King's Day 2025 in the Netherlands

King's Day, or Koningsdag, is a national holiday in the Netherlands celebrated on April 27th to honor the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. The day is marked by vibrant street markets, parties, and parades, with people dressed in orange to show national pride. It's a joyous celebration of Dutch culture and unity.

King's Day: A Public Holiday?

King's Day is a nationwide public holiday in the Netherlands. Most schools, offices, and businesses are closed, allowing people to join in the celebrations honoring the King's birthday. However, Dutch employees are not automatically entitled to a day off on public holidays; this depends on their employment contract or collective labor agreement (CAO).

King's Day

King's Day, known as Koningsdag, is a vibrant national holiday in the Netherlands celebrated on April 27th to honor the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. Celebrating the monarch's birthday in the Netherlands began in 1885 as Princess's Day in honor of Princess Wilhelmina. When she became queen, it was called Queen's Day and was celebrated on her birthday. Later, Queen Juliana moved the date to April 30th, and Queen Beatrix kept it on that day. In 2013, when King Willem-Alexander became king, the celebration was renamed King's Day and moved to his birthday, April 27th.

The holiday is traditionally observed on April 27th, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, but if this date falls on a Sunday, the celebrations are moved to the preceding Saturday to ensure that everyone can fully participate in the festivities.

King's Day Celebration in the Netherlands

King's Day is one of the most festive and anticipated days in the Netherlands, celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm. The day begins with flea markets, where people sell second-hand goods, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere in cities and towns. Orange, the national color of the Netherlands, dominates the celebrations, with people dressing in orange outfits, accessories, and face paint to show national pride. In major cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, canals and streets fill with music, parties, and boat parades, creating a carnival-like vibe.

King's Day is more than just a birthday celebration; it symbolizes unity, pride, and Dutch culture. It provides an opportunity for everyone, regardless of age or background, to come together and celebrate. The free-market tradition reflects the Dutch spirit of entrepreneurship, while the nationwide festivities showcase the country's creativity and communal joy. For many, it's a day to reconnect with friends and family, enjoy music, and embrace the festive energy.

The importance of King's Day lies in its ability to foster a sense of togetherness and national identity. It's not only a celebration of the King but also a reflection of the shared values and traditions that unite the Netherlands. With its mix of history, culture, and fun, King's Day remains a cherished and unique holiday.

King's Day Observances