What is King's Day?
Koningsdag, King's Day, is the national holiday of the Netherlands, celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander on April 27. The tradition goes back to 1885, when the country first celebrated the fifth birthday of Princess Wilhelmina. It later became Queen's Day, held for decades on April 30, the birthday of Queen Juliana, and kept on that date by Queen Beatrix. After Willem-Alexander succeeded her in 2013, the holiday moved to his birthday and became King's Day.
Orange is everywhere, the color of the royal House of Orange-Nassau. People wear orange clothes, wigs, hats and face paint, and the national flag flies from homes and boats. It is a day of national pride, but above all a day of fun, community and relaxed celebration.
One of the most distinctive traditions is the vrijmarkt, the free market. On King's Day, anyone can sell second-hand goods on the street without a permit (alcohol and fresh food are off the list), and the whole country turns into a giant flea market. Children sell toys and perform music, families clear out their attics, and bargain hunters roam the streets from early morning.
A whole nation dresses in one color, clears out its attics, and takes to the streets to party.
Orange-clad crowds on the canals of Amsterdam on King's Day
Photo by Daniel Cruz Valle / flickr · CC BY 2.0
What to expect
The celebrations start the night before and continue all day.
Evening before
King's Night
Koningsnacht parties take place in bars, clubs and streets in cities across the country, with live music and DJs.
Morning
Vrijmarkt
The free market starts early, with stalls on streets, squares and in parks. The Vondelpark opens at 9 a.m. for children selling their goods.
Afternoon
Canals and street parties
Boats fill the canals, and stages, DJs and bands play in squares and streets across Amsterdam and other cities.
Royal visit
The royal family
The King and the royal family celebrate in a different Dutch town each year (Dokkum in 2026, Lelystad in 2027), where they meet residents and watch performances.
Planning your trip
Getting there
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is one of Europe's major hubs, with direct trains to Amsterdam Centraal in roughly twenty minutes. Other cities, such as Haarlem and Utrecht, are easily reached by train.
Trams and most buses in central Amsterdam are suspended or diverted on King's Day, public transport runs a special schedule, and many streets are closed to traffic. Walking is the best way to get around. Many visitors prefer to watch the canals from the bridges and quays, where the passing boats, music and dancing crowds are part of the show. By evening, the party moves to squares, clubs and outdoor stages.
If the Netherlands is one stop on a longer spring trip, Feria de Abril in Seville and Orthodox Easter in Corfu both fall in April or early May in many years, so check their dates before you plan the route.
Where to stay
Book accommodation well in advance, as hotels fill up and prices rise around King's Day. Staying in Haarlem or Utrecht and taking the train in is a calmer alternative to the canal ring.
What it costs
Watching is free: the street parties and the vrijmarkt cost nothing to enter. Your spending goes on beds and boats. Operators report that King's Day is their busiest day of the year, with private boats booked out months ahead and public cruises selling out in the final weeks, so book a canal cruise or rental early. At the vrijmarkt, bring cash in small bills, since many sellers do not accept cards.
Go like you know
- Wear orange. Even a small accessory will help you blend in.
- Bring small bills for the vrijmarkt; many sellers prefer cash.
- Visit the children's market in the Vondelpark for a charming, family-friendly side of King's Day.
- Try tompouce with orange icing, a pastry sold for the holiday.
- Head to the Jordaan for street parties and music in the afternoon.
- Go early to the vrijmarkt for the best bargains, before the crowds peak.
Frequently asked questions
When is King's Day?
King's Day is celebrated on April 27, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. If April 27 falls on a Sunday, the celebrations move to Saturday, April 26. King's Night parties take place the evening before.
Where is the best place to celebrate?
Amsterdam has the biggest and most famous celebrations, with canals full of boats and huge street parties. Utrecht has a large free market starting on King's Night, and cities like Rotterdam, The Hague and Haarlem offer lively celebrations with fewer crowds.
Can I sell things at the vrijmarkt?
Yes. On King's Day, anyone can sell second-hand goods on the street without a permit, though alcohol and fresh food are not allowed, some places, such as the Vondelpark, are reserved for children, and local rules apply in certain areas. People often claim their spots early in the morning or the night before.
Is King's Day family-friendly?
Yes, especially in the morning and in places like the Vondelpark, where children sell toys and perform. Central areas get crowded and lively in the afternoon and evening, so families may prefer neighborhood celebrations and smaller cities.
What should I wear?
Orange, in any form: shirts, hats, wigs, scarves, face paint or accessories. Many shops sell King's Day items in the weeks before. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing all day, and bring a raincoat, as April weather in the Netherlands can change quickly.
