King's Day 2025: Everything you need to know about the Orange festival
- 6 min reading time
King's Day is without a doubt one of the most beloved holidays in the Netherlands. A day when the entire country turns orange, flea markets fill the streets and everyone raises their glasses to our king. But for King's Day 2025 there are a few special things you need to take into account. In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about King's Day 2025, including the date, activities and of course the perfect orange outfit!
When is King's Day 2025?
Normally we celebrate King's Day on April 27, King Willem-Alexander's birthday. But in 2025, April 27 falls on a Sunday. And as tradition dictates, King's Day will be celebrated a day earlier. That means that King's Day 2025 will take place on Saturday, April 26 .
Why isn't King's Day celebrated on Sunday?
This tradition dates back to the time of Queen's Day. Out of respect for the Sunday rest, it was decided to celebrate the festival a day earlier in that case. This rule was also maintained after the change of throne in 2013. The last time this happened was in 2014, when King's Day was also celebrated on April 26 instead of on Sunday April 27.
Is King's Day an official holiday?
Yes, King's Day is an official national holiday in the Netherlands. Many people have this day off, but it is not a mandatory day off. Whether you have this day off depends on your collective labour agreement or employment contract. In some sectors, such as the hospitality industry and retail, extra work is done on this holiday.
King's Night 2025
Before King's Day, we also celebrate King's Night! In 2025 , King's Night falls on Friday evening, April 25. Many cities organize parties and concerts, and the coziness on the streets is often unsurpassable. It is the perfect warm-up for the festivities of the next day.
The history of King's Day
Before we celebrated King's Day, we had Queen's Day in the Netherlands. From 1891 to 1948, it was celebrated on August 31, Queen Wilhelmina's birthday. When Juliana ascended the throne in 1948, the celebration moved to April 30, her birthday.
Queen Beatrix, whose birthday is on 31 January, decided after her accession to the throne in 1980 to continue celebrating Queen's Day on 30 April as a tribute to her mother. In addition, a holiday in the winter was less attractive for outdoor activities.
It was not until 2013, when Willem-Alexander became king, that the name changed to King's Day and the date was moved to April 27, his birthday.
What can you do on King's Day 2025?
1. Visit the flea market
The free market is perhaps the most famous part of King's Day. On April 26, 2025, free markets will be organized throughout the country where people will sell their stuff. It is a great opportunity to score bargains or even clean out your own attic.
2. Attend Orange celebrations
In almost every city and village there are parties with music, food and drinks. From small neighborhood parties to big festivals, there is something for everyone.
3. Follow royal activities
The royal family traditionally visits one or two municipalities during King's Day. Although the location for 2025 is not yet known, you can usually follow the royal route live on television.
4. Drink orange bitters
A traditional drink on King's Day is orange bitters. This orange liqueur is drunk especially to toast the king.
The perfect orange outfit for King's Day 2025
No King's Day without an orange outfit! At e-carnavalskleding.nl you will find an extensive collection of King's Day clothing that is perfect for this festive day. From orange t-shirts and dresses to complete costumes, there is something for everyone.
Orange accessories
Want to keep it a bit more subtle? Then choose orange accessories such as hats, glasses, scarves or wigs. These small additions make your outfit instantly festive without having to dress completely in orange.
For the real orange fans
Are you a true orange fan? Then you can go all-out with a complete orange costume, orange make-up and even orange hair dye. At e-carnavalskleding.nl they have everything you need to create the ultimate King's Day look.
Decorating your home for King's Day
In addition to your outfit, you can of course also bring your home into orange atmosphere. With orange decorations such as bunting, balloons and tablecloths you immediately create a festive atmosphere. Perfect for when you organize a King's Day party or just to get in the mood.
Frequently asked questions about King's Day 2025
Is April 26, 2025 an official holiday?
Yes, because King's Day falls on Saturday, April 26 in 2025 (instead of Sunday, April 27), April 26, 2025 is an official holiday in the Netherlands.
Do you get paid extra on King's Day?
Whether you get paid extra for working on King's Day depends on your collective labor agreement or employment contract. Many collective labor agreements stipulate that you get a bonus for working on public holidays, but this is not legally required.
Is everyone free on King's Day?
No, not everyone is automatically free on King's Day. It is an official holiday, but not a mandatory day off. In sectors such as hospitality, retail, healthcare and public transport, work is done as usual.
When is the free market on King's Day 2025?
The free market will take place on King's Day itself, so on Saturday 26 April 2025. In some cities the free market will already start during King's Night on Friday evening 25 April.
Is May 5, 2025 an official holiday?
In 2025, May 5 (Liberation Day) will be an official holiday and a day off for many people, because 2025 is an anniversary year (80 years of liberation). In anniversary years (every 5 years), May 5 is a day off for many more people than in other years.
What is not allowed on King's Day?
There are a few rules that apply on King's Day. For example, you are not allowed to sell things just anywhere (only in designated areas), drinking alcohol on the street is prohibited or restricted in some municipalities, and there may be local rules about noise pollution and end times of events.
Where does the king live?
King Willem-Alexander and his family live in Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. This is their private residence. Noordeinde Palace, also in The Hague, is the King's working palace.
Get ready for King's Day 2025!
Although King's Day 2025 is still a while away, it's never too early to start preparing for this amazing celebration. Make sure you get your orange outfit in time at e-carnavalskleding.nl , so you're all set for April 26, 2025.
Whether you plan to browse the flea market, visit a party or just sit in your garden with friends and family, King's Day is a day to celebrate and enjoy the Dutch cosiness. And don't forget: orange above!
Do you have any questions about King's Day or are you looking for the perfect orange outfit? Then take a look at e-carnavalskleding.nl for inspiration and advice. They have everything you need to make King's Day 2025 an unforgettable day!
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