Hemelvaart and Pinksteren: Navigating the Dutch Spring Holidays

Between King’s Day and the start of summer, the Dutch celebrate Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension Day) and the Pinksterdagen (Pentecost).

While many residents simply enjoy the extra time off, these dates have deep-rooted origins and specific rules regarding whether you actually get the day off work. Here is everything you need to know about these upcoming spring holidays.

Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag)

Date for 2026: Thursday, May 14

What is it?

Ascension Day is a key date in the Christian calendar, celebrated on the 40th day after Jesus Christ's resurrection. According to biblical tradition, it marks the day Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives, signaling the end of his earthly presence.

Is it a day off?

Yes, Hemelvaartsdag is an official national public holiday in the Netherlands. For most employees, this means a day off from work or school.

The "Brugdag" (Bridge Day): Since it always falls on a Thursday, many Dutch people take the following Friday off as well to create a four-day weekend. Check your company’s collective labor agreement (CAO), as some businesses remain closed on that Friday by default.

Pentecost (Pinksteren)

Dates for 2026: Sunday, May 24 (Eerste Pinksterdag) and Monday, May 25 (Tweede Pinksterdag)

What is it?

Pentecost always occurs 50 days after Easter and 10 days after Ascension Day. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and is widely considered the "birthday" of the Christian church.

Is it a day off?

Both Sunday and Monday are official public holidays. While Sunday is a standard rest day, Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag) is a designated day off for most workers and students in the Netherlands.

Other Upcoming Holidays & Observances

While May is the busiest month for holidays, here are a few other dates to keep on your radar for 2026:

• Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) – May 5: This marks the end of Nazi occupation in 1945. Note: While it is a national holiday, it is typically only a day off once every five years (the "lustrum" years). Since 2026 is not a lustrum year, most people will be at work.
  
• Father’s Day (Vaderdag) – Sunday, June 21: This is a cultural observance, not an official public holiday.
  
• Christmas – December 25 & 26: The next official national holidays with guaranteed time off after the spring season.
  

A Quick Survival Tip for Expats

While these are national holidays, the Netherlands does not have a legal requirement that every employee must be off work. Banks, post offices, and government buildings like the Gemeente will definitely be closed.

However, many shops, especially in larger cities, may still open for reduced hours (often 12:00 to 18:00). Always verify your specific CAO or employment contract to see which of these days applies to your workplace.

Whether you're heading to the Pinkpop music festival or just enjoying a long weekend in the sun, we wish you a wonderful spring season!