King’s Day in the Netherlands

18-11-2024
King's Day

King’s Day in the Netherlands

What is king's Day and King's Night?

King’s Day (Koningsdag, not Kings Day or Kings) is on April 27th, the birthday of the Dutch King Willem Alexander. It is a national holiday and celebrated all across the Netherlands. But the parties often start during King’s Night (Koningsnacht) on the 26th. 

 

How is king's day celebrated?

As already mentioned the parties and even some flea markets start during the evening of April 26th. You will find King’s Night festivals or you can join the crowds on the streets and in bars in big cities. Dress up in orange and have a great time! 

On King’s Day you can get started early in the morning at around 6 am and visit flea markets. King’s Day is the only day of the year where the public can set up shops on the streets and in parks without a trading license. You will find all sorts of items such as cloths, books, crafts and many more for really cheap. Therefore, don’t forget to bring coins and cash with you!

Partying is of course also a must during the daytime celebrations! Going to festivalspartying on boats on the canals or join the crowds on the street. Whatever you choose, we are sure you will enjoy it. 

Ari Dinar Drbm15ef94k Unsplash

 

Where to celebrate?

King’s Day can be celebrated everywhere in the Netherlands, but the main cities are:

  • King’s Day in Amsterdam has by far the biggest crowd. You will not only find people celebrating on the streets and the canals, but also at festivals like the Kingsland Festival or the Loveland Van Oranje.
  • Utrecht is famous for the 24 hours flea market starting on the 26th at 6 pm. 
  • Rotterdam has the honour to celebrate King’s Day with the Royal Family this year. The royal route starts at 11 am in the Afrikaanderwijk.
  • The Hague is especially worth a visit during King’s Night for the free ”The Life I Live” festival.

 

Why is everyone wearing orange?

The colours of the national flag are red, white and blue. So, why is everyone wearing orange? The colour orange refers to the family name of the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange-Nassau (Huis van Oranje-Nassau). Next to many people dressed in orange and you can also find orange pastries such as the orange tompouces. 

Hopefully you will have a great time celebrating King’s Day in the Netherlands. If you want to know more about the Dutch social life from a Dutch and international perspective, check out the following post.