Ascension Day in the Netherlands
Ascension Day, called Hemelvaartsdag in Dutch, is an official public holiday in the Netherlands. It falls on a Thursday, the fortieth day after Easter Sunday, and combines a Christian observance with the Dutch custom of going outdoors early for dauwtrappen.[1][2]
Christian meaning and timing
Across Christian traditions, Ascension Day marks the belief that Jesus ascended into heaven after his resurrection. The feast is observed on the fortieth day after Easter Sunday; in the Netherlands it remains on Thursday.[2]
The Dutch government lists Hemelvaartsdag among the country’s official public holidays. Its date moves with Easter, so the Thursday changes each year.[1]
Dauwtrappen and time outdoors
A custom associated with the day is dauwtrappen, literally “treading the dew”: getting up early to walk or cycle outdoors. The Netherlands Open Air Museum includes dauwtrappen among the country’s traditions observed at Ascension, while Staatsbosbeheer invites people to experience the morning outdoors on Hemelvaartsdag.[3][4]
Some organized walks include the option of walking barefoot on wet grass. That is one way to take part, rather than a requirement; local walks and activities vary.[4]
Work, schools and shops
Being an official public holiday does not automatically give every employee a day off. Dutch law does not make public holidays mandatory days off; the applicable collective labour agreement or employment contract determines whether an employee is off and whether they are paid.[1][5]
Schools are closed on public holidays, including Ascension Day. For shops, the general rule is closure on public holidays, but municipalities may allow opening on Ascension Day. Some types of shops, including those at stations and airports, are exempt from the Trading Hours Act. Check local opening information before setting out.[6]
Planning the day
Because Ascension Day is always a Thursday, some people may choose to take Friday off, but a four-day break is not guaranteed by the holiday itself. Check your work agreement and any local opening arrangements before making plans.[1][5][6]
School closures and shop-opening rules apply, but arrangements for offices, banks and public transport may vary by organisation or operator.[6]
Frequently asked questions
Is Ascension Day a public holiday in the Netherlands?
Yes. Hemelvaartsdag is on the government’s official public-holiday list.[1]
Do employees automatically get the day off?
Are schools closed?
Yes. Dutch schools close on public holidays, including Ascension Day.[7]
Are shops open on Ascension Day?
Usually shops must close on public holidays, but a municipality may allow them to open on Ascension Day, and some shop types are exempt. Check locally.[6]
Sources and references
Sources used for Ascension Day in Netherlands:
- Which days are official public holidays in the Netherlands?- Government of the Netherlands
- Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord- Vatican News
- Vier Feest! in Nederland- Netherlands Open Air Museum
- Dauwtrappen- Staatsbosbeheer
- Public holidays in the Netherlands- Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
- Trading hours- Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
- On which public holidays are schools closed in the Netherlands?- Government of the Netherlands