King's Day Netherlands (Koningsdag): The Ultimate Guide for Expats & Visitors

If you're planning to live in the Netherlands — or even just visit — there is one date you simply cannot miss: King's Day (Koningsdag), celebrated every year on April 27th. It is the Netherlands' biggest national holiday, and experiencing it for the first time is genuinely unforgettable.

"On King's Day, the entire country turns orange. Streets, canals, and people alike — it's the most joyfully chaotic day on the Dutch calendar."

King's Day marks the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, who ascended to the throne in 2013 when his mother, Queen Beatrix, abdicated. Before 2014, the holiday was known as Queen's Day (Koninginnedag) and was celebrated on April 30th. The date change caught more than a few tourists off-guard — in 2015, groups of eager foreign visitors arrived in Amsterdam on April 30th dressed head-to-toe in orange, only to find the city going about its normal Tuesday. An easy mistake, but one that's become a beloved cautionary tale in expat circles.

The celebrations are wonderfully Dutch in character: cities host enormous outdoor vrijmarkt(free markets) where anyone can sell secondhand goods on the street, live music fills every square, and the canals of Amsterdam become a floating party. The dress code? Orange, always orange.

For Americans moving to the Netherlands, King's Day is often the moment the country truly steals your heart. At Dutch Landing, we help you not just visit — but belong.

QUICK FACTS — KING'S DAY

Celebrated on April 27th (or April 26th if the 27th falls on a Sunday)

Formerly Queen's Day — celebrated on April 30th until 2013

a) King's Night (Koningsnacht) — Festivities actually begin on King's Night (April 26), when cafés are permitted to stay open until 4am, and the party is already in full swing.

b) What to wear & eat — People wear full orange outfits, hats, wigs, and makeup — the wackier the better. Two must have treats oranjebitter (the traditional orange liqueur) and tompouce (the orange cream pastry eaten on the day)!

c) Where to celebrate beyond Amsterdam — The Hague hosts magnificent musical concerts, while Utrecht features flea markets and brightly decorated boats on its canals. Amsterdam of course sees her canals filled with locals and visitors alike!

d) Vrijmarkt detail — King's Day is the only day of the year the Dutch government permits street sales without a permit and without VAT! The streets become a city-wide flea market where deals and bargains are struck all day long!

Some useful links!
PublicHolidays.nl
Amsterdam Sights
Expat Explore