When is New Year’s Day?
In 2026, New Year’s Day falls on Thursday, January 1, 2026. It is classified here as a Dutch public holiday.
History of New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, or Nieuwjaarsdag, opens the Dutch public-holiday year after one of the country’s liveliest evenings. The shift from December 31 to January 1 is traditionally marked by fireworks, street celebrations and the familiar seasonal treat of oliebollen. The following day is deliberately quieter: a shared pause after the festivities.
It is one of the official public holidays listed by the Dutch government. That status does not automatically guarantee paid leave for every employee; collective labour agreements and employment contracts determine practical time off. For most households, however, January 1 remains a day for visiting family, recovering from the night before and starting the year at an unhurried pace.
Dutch law lists public holidays but does not create a universal statutory right to paid leave on them. Whether an employee is free on January 1 follows the applicable collective labour agreement or employment contract. The date itself remains January 1 without an automatic substitute Monday, and essential, hospitality and transport services may work to separate arrangements.
How New Year’s Day is observed
An official public holiday. Most schools close and many businesses, government offices and services operate reduced hours. Workplace leave and business opening arrangements depend on agreements, contracts and locally published schedules.
Traditions of New Year’s Day
Community practice
Oliebollen and appelflappen are eaten around midnight and into January 1, often bought from seasonal stalls or made at home. Its exact form varies among Dutch municipalities, communities and households.
Living tradition
Organised Nieuwjaarsduiken draw cold-water swimmers to Scheveningen and many smaller coastal or inland locations under local safety rules. Its exact form varies among Dutch municipalities, communities and households.
Planning and participation
Families exchange beste wensen over coffee or a relaxed meal after the louder fireworks and gatherings of Oudejaarsavond. 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.
Continue exploring