Easter Monday in the Netherlands
Easter Monday, called Tweede Paasdag in Dutch, is part of the Netherlands’ official Easter holiday listing. Its religious meaning comes from Easter, while its practical effects depend on employment agreements and local shop-opening rules.[1][2]
A Christian holiday and a Dutch public holiday
For Christians, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday; in the Netherlands, the government lists the two days together as Eerste en tweede paasdag.[1][2]
The official listing does not mean that every employee is automatically entitled to a day off. Dutch government guidance says public holidays are not mandatory days off under law: the applicable collective labour agreement, known as a CAO, or the employment contract determines whether an employee has the day off and whether it is paid.[2]
How people observe the day
Easter Monday extends the Easter period into a Monday. Holland.com, the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions’ visitor site, describes Easter as a long weekend in the Netherlands and says that searching for hidden chocolate eggs is a beloved tradition. This is one documented custom; it should not be taken to mean that every household celebrates in the same way.[3]
The holiday has a religious meaning for Christians, but the available Dutch sources do not establish one uniform set of Monday services, foods or regional customs. Plans can vary, so visitors looking for a particular service or event should check with the church or venue directly.[1][3]
Schools, shops and work
Government guidance says schools close on public holidays and identifies Easter Monday among them. It advises parents to check with their child’s school for its closure dates.[4]
Shop opening is decided locally. The government says the Shop Opening Hours Act assumes shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays, but municipalities can permit them to open. As a result, opening hours may differ from one place to another; check with the shop or municipality before making plans.[5] The same national public-holiday status does not by itself settle an employee’s time off: check the relevant CAO or contract.[2]
Easter Monday in the Netherlands: FAQs
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in the Netherlands?
Yes. The Dutch government includes Easter Monday in the official Easter holiday listing, alongside Easter Sunday.[2]
Does everyone get the day off work?
No. Public holidays are not automatically mandatory days off. The employee’s CAO or contract determines whether they have the day off and whether it is paid.[2]
Are schools closed?
Government guidance lists Easter Monday among public holidays when schools are closed. Check with your child’s school for its closure dates.[4]
Are shops open?
It depends on the municipality. Local authorities decide whether shops may open on public holidays, so check the hours of the shop you plan to visit.[5]
What is a Dutch Easter Monday custom?
Holland.com describes searching for hidden chocolate eggs as a beloved Easter tradition in the Netherlands.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in Netherlands:
- The Catechism: Easter 2003- The Holy See
- Which days are official public holidays in the Netherlands?- Government of the Netherlands
- Public, national and bank holidays in the Netherlands- Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions
- On which public holidays are schools closed in the Netherlands?- Government of the Netherlands
- When are shops open in the Netherlands?- Government of the Netherlands