King's Day — Koningsdag — is the Netherlands' boisterous national holiday, when the whole country dresses in orange to celebrate the King's birthday. In 2026 it falls on Monday, 27 April. Here's the history, and why it used to be "Queen's Day."
See the King's Day holiday page or the Netherlands holiday calendar.
Why is King's Day on April 27?
It celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, who was born on 27 April 1967. He became king in 2013, and King's Day was first celebrated on 27 April 2014.
If 27 April falls on a Sunday, the celebration moves to Saturday 26 April — but in 2026 the 27th is a Monday, so it stays put.
From Queen's Day to King's Day
For decades the holiday was Queen's Day (Koninginnedag), celebrated on 30 April under Queen Beatrix (and earlier on other dates). When Beatrix abdicated and her son Willem-Alexander became king in 2013, the holiday was renamed King's Day and moved to his birthday, 27 April.
How King's Day is celebrated
- A sea of orange (oranje) — the colour of the Dutch royal House of Orange-Nassau — worn everywhere.
- The vrijmarkt ("free market"): a nationwide flea market where anyone, including children, can sell things on the street tax-free for the day.
- Canal parties and boat parades, especially in Amsterdam, plus concerts, music and street festivals.
- It is a national public holiday.
Quick answers
Why is King's Day on April 27? It's the birthday of King Willem-Alexander (born 27 April 1967).
Why was it called Queen's Day before? Until 2013 the monarch was Queen Beatrix, and the holiday — Queen's Day — was held on 30 April. It became King's Day on 27 April when Willem-Alexander became king.
Why does everyone wear orange? Orange is the colour of the Dutch royal House of Orange-Nassau.
When is King's Day 2026? Monday, 27 April 2026 (it moves to 26 April only when the 27th is a Sunday).