In 2025, carnaval will be celebrated from the 2nd of March till the 4th.

Easter (Pasen) - March/April

Dutch Easter celebrations are a bit more laid-back than some, but they still come with some lovely traditions. Many families enjoy Easter brunches featuring chocolate eggs, almond-stuffed “paasbrood” (Easter bread), and the occasional Easter egg hunt for children. In some areas, large traditional bonfires called “paasvuren” are lit to welcome spring, adding a magical touch to the season.

King’s Day (Koningsdag) – April 27

One of the biggest parties of the year and if you ask the Dutch a most visit holiday, King’s Day celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander with a nationwide street festival. Streets overflow with people dressed in orange (the Dutch national color), participating in live music, street markets, and festivities. Amsterdam hosts one of the largest gatherings, with its famous canals filled with boats, but every Dutch city joins in on the fun, so there’s no shortage of places to celebrate!

Read more on How to celebrate King's Day like a local

Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) – May 5

A solemn yet celebratory day, Liberation Day marks the end of World War II and the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Each year, the country honors its freedom with memorial ceremonies, parades, and concerts in various cities. The most significant celebrations take place in Amsterdam and Wageningen, where visitors can attend free music festivals and experience the spirit of Dutch resilience and gratitude.

Sinterklaas – December 5

Celebrating the arrival of Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, is a cherished Dutch tradition that kicks off the holiday season. Arriving by boat in mid-November, Sinterklaas is greeted by parades across the Netherlands, with children eagerly awaiting December 5, known as Pakjesavond (present eve). On this day, families gather to exchange gifts, often accompanied by clever poems and handmade and creative gift packaging, known as surprises. Traditional treats like "pepernoten" (small spiced cookies) and chocolate initials make this holiday even sweeter.

Christmas (Kerst) – December 24-26

In the Netherlands, Christmas is a cozy, family-centered celebration. Like most countries there is a Christmas Eve (Kerstavond) on December 24 and a Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag) on December 25. However, the Second day of Christmas Day or Boxing Day (Tweede Kerstdag) on December 26 is also widely celebrated. Many Dutch families spend these days at home or with close relatives, enjoying festive meals and exchanging small gifts. Cities and towns are decorated with twinkling lights and Christmas markets, especially in places like Maastricht, where visitors can find seasonal treats, crafts, and handmade goods. Traditional foods include roasted meats, “kerststol” (a spiced fruit loaf with almond paste), and "gourmetten," where everyone cooks their own food at the table on an indoor table grill. For a magical winter experience, visit a Christmas market or enjoy the festive decorations that make Dutch cities feel warm and welcoming during the holiday season.

Fletcher likes to celebrate the Christmas holidays in a special way. Enjoy fully catered Christmas packages, including festive dinners, live music, and an extensive breakfast. And visit nearby Christmas markets with our special packages. Read more about our holiday packages

New Year’s Eve (Oudejaarsavond) – December 31

New Year’s Eve is an explosive affair in the Netherlands, with fireworks lighting up the night sky to ring in the new year. Friends and families gather to celebrate with traditional snacks like “oliebollen” (fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar) and enjoy local firework displays, especially in larger cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The Dutch tradition of fireworks adds a thrilling finale to the year, giving visitors a memorable finale to their holiday season.

Looking for a fully-catered package with a hotel stay. dinner, NYE celebrations, and New Year's breakfast? Take a look at Fletcher's special packages

From the festive King’s Day in April to the cozy traditions of Sinterklaas in December, these Dutch holidays provide a colorful way to experience the Netherlands. Each celebration adds its own unique charm and offers a window into the Dutch way of life, making them perfect opportunities to get immersed in local culture.