Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is called Moederdag in Dutch.

It is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of May. In 2026, Mother’s Day in the Netherlands falls on Sunday 10 May.

It is not a public holiday. Schools, offices and shops do not close for Mother’s Day as a national rule. But because it always falls on a Sunday, many families already have the day free.

For most Dutch households, Mother’s Day is simple and personal. Children make drawings or small gifts. Families bring breakfast to bed. Flowers, cards, chocolates and brunch are common.

It is a warm family day, but not a major national event.

Is Mother’s Day a public holiday?

No. Mother’s Day is not a public holiday in the Netherlands.

The official Dutch public holiday list does not include Mother’s Day. It is an informal observance, not a statutory holiday.

In practice, this means public transport, shops and restaurants follow normal Sunday rules. Some places may be busier because of family visits, brunches and restaurant bookings.

If you work on Sundays, Mother’s Day does not automatically give you a day off.

When is Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day in the Netherlands is always on the second Sunday of May.

In 2026, it is on Sunday 10 May. In 2027, it falls on Sunday 9 May.

This is the same date pattern used in several other countries, including Germany and Belgium. It is different from the United Kingdom, where Mothering Sunday falls earlier in the year.

How do Dutch families celebrate Mother’s Day?

Many Dutch families keep Mother’s Day small.

Children often make something at school or daycare. This could be a drawing, card, painted object, paper flower or handmade craft. Younger children may proudly bring it home and hide it until Sunday morning.

At home, breakfast in bed is a classic Mother’s Day idea. It might be simple: coffee, fresh bread, fruit, an egg, orange juice or croissants.

Other common plans include brunch, flowers, a walk, a family visit or dinner together.

The day is usually more about attention than expensive gifts.

Common Mother’s Day gifts

Flowers are the most common Mother’s Day gift in the Netherlands.

Tulips, roses, mixed bouquets and seasonal flowers are all popular. Florists can get busy, especially when Mother’s Day falls on a sunny weekend.

Other common gifts include:

• A handwritten card.
• Chocolate.
• Perfume or skincare.
• A book.
• A plant.
• Jewellery.
• A photo gift.
• A homemade craft from children.
• A brunch or dinner reservation.

A personal gift usually works better than something overly formal. Dutch gift culture is often practical and understated.

Mother’s Day brunch and restaurants

Restaurants can be busy on Mother’s Day.

Many families book brunch, lunch or early dinner. Hotels and cafés may offer special Mother’s Day menus. Garden centres and restaurants near parks can also be popular if the weather is good.

If you want to eat out, book early. This is especially important in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Maastricht and popular coastal towns.

If you are planning something at home, buy groceries the day before. Sunday opening hours can vary by location.

Are shops open on Mother’s Day?

Some shops are open, but this depends on local Sunday opening rules.

Mother’s Day is not a public holiday, so shops do not close because of the occasion itself. But it is always on a Sunday. That means opening hours depend on the municipality, shop type and location.

In larger cities, many supermarkets, florists, bakeries and shopping streets may be open. In smaller towns, more shops may be closed.

Florists and gift shops are often busier than usual. Order flowers early if you want delivery.

Mother’s Day in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has many options for Mother’s Day.

Families often choose brunch, a canal walk, a museum visit, afternoon tea, a park picnic or dinner. Vondelpark, the Jordaan, Museumplein and the canals are easy choices if the weather is good.

Restaurants and hotels may offer Mother’s Day specials. But Amsterdam can also get crowded on sunny Sundays in May, so reservations help.

A simple plan often works best: flowers, brunch and a walk through the city.

Mother’s Day and school crafts

For many Dutch children, Mother’s Day starts at school.

Primary schools and daycare centres often help children make small gifts. These are usually simple, handmade and sentimental. The gift is not about money. It is about effort.

This is why Mother’s Day can feel especially important for families with young children.

Older children may buy flowers, write a card or visit their mother or grandmother.

The gift is not about money. It is about effort.

Do Dutch people celebrate Mother’s Day strongly?

Some families do. Others keep it very small.

Mother’s Day is recognised across the Netherlands, but it is not as culturally central as Sinterklaas, Christmas or King’s Day.

The tone is usually domestic and modest. A card, flowers, a phone call or a visit can be enough.

Some people also find the day difficult because of grief, family distance, fertility struggles or complicated relationships. That is worth remembering. Not everyone experiences Mother’s Day as simple or happy.

Mother’s Day vs Father’s Day

Mother’s Day comes first in the Dutch calendar.

It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Father’s Day, or Vaderdag, is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.

Both days are informal family observances. Neither is a public holiday in the Netherlands.

Mother’s Day tends to be more commercially visible, especially around flowers, brunch and gifts.

Practical tips

• Order flowers early if you want delivery on Mother’s Day.
• Book brunch or dinner in advance.
• Check Sunday opening hours before shopping.
• If you have young children, expect school or daycare crafts.
• Keep the gesture personal. A handwritten card can matter more than an expensive gift.
• If your mother lives abroad, remember that Mother’s Day dates differ by country.

Is Mother’s Day worth knowing about?

Yes, especially if you live in the Netherlands.

Moederdag is not a major public holiday, but it is part of everyday family culture. Shops promote it. Schools prepare for it. Restaurants get busier. Families make plans.

It is a quiet, personal day built around appreciation.

Frequently asked questions