St. Barths Public Holidays 2025
St. Barths has 12 public holidays and 8 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | New Year's Day | public | |
| Mon | Shrove Monday | observance | |
| Wed | Ash Wednesday | observance | |
| Sun | Laetare Sunday | observance | |
| Fri | Good Friday | bank | |
| Sun | Easter Sunday | observance | |
| Mon | Easter Monday | public | |
| Thu | Labour Day | public | |
| Thu | Victory Day | public | |
| Sun | Mother's Day | observance | |
| Thu | Ascension Day | public | |
| Sun | Pentecost | observance | |
| Mon | Whit Monday | public | |
| Mon | Bastille Day | public | |
| Fri | Assumption | public | |
| Sun | Saint Barth | observance | |
| Thu | Abolition of Slavery | public | |
| Sat | All Saints' Day | public | |
| Tue | Armistice Day | public | |
| Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About St. Barths's Holidays
Saint Barthélemy follows French national and public holidays like New Year, Labour Day, Bastille Day on July 14, Armistice Day, Easter and Christmas. These are official days off for government and many shops.
Alongside official holidays, Carnival is a big local event with parades, costumes, music and street parties each winter. Summer brings cultural festivals, concerts and sailing events that celebrate local food, Creole roots and island life.
Tourism shapes many celebrations. Hotels and restaurants often host special events on public holidays. Local traditions mix French customs with Caribbean flavors, giving St. Barths a chic but relaxed holiday feel.
Holiday Traditions
On St. Barths people mix French and Caribbean ways to celebrate. Traditions include church services, lively music, dancing and colorful clothes. Respect for elders and close family ties guide how celebrations feel warm and friendly.
Food is central. Families share fresh seafood, grilled meats, tropical fruits and Creole spices. Local desserts and rum often appear. Meals are relaxed and long, with everyone talking, laughing and passing plates around.
Public celebrations turn the streets into parties. You will see small parades, live bands, fireworks and sailing events. Tourists join in, but the mood stays local and community focused, with neighbors greeting each other like family.
Travel Tips
St. Barths gets very busy during the holiday season. Beautiful beaches and warm weather attract visitors, so expect crowded restaurants, beaches, and streets. Plan for higher prices and limited availability for popular hotels and villas.
Some government offices, banks, and small shops close on holiday days. Many restaurants, bars, and hotels still operate but with altered hours. Always check opening times in advance and carry some cash because ATM lines can form.
Transportation can be tight. Gustaf III Airport only handles small planes so flights fill fast. Ferries sell out and taxis are limited. Road traffic increases on main routes between beaches and towns.
Book flights, ferries, rental cars, and restaurants well ahead. Allow extra time for connections and local travel. Pack smart clothes for parties and a light jacket for breezy evenings.