Switzerland Public Holidays
Switzerland Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Switzerland? All public holidays in Switzerland are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Switzerland employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Switzerland and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
National Public Holidays in Switzerland
Switzerland is a country with a rich cultural diversity, and its public holidays reflect its federal system, with some holidays being recognized nationally and others varying by canton. The Swiss public holidays are celebrated with a mixture of religious observances, cultural celebrations, and historical remembrances. Below is a detailed list and description of the key public holidays in Switzerland, their significance, and the groups of people who observe them.
New Year’s Day – January 1
Date: January 1
Observance: Nationwide
New Year’s Day in Switzerland marks the beginning of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated with various festivities including family gatherings, parties, and public events. Some cities, particularly Zurich and Geneva, host fireworks displays. People reflect on the year gone by and set goals for the new year. Many Swiss people also attend church services or enjoy the holiday in a quiet, reflective manner.
Significance:
New Year’s Day symbolizes renewal and the start of a new year. It’s a time for reflection, family time, and optimism for the future.
Day Off:
New Year’s Day is a public holiday throughout Switzerland, providing a day off for all citizens.
Good Friday – Varies (Christian Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (The Friday before Easter Sunday)
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
Good Friday is observed as a solemn Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of mourning for Christians, observed with church services, prayers, and religious reflections. It marks the beginning of the Easter weekend, with many Swiss people attending services in churches to honor Christ’s sacrifice.
Significance:
Good Friday is a key part of the Christian liturgical calendar and marks the most significant event in Christian theology—the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity.
Day Off:
Good Friday is a public holiday in Switzerland, and it is observed nationwide with a day off, especially by the Christian population.
Easter Sunday – Varies (Christian Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (The first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox)
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
Easter Sunday is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar and is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Many Swiss people take part in Easter egg hunts, a popular tradition during the holiday.
Significance:
Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus, symbolizing victory over death and sin. It is a day of joy, renewal, and hope for Christians.
Day Off:
Easter Sunday is a public holiday, and it provides a day off for Christian citizens to celebrate and observe religious practices.
Labour Day – May 1
Date: May 1
Observance: Nationwide
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated in Switzerland to recognize the contributions of workers to the economy. The day is marked by parades, speeches, and rallies organized by trade unions, advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and better working conditions. It is a day of solidarity among workers.
Significance:
Labour Day highlights the importance of workers in society and honors the labor movement’s contributions to social justice and workers’ rights.
Day Off:
Labour Day is a public holiday throughout Switzerland, providing a day off for workers across the country.
Ascension Day – Varies (Christian Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (40 days after Easter)
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven, 40 days after his resurrection. The day is marked with church services, especially in Protestant regions of Switzerland, as well as community gatherings. Some people take advantage of the long weekend to go on trips or spend time with family.
Significance:
Ascension Day marks the conclusion of Christ’s earthly ministry and symbolizes the completion of his mission. It is a day of joy and reflection for Christians.
Day Off:
Ascension Day is a public holiday, providing a day off for all citizens, particularly those in the Christian community.
Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday) – Varies (Christian Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (The Monday after Pentecost, 50 days after Easter)
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
Whit Monday, or Pentecost Monday, celebrates the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, marking the beginning of the Christian Church. It is a day of reflection, prayer, and celebration in Christian communities. The holiday is observed with church services and various family-oriented activities.
Significance:
Whit Monday marks the end of the Easter season and the beginning of the church’s mission in the world, empowering Christians to spread the gospel.
Day Off:
Whit Monday is a public holiday in Switzerland, and it provides a day off for all citizens, particularly for those observing Christian traditions.
Swiss National Day – August 1
Date: August 1
Observance: Nationwide
Swiss National Day celebrates the founding of the Swiss Confederation on August 1, 1291, with the signing of the Federal Charter. The holiday is marked by festivities including fireworks, speeches by government officials, and outdoor events. Many Swiss people celebrate with family picnics, barbecues, and other patriotic activities.
Significance:
Swiss National Day marks the birth of the Swiss Confederation and the country’s commitment to democracy, neutrality, and unity. It is a day of national pride, celebrating Switzerland’s heritage and achievements.
Day Off:
Swiss National Day is a public holiday, providing a day off for all citizens to celebrate the country’s unity and history.
Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer – Varies (Christian Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (The third Sunday in September)
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
The Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer is a public holiday in Switzerland for giving thanks to God for the nation’s well-being, for prayer, and for repentance. It is an official day of observance in Switzerland, where people attend church services and reflect on the country’s blessings and challenges.
Significance:
The holiday is a time for reflection and thankfulness, with an emphasis on spirituality and national unity. It is a chance for Swiss people to acknowledge the role of faith in their country’s life.
Day Off:
The Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer is a public holiday, and it provides a day off for all citizens.
Christmas Day – December 25
Date: December 25
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. In Switzerland, the day is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. It is a time of reflection on the teachings of Christ and a day to share goodwill and joy with loved ones.
Significance:
Christmas Day marks the foundation of the Christian faith, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day of peace, love, and giving, celebrated by Christians worldwide.
Day Off:
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Switzerland, providing a day off for all citizens, particularly for those of the Christian faith.
Boxing Day – December 26
Date: December 26
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
Boxing Day, celebrated the day after Christmas, is traditionally a time for giving gifts and charitable acts. In Switzerland, Boxing Day is a continuation of the Christmas celebrations, where families and friends gather to exchange gifts, enjoy meals, and relax. Charitable activities, such as giving to the less fortunate, are also common.
Significance:
Boxing Day emphasizes generosity, kindness, and community spirit. It is a time to reflect on the joy of the Christmas season and to share those blessings with others.
Day Off:
Boxing Day is a public holiday in Switzerland, providing a day off for citizens to continue the Christmas celebrations and engage in charitable activities.
Table of Public Holidays in Switzerland
Below is a table summarizing the key public holidays in Switzerland, the number of days off, and the groups of people who benefit from these holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| Good Friday | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Easter Sunday | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 | Nationwide (All workers) |
| Ascension Day | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday) | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Swiss National Day | August 1 | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
