King’s Day may well just be the best party in Holland! On 27 April, the Netherlands turns orange in honour of King’s Day as the country celebrates King Willem-Alexander’s birthday with music, street parties, flea markets, and funfairs. Traditionally, the Dutch share in these festivities by dressing in orange and partying along streets and canals. This year, King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and several members of the Dutch royal family are set to attend the festivities and celebrate in Emmen.

Expat Explore has put together a guide to King’s Day in the Netherlands. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this unique Dutch holiday!

What is King’s Day?

In the Netherlands, King’s Day (Koningsdag) is a national holiday to celebrate the monarch King Willem-Alexander’s birthday which falls on 27 April. The country gets the day off work and various events take place across the country. In past years, celebrations were different. Major cities usually host big celebrations but you can also find cosy events taking place in smaller towns. On the day, people can browse numerous flea markets that pop up, toast to the king’s birthday at lively parties and eat and drink to their heart’s content! Traditionally, the King will visit a selected city and meet with locals who are celebrating.

Amsterdam is usually the centre of celebrations of course! Over one million people flock to the city to enjoy the street parties, browse the city-wide markets and experience the festivities on boat parties floating along the canals! In many places, the celebrations begin the night before, on King’s Night (Koningsnacht), and carry on all through the next day!

A brief history of King’s Day

The Netherlands has been celebrating King’s Day on 27 April since 2014 after King Willem-Alexander ascended the throne in 2013. King Willem-Alexander is the first male monarch of the Netherlands in 123 years as various queens have reigned from 1890 until 2013. The date changes in line with the monarch’s birthday. The holiday was first celebrated on 31 August 1891 as Queen’s Day in honour of Queen Wilhelmina. She was followed by her daughter Queen Juliana who celebrated on 30 April (this day eventually became a public holiday under Queen Juliana). Although she was born in January, the next monarch, Queen Beatrix, continued to hold the celebrations on 30 April due to the weather being better for outdoor parties at this time of year.

King’s Day celebration traditions in the Netherlands

The Dutch dress up in orange!

Wondering why places like Amsterdam turn into a sea of orange on King’s Day? The Dutch Royal family are known as the “House of Orange-Nassau” so orange has become the Netherlands’ national colour. It’s now a tradition to wear orange on King’s Day and people go all out! Full orange outfits, hats, wigs and makeup – the wackier, the better!

People flock to flea markets

Everyone has permission to sell things on the street on King’s Day. This has led to tons of flea markets (vrijmarkten) popping up across different cities! Amsterdam boasts an almost city-wide market as the streets are filled with people peddling their wares! Browse for bargains and enjoy the street performers and musicians as you go. Vondelpark in Amsterdam is the place to go to look for kids’ stuff. It’s also the only place in the city exclusive to vendors under the age of 16 – the perfect place for kids to practice their bargaining and selling skills!

Revellers dance the day away at King’s Day parties

Celebrating the king’s birthday is the perfect excuse for a party! There are traditionally numerous events across the Netherlands – some are free and some you will have to buy tickets for. The four best places to go for big King’s Day celebrations are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. 

People make a toast to the king with Oranjebitter

This orange liqueur was created hundreds of years ago to honour a Dutch prince. That makes it the perfect drink to toast the Monarch’s birthday! Grab a glass of orange bitter and say “proost!”

And they indulge in a tompouce

There will be many street vendors selling food in major cities. The one thing that you can’t miss out on is tompouce! This is a sweet pastry filled with cream (similar to a napoleon or mille-feuille).

Can’t make it to the Netherlands this year?

Toast to the king at home

If you can’t make it to the Netherlands this year, why not toast the king’s birthday at home with some essential Dutch travel phrases? Learn how to get around, say “hello”, be polite and avoid miscommunications in Dutch. Plus, you’ll be ready to chat with the locals when you visit!

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The Netherlands is an incredible destination to visit. Planning a trip during King’s Day will definitely make your Dutch holiday one to remember! Take a look at our tours that visit the Netherlands and start planning your future trip!