King’s Day – Netherlands 2026

Background & History

King’s Day (Koningsdag) is the Netherlands’ most vibrant national holiday, celebrated annually on April 27 to honor the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, the reigning monarch. Its origins trace back to 1885 as Princess’s Day for Princess Wilhelmina’s fifth birthday, evolving into Queen’s Day under Queen Juliana (1948, April 30) and Queen Beatrix (1980, retained April 30 for better weather). After Beatrix’s abdication in 2013, the holiday was renamed King’s Day and shifted to April 27, aligning with Willem-Alexander’s birthday.

This exuberant festival showcases Dutch pride through “oranjegekte” (orange madness), with citizens donning orange attire to celebrate the House of Orange-Nassau. Attracting over a million visitors, particularly in Amsterdam, it features street markets, music, and parties, embodying unity and cultural heritage. The royal family visits a chosen city (Dokkum in 2026) for festivities, reinforcing their bond with the public. For a detailed history, visit https://www.government.nl/topics/royal-family/kings-day.

Event Highlights

• Main Attractions: Nationwide vrijmarkten (free markets) where anyone can sell second-hand goods, turning streets into vibrant bazaars, especially in Amsterdam’s Vondelpark (family-friendly) and Jordaan. Street parties feature live music, DJs, and open-air concerts, with major events in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. Canal boat parties in Amsterdam, adorned with orange decorations, are iconic.
• Unique Traditions: The festival begins with King’s Night (April 26), a night of parties and concerts. On King’s Day, the royal family’s visit to Dokkum includes cultural showcases like Frisian music and dance. Orange-themed attire, from wigs to costumes, dominates, symbolizing national pride. Fireworks and flag-waving mark celebrations in cities and towns.
• Special Features: Amsterdam’s canals host vibrant boat parades, while flea markets offer antiques, crafts, and food stalls. Children’s activities, like face-painting and games, thrive in parks. The King’s Games engage schoolchildren in sports nationwide. Explore events at https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/events/kings-day.htm.

Date & Duration

• Date: April 27, 2026 (Monday)
• Duration: 1 day (events start April 26 evening with King’s Night)

Venue / Location

• Country: Netherlands (nationwide, with major events in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague)
• Main Venue: In 2026, the royal family will visit Dokkum, Fryslân, for official celebrations. Amsterdam’s Old Town (Dam Square, Jordaan, Vondelpark) hosts the largest festivities. Google Maps for Dokkum; Google Maps for Amsterdam
• Notable Areas:
  • Dokkum: Historic center for royal visit, featuring Frisian cultural displays.
  • Amsterdam: Canals for boat parties, Vondelpark for family markets, Dam Square for concerts.
  • Plaza Areas: Rotterdam’s Coolsingel, Utrecht’s Dom Square, and The Hague’s Malieveld host major events.
• Venue Details: See event locations and maps at https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/whats-on/kings-day.

Ticket Information

• Sales Process: Most King’s Day events (flea markets, street parties, canal parades) are free and open to the public. Tickets for specific concerts, club parties, or boat rentals are sold via platforms like https://www.holland.com, https://www.iamsterdam.com, or local venues (e.g., Paradiso, Melkweg). Private boat tours or premium party access can be booked through https://www.getyourguide.com or https://www.ticketmaster.nl.
• Admission (USD, estimated based on 2025 rates):
  • Public Events (flea markets, street parties): Free
  • Concert/Club Tickets: $10–$100 (minimum: small venue entry; maximum: premium festival events like Kingsland Festival)
  • Boat Rentals (Amsterdam canals): $50–$300 per hour (minimum: small group; maximum: private luxury boat with catering)
  • Guided Tours (cultural or party-focused): $30–$150
• VIP Options: Premium tickets for major festivals (e.g., Kingsland, Loveland) include VIP decks, fast-track entry, and exclusive bars. Private canal boats with catering offer upscale experiences. Details at https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/whats-on/kings-day/tickets.
• Note: 2026 prices will be updated in early 2026. Book through official sites like https://www.holland.com or https://www.iamsterdam.com to avoid scams; report fraud to info@iamsterdam.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@iamsterdam.com (Amsterdam events); info@holland.com (national inquiries)
• Phone: +31 20 702 6000 (I amsterdam Visitor Centre); +31 70 361 8888 (Holland Tourism)
• Website: https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/events/kings-day.htm (national), https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/whats-on/kings-day (Amsterdam-specific), https://www.government.nl/topics/royal-family/kings-day (official government info)
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @visitamsterdam, @holland
  • Twitter: @Iamsterdam, @Holland
  • Facebook: @Iamsterdam, @VisitHolland
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries via press@iamsterdam.com; volunteer opportunities limited, check https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/about-amsterdam/contact.
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English, Dutch, and limited German/French support. Contact details at https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/about-amsterdam/contact or https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/information/contact.htm.

Cultural Experience

King’s Day transforms the Netherlands into a sea of orange, celebrating Dutch pride and the House of Orange-Nassau. Attendees wear orange clothing, wigs, and accessories, creating a festive, inclusive atmosphere. Vrijmarkten allow anyone to sell goods, from vintage clothes to homemade crafts, fostering community spirit. Amsterdam’s canal boat parties, with DJs and orange decorations, are a highlight, while street performances feature Dutch folk music, pop, and techno. The royal family’s visit to Dokkum in 2026 will showcase Frisian culture, including traditional skûtsjesilen (sailboat races) and local dances. Children’s games and family-friendly markets add inclusivity. The festival’s joyous vibe unites locals and visitors in a celebration of Dutch identity. Explore traditions at https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/information/kings-day-traditions.htm.

Food & Drinks

• Dutch Classics: Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), stroopwafels, poffertjes (mini pancakes), and raw herring with onions.
• Street Food: Fries with mayonnaise, kroketten (croquettes), and international options like falafel or shawarma at markets. Vegan/vegetarian stalls available.
• Drinks: Dutch beers (Heineken, Amstel), jenever (Dutch gin), orange-themed cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Water stations in major squares.
• Dining: Food trucks and pop-up stalls in Vondelpark, Dam Square, and Dokkum’s Grote Breedstraat. Food guide at https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/food-and-drink/kings-day-dining.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS, 15 km from Amsterdam); Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ, 70 km from Dokkum). Shuttles or trains from AMS.
• Public Transport:
  • Trains: NS trains to Amsterdam Central or Leeuwarden (for Dokkum) from major cities. Amsterdam’s trams and buses are limited; use metro for city center access.
  • Buses: Arriva buses to Dokkum; FlixBus to Amsterdam. Check https://www.gvb.nl for Amsterdam transport updates.
• Parking: Limited in Amsterdam’s center; use P+R lots (e.g., Zeeburg) and take public transport. Dokkum has parking at De Harddraver. Book at https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/travel/parking.
• Other: Biking is popular; rentals available. Walking in city centers. Travel tips at https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/information/getting-around.htm.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: 3–5 star options in Amsterdam (e.g., NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon, Hotel Okura) or Dokkum (e.g., Hotel de Posthoorn). Book via https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/plan-your-trip/accommodation or https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/where-to-stay.htm.
• Local Options: Airbnbs or B&Bs in Amsterdam’s Jordaan or Dokkum’s historic center; book 6–12 months early.
• Camping: Campsites like Camping Zeeburg (Amsterdam) or Camping Harddraver (Dokkum). No on-site camping.
• Recommendation: Use https://www.iamsterdam.com or https://www.holland.com for reliable bookings. Packages with event access available via https://www.getyourguide.com.