On Saturday 26 April 2025, the Netherlands celebrates King’s Day.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate, especially for children, is the “vrijmarketen” (free market) where you can sell things on the street. The official hours to do this are from 9 am to 4 pm on King’s Day, which this year is celebrated on the day before the King’s birthday. This is as the 27th falls on a Sunday, which means the celebrations are shifted to a Saturday (as explained by in de Buurt, is due to the Christian tradition of having a day of rest on a Sunday.)
The Gemeente Den Haag has rules you must follow to take part. (translated from Dutch to English below)
- In the days before Kings Day, you are not allowed to try to reserve a place in public or start putting things for sale out on the street.
- You are welcome to pick a spot on the pavement from 7.30am on 26 April
- The road should always remain clear for fire, ambulances and police.
- When laying down your rug, think of the shopkeepers and residents around you. Keep doors and walkways clear.
- The free market is for residents who want to sell their stuff. It is therefore not for businesses.
- Traders may sell stuff at the free market only if they have a permit to do so.
- Follow instructions from police, municipality and traffic controllers.
- Do not leave litter behind. Take everything that is not sold back home.
Would you like to sell food and drinks? Like homemade biscuits or lemonade? Then remember the following:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Make sure the food and drink cannot get dirty.
- Don’t leave it in the sun.
- Don’t store food and drink on the ground, but put it higher. For example, on a table or on a crate.
- Store food and drink in a sealed container or jug.
For more information on Kings Day in The Hague:
https://denhaag.com/en/tips-for-you/kings-day-in-the-hague
