King's Day (Koningsdag) is the Netherlands' biggest national party, held each year on 27 April to mark King Willem-Alexander's birthday. The holiday began as Queen's Day on 30 April and was renamed in 2014 when Willem-Alexander ascended the throne, as the official tourism board notes. Across the country, people dress in orange, attend flea markets, and enjoy music and funfairs.
In The Hague, the royal city, celebrations span King's Night (the evening before) and King's Day itself, with events scattered across the centre and neighbourhoods. While the royal family traditionally visits a different municipality each year—so they won't necessarily be in The Hague—the city still throws a massive party. Use this guide to plan your day, from market-hopping to dancing on squares.
King's Night: The Life I Live Festival
King's Night is the warm-up on 26 April, and The Hague celebrates with The Life I Live festival, a free music event in the city centre. The festival takes its name from a hit by the Hague band Q65 and features over 40 acts across diverse music styles, turning the heart of the city into a giant open-air venue. It is one of several free festivals on King's Night in the Netherlands, alongside events in Deventer and Eindhoven.
Free Market Locations Across The Hague
One of King's Day's most beloved traditions is the vrijmarkt (free market), where anyone can sell second-hand goods or homemade treats. The Hague hosts free markets in numerous neighbourhoods, including Belgisch Park (Belgisch Plein and Stevinstraat), Statenkwartier (Frederik Hendriklaan and Willem de Zwijgerlaan), Scheveningen (Keizerstraat), and the city centre around Lange Beestenmarkt. Other spots include Bosjes van Pex, Spaarwaterveld, Koningsplein, Leyweg Shopping Centre, Loosduinse Hoofdplein, Newtonplein, Noordeinde, Piet Heinstraat, Reinkenstraat, Thomsonlaan, Vlierboomstraat, Vlietpark, and Willem Royaardsplein.
Arrive early for the best bargains—many sellers start at dawn. Bring cash for small purchases, and be prepared to haggle. Since locations can change from year to year, check the official The Hague tourism website for the latest list before you head out.
National Geranium Market on Lange Voorhout
A unique tradition on King's Day in The Hague is the National Geranium Market on Lange Voorhout, one of the city's most elegant tree-lined avenues. Here, stallholders sell geraniums, summer flowering bedding plants, tub plants, perennials, succulents, and small shrubs, along with gardening items like plant tubs and flower boxes. It's a great place to pick up a colourful souvenir or simply enjoy the festive green atmosphere.
King's Fair at Malieveld and Frederik Hendrikplein
For thrill-seekers, the King's Fair (kermis) sets up at Malieveld, a large park near the city centre, typically running for several weeks around King's Day. A smaller fair is held at Frederik Hendrikplein in the Statenkwartier neighbourhood, offering rides and games for all ages. Both locations add a classic funfair buzz to the holiday. Check the municipal calendar for exact dates and opening hours, as they vary each year.
King's Day Boat Trips on the Canals
Celebrate on the water with a King's Day or King's Night boat trip through The Hague's canals. The Willemsvaart, a historic sailing ship, offers private charters for up to 23 people, including options like a one-hour King's Night cruise with bitterballen. On King's Day, there is a Breakfast Cruise in the morning and open-boat drinks cruises in the afternoon, all starting from specific points like Piet Heinplein or Noordwal. For current schedules and availability, contact the operator directly or visit the official King's Day The Hague website.
These cruises are popular, so booking well in advance is essential. You can email info@willemsvaart.nl for bookings, but expect prices to vary seasonally. If you prefer to stay on dry land, many residents line the canals to watch the decorated boats pass by.
Grote Markt: Live Music and Party Atmosphere
After King's Night's festivities, the party continues on King's Day at the Grote Markt, a central square known for its lively bars and terraces. Live music, energetic crowds, and a convivial atmosphere make it a prime spot to soak in the holiday spirit. Even if the royal family is celebrating elsewhere, you'll find plenty of locals and visitors dancing here into the evening.
Orange Delicacies: Bakeries and Oranjebitter
No King's Day is complete without orange pastries, and The Hague's bakeries rise to the occasion. Look for orange tompouce (a cream-filled puff pastry), cakes, and other treats at spots like Hessing, Boheemen, Hop & Stork, Dudok, and Van Schaik Stroopwafels. Pair your sweet with a glass of Oranjebitter, a traditional Dutch orange-flavoured liqueur; Van Kleef has produced it in The Hague for generations.
Shopping Hours on King's Day
If you want to combine celebration with shopping, many shops in The Hague's city centre open on King's Day from 12:00 to 18:00. Key shopping streets include Grote Marktstraat, Passage, Spuistraat, Venestraat, Wagenstraat, and Vlamingstraat. However, individual shop hours can vary, so it's wise to check the specific store's website before heading out.
Getting Around: Public Transport and Road Closures
Expect road closures and crowds in the city centre on King's Night and King's Day, as the festival sites and markets take over streets. The Dutch tourism board recommends travelling by public transport during the holiday to avoid traffic jams and parking headaches. Trams and buses in The Hague may run on altered schedules, so check the operator's website for the latest updates. If you must drive, park on the outskirts and walk or cycle in.
Plan Your Visit: Calendar and Tips
Before you go, consult the official Den Haag tourism calendar for music performances and events on King's Night and King's Day. Also, remember that King's Day in The Hague is part of a broader season of national celebrations. For other festivals in the Netherlands, see our guide to festivals in Netherlands. If you're interested in more royal culture, explore the royal celebrations in The Hague, which cover Prinsjesdag and other events.
Wear orange, bring cash for markets, and arrive early to find a good spot. Most importantly, be flexible—the weather can change, and some events may shift. For family-friendly fun, head to the Malieveld fair; for a more local vibe, explore the neighbourhood markets. With a little planning, you'll enjoy a truly Dutch King's Day in The Hague.
Plan Your Visit
King's Day in The Hague is a vibrant mix of tradition and celebration. Start with King's Night at The Life I Live festival, then explore the free markets, the Geranium Market, and the funfair. A canal boat trip offers a unique perspective, and the Grote Markt is the place for live music. Don't forget to taste the orange treats and check the shopping hours.
For the most up-to-date information, check official websites like DenHaag.com and Holland.com, as dates and details can change. And if you're planning a longer stay, consider other cultural events in the city, such as film festivals in The Hague or Peace Palace and Cultural Events in The Hague.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is King's Day in the Netherlands?
King's Day (Koningsdag) is a national holiday celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander on 27 April. It is marked by nationwide parties, flea markets, music, and funfairs, with people dressing in orange in honour of the royal family's name, the House of Orange.
What day is King's Day?
King's Day is always on 27 April, unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case the celebration may shift. In that case, the official celebrations are moved to the preceding Saturday to avoid clashing with the Sabbath, but this is rare. Always check the official calendar for the exact date in a given year.
Where are the free markets in The Hague?
The Hague has free markets in many neighbourhoods, including Belgisch Park, Statenkwartier, Scheveningen, and the city centre. Specific streets like Belgisch Plein, Frederik Hendriklaan, Keizerstraat, and Lange Beestenmarkt are popular. Locations can change yearly, so check the Den Haag tourism website for the current list.
What is The Life I Live festival?
The Life I Live is a free music festival held on King's Night (26 April) in the centre of The Hague. Named after a song by the local band Q65, it features over 40 acts playing various music styles on stages across the city centre, drawing large crowds.
Are there canal boat trips on King's Day in The Hague?
Yes, you can book boat trips on The Hague's canals for both King's Night and King's Day. Operators like the Willemsvaart offer themed cruises, including breakfast cruises and drinks cruises. Reservations are required, and availability may be limited. Check the operator's website or contact them directly for the latest schedule.
