Ascension Day in the Netherlands
View the global Ascension Day guide
Ascension Day, known in Dutch as Hemelvaartsdag, is an official public holiday in the Netherlands and falls on the Thursday 39 days after Easter Sunday. Official-holiday status does not by itself give every employee a legal right to leave; the applicable collective labour agreement (CAO) or employment contract determines whether an employee is off.
Ascension Day
Holiday
Netherlands
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Thursday
Day
May
14
May 14, 2026
Ascension Day Date in Netherlands
Date
May 14, 2026
Day
Thursday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
Ascension Day Dates in Netherlands
Ascension Day 2026
- Confirmed
Ascension Day 2027
- Confirmed
Ascension Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of Ascension Day
The Dutch observance reflects the Christian belief in the ascension of Jesus. It forms part of the public-holiday calendar published by the Government of the Netherlands, while employment arrangements remain governed separately by CAOs and individual contracts.
Importance of Ascension Day
Hemelvaartsdag is calculated from Easter and always falls on Thursday. Its position can lead schools or employers to schedule a separate bridge day, but that Friday is not automatically part of the holiday.
How Ascension Day Is Celebrated in Netherlands
Common observance includes church worship, cycling or walking trips and a spring long weekend. Participation and opening hours vary by municipality, organization and household.
Office Impact
Ascension Thursday is commonly a closure day, subject to employment terms. Any Friday bridge closure must be confirmed separately with the employer or public body.
Bank Impact
Ascension Day is a TARGET closing day. Banks may accept digital instructions while deferring settlement under their published calendar.
School Impact
Schools close on Ascension Day, and many also schedule the following Friday off.
Travel Information
Holiday traffic can build on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hemelvaartsdag?
It is the Thursday 39 days after Easter Sunday.
Is the following Friday also a public holiday?
No. A school, employer or authority may close, but Friday is not automatically the holiday.
Who determines employee leave?
The CAO or employment contract does.