Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is called Valentijnsdag in Dutch.

It is celebrated on 14 February. In the Netherlands, it is not a public holiday. Schools, offices and shops usually stay open, and most people go through the day as normal.

Still, Valentine’s Day has become more visible over the years. Florists sell more roses. Restaurants offer special menus. Shops use red hearts in their windows. Couples plan dinners, small gifts or weekend breaks.

But Dutch Valentine’s Day is usually more low-key than in some other countries. It exists, but it does not take over the calendar.

Is Valentine’s Day a public holiday?

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

In 2026, Valentine’s Day fell on Saturday 14 February. Even then, it was still treated as a normal day. Most businesses followed regular opening hours.

This means public transport, shops, schools and offices usually run as usual. Restaurants and flower shops may be busier, but the country does not stop for Valentijnsdag.

How do Dutch people celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Some Dutch people celebrate Valentine’s Day with flowers, cards, chocolates or dinner.

Others ignore it completely.

That mix is important. Valentine’s Day is not deeply rooted in Dutch culture in the same way as Sinterklaas, King’s Day or Christmas. It is more of a modern romantic tradition, influenced by international media, retail and restaurant culture.

Typical Valentine’s Day plans include:

• A dinner reservation.
• A bouquet of flowers.
• A small gift.
• A handwritten card.
• A cinema or theatre night.
• A weekend away.
• A quiet evening at home.

For many Dutch couples, a simple gesture is enough.

Dutch dating culture and Valentine’s Day

Dutch dating culture can be quite direct and practical.

That also affects Valentine’s Day. Big romantic gestures may feel too much for some people, especially in newer relationships. A thoughtful card, flowers, dinner or a small personal gift often works better than something very dramatic.

Of course, this depends on the person. Some people love Valentine’s Day. Others see it as commercial or unnecessary.

If you are dating a Dutch person, the safest approach is simple: do something thoughtful, but do not overperform unless you know they enjoy that.

Flowers, cards and small gifts

Flowers are one of the most common Valentine’s Day gifts in the Netherlands.

Red roses are the classic choice, but tulips can feel more Dutch and seasonal. Chocolates, perfume, jewellery, books, candles and small personal gifts are also common.

Cards are popular too. A short, honest message often feels more natural than a dramatic love letter.

If you send flowers, order early. Florists can get busy around 14 February, especially when Valentine’s Day falls near a weekend.

Valentine’s Day dinner

Restaurants can be busy on Valentine’s Day.

Many offer special menus, especially in larger cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Maastricht. Some restaurants use fixed Valentine’s menus or require reservations in advance.

In Amsterdam, Valentine’s Day is often promoted with canal-view dinners, boat trips, concerts, hotel packages and romantic city activities. Local event guides for 2026 listed options such as canal dinners, cultural events and special restaurant experiences.

If you want dinner on 14 February, book early. This is especially important if Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday or Saturday.

Valentine’s Day in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the easiest places to plan a Valentine’s Day date in the Netherlands.

You can keep it simple with a canal walk, dinner and drinks. You can make it more special with a boat tour, concert, museum visit or hotel stay.

Good date ideas include:

• A walk through the Jordaan.
• Dinner near the canals.
• A small concert or theatre show.
• A museum visit followed by drinks.
• A private or shared canal cruise.
• A winter walk in Vondelpark.
• Dessert or cocktails in a hotel bar.

Amsterdam can be busy, so book anything important in advance.

Valentine’s Day outside Amsterdam

You do not need to be in Amsterdam to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Rotterdam is good for modern restaurants, skyline views and cocktail bars.

The Hague works well for dinner, museums and a beach walk in Scheveningen.

Utrecht is compact and romantic, with canals, cafés and a warm city centre.

Maastricht has one of the most romantic city atmospheres in the Netherlands, especially for a weekend trip.

Smaller towns can be just as good if you choose the right restaurant or plan something personal.

Is Valentine’s Day commercial in the Netherlands?

Yes, partly.

Like in many countries, Valentine’s Day is strongly linked to retail. Shops, restaurants, hotels, florists and online stores promote it heavily.

Some Dutch people dislike that and do not celebrate it. Others use it as a simple excuse to do something nice.

That is probably the most Dutch way to see it: you do not need to make it too serious, but a small thoughtful gesture is rarely a bad idea.

What if you are single?

Valentine’s Day in the Netherlands is not only for couples, at least not in practice.

Some people ignore it. Some go out with friends. Some use it for self-care, a solo dinner, a movie night or a small gift for themselves.

Because the day is not a public holiday and not a major national tradition, it is easier to skip than in countries where Valentine’s Day is heavily celebrated.

If you do not want to celebrate it, you will not be alone.

Practical tips

• Book restaurants early, especially in big cities.
• Order flowers in advance if you want delivery on 14 February.
• Do not assume Valentine’s Day is a huge Dutch tradition. For many people, it is optional.
• Keep the gift personal rather than expensive.
• Check event dates carefully. Some Valentine’s events happen on the weekend before or after 14 February.
• If you are unsure what your partner expects, keep it simple: dinner, flowers, a card or a personal plan.

Is Valentine’s Day worth celebrating in the Netherlands?

Yes, if you want to.

Valentine’s Day in the Netherlands is flexible. It can be romantic, commercial, simple, funny or completely ignored.

That makes it easy to adapt to your own relationship. You can book a special dinner in Amsterdam. You can bring tulips home. You can write a card. You can cook together. Or you can do nothing and save the romance for another day.

Valentijnsdag is not one of the great Dutch traditions. But it is a useful excuse to show attention.

Frequently asked questions