Father’s Day

Father’s Day is called Vaderdag in Dutch.

It is celebrated every year on the third Sunday of June. In 2026, Father’s Day in the Netherlands falls on Sunday 21 June.

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

For most Dutch households, Father’s Day is simple. Children make cards or small crafts. Families give small gifts, plan breakfast, visit relatives or have a relaxed meal together.

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

Is Father’s Day a public holiday?

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

The Dutch government’s official public holiday list does not include Father’s Day. It lists holidays such as Easter, King’s Day, Liberation Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost and Christmas, but not Vaderdag.

This means public transport, shops and restaurants follow normal Sunday rules. Some restaurants, cafés and gift shops may be busier than usual, but the country does not stop for Father’s Day.

When is Father’s Day?

Father’s Day in the Netherlands is always on the third Sunday of June.

In 2026, it is on Sunday 21 June. In 2027, it falls on Sunday 20 June.

This is the same date pattern used in many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It is different from countries such as Germany, where Father’s Day is linked to Ascension Day.

How do Dutch families celebrate Father’s Day?

Many Dutch families keep Father’s Day low-key.

Younger children often make something at school or daycare. This might be a card, drawing, painted object or simple handmade gift. At home, children may help prepare breakfast or give their father a small present.

Older children may send a message, visit, call or take their father out for coffee, lunch or dinner.

Common Father’s Day plans include:

• Breakfast at home.
• A handmade card.
• A small gift.
• A family walk or bike ride.
• A BBQ if the weather is good.
• Lunch or dinner together.
• A visit to grandparents.

The gesture matters more than the price.

Common Father’s Day gifts

Father’s Day gifts in the Netherlands are usually practical or personal.

Popular gifts include:

• A card.
• Chocolate or beer.
• Coffee or tea.
• A book.
• BBQ tools.
• Socks or clothing.
• A plant.
• A photo gift.
• Sports items.
• Something handmade by children.

Some families avoid stereotypes and choose something more personal. That is usually better. Dutch gift culture is often modest, direct and practical.

A handwritten card can mean more than an expensive gift.

Father’s Day breakfast and brunch

Breakfast is one of the classic Father’s Day gestures.

Children may bring breakfast to bed, or the family may have a slow breakfast together. It can be as simple as coffee, bread, eggs, fruit, croissants or fresh orange juice.

Restaurants and cafés may offer brunch or lunch options, especially in larger cities. If you want to eat out, book early. Father’s Day is not as busy as Mother’s Day in many places, but popular restaurants can still fill up.

If the weather is good, many families choose a terrace, park picnic or BBQ instead.

Are shops open on Father’s Day?

Some shops are open, but it depends on normal Sunday opening rules.

Father’s Day is not a public holiday, so shops do not close because of Vaderdag itself. But because the day is always on a Sunday, opening hours depend on the municipality, the shop type and the location.

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

If you need a last-minute gift, check opening hours first.

Father’s Day in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has many easy Father’s Day options.

You can plan brunch, a canal walk, a museum visit, a beer tasting, a BBQ in the park, a bike ride or dinner. If the weather is good, outdoor plans often work best.

Good ideas include:

• A walk through the Jordaan.
• Coffee and cake near the canals.
• A museum visit.
• A brewery or tasting room.
• A picnic in Vondelpark.
• A boat ride.
• Dinner on a terrace.

Book ahead for popular restaurants, especially if Father’s Day falls on a sunny weekend.

Father’s Day and school crafts

For many children, Father’s Day starts at school or daycare.

Teachers often help children make cards or small crafts. These are usually simple and handmade. The point is not perfection. The point is effort.

This makes Father’s Day especially visible for families with young children.

Older children may keep it simpler: a message, a call, a visit or a small gift.

The gesture matters more than the price.

Do Dutch people celebrate Father’s Day strongly?

Some families do. Others keep it very small.

Father’s Day is recognised across the Netherlands, but it is not as culturally central as Sinterklaas, Christmas or King’s Day. It is also often less commercially intense than Mother’s Day.

That does not mean it is unimportant. For many families, it is a good reason to pause and show appreciation.

The Dutch style is usually modest: a card, breakfast, a small gift or time together.

Father’s Day vs Mother’s Day

Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are similar informal family days.

Mother’s Day, or Moederdag, is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.

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

Neither is a public holiday in the Netherlands.

Mother’s Day is often more visible in shops and restaurants, especially around flowers and brunch. Father’s Day is often more practical, with gifts linked to hobbies, food, drinks, BBQ or outdoor plans.

Practical tips

• Buy or order gifts before Sunday if you live in a smaller town.
• Book brunch, lunch or dinner early if you want to eat out.
• Check Sunday shop opening hours before shopping.
• If children are involved, expect school or daycare crafts.
• Keep the gesture personal. A card, visit or call can be enough.
• If your father lives abroad, check the date. Father’s Day is not celebrated on the same day in every country.

Is Father’s Day worth knowing about?

Yes, especially if you live in the Netherlands.

Vaderdag is not a public holiday, but it is part of everyday family life. Shops promote it. Schools prepare for it. Families make small plans.

It is not loud or formal. It is a simple day built around appreciation.

Frequently asked questions