New Year’s Day in the Netherlands
View the global New Year's Day guide
New Year’s Day, known in Dutch as Nieuwjaarsdag, is an official public holiday in the Netherlands and falls on 1 January. 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.
New Year's Day
Holiday
Netherlands
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Thursday
Day
Jan
01
January 1, 2026
New Year's Day Date in Netherlands
Date
January 1, 2026
Day
Thursday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
New Year's Day Dates in Netherlands
New Year's Day 2026
- Confirmed
New Year's Day 2027
- Confirmed
New Year's Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of New Year's Day
The Dutch observance reflects the opening of the Gregorian calendar. 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 New Year's Day
Nieuwjaarsdag starts the Dutch civil year and falls inside the nationally scheduled Christmas school break. It is also relevant when calculating statutory deadlines that cannot expire on an official holiday.
How New Year's Day Is Celebrated in Netherlands
Common observance includes New Year’s Eve fireworks, gatherings and the traditional nieuwjaarsduik. Participation and opening hours vary by municipality, organization and household.
Office Impact
Whether an employee is free on 1 January depends on the applicable CAO or employment contract. Employers that operate through the year set staffing and compensation under those terms.
Bank Impact
New Year’s Day is a TARGET closing day. Dutch banks publish their own branch availability, while online instructions may wait for the next settlement day.
School Impact
Schools are closed for the Christmas vacation.
Travel Information
Year-end rail changes, events and fireworks restrictions can affect journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Nieuwjaarsdag?
It is the official Dutch holiday on 1 January.
Is paid leave automatic?
No. Holiday leave depends on the employee’s CAO or employment contract.
What should payment users check?
Check bank cut-offs because New Year’s Day is a TARGET closing day.