1. Kinderboekenweek (Children’s Book Week)

• Date: Typically the first week of October (2024: October 2-13)
• Description: This week celebrates children’s literature with events in schools, libraries, and bookstores throughout the Netherlands. Authors, illustrators, and storytellers engage with children to encourage reading. A special children’s book and a gift booklet are often released during this time to promote reading among young audiences.

2. Nationale Voorleesdagen (National Reading Aloud Days)

• Date: Late January each year (2024: January 24 – February 3)
• Description: This initiative promotes reading aloud to young children (ages 2-6), especially in schools, libraries, and homes. It helps foster a love of reading from an early age. A popular children’s book is chosen each year to be read across the country during this time.

3. Nationale Kinderzwerfboekdag (National Children’s Book Wandering Day)

• Date: Early October (2024: October 2)
• Description: This day encourages children to share books with each other. They can leave books in designated public places for other children to find and read, promoting book sharing and fostering a reading culture among children.

4. Boekenweek (Book Week)

• Date: Early March (2024: March 9-17)
• Description: While Boekenweek focuses on books and reading in general, both adult and children’s literature are celebrated during this week. Various events are held in bookstores and libraries, and there are often activities designed specifically for children.

5. Koningsdag (King’s Day)

• Date: April 27
• Description: Although not specifically focused on children or books, King’s Day includes activities where children can sell or trade their second-hand books in markets across the country. Families often engage in book exchanges or sales in parks and public spaces.

6. Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas Day)

• Date: December 5
• Description: On this day, children in the Netherlands receive gifts from Sinterklaas, and educational gifts such as books are commonly given. It’s a festive time where books are often part of the presents children receive, encouraging reading.

7. Internationale Kinderboekendag (International Children’s Book Day)

• Date: April 2
• Description: Celebrated on Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, this day promotes the importance of children’s books and reading worldwide. In the Netherlands, schools and libraries often organize special reading events to mark the day.

Other Important Holidays for Children in the Netherlands:

8. Dag van de Kinderrechten (Children’s Rights Day)

• Date: November 20
• Description: This day promotes awareness of children’s rights globally, including access to education and literacy. It serves as a reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for children to learn and grow.

9. Kinderdag (Children’s Day)

• Date: June 1 (celebrated in many countries)
• Description: While not widely celebrated as a formal holiday in the Netherlands, this day acknowledges the importance of children and promotes their welfare and happiness. It’s a global celebration of children’s rights and well-being.