Whit Monday

Whit Monday is called Tweede Pinksterdag in Dutch. It means Second Pentecost Day.

It is the day after Pentecost Sunday. In the Netherlands, Pentecost has two days: Eerste Pinksterdag on Sunday and Tweede Pinksterdag on Monday.

In 2026, Whit Monday falls on Monday 25 May. The Dutch government lists Pentecost 2026 as Sunday 24 May and Monday 25 May.

For many people, Whit Monday is the most noticeable part of Pentecost. Pentecost Sunday falls on a Sunday, when many people are already off. Whit Monday creates the long weekend.

What does Tweede Pinksterdag mean?

Tweede Pinksterdag means Second Pentecost Day.

The Dutch word for Pentecost is Pinksteren. The first day is Eerste Pinksterdag. The second day is Tweede Pinksterdag.

This two-day structure is common in the Netherlands. Easter has Eerste Paasdag and Tweede Paasdag. Christmas has Eerste Kerstdag and Tweede Kerstdag.

The second day gives people more time for family, rest, travel or outdoor activities.

Is Whit Monday a public holiday?

Yes. Whit Monday is an official public holiday in the Netherlands.

But public holidays in the Netherlands can be confusing. There is no general statutory obligation for every employer to give employees time off on public holidays. Whether you are free depends on your employment contract or collective labour agreement, known as a CAO.

In practice, many offices, schools and public services are closed on Whit Monday. For many workers, it is a normal paid day off. But this still depends on the sector and contract.

Why does Whit Monday change date every year?

Whit Monday changes because Pentecost changes.

Pentecost is linked to Easter. It falls 50 days after Easter Sunday. Because Easter moves each year, Pentecost and Whit Monday move too.

Whit Monday always falls on a Monday. The date is usually in May or early June.

In 2026, the date is 25 May.

What do Dutch people do on Whit Monday?

Whit Monday is usually a relaxed day.

Many people visit family, go for a walk, cycle, spend time in the garden or take a short trip. If the weather is good, parks, beaches, forests and terraces can get busy.

Some people use the long weekend for camping or a holiday park. Others come back from a weekend away on Monday afternoon.

There is no single national Whit Monday ritual. It is not like King’s Day or Remembrance Day. It is more of a practical long-weekend holiday.

Are shops open on Whit Monday?

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

In the Netherlands, shop opening hours on public holidays often depend on the municipality and the type of shop. Larger cities, tourist areas, supermarkets, shopping centres, garden centres and furniture boulevards are more likely to open. Smaller shops may stay closed or use limited hours.

Do not assume normal Monday opening times. Check the store’s own website or Google listing before you go.

Are schools closed on Whit Monday?

Schools are usually closed on Whit Monday.

Because it is a public holiday on a Monday, it creates a three-day weekend for many families. Some families use this for a short trip, especially if the weather is good.

School calendars can still differ, so parents should always check their own school’s yearly schedule.

Public transport on Whit Monday

Public transport usually runs on Whit Monday, but often on a holiday or Sunday-style timetable.

Trains, buses, trams and metros may run less often than on a normal Monday. Routes to beaches, parks, airports, holiday parks and city centres can be busy.

If you travel on Whit Monday, check your route before leaving.

Whit Monday vs Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday and Whit Monday are connected, but they feel different.

Pentecost Sunday, or Eerste Pinksterdag, has the main religious meaning. It marks the Christian feast of Pentecost.

Whit Monday, or Tweede Pinksterdag, is the second day. In daily Dutch life, it often functions as the extra day off.

Is Whit Monday religious?

Whit Monday is part of the Christian Pentecost period.

In church communities, it can still have religious meaning. But for many Dutch households, it is mainly a day off at the end of a long weekend.

This is common in the Netherlands. Several public holidays have Christian origins, while daily celebrations are often secular, practical or family-focused.

Whit Monday in the Dutch spring calendar

Whit Monday comes near the end of the Dutch spring holiday cluster.

The order is:

• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday
• Ascension Day
• Pentecost Sunday
• Whit Monday

In Dutch:

• Goede Vrijdag
• Eerste Paasdag
• Tweede Paasdag
• Hemelvaartsdag
• Eerste Pinksterdag
• Tweede Pinksterdag

After Whit Monday, there are usually fewer national public holidays until Christmas, apart from specific cultural or political days such as Prinsjesdag, which is not a public holiday.

Practical tips for visitors

• Check shop opening hours before going out.
• Book restaurants, campsites and holiday parks early if you travel during Pentecost weekend.
• Expect parks, beaches and nature areas to be busy in good weather.
• Use public transport apps because holiday timetables may apply.
• Do not assume all supermarkets are open.
• If you work in the Netherlands, check your employment contract or CAO to know whether you get the day off.

Is Whit Monday worth knowing about?

Yes, especially if you live, work or travel in the Netherlands.

Whit Monday affects opening hours, schools, offices, public transport and travel plans. It is not a loud public celebration, but it is one of the important long weekends of the year.

For many Dutch people, Tweede Pinksterdag means a final spring pause before the normal working rhythm returns.

Frequently asked questions