Belgium Public Holidays
Belgium Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Belgium? All public holidays in Belgium are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Belgium employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Belgium and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Overview
New Year’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Belgium. It marks the beginning of the new Gregorian calendar year and is a public holiday across the country. This holiday is recognized by both the French-speaking and Dutch-speaking communities in Belgium and is a time for rest, reflection, and celebration.
Celebrations
On New Year’s Eve, Belgians celebrate by attending parties, family gatherings, and watching fireworks displays in larger cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges. Many people also enjoy a festive meal with loved ones. The Belgian tradition of “Nieuwjaar” (New Year’s) includes singing and exchanging well-wishes. The day after New Year’s Eve, most people rest and spend the day with family or engage in quiet, reflective activities.
Days Off
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Belgium, and most workers receive the day off. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed, though some essential services may continue to operate.
Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (March/April)
Overview
Easter is an important religious holiday in Belgium, with both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday observed. Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, while Easter Monday follows and is recognized as a public holiday. These days are particularly significant for Christian Belgians, and the celebrations are marked by both religious and cultural events.
Celebrations
On Easter Sunday, people attend church services to celebrate the resurrection. Many Belgian families gather for a traditional Easter meal, which includes lamb, eggs, and chocolates. Children often participate in Easter egg hunts. Easter Monday is a continuation of the celebrations, often spent with family or taking part in outdoor activities. In some regions, there are processions and local festivals to celebrate the holiday.
Days Off
Easter Sunday is a public holiday, and while it is recognized nationwide, Easter Monday is also a public holiday in Belgium. However, the observance of these holidays can differ slightly between the French-speaking and Dutch-speaking regions. Most businesses and schools are closed on both days.
Labour Day (May 1)
Overview
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is an international holiday dedicated to workers and their rights. In Belgium, Labour Day holds particular significance as it honors the contributions and struggles of workers. It is recognized across the country and celebrated by both trade unions and political groups.
Celebrations
Labour Day in Belgium is marked by rallies, demonstrations, and political speeches. Workers’ rights are the primary focus of the day, with discussions on labor conditions, wages, and social justice. There are also social events, including picnics and festivals, where families and workers come together to celebrate solidarity and the achievements of the labor movement.
Days Off
Labour Day is a public holiday in Belgium, and most workers receive the day off. Schools, businesses, and government offices close for the day, allowing employees to participate in marches, attend political events, or relax with family and friends.
Ascension Day (40 Days after Easter)
Overview
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday celebrated 40 days after Easter, commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a religious holiday of great significance in Belgium, where it is observed with church services and spiritual reflection.
Celebrations
Ascension Day is marked by attending church services, often featuring special liturgies and prayers. The day is observed with a sense of reflection and spiritual devotion. In some regions of Belgium, there are processions or special outdoor activities that focus on religious themes. As it is a public holiday, many people take the opportunity to spend the day outdoors or engage in leisure activities with family.
Days Off
Ascension Day is a public holiday in Belgium, and most people receive the day off. Religious Belgians attend church services, while others may enjoy the extra day off to relax, explore nature, or participate in local events.
Whit Monday (50 Days after Easter)
Overview
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is celebrated 50 days after Easter and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It is a significant holiday in Belgium for the Christian community, especially in the Catholic regions.
Celebrations
Whit Monday is a more subdued holiday compared to Easter or Christmas. People typically attend church services, particularly in the morning. The day is also marked by family gatherings and outdoor activities. In some regions, especially in the Walloon part of Belgium, there are festivals or fairs that include cultural performances, food, and music.
Days Off
Whit Monday is a public holiday in Belgium, and most workers receive the day off. Schools and businesses typically close for the day, although essential services continue to operate. Many people use the day to relax or attend religious services.
Belgian National Day (July 21)
Overview
Belgian National Day, celebrated on July 21st, commemorates the anniversary of the swearing-in of King Leopold I as the first King of Belgium in 1831. This day marks the founding of the Belgian state and is one of the most important national holidays in the country.
Celebrations
Belgian National Day is celebrated with grand ceremonies, including a military parade in the capital, Brussels. The King and other members of the royal family participate in the celebrations, and there are fireworks displays in the evening. People across the country engage in outdoor activities, with many attending parties, concerts, and cultural events. The holiday is a time for national pride, and Belgians come together to celebrate their unity and history.
Days Off
Belgian National Day is a public holiday, and most employees are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed, while citizens take part in public celebrations or spend the day with family and friends.
Assumption Day (August 15)
Overview
Assumption Day, celebrated on August 15th, is a major Christian holiday that commemorates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. It is especially important for Catholics in Belgium and is widely observed in the country.
Celebrations
Assumption Day is marked by church services, where prayers are offered in honor of the Virgin Mary. In some parts of Belgium, there are processions and local festivals, particularly in smaller towns. The day is a time for reflection, prayer, and family gatherings. Many people also take advantage of the long summer day to enjoy outdoor activities or visit local attractions.
Days Off
Assumption Day is a public holiday in Belgium, and most workers receive the day off. Religious Belgians attend church services, while others may spend the day with family or enjoy leisure activities.
All Saints’ Day (November 1)
Overview
All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1st, is a Christian holiday dedicated to honoring all the saints, both known and unknown. This day is widely observed in Belgium, especially in the Catholic regions, where it is a time for reflecting on the lives of saints and remembering loved ones who have passed.
Celebrations
On All Saints’ Day, Belgians attend church services to commemorate the saints and pray for the deceased. Many people visit cemeteries to honor the graves of their loved ones by placing flowers or lighting candles. The day is also marked by moments of quiet reflection and remembrance.
Days Off
All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in Belgium, and most workers receive the day off. Schools, government offices, and many businesses close for the day, while Belgians attend church services or visit family graves to honor the deceased.
Armistice Day (November 11)
Overview
Armistice Day, observed on November 11th, marks the end of World War I. It is a solemn day dedicated to remembering the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during the war. In Belgium, Armistice Day has great significance, especially given the country’s role as one of the major battlegrounds during the war.
Celebrations
Armistice Day is marked by solemn ceremonies at war memorials and cemeteries across the country. The most notable event takes place in Ypres, where the Last Post Ceremony is held at the Menin Gate. This ceremony honors the fallen soldiers of World War I. Throughout the day, people attend memorial services and reflect on the horrors of war and the importance of peace.
Days Off
Armistice Day is a public holiday in Belgium, and most workers receive the day off. Schools and businesses close, and citizens participate in remembrance activities or attend memorial services to honor the soldiers who lost their lives.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Overview
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is one of the most important holidays in Belgium. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely celebrated in both the French and Dutch-speaking communities. The holiday is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and religious observance.
Celebrations
On Christmas Eve, many Belgians attend midnight Mass, and families gather for festive dinners, often featuring traditional Belgian dishes such as roast meats, vegetables, and desserts like “speculoos” cookies. On Christmas Day, families spend time together, exchange gifts, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Christmas markets are also a significant part of the holiday season, where visitors can buy crafts, decorations, and local foods.
Days Off
Christmas Day is a public holiday, and most workers are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, allowing people to celebrate with family and attend religious services.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Overview
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is the day after Christmas and is dedicated to the exchange of gifts and charitable giving. It is particularly popular in the English-speaking communities of Belgium and has grown in significance over the years.
Celebrations
Boxing Day is traditionally a time for visiting family and friends and continuing the celebrations that began on Christmas Day. In some parts of Belgium, there are public sales or events that attract shoppers. Many people also use the day to reflect on the season and enjoy a quieter holiday with loved ones.
Days Off
Boxing Day is a public holiday in Belgium, and most employees are given the day off. Schools, businesses, and government offices are closed, and citizens often spend the day relaxing or engaging in social gatherings.
Table: Public Holidays in Belgium and Days Off
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People Recognized |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Easter Sunday | Date varies | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Whit Monday | 50 days after Easter | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Belgian National Day | July 21 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Armistice Day | November 11 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | 1 day off | All citizens |
