Planning your time off and vacations is essential for maintaining a balance between work and personal life. If you are working or planning to work in the Netherlands, it’s important to know the public holidays and official days off in the Netherlands in 2025 to organize your leave efficiently.

Official public holidays in the Netherlands in 2025

In the Netherlands, there are national public holidays, but not all of them are automatically days off for employees. It depends on the collective labor agreement and each employer’s policy. Here is the complete list of public holidays in 2025:

Is Liberation Day (May 5) a day off?

Liberation Day is a national holiday, but it is typically considered a day off only once every five years. Since 2025 is a multiple of five, most employers will grant it as a public holiday. However, it’s best to check with your employer to confirm if this applies to you. 

More information you find on Government of the Netherlands

When should you plan your vacation in 2025?

If you want to take advantage of public holidays to extend your vacation, here are some strategic suggestions:

• April: Good Friday (April 18) and Easter (April 20-21) allow you to enjoy an extended weekend.
• May-June: By combining Liberation Day (May 5) with Ascension Day (May 29) and Pentecost (June 8-9), you can create a longer holiday without using too many vacation days.
• December: Christmas falls on a Thursday and Friday, giving you a long weekend perfect for a winter holiday.

How do public holidays affect work schedules?

In the Netherlands, most public holidays are not mandatory days off for employees, meaning many businesses and shops remain open. However, on major holidays such as King’s Day or Christmas, operating hours may be reduced.

If you work through an agency or directly for a Dutch employer, check which holidays are included in your contract. jobsto.work provides access to well-paid jobs in the Netherlands, and employers specify in their job postings which holidays are guaranteed.

How to prepare for public holidays?

• Check service availability: Many shops and institutions have reduced hours during the holidays, so ensure you have the necessary supplies in advance.
• Talk to your employer: Not all companies offer the same days off, so it’s good to clarify this aspect in advance.

Conclusion

Planning your vacation around public holidays in the Netherlands can help you maximize your time off without using up all your leave days. jobsto.work provides access to secure job opportunities. Whether you want to take a vacation or simply organize your schedule better, staying informed about the 2025 holidays is essential.

Read about Where to find a job in the Netherlands, in 2024