Good Friday in the Netherlands
View the global Good Friday guide
Good Friday, known in Dutch as Goede Vrijdag, is an official public holiday in the Netherlands and falls on the Friday before Easter. 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.
Good Friday
Holiday
Netherlands
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Friday
Day
Apr
03
April 3, 2026
Good Friday Date in Netherlands
Date
April 3, 2026
Day
Friday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
Good Friday Dates in Netherlands
Good Friday 2026
- Confirmed
Good Friday 2027
- Confirmed
Good Friday 2028
- Confirmed
History of Good Friday
The Dutch observance reflects the Christian commemoration of the crucifixion 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 Good Friday
Goede Vrijdag begins the Easter observance but has a different practical profile from Easter Monday: schools and employers do not all treat Friday as a closure day.
How Good Friday Is Celebrated in Netherlands
Common observance includes church services and a quieter start to the Easter weekend. Participation and opening hours vary by municipality, organization and household.
Office Impact
Good Friday is listed as an official holiday, but many workplaces remain open. Leave depends on the CAO or contract, and government counters should be checked individually.
Bank Impact
Good Friday is a TARGET closing day even where a Dutch branch or workplace remains open. Time-sensitive euro payments require the bank’s Easter processing timetable.
School Impact
Good Friday is not on the government list of days when every school is necessarily closed; consult the schoolgids.
Travel Information
Municipal opening hours and evening shopping can differ, so check locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Goede Vrijdag?
It is the Friday before Easter Sunday.
Are all Dutch employees off?
No. A CAO or employment contract determines leave.
Do all schools close?
No nationwide Good Friday closure rule applies to every school; consult the school guide.