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Wednesday
Apr
30

April 30

Queen’s Day

Get ready to party like royalty on Queen's Day! Enjoy parades, festivals, and traditional Dutch treats as we honor the birthday of our queen.

Queen’s Day
Yearly Date
April 30
Type
Day
Category
Federal
Country
International

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate Queen's Day on April 30! This holiday, also known as Koningsdag or King's Day, is a national holiday in the Netherlands and celebrates the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. It has been celebrated since 1885, but was officially named Queen's Day in honor of Queen Wilhelmina's birthday in 1890. The day is filled with parades, street markets, and orange-themed festivities to honor the royal House of Orange-Nassau. So put on your best orange outfit and get ready for a day fit for royalty!

Queen’s Day Timeline

1885
First Princess Day
Princess’s Day, the precursor to Queen's Day, was first celebrated to honor the fifth birthday of Princess Wilhelmina.
1890
Inaugural Queen's Day
Queen's Day officially begins in celebration of Queen Wilhelmina's birthday, replacing Princess Day.
1949
Change of Date
The date of Queen's Day changes from August 31 to April 30 to mark the birthday of Queen Juliana.
1980
Queen Beatrix Ascension
Despite the change in monarch with Queen Beatrix’s ascension to the throne, the holiday continues to be celebrated on April 30.
2014
King Willem-Alexander's Reign
With King Willem-Alexander’s ascension to the throne, Queen's Day is renamed to King's Day and moved to April 27, though many still refer to it as Queen's Day.

How to Celebrate Queen’s Day

1

Throw a Queen's Day party

Invite friends and family over for a festive Queen's Day party complete with orange decorations, traditional Dutch snacks, and music. Don't forget to wear orange, the national color of the Netherlands!

2

Visit a local Dutch market

Many cities and towns have special Dutch markets on Queen's Day where you can find traditional Dutch treats, souvenirs, and more. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and celebrate Queen's Day.

3

Wear a traditional Dutch costume

If you really want to get into the spirit of Queen's Day, consider wearing a traditional Dutch costume. This could be a full outfit or just an accessory like an orange scarf or hat.

4

Learn a Dutch dance

Many cities and towns have organized Dutch dances on Queen's Day, so why not learn a traditional dance and join in on the fun? Or, you can learn a Dutch dance online and have a dance party at home.

5

Watch a Dutch film or TV show

Celebrate Queen's Day by watching a Dutch film or TV show. This is a great way to learn more about the culture and history of the Netherlands while also being entertained.

Why We Love Queen’s Day

A

It's a celebration of Dutch culture and tradition

Queen's Day (also known as Koningsdag) originated as a celebration of the birthday of the Queen or King of the Netherlands. It has now become a national holiday that is celebrated with music, parades, flea markets, and other traditional activities. It's a great way to experience Dutch culture!

B

The entire country turns orange

Orange is the color associated with the royal family of the Netherlands and on Queen's Day, the whole country is covered in it! From orange clothes and face paint to orange food and decorations, it's a sight to see. The festive atmosphere is contagious and adds to the fun of the day!

C

It brings people together

Queen's Day is all about having fun with friends and family. People gather in town squares, parks, and streets to celebrate and enjoy the day. It's a great way to connect with your community and meet new people as you join in the festivities!

Queen’s Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 30
Sunday
2024
Apr 30
Tuesday
2025
Apr 30
Wednesday
2026
Apr 30
Thursday
2027
Apr 30
Friday