Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday in the Netherlands is called Eerste Paasdag. It is the first day of Easter and one of the main Christian holidays of the year.

In Christian tradition, Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It comes after Good Friday, the day that remembers his crucifixion.

In the Netherlands today, Easter is both religious and cultural. Some people go to church. Many others celebrate with family brunches, chocolate eggs, spring decorations and a slow day at home.

For most Dutch households, Easter Sunday is quiet, domestic and food-focused. It is less formal than Christmas and less loud than King’s Day. But it still has a clear place in the Dutch calendar.

When is Easter Sunday?

Easter Sunday changes date every year.

It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. That is why Easter can be in late March or April.

In 2026, Easter Sunday is on Sunday 5 April. Easter Monday follows on Monday 6 April.

In Dutch, these days are called:

• Eerste Paasdag
• Tweede Paasdag

Together, they form the Dutch Easter weekend.

Is Easter Sunday a public holiday?

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

But because it always falls on a Sunday, the practical effect depends on your situation. Many people are already off work on Sundays. Shops and services may follow public holiday or Sunday rules.

The Dutch government lists Easter Sunday and Easter Monday as public holidays. It also explains that there is no automatic legal right to a day off on every public holiday. This depends on your employment contract or CAO.

For most people, Easter Monday is the more noticeable extra day off.

What do Dutch people do on Easter Sunday?

Many Dutch families celebrate Easter Sunday with a long breakfast or brunch.

This is called paasontbijt or paasbrunch. The table often includes bread, eggs, cheese, smoked salmon, fruit, orange juice, coffee and sweet Easter bread.

Children may paint eggs or search for chocolate eggs hidden around the house or garden. Families may decorate the table with spring branches, small chicks, bunnies and painted eggs.

For many households, Easter is a sign that spring has arrived. The mood is lighter than Christmas and more relaxed than many other family holidays.

What is paasstol?

Paasstol is a traditional Dutch Easter bread.

It is a sweet loaf filled with raisins, currants and often almond paste. It is usually sliced and eaten with butter during Easter breakfast or brunch.

If you know kerststol, the Christmas version, paasstol will feel familiar. The idea is similar, but the seasonal name changes.

You will see paasstol in Dutch supermarkets and bakeries in the weeks before Easter.

Easter eggs in the Netherlands

Eggs are a major part of Easter in the Netherlands.

Children may paint boiled eggs, decorate paper eggs or search for chocolate eggs. Supermarkets sell chocolate eggs in many flavours, and they appear in shops weeks before Easter.

The egg hunt is usually a family activity. Parents hide small chocolate eggs around the house or garden. Children look for them on Easter morning or during Easter brunch.

This part of Easter is more cultural than religious for many families. It is simply one of the traditions children expect.

What are paasvuren?

Paasvuren are Easter bonfires.

They are especially known in the eastern and northern parts of the Netherlands, including Overijssel, Gelderland, Drenthe, Groningen and Friesland. In some villages, local communities collect wood and build large bonfires that are lit around Easter.

The Espelo Easter fire is recognised by the Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage. The organisation describes it as a tradition built by local youngsters, with a strong social and competitive element.

In 2026, Easter bonfires were lit in several provinces, including Gelderland, Drenthe, Groningen, Overijssel and Friesland.

For visitors, paasvuren can be impressive. They are also local traditions, so rules, timing and safety measures differ by municipality.

Are shops open on Easter Sunday?

Some shops may open, but many are closed.

In the Netherlands, municipalities decide whether shops can open on Sundays and public holidays. That means Easter Sunday opening hours differ by city and town.

Supermarkets in larger cities may open with limited hours. Smaller shops and supermarkets may stay closed. Tourist areas may have more open businesses than villages.

The safest rule is simple: do your main shopping before Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday vs Easter Monday

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

Easter Sunday is usually the main family day. It is for brunch, eggs, church services and quiet time at home.

Easter Monday is the extra day off. Many people use it for visiting family, going out, walking, cycling, visiting garden centres or doing small home projects.

In Dutch, Easter Monday is called Tweede Paasdag, or Second Easter Day.

Is Easter religious in the Netherlands?

Easter is a Christian holiday, but the Netherlands is largely secular.

Christian families may attend church services on Easter Sunday. Churches often hold special Easter services, and for many Christians this is the most important day of the year.

For many other households, Easter is more cultural. It is about brunch, eggs, children, spring and a long weekend.

Both versions exist side by side. That is common in the Netherlands. A holiday can keep its religious name and calendar position while becoming more secular in daily life.

Practical tips for visitors

• Check shop opening hours before Easter Sunday. Do not assume supermarkets will be open.
• Book restaurants early if you want Easter brunch outside the home.
• If you want to see an Easter bonfire, check local municipality rules and event times. Bonfires can be cancelled because of drought, wind or safety concerns.
• Use public transport planning apps. Holiday timetables may apply.
• If you are invited to a Dutch Easter brunch, bring something simple for the table, such as bread, fruit, juice, flowers or chocolate eggs.

Is Easter Sunday worth experiencing?

Yes, but it is not a loud public celebration.

Easter Sunday in the Netherlands is calm, family-focused and seasonal. It is a day of brunch tables, painted eggs, spring branches and quiet streets.

If you want public energy, look for a local Easter bonfire or Easter Monday activity. If you want to understand Dutch home culture, Easter Sunday gives you a good view of it.

It is not dramatic. It is slow, simple and very Dutch.

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