Switzerland Public Holidays 2025
Switzerland has 11 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 |
| 17 Apr | Thu | Maundy Thursday | observance |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 11 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 1 Jun | Sun | Vätertag | observance |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | public |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 1 Aug | Fri | Bundesfeiertag | public |
| 21 Sep | Sun | Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance and Prayer | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Switzerland's Holidays
Switzerland has a few national holidays everyone knows. New Year, Easter, Christmas and Swiss National Day on August 1 are the biggest. These days are widely observed with family, fireworks and public ceremonies across the country.
Many other public holidays come from religion. Good Friday, Ascension and Whit are movable and change year to year. Some holidays are federal. Others vary by canton. That means a day off in one canton may be a normal working day in another.
Swiss culture also brings local festivals. Carnival or Fasnacht, Sechseläuten in Zurich and the Escalade in Geneva are famous. Banks and many shops close on major holidays, while tourist areas may stay open.
Holiday Traditions
In Switzerland people celebrate with many local traditions that change by region and language. Towns keep old customs alive. Folk music, dancers in traditional clothes, and quirky local rituals help communities remember their history and feel close to one another.
Food is central to celebrations. Families gather to share rich meals like cheese fondue, hearty breads, sweet pastries, and seasonal specialties. Meals are slow and cozy. Eating together brings relatives across generations to talk, laugh, and pass down recipes and stories.
Public celebrations mix music, markets, parades, and sometimes fireworks. Small towns host lantern walks and fairs while cities hold concerts and big gatherings. These events focus on community, nature, and cultural pride more than on shopping or shows.
Travel Tips
During the holiday season many shops and offices close early or shut for full days. Small towns and village services can be limited. Supermarkets in cities stay open longer, but always check opening times ahead of travel.
Trains, buses, and cable cars run, but timetables change and special trains fill up fast. Airports and major train stations are busiest before and after holidays. Expect crowds and book seats or passes early for scenic routes.
Pack warm layers and bring cash for small shops and markets. Plan flexible days for closures and slower services. Reserve hotels, rental cars, and event tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.