Summary
Working during holidays in the Netherlands can be confusing, especially for international students. Not all public holidays are guaranteed days off, and extra pay depends on your contract or employer. In this guide, we explain which holidays in 2026 are typically days off, how holiday pay works, and what to expect when working in student jobs through Brave Ones.
Why This Matters for Students
You might assume public holidays automatically mean a day off—but in the Netherlands, that’s not always the case.
Many international students:
- Expect paid days off on every holiday
- Don’t know their rights around holiday pay
- Miss out on higher earnings during peak holiday shifts
Understanding how this works helps you plan your schedule—and maximize your income.
Public Holidays in the Netherlands (2026)
Here are the main national public holidays in 2026:
| Holiday | Date | Typical Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 (Thu) | Day off (most sectors) |
| Good Friday | Apr 3 (Fri) | Not always a day off |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 5 | Usually not relevant for work contracts |
| Easter Monday | Apr 6 (Mon) | Often a day off |
| King’s Day | Apr 27 (Mon) | Day off (very common) |
| Liberation Day | May 5 (Tue) | Only once every 5 years guaranteed off (2025 yes, 2026 no) |
| Ascension Day | May 14 (Thu) | Often a day off |
| Pentecost Sunday | May 24 | Not relevant for contracts |
| Pentecost Monday | May 25 (Mon) | Often a day off |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 (Fri) | Day off |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26 (Sat) | Often a day off |
