Bahamas Public Holidays 2025
Bahamas has 12 public holidays and 3 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 10 Jan | Fri | Majority Rule Day | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 11 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Randol Fawkes Labour Day | public |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | observance |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 10 Jul | Thu | Independence Day | public |
| 4 Aug | Mon | Emancipation Day | public |
| 12 Oct | Sun | National Heroes' Day | public |
| 13 Oct | Mon | National Heroes' Day (substitute day) | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Bahamas's Holidays
The Bahamas has a mix of national, public, and cultural holidays that bring people together. Important national days mark the countrys history and leaders, while public holidays give time off for families and community events across the islands.
Religious holidays like Easter and Christmas are widely observed and often mean church services and family meals. Labour and New Year holidays are public pauses that people use for rest, travel, and gatherings.
Cultural celebrations are lively and colorful. Junkanoo parades on Boxing Day and New Years morning are the biggest, with music, dancing, and costumes. Independence Day on July 10 and National Heroes observances celebrate national pride and shared heritage.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays in the Bahamas are loud, colorful, and full of music. People dance to drums and cowbells in the streets. Big parades feature bright costumes, headdresses, and lots of movement. The mood is joyful and proud of Bahamian culture.
Food is important at gatherings. Families cook dishes like conch fritters, stewed fish, peas and rice, and sweet cakes. Meals are shared at home with relatives and friends. Older family members pass down recipes and stories to children while everyone eats together.
Public celebrations often happen in town squares and on beaches. Markets, concerts, and fireworks bring communities together. Church services and moments of reflection balance the fun, so holidays mix celebration with family and tradition.
Travel Tips
The Bahamas get very busy in the holiday season. Shops, banks, and some government offices close or run on short hours on public holidays. Tourist areas stay open but expect lines and crowds.
Flights and ferries fill up fast. Book planes, ferries, and airport transfers early. Taxis and rental cars are in high demand and may cost more.
Late December into early January is the busiest time. Popular beaches, restaurants, and tours may sell out. Plan activities in advance and pick less crowded times of day for sightseeing.
Bring some cash because small vendors may not take cards. Carry your passport for ID. Check opening hours and transport schedules before travel and confirm bookings.