King’s Day in the Netherlands
King’s Day is the Netherlands’ public holiday celebrating King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. It is held on 27 April, or on 26 April when 27 April falls on a Sunday.[1][2]
A holiday shaped by the monarchy
The celebration began as Princess’s Day on 31 August 1885, marking Princess Wilhelmina’s fifth birthday. Its organizers hoped a national celebration would emphasize unity. After Wilhelmina became queen, the first Queen’s Day was held in 1891; it later became a popular children’s celebration and national festival.[3]
Queen Juliana celebrated Queen’s Day on her birthday, 30 April, beginning in 1949. Queen Beatrix kept that date in honor of her mother and continued the custom of visiting towns with members of the Royal Family. Since 2014, the holiday has been called King’s Day and has been celebrated on 27 April, Willem-Alexander’s birthday.[1][2]
Royal visits and local celebrations
The Royal Family joins the celebrations in a town or city with a central role in its region. Local groups and organizations help present the area through activities that may include a parade and musical performances, while the King and his family meet people along the route. The visit is broadcast on television.[2]
Celebrations also take place in towns and villages across the country. Local programs can include children’s activities and traditional games, music, and street markets. Orange decorations are a familiar feature; some people also wear the national flag’s red, white, and blue. Orange-iced tompouces and oranjebitter are among the foods and drinks associated with the day.[4]
A public holiday, with local rules
King’s Day is listed as an official public holiday, and schools are normally closed. But Dutch law does not give every employee an automatic day off: the applicable collective labour agreement or employment contract determines whether someone is off work.[5][6]
Shops are generally required to close on public holidays, although certain businesses are exempt, including shops at railway stations and airports, pharmacies, and petrol stations. Local rules can affect market and street trading, so opening hours and event arrangements may differ by municipality. Check local information before making plans.[7]
King’s Day: practical questions
When is King’s Day?
It is celebrated on 27 April, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. If that date falls on a Sunday, the celebration moves to the previous day, Saturday 26 April.[2]
Is King’s Day a day off work?
Not automatically. The holiday is officially listed, but whether you have the day off depends on your collective labour agreement or employment contract.[5]
Are schools and shops open?
Sources and references
Sources used for King's Day in Netherlands:
- History of King’s Day- Royal House of the Netherlands
- Koningsdag- The Royal House of the Netherlands
- History of King’s Day- Royal House of the Netherlands
- King’s Day- Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Which days are official public holidays in the Netherlands?- Government of the Netherlands
- On which public holidays are schools closed in the Netherlands?- Government of the Netherlands
- Trading hours- Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVO