Easter Monday

Easter Monday in the Netherlands is called Tweede Paasdag. It means Second Easter Day.

It is the day after Easter Sunday. In 2026, Easter Monday falls on Monday 6 April. Together with Easter Sunday, it forms the Dutch Easter weekend.

For many people in the Netherlands, Easter Monday is the more practical Easter day. Easter Sunday is often for brunch, eggs, church services or family meals. Easter Monday is the extra day to go out, visit relatives, take a walk, shop if stores are open or finish small home projects.

It is still part of Easter. But it often feels more relaxed.

Is Easter Monday a public holiday?

Yes. Easter Monday is a public holiday in the Netherlands.

The Dutch government lists Easter Sunday and Easter Monday as official public holidays. In 2026, these are Sunday 5 April and Monday 6 April.

But Dutch public holidays can be confusing. There is no general law that says every employee automatically gets every public holiday off. In practice, whether you are free depends on your employment contract, employer policy or collective labour agreement, known as a CAO.

Still, Easter Monday is widely treated as a day off. Many offices, schools and public services are closed.

Why does the Netherlands have a second Easter day?

The Netherlands has several “second” holiday days.

There is Tweede Paasdag after Easter Sunday. There is Tweede Pinksterdag after Pentecost Sunday. There is also Tweede Kerstdag after Christmas Day.

This gives families more time. One day can be used for the main meal or religious observance. The second day can be used for visits, rest or activities outside the home.

For Easter, this works especially well. The weather is often improving, so many people use Easter Monday to go outside.

What do Dutch people do on Easter Monday?

Many Dutch people use Easter Monday as a relaxed activity day.

They visit family. They go for a walk or bike ride. They visit the beach, forest, park or dunes if the weather is good. Some go to garden centres, furniture boulevards or home improvement stores.

This last part is very Dutch. Easter Monday is one of those days when people suddenly decide to buy plants, look at sofas or work on the house.

Others keep it simple. They eat leftovers from Easter brunch, finish the chocolate eggs and enjoy the last day of the long weekend.

Are shops open on Easter Monday?

Some shops are open on Easter Monday, but not all.

Opening hours depend on the municipality and the type of shop. Dutch municipalities can decide whether shops may open on Sundays and public holidays. That means the rules can differ by city or town.

In larger cities, shopping centres, furniture boulevards and garden centres are often more likely to open. Smaller shops may stay closed or use limited hours.

Supermarkets may open with adjusted hours, especially in larger cities. But you should not assume normal opening times.

Check before you go.

Are garden centres and furniture stores open?

Many garden centres, furniture stores and DIY shops open on Easter Monday, especially in larger towns and retail parks.

This is one reason Tweede Paasdag has a specific reputation in the Netherlands. It is a day for plants, paint, storage boxes, garden furniture and home projects.

But opening is not guaranteed. Some locations stay closed or have shorter hours. Always check the store’s own website.

Easter Sunday vs Easter Monday

Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are both part of Easter, but they feel different.

Easter Sunday, or Eerste Paasdag, is usually the main Easter day. Families have brunch, children search for eggs and Christians may attend church.

Easter Monday, or Tweede Paasdag, is more flexible. People go out, visit others, shop, walk, cycle or rest.

A simple way to understand it:

Easter Sunday is the family table.

Easter Monday is the extra free day.

Is Easter Monday religious?

Easter Monday belongs to the Christian Easter period, but in daily Dutch life it is often more cultural than religious.

Church communities may still mark the day. But for many people, Easter Monday is mostly part of a long weekend.

That is common in the Netherlands. Christian holidays remain in the public calendar, while many households celebrate them in a secular way.

Public transport on Easter Monday

Public transport usually runs on a holiday or Sunday-style timetable.

Trains, buses, trams and metros still operate, but frequency may differ from a normal Monday. Popular routes to beaches, parks, city centres and shopping areas can be busier if the weather is good.

If you plan a trip, check your route in advance.

Practical tips for visitors

• Check shop opening hours before leaving home. Easter Monday is not a normal shopping Monday.
• Book restaurants or brunch spots early. Easter weekend can be busy.
• Use public transport apps to check holiday schedules.
• Expect garden centres, parks and furniture boulevards to be busy.
• Buy groceries before Easter Sunday if you want to avoid stress.
• Bring layers if you go outside. Dutch spring weather can change quickly.

Is Easter Monday worth experiencing?

Yes, but not because it is spectacular.

Easter Monday in the Netherlands is a quiet, practical holiday. It shows how Dutch people use long weekends: family, fresh air, errands, home improvement and small outings.

It is not a day of big national ceremonies. It is a day to slow down, go outside and enjoy the extra time.

That is exactly what makes it feel Dutch.

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