When is Boxing Day?
In 2026, Boxing Day falls on Saturday, December 26, 2026. It is classified here as a Dutch public holiday.
History of Boxing Day
Tweede Kerstdag, often translated as Boxing Day, continues Christmas in the Netherlands on December 26. The two-day structure mirrors other major Christian festivals in the Dutch public-holiday calendar and gives families additional time for visiting and rest.
It has developed a practical modern character too: restaurants, museums, winter attractions and some shops open for people enjoying the holiday. It remains a public holiday, although workplace leave and business opening arrangements vary by contract, collective agreement and municipality.
The more accurate Dutch name is Tweede Kerstdag—Second Christmas Day—rather than the British term Boxing Day. It is separately listed as an official public holiday on December 26, although there is no universal statutory paid-leave right. Restaurants, home-furnishing retailers and attractions may be busy, subject to municipal trading rules and individual opening decisions.
The Dutch government lists the date as an official public holiday or named observance, but employment and closure effects require separate attention. The Netherlands has no general statutory right to paid leave on public holidays: the applicable collective labour agreement or employment contract determines whether an employee is free and how working time is compensated.
How Boxing Day is observed
An official public holiday on December 26. School closures are standard; business and transport hours vary. Workplace leave and business opening arrangements depend on agreements, contracts and locally published schedules.
Traditions of Boxing Day
Community practice
Families often divide visits between Eerste and Tweede Kerstdag so different branches can host meals on separate days. Its exact form varies among Dutch municipalities, communities and households.
Living tradition
Gourmetten, restaurant meals and festive leftovers extend Christmas dining while avoiding the need to repeat one formal menu. Its exact form varies among Dutch municipalities, communities and households.
Planning and participation
Museums, cinemas and winter attractions attract visitors seeking an outing, where local opening permission and reservations allow. Its exact form varies among Dutch municipalities, communities and households.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Government of the Netherlands holiday guidance. Collective agreements and employer policies determine whether some public holidays are paid days off.
History sources: Government of the Netherlands: public holidays, Government of the Netherlands: Liberation Day, Royal House of the Netherlands: King’s Day.
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