Christmas Day 2026 in the Netherlands

Christmas Day, Eerste Kerstdag, falls on Friday 25 December 2026, followed by Boxing Day, Tweede Kerstdag, on Saturday 26 December. Both days appear on the national government’s list of official public holidays.

Days off and the law

Official holiday status does not create a legal right to a free day. The government is explicit that no law fixes public holidays as days off for employees; whether you work on 25 or 26 December is settled by your CAO or employment contract.

Shop opening rules

The Winkeltijdenwet closes shops by default on both Christmas days, as it does on Sundays and the other named holidays. The same law requires shops to close by 19:00 on Christmas Eve, Thursday 24 December 2026, unless the municipality decides otherwise.

Municipal councils can grant exemptions from the holiday closure by local ordinance, which is why supermarket opening on Boxing Day differs from one gemeente to the next. Three categories are exempt nationally and may open regardless: shops in hospitals, petrol stations and shops mainly selling newspapers and magazines.

Practical information

Whether anything is open near you on 25 and 26 December therefore depends on two things: your municipality’s exemption rules and each retailer’s own choice. Chains publish their Christmas opening hours in December, and transport operators publish their holiday timetables then too, so checking close to the date beats any list written months ahead.

Common questions

Are both Christmas days public holidays?

Yes. The official list names Kerstmis as 25 and 26 December.

Do I automatically get 25 and 26 December off work?

No. There is no statutory right to a day off on public holidays; your CAO or contract decides.

Are supermarkets open at Christmas?

By default no, on either day. Municipalities can allow opening, and practice differs per gemeente and per chain, so check locally in December.

What are the rules on Christmas Eve?

Shops must close by 19:00 on 24 December unless the municipality has decided otherwise. In 2026 Christmas Eve is a Thursday.

Which shops may always open?

Shops inside hospitals, petrol stations and shops mainly selling newspapers and magazines hold a national exemption from the holiday closing rules.