When are shops open in the Netherlands?
On weekdays and Saturdays, shops can be open from 6:00 to 22:00. Municipalities decide whether or not shops can open on public holidays and Sundays.
Sunday trading
The Shop Opening Hours Act works on the assumption that shops will be closed on Sundays and public holidays. But municipalities can give shops permission to open on these days. The public holidays in question are New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
National exemption regarding Sunday trading
Some shops fall under a national exemption and can always open on Sundays. Examples are shops in hospitals, filling stations and shops selling mainly newspapers and magazines.
Remembrance Day
Each year at 20:00 on 4 May a two-minute silence is held in remembrance of the victims of the Second World War. In principle, shops must close by 19:00 on this day. Municipalities may give them permission to remain open, however. This also applies to a number of other days, including Good Friday and Christmas Eve.