Christmas Day in the Netherlands
View the global Christmas Day guide
Christmas Day is an annual holiday celebrated on 25 December.
Christmas Day, known in Dutch as Eerste Kerstdag, is an official public holiday in the Netherlands and falls on 25 December. 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.
Christmas Day
Holiday
Netherlands
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Friday
Day
Dec
25
December 25, 2026
Christmas Day Date in Netherlands
Date
December 25, 2026
Day
Friday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
Christmas Day Dates in Netherlands
Christmas Day 2026
- Confirmed
Christmas Day 2027
- Confirmed
Christmas Day 2028
- Confirmed
About Christmas Day
Christmas Day is one of the most widely observed holidays around the world. Traditions and public holiday arrangements vary by country.
History of Christmas Day
The Dutch observance reflects the first of the Netherlands’ two recognized Christmas holidays. 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 Christmas Day
Eerste Kerstdag is the first of two consecutive Dutch Christmas holidays and lies within the compulsory Christmas school vacation.
How Christmas Day Is Celebrated in Netherlands
Common observance includes family meals, church services, decorated homes and quiet gatherings. Participation and opening hours vary by municipality, organization and household.
Office Impact
Christmas Day closure is widespread, though employee leave and compensation remain governed by the CAO or contract. Continuous services use holiday rosters.
Bank Impact
Christmas Day is a TARGET closing day. Branches close and euro payments may settle only when the payment system reopens.
School Impact
Schools are closed within the compulsory Christmas vacation.
Travel Information
Book festive travel and dining early because services and opening hours are reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Eerste Kerstdag?
It is 25 December.
Is it the only Dutch Christmas holiday?
No. Tweede Kerstdag follows on 26 December.
Are schools open?
No. The date falls within the Christmas school vacation.