Belgium Public Holidays 2025
Belgium has 10 public holidays and 8 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 6 Jan | Mon | Epiphany | observance |
| 14 Feb | Fri | Valentine's Day | observance |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 11 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | observance |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 21 Jul | Mon | National Holiday | public |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
| 1 Nov | Sat | All Saints' Day | public |
| 2 Nov | Sun | All Souls' Day | observance |
| 11 Nov | Tue | Armistice | public |
| 15 Nov | Sat | Fête du Roi | observance |
| 6 Dec | Sat | Saint Nicholas | observance |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About Belgium's Holidays
Belgium has many public and bank holidays that everyone notices. National holidays include New Year, Labour Day on May 1, Belgian National Day on July 21, and Christmas. These days mean shops and banks close and people rest or celebrate with family.
Religious holidays are important too. Easter and Easter Monday, Ascension, Pentecost, Assumption on August 15, All Saints on November 1, and Armistice Day on November 11 are widely observed. Many events mix religion and public life, so towns hold services and parades.
Cultural traditions add color. Saint Nicholas on December 6 is big for children. Carnival in places like Binche and local festivals reflect regional languages and customs across Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels.
Holiday Traditions
In Belgium (BE) holidays mix local traditions and modern fun. People celebrate with colorful parades, church services, and fireworks. Town squares fill with music and dancing. Community events often show regional costumes and folk games that passed down through families.
Food plays a big role in celebrations. Families share special meals like hearty stews, roasted meats, breads, pastries, and chocolate treats. Markets and bakeries sell seasonal sweets. Eating together helps people feel close and keep traditions alive from one generation to the next.
Families and friends gather at home for warm meals and stories. Some holidays bring big public events with concerts and street parties. Overall holidays are about togetherness, food, and shared cultural pride.
Travel Tips
Visiting Belgium (be) during the holiday season means some shops, banks, post offices and smaller museums close on public holidays. Major museums and attractions may open with reduced hours, so always check ahead online.
Trains, trams and buses often run a holiday or weekend schedule with fewer services. Book long distance train seats in advance. Airport and city stations get very busy on key travel days and mornings.
Markets, restaurants and streets are busier in the evenings and on weekends. Expect crowds at Christmas markets and popular city centers, so allow extra time for lines and transport.
Plan by checking official timetables and attraction pages. Carry a mix of cash and card, dress for cold rainy weather, and book accommodations and special tickets early.