St. Kitts & Nevis Public Holidays 2025
St. Kitts & Nevis has 12 public holidays and 2 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 2 Jan | Thu | Carnival Day | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 5 May | Mon | Labour Day | public |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | observance |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 4 Aug | Mon | Emancipation Day | public |
| 5 Aug | Tue | Culturama Day | public |
| 16 Sep | Tue | National Heroes' Day | public |
| 19 Sep | Fri | Independence Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About St. Kitts & Nevis's Holidays
St Kitts and Nevis marks national pride with big public holidays that bring families together. Independence and national heroes are celebrated with parades, speeches, and flag waving. Religious holidays like Easter and Christmas are widely observed with church and family gatherings.
Cultural life is lively with festivals that mix music, dance, and food. Carnival on St Kitts brings colorful costumes, calypso and soca shows, and street parades. Nevis hosts Culturama, a festival celebrating local history, crafts, and traditions. Public holidays also include workers and emancipation commemorations that honor history and community.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays in St Kitts and Nevis bring loud music, bright costumes, and plenty of dancing. People attend church services and wake up early for parades. Towns fill with steelpan, calypso, and soca rhythms that keep everyone moving.
Families gather for big meals and visiting relatives. Homes fill with stews, fresh seafood, spiced rice, coconut sweets, and homemade cakes. Neighbors share food and stories. Children play in the streets and elders pass down songs and memories.
Public celebrations mix history and fun. Street parties, concerts, and fireworks are common. Flags and colorful clothing show island pride. Traditions focus on community, sharing, and remembering the past while enjoying lively music and food.
Travel Tips
During the holiday season many government offices and banks close. Some small shops and services may have reduced hours. Tourist attractions and many restaurants usually stay open, but call ahead to be sure of times and availability.
Airline and ferry schedules get busier and can sell out. Taxis and rental cars are easier to find than public buses, but book rides and cars in advance. Expect delays at the airport and longer wait times for ferries between islands.
Be ready for crowds at beaches, restaurants, and events on key holiday days. Prices for hotels and tours often rise. Bring enough cash as some places may not accept cards.
Plan ahead. Confirm reservations and transport times. Pack copies of your documents. Respect local customs and enjoy the festive atmosphere.