Netherlands (Centraal) School Holidays 2026
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Looking for Netherlands (Centraal) school holidays 2026? You'll find the complete 2026 school calendar for Netherlands (Centraal), Netherlands right here — including all term dates, school holiday periods, public holidays, and important academic dates. Our data is sourced from Rijksoverheid (Dutch Government) and covers 2 terms and 5 school breaks. Whether you're planning family travel during the school holidays, booking vacation care, or need to know when the 2026 school year starts and ends, this comprehensive Netherlands (Centraal) school holiday calendar has everything you need.
Dates verified against official source for the current school year. Last verified: Sep 6, 2026.
Herfstvakantie (Autumn Break)
Oct 17 – Oct 25, 2026
Netherlands (Centraal) Term Dates 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First half (after summer - Christmas) | 110 days | Informal half-year split; Dutch schools do not use formal "terms". | ||
| Second half (after Christmas - summer) | 194 days | Informal half-year split; Dutch schools do not use formal "terms". |
Netherlands (Centraal) School Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herfstvakantie (Autumn Break) | 9 days | One-week autumn break. | ||
| Kerstvakantie (Christmas Break) | 16 days | Christmas/New Year break (~2 weeks). | ||
| Voorjaarsvakantie (Spring Break) | 9 days | One-week spring break (dates vary by region). | ||
| Meivakantie (May Break) | 9 days | May break around Ascension Day (~9 days). | ||
| Zomervakantie (Summer Break) | 44 days | Six-week summer break (dates staggered by region). |
Netherlands (Centraal) Public Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1e Kerstdag (Christmas Day) | 1 days | — | ||
| 2e Kerstdag (Boxing Day) | 1 days | — | ||
| Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year's Day) | 1 days | — | ||
| 1e Paasdag (Easter Sunday) | 1 days | — | ||
| 2e Paasdag (Easter Monday) | 1 days | — | ||
| Koningsdag (King's Day) | 1 days | — | ||
| Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension Day) | 1 days | — | ||
| 1e Pinksterdag (Whit Sunday) | 1 days | — | ||
| 2e Pinksterdag (Whit Monday) | 1 days | — |
Netherlands (Centraal) School 2026 Calendar — Month by Month
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
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Detailed 2026 Netherlands (Centraal) School Year Information
First half (after summer - Christmas)
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 – Fri, Dec 18, 2026
Informal half-year split; Dutch schools do not use formal "terms".
Second half (after Christmas - summer)
Mon, Jan 4, 2027 – Fri, Jul 16, 2027
Informal half-year split; Dutch schools do not use formal "terms".
Netherlands (Centraal) School Holidays 2026 — Key Dates
These Netherlands (Centraal) school holiday dates for 2026 are sourced directly from Rijksoverheid (Dutch Government). The Netherlands has 3 school holiday regions - Noord (North), Midden (Central) and Zuid (South) - with different dates for the autumn, spring and summer breaks. The dates below are for the Midden (Centraal) region. Check your own region on the Rijksoverheid site.
Planning Tips for 2026 Netherlands (Centraal) School Holidays
🗺️ Three national holiday regions
The Netherlands splits into Noord, Centraal and Zuid: autumn, spring and summer holidays are staggered across the regions to spread crowds, while Christmas and May breaks are national.
📜 Fixed by law, with advisory exceptions
Summer and Christmas dates are legally set (Vakantiewet); spring and autumn dates are government advice schools may deviate from. Check your school guide for the exceptions.
🚴 Meivakantie bridges Queen's-style week
The early-May break combines King's Day (27 April) with early May — a full week-plus that is the Dutch domestic travel peak alongside the staggered summer starts.
🛳️ Book the summer by region
Campsites and holiday parks price by which region breaks first — Zuid typically starts last (late July). Knowing your region's weeks can save substantially.
Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: Rijksoverheid (Dutch Government)
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Dates verified against official source for the current school year. Last verified: Sep 6, 2026.
Note: The Netherlands has 3 school holiday regions - Noord (North), Midden (Central) and Zuid (South) - with different dates for the autumn, spring and summer breaks. The dates below are for the Midden (Centraal) region. Check your own region on the Rijksoverheid site.
Netherlands (Centraal) School Holidays 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
How many school holidays are there in 2026?
Most school systems have 4-6 major holiday periods throughout the year, typically including a long summer break, a winter/Christmas break, and shorter mid-term breaks in spring and autumn. The exact number depends on your country and region.
What is the longest school holiday?
The summer holiday is typically the longest school break worldwide. In Australia, it lasts about 5-6 weeks (December-January). In the UK, the summer break is approximately 6 weeks (July-August). In the US, summer break is the longest at 10-12 weeks (June-August). In Singapore, the year-end holidays last about 6 weeks.
Are school holidays the same across all states or regions?
No. School holiday dates vary by state, region, and sometimes even by individual school district or local council. While neighbouring areas often have similar schedules, you should always check the specific dates for your local area.
Can I take my child out of school during term time?
Rules vary by country. In the UK, taking children out of school during term time without authorization can result in fines. In Australia, it is generally discouraged but policies vary by state. In the US, policies are set by individual school districts. Always check with your school before planning term-time absences.
Do private schools have different holiday dates?
Yes, private and independent schools often set their own term dates, which may differ from government/public schools. However, most private schools follow similar schedules to nearby public schools, with minor variations. Check directly with your school for exact dates.
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