Vatican City Public Holidays 2025
Vatican City has 16 public holidays and 0 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God | public |
| 6 Jan | Mon | Epiphany | public |
| 11 Feb | Tue | Anniversary of the foundation of Vatican City | public |
| 13 Mar | Thu | Anniversary of the election of Pope Francis | public |
| 19 Mar | Wed | Saint Joseph | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 23 Apr | Wed | Saint George - Name day of the Holy Father | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Saint Joseph the Worker | public |
| 29 Jun | Sun | Saints Peter and Paul | public |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
| 8 Sep | Mon | Nativity of Mary | public |
| 17 Sep | Wed | Saint Robert Bellarmine - Name day of the Holy Father | public |
| 1 Nov | Sat | All Saints' Day | public |
| 8 Dec | Mon | Immaculate Conception | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Vatican City's Holidays
Vatican City marks holidays that mix religion, state life, and culture. The most important days come from the Catholic Church calendar, like the big seasons of Holy Week, Easter and Christmas. These shape public life and draw many pilgrims.
State and national observances celebrate the small state itself and the pope. Key events include special papal liturgies, public blessings and official ceremonies in St Peter square. These days are both religious and civic, with processions, music and public addresses.
Cultural life in the Vatican centers on art, music and ceremony linked to those holidays. Museums, basilicas and choir performances often follow the liturgical rhythm, so festive times are both spiritual and cultural.
Holiday Traditions
In Vatican City holidays center on church rituals led by the Pope. People attend special Masses, hear choir singing, and watch processions in St Peter s Square. Bells ring and the Pope gives public blessings to the crowd.
Families share warm meals with traditional Italian dishes like pasta, roasted meat, and sweet pastries. Meals are times for relatives to talk, laugh, and visit nearby Rome homes. Vatican workers and the Swiss Guard wear formal uniforms for ceremonies and photo moments.
Public celebrations mix quiet prayer with festive atmosphere. Pilgrims gather for Papal audiences, souvenir stalls appear, and nativity scenes and candles decorate churches. Museums and offices may close so people can join religious and family customs.
Travel Tips
Visiting Vatican City (VA) during the holiday season means special schedules. Some attractions like museums, offices, and parts of St Peter Basilica may close or open late. Official events can change access for visitors.
Getting there uses Rome trains, metro, trams, and buses. Public transport is often crowded and can run on reduced holiday timetables. Taxis are harder to find and slower. Walking from nearby Rome neighborhoods is often easiest.
Peak crowd times are mornings, major religious events, and key holiday days. Lines for the museums and the basilica can be very long. Security checks add extra wait time.
Plan ahead by booking tickets and guided tours. Check Vatican and Rome transport websites for closures. Dress warmly and modestly, arrive early, and be ready to wait.