Boxing Day

Boxing Day in the Netherlands is celebrated on 26 December. In Dutch, it is called Tweede Kerstdag, which means Second Christmas Day.

This name says a lot. In the Netherlands, 26 December is not mainly seen as a shopping day or a sports day. It is simply the second day of Christmas.

For many Dutch families, Christmas is a two-day holiday. Eerste Kerstdag on 25 December is often the main family meal. Tweede Kerstdag on 26 December is usually more relaxed. People visit the other side of the family, eat leftovers, go for a walk or take a quiet day at home.

It is still Christmas, but with less pressure.

Is Boxing Day a public holiday?

Yes. Boxing Day is a public holiday in the Netherlands.

The Dutch government lists Eerste en tweede kerstdag, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as public holidays. In 2026, these fall on Friday 25 December and Saturday 26 December.

However, public holidays in the Netherlands can be confusing. There is no general rule that every employee automatically gets every public holiday off. Whether you are free from work depends on your employment contract or collective labour agreement, known as a CAO.

In practice, many offices, schools and government services are closed around Christmas. Schools are also closed on Tweede Kerstdag, according to the Dutch government’s school holiday guidance.

Why does the Netherlands have two Christmas days?

The Netherlands, like several European countries, treats Christmas as a two-day holiday.

The first day, Eerste Kerstdag, is 25 December. The second day, Tweede Kerstdag, is 26 December.

This pattern also appears with other Dutch holidays. Easter has Eerste Paasdag and Tweede Paasdag. Pentecost has Eerste Pinksterdag and Tweede Pinksterdag.

The second day gives families more time. One day can be spent with one side of the family. The other day can be used for another visit, a quiet walk or a slower meal.

That makes Christmas less rushed.

What do Dutch people do on Tweede Kerstdag?

Most people keep Tweede Kerstdag simple.

They visit relatives they did not see on Christmas Day. They eat leftovers from the day before. They go for a winter walk. They watch films. Some families do another Christmas brunch or dinner.

Others use the day to get out of the house. Furniture stores, garden centres, cinemas, restaurants and city centres can be popular, depending on local opening hours.

For many households, Tweede Kerstdag is the “extra” Christmas day. It is still festive, but usually less formal than 25 December.

Is Boxing Day a shopping day in the Netherlands?

Not in the same way as in the United Kingdom or some other countries.

In the Netherlands, Boxing Day is not mainly built around huge sales. Some shops may open, especially in larger cities, tourist areas, shopping centres or furniture boulevards. But you should not assume that everything is open.

The Dutch Shop Opening Hours Act generally requires stores to close on official holidays such as Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but municipalities can give exemptions. That means opening hours can differ by city or town.

So the practical rule is simple: check before you go.

Are supermarkets open on Boxing Day?

Some supermarkets may open on Boxing Day, but not all.

Opening hours depend on the chain, the location and local municipal rules. In larger cities, you are more likely to find supermarkets with limited hours. In smaller towns, many may stay closed.

Do not rely on doing your main Christmas shopping on 26 December. Buy what you need before Christmas.

If you really need something, check Google Maps and the supermarket’s own website before leaving home.

Restaurants and cafés on Boxing Day

Restaurants and cafés can be open on Boxing Day, especially in cities and tourist areas.

But Christmas is a busy period for hospitality. Many restaurants work with special menus, fixed sittings or reservations. Walk-ins are not always possible.

If you want to eat out on Tweede Kerstdag, book ahead. This is especially true in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Maastricht and popular tourist towns.

Christmas Day vs Boxing Day

The difference between Christmas Day and Boxing Day in the Netherlands is mostly about mood.

Christmas Day, or Eerste Kerstdag, is usually the main day. It often has the more formal family meal.

Boxing Day, or Tweede Kerstdag, is usually more flexible. It can be used for another family visit, a walk, shopping, eating out or resting.

Both days are part of Christmas. But 26 December often feels easier.

Boxing Day and Sinterklaas

Dutch Christmas also makes more sense when you know about Sinterklaas.

In many Dutch families, the main gift-giving moment happens on 5 December, during pakjesavond. That means Christmas is usually less focused on presents.

By Boxing Day, most gift-giving is already over. The day is more about food, family, rest and visits.

Some families do Christmas presents too, especially with international influence. But traditionally, Sinterklaas is the gift holiday and Christmas is the family meal holiday.

Practical tips for visitors

• Do your grocery shopping before Christmas. Do not expect normal supermarket hours on 25 or 26 December.
• Check opening hours before visiting shops, museums or attractions. Public holiday schedules can vary.
• Book restaurants early if you want to eat out.
• Use public transport planning apps. Holiday timetables may apply.
• Expect a quiet morning. Many cities become livelier later in the day, but the start of Boxing Day is often slow.
• If you are invited to a Dutch family meal, ask what to bring. A dessert, wine, side dish or something for the table is usually appreciated.

Is Boxing Day worth experiencing?

Yes, but it is not a loud public event.

Boxing Day in the Netherlands is quiet, domestic and flexible. It is a day for second visits, leftover meals, winter walks and slow family time.

If you are visiting as a tourist, it can feel calmer than expected. That can be pleasant, but it also means you should plan ahead.

The best way to understand Tweede Kerstdag is simple: it is Christmas, continued.

FAQ