Date
Sunday
Apr
27

April 27

Koningsdag

Put on your orange and join the celebration! Koningsdag is a day filled with festivities, parades, and delicious Dutch treats. Join in on the fun!

Yearly Date
April 27
Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate Koningsdag, also known as King's Day, on April 27! This lively holiday is celebrated in the Netherlands and marks the birthday of the reigning monarch. It has been a national holiday since 2014 and is known for its vibrant street parties, flea markets, and traditional Dutch games and activities. It's a day full of orange (the national color) and festivities all around the country. So put on your best orange outfit and get ready to join in on the fun!

Koningsdag Timeline

1885
Princess's Day Inception
Princess's Day, the precursor to King's day, was first celebrated on August 31.
1890
Queen's Day Introduction
The holiday was renamed Queen's Day after the ascension of Queen Wilhelmina.
1948
Date Change to April 30
Upon Queen Juliana’s ascension, Queen’s Day was moved to April 30, her actual birthday.
1980
Retaining of Queen Juliana's Birthday
Queen Beatrix kept her mother’s birthday as the date of the holiday despite having a January birthday.
2013
Inception of King's Day
With the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander, Queen's Day was changed to King's Day.
2014
Celebration Date Moved to April 27
The date was moved to April 27, King Willem-Alexander’s actual birthday, and is still celebrated on this day.

How to Celebrate Koningsdag

1

Attend a street parade

Join in on the festivities by attending a colorful and lively street parade. Watch as locals celebrate their national holiday with music, dancing, and traditional costumes.

2

Wear orange

Embrace the Dutch tradition of wearing orange on Koningsdag to show your support for the royal family. Dress head to toe in orange or accessorize with orange accessories.

3

Participate in a flea market

Join in on the largest flea market in the Netherlands and sell your unwanted items or hunt for unique treasures. This is a popular activity on Koningsdag and a great way to experience local culture.

4

Try traditional Dutch treats

Indulge in some delicious traditional Dutch treats such as stroopwafels, poffertjes, and bitterballen. These popular snacks are a must-try on Koningsdag.

5

Watch the Royal Family's boat parade

Don't miss the chance to see the Dutch royals sail through Amsterdam's canals on their boat parade. Join the crowds and cheer on the king and queen as they pass by.

Why We Love Koningsdag

A

It's a celebration of Dutch culture

Koningsdag, or King's Day, is a national holiday in the Netherlands that celebrates the country's culture and history. From traditional Dutch attire to street vendors selling local treats, this holiday is a great opportunity to experience and appreciate Dutch customs.

B

It's a day for unity and community spirit

On Koningsdag, people from all over the Netherlands come together to celebrate their shared heritage and pride in their country. It's a time when everyone can set aside their differences and enjoy each other's company in a festive atmosphere.

C

There are fun traditions and activities

From flea markets where people sell their secondhand goods to street parties with live music and dancing, there's always something exciting to do on Koningsdag. And let's not forget about the iconic orange clothing, accessories, and decorations that are a staple of this holiday - who doesn't love dressing up in bright colors and having a good time?

Koningsdag Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 26
Wednesday
2024
Apr 26
Friday
2025
Apr 26
Saturday
2026
Apr 26
Sunday
2027
Apr 26
Monday