King's Day and the dates worth knowing
From the orange chaos of Koningsdag to Sinterklaas, here's the Dutch calendar.
A few dates shape the Dutch year — knowing them helps you join in and plan around closures.
- King's Day (Koningsdag), 27 April: the whole country turns orange, with street parties and the famous vrijmarkt (free market) where anyone can sell second-hand goods.
- Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag), 5 May: festivals nationwide, especially every fifth year.
- Tulip season: roughly mid-March to mid-May; Keukenhof is the highlight.
- Sinterklaas, 5 December: the traditional Dutch gift-giving evening.
- New Year's Eve: huge fireworks and oliebollen.
Tip: On public holidays many shops close — stock up the day before.
Rules change. This post was accurate when written; check the official source it links before you act.