How the Dutch Plan Their Holidays: School Breaks, Culture and What Expats Should Know

Learn how Dutch school holidays work, why regions differ, what bouwvak means and how families plan vacations. A practical cultural guide for expats in the Netherlands.
Feb 18

What Expats Should Know

If you live in the Netherlands long enough, you will notice something remarkable.

In July, parts of the country seem to slow down at once. Campsites fill up months in advance. Airports are crowded at six in the morning. Office out of office messages appear in clusters.

Dutch holidays are not spontaneous. They are planned, structured and deeply connected to school calendars and work culture.

Understanding how this works will help you avoid stress, missed opportunities and last minute surprises.
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How many vacation days do employees get in the Netherlands?

Under Dutch law, employees are entitled to a minimum of four times their weekly working hours in paid leave per year. For someone working full time at 40 hours per week, that equals at least 20 days.

In practice, most employment contracts include more than the legal minimum, often around 25 days.

In addition to vacation days, employees also receive holiday allowance, usually eight percent of their annual salary, paid out once a year, typically in May. This extra payment is historically meant to fund summer holidays.

This legal structure explains something cultural. Holidays are not a luxury in the Netherlands. They are considered a normal and necessary part of working life.

Why Dutch school holidays differ by region

One of the first things many internationals find confusing is that school holidays are not the same across the country.


The Netherlands is divided into three regions for school holiday planning: North, Central and South. The summer holiday is staggered across these regions, usually over a six week period.


The reason is practical. Staggering reduces traffic congestion, spreads tourist pressure and prevents the entire country from leaving at once.


Other holidays such as autumn break, Christmas break, spring break and May holiday may also vary slightly per region, though less dramatically.


If you have children in school, knowing your region matters. Booking a holiday outside your assigned school break is generally not permitted without a specific exemption.


For expats, this often means planning earlier than expected.

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What is bouwvak and why does it matter?

You may hear the word bouwvak in summer.


Historically, bouwvak was a fixed three week summer shutdown for the construction sector. It allowed building workers to take leave simultaneously.


While bouwvak is no longer mandatory in the same way as decades ago, many companies in construction and related sectors still follow this tradition informally.


The effect is visible. Certain industries slow down significantly during specific weeks in July and August.


If you are renovating a house or waiting for construction related services, summer timing matters more than you might think.

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Why Dutch families book early

The Netherlands is densely populated and travel is culturally important. Many Dutch families travel abroad in summer, often to France, Italy, Spain or Austria. Camping remains extremely popular, including caravans and camper vans.


Because school holidays are fixed and widely known in advance, booking patterns are predictable. Popular campsites and holiday parks fill up early, sometimes a year in advance.


Internationals who are used to last minute booking often discover that affordable options disappear quickly during peak Dutch holiday weeks.


Planning early is not just a preference here. It is part of the system.

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Why February Means Skiing for Many Dutch Families

Unlike some countries where skiing is occasional, in the Netherlands winter sports are deeply embedded in middle class culture.


During the February school break, especially in the southern region, large numbers of Dutch families travel to Austria, France or Italy for a week of skiing. Roads to the Alps become visibly busier during Dutch holiday changeover weekends.


This pattern is so predictable that accommodation prices in popular ski areas reflect Dutch regional schedules.


For internationals, this means two practical things. If you plan to travel in February, book early. And if you work in certain sectors, expect colleagues to be away during specific weeks.

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What expats often underestimate

There are three common surprises.

First, the intensity of peak weeks. Roads to southern Europe become extremely busy on specific Fridays in July. Airports are crowded during regional holiday start dates.

Second, childcare availability. During school breaks, after school programs may close or operate differently. Planning backup care is essential.

Third, social rhythm. Many neighbourhoods feel quieter in summer. At the same time, holiday parks and campsites are socially active environments where Dutch families connect.

If you are new to the country, understanding these rhythms helps you feel less out of sync.
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Practical advice for internationals

  • Check your school region early if you have children.

  • Discuss summer planning with your employer in the first quarter of the year.

  • Book accommodation and flights earlier than you think necessary.

  • Expect higher prices during official school holiday weeks.

  • Use holiday periods as an opportunity to practice Dutch in informal settings such as campsites, markets or local events.


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