New Caledonia Public Holidays 2025
New Caledonia has 12 public holidays and 2 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | Jour de l'an | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 8 May | Thu | Victory Day | public |
| 25 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | observance |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 14 Jul | Mon | Bastille Day | public |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
| 24 Sep | Wed | New Caledonia Day | public |
| 1 Nov | Sat | All Saints' Day | public |
| 11 Nov | Tue | Armistice Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About New Caledonia's Holidays
New Caledonia follows many French national holidays like New Year, Labour Day, Bastille Day, Assumption, All Saints, Armistice and Christmas. Religious days around Easter are also important, with Good Friday being a special public holiday here.
Alongside those, local culture matters a lot. Kanak customary celebrations, provincial festivals and events tied to independence and identity are widely observed. Public holidays can vary by province and community, so people celebrate both French national dates and strong Melanesian traditions.
Holiday Traditions
In New Caledonia (nc) people celebrate with bright music, dance, and colorful costumes. Communities mix Kanak customs with French traditions. Parades and outdoor concerts bring neighbors together to share songs and stories from different cultures.
Food is important and shared. Families prepare seafood, grilled meats, tropical fruits, and sweet cakes. Meals are served slowly so people can talk, laugh, and enjoy being together. Guests are warmly welcomed and often invited to taste a little of everything.
Public celebrations happen in towns and villages. Markets, craft stalls, and games create a festive mood. Elders teach children dances and crafts so traditions stay alive across generations.
Travel Tips
New Caledonia gets busy during the holiday season. Many government offices, banks, and some shops close on public holidays and nearby days. Tourist sites and restaurants mostly stay open, but hours can change, so check ahead for opening times.
Transport sees higher demand. Flights, ferries, and buses book up quickly around major holidays. Taxis can be scarce and more expensive. Plan and book tickets and car hires early to avoid disappointment.
Expect crowded beaches, markets, and popular islands. Bring local cash for small shops, carry sunscreen, and allow extra time for travel. Keep copies of bookings and contacts, and be flexible if plans change because of closures or full services.