Guernsey Public Holidays 2025
Guernsey has 8 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 |
| 30 Mar | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 5 May | Mon | Early May bank holiday | public |
| 9 May | Fri | Liberation Day | public |
| 26 May | Mon | Spring bank holiday | public |
| 15 Jun | Sun | Father's Day | observance |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Guernsey's Holidays
Guernsey marks a mix of national, public, and cultural days. The biggest national day is Liberation Day, celebrating freedom after World War II. Many islanders also observe Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter as public holidays.
Bank and public holidays mostly match the UK pattern, so people get days off for New Year and spring and summer bank holidays. Local customs shape how each day is spent, with services, parades, and moments of remembrance.
Cultural life includes smaller island festivals, regattas, agricultural shows, and town celebrations. These events bring communities together, showcase local food, music, and traditions, and often turn a public holiday into a lively island party.
Holiday Traditions
In Guernsey (gg) holidays feel like small island parties. People follow old Norman customs and sometimes speak a few words of Guernésiais. Traditions include music, folk dancing and small ceremonies that connect families to their local history and sea life.
Food plays a big role. Families often share hearty dishes like the slow cooked bean jar, fruit gâche and rich dairy from local cows. Meals are warm and homey. Visiting relatives and sitting together for tea are normal parts of celebration.
Public celebrations are friendly and low key. Town squares fill with markets, bands and community choirs. There are parades, church services and sometimes fireworks. Everyone greets neighbors and helps make the day feel like a shared island tradition.
Travel Tips
During the holiday season many services in Guernsey have reduced hours or close completely. Banks, some shops and public offices often shut on major holidays. Supermarkets may have short opening times, so buy essentials ahead.
Ferry and flight schedules change and seats fill fast. Public buses run reduced services and taxis can be scarce. Book ferries, flights and car hire well in advance and confirm timings a few days before travel.
Tourist sites and restaurants can be busy on holiday dates and weekends. Carry some cash, check local government and transport websites for closures, and pack warm layers for variable weather. Plan flexible time for delays and enjoy the island.