Autumn half-term 2029
Region South
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Autumn half-term
The autumn half-term 2029 runs from 13 October to 21 October.
The autumn break is a one-week holiday in mid-October, the same for all regions in the Netherlands. It provides a welcome pause after the first busy weeks of the school year.
After six to eight weeks of classes, both students and teachers benefit from a chance to recharge. The break typically falls in the second or third week of October, depending on the year.
For many families, it is also the first opportunity to plan a short autumn getaway, for example to the Belgian Ardennes or the German Eifel region.
Activities during the autumn half-term
Popular activities include visiting museums, theme parks such as Efteling and Duinrell, and indoor play centres. Many families take day trips to nature reserves or visit one of the many autumn markets.
It is also a great time for creative workshops and indoor activities when the weather turns grey. The Veluwe and Hoge Veluwe national park are stunning in their autumn colours and ideal for walks and cycling.
Zoos like Artis in Amsterdam and Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem often run special autumn programmes for children. Many libraries and community centres also offer free activities during the holiday week.
Practical info about the autumn half-term
Since all regions are off at the same time, popular attractions can be busier than usual. Booking tickets for theme parks and museums online in advance is recommended.
Most after-school care providers offer a holiday programme. Hotels and holiday cottages in popular areas like Zeeland and the Veluwe can book up quickly.
Keep in mind that October weather in the Netherlands is unpredictable, so always have an indoor backup plan. Many municipalities publish an overview of local holiday activities on their websites.
Did you know this about the autumn half-term?
School holidays in the Netherlands are officially set by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and published on rijksoverheid.nl. The autumn break always falls in the same week for all three regions.
This is a deliberate choice because the break is too short for staggering to be practical. The holiday schedule is typically set three years in advance, giving schools and parents plenty of time to plan.
The autumn break in its current form dates back to the 1990s, when the number of holiday weeks was standardised nationally.