Planning your year in Belgium? Knowing the official public holiday dates is crucial for everything from booking trips to managing school schedules. This guide provides the complete Belgium bank holidays calendar.
We’ll also cover local holidays in Belgium and other important dates, like regional celebrations and cultural observances, to help you plan perfectly.
Official Public Holidays in Belgium
Belgium observes ten national Belgian public holidays. These are days when banks, government offices, and many businesses are closed. The dates for some holidays, like Easter, change each year. Below are the official dates for the coming years.
Belgium Bank Holidays for 2026
Here is the complete list of national Belgium bank holidays for 2026.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 6 Apr 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | Labour Day |
| 14 May 2026 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 25 May 2026 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 21 Jul 2026 | Tuesday | Belgium National Day |
| 15 Aug 2026 | Saturday | Assumption Day |
| 1 Nov 2026 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| 11 Nov 2026 | Wednesday | Armistice Day |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Note: Good Friday (3 April 2026) is not a federal public holiday but is observed in some sectors.
Belgium Bank Holidays for 2027
Mark your Belgium holiday calendar for 2027 with these estimated dates. We recommend confirming closer to the time.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2027 | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 29 Mar 2027 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 1 May 2027 | Saturday | Labour Day |
| 6 May 2027 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 17 May 2027 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 21 Jul 2027 | Wednesday | National Day |
| 15 Aug 2027 | Sunday | Assumption Day |
| 1 Nov 2027 | Monday | All Saints’ Day |
| 11 Nov 2027 | Thursday | Armistice Day |
| 25 Dec 2027 | Saturday | Christmas Day |
Need Help with UK Bank Holidays?
Have questions about upcoming UK bank holidays or planning time off? Get expert guidance from Coming Holidays and plan your year with clarity and confidence.
Belgium Bank Holidays for 2028
Start your Belgium holiday planning for 2028 with this provisional schedule.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2028 | Saturday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 Apr 2028 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 1 May 2028 | Monday | Labour Day |
| 25 May 2028 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 5 Jun 2028 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 21 Jul 2028 | Friday | National Day |
| 15 Aug 2028 | Tuesday | Assumption Day |
| 1 Nov 2028 | Wednesday | All Saints’ Day |
| 11 Nov 2028 | Saturday | Armistice Day |
| 25 Dec 2028 | Monday | Christmas Day |
Pro Tip: Pairing a public holiday with a day off work can create fantastic long weekends in Belgium, perfect for a short getaway.
Understanding Belgian Holidays: Key Dates Explained
Belgium’s special holidays blend national, religious, and regional traditions. Catholic holidays in Belgium, like Ascension Day and All Saints’ Day, are widely observed. Belgium National Day on 21 July is a major national celebration with events across the country.
A unique feature is the Day after Ascension Day holiday in Belgium, which is an official day off for many, particularly in the public sector, following the Ascension Thursday holiday.
The country’s diversity is celebrated through various Belgium community day holidays. These include the Feast of the Iris for Brussels, the Day of the Flemish Community, and the Walloon Region Feast Day. While not nationwide bank closures, they are important local holidays in Belgium.
Other Important Dates & Observances in Belgium
Beyond the official bank closures, several Belgium important dates affect daily life. Belgium King’s Day (15 November) sees most government offices closed. Family-oriented days like Mother’s and Father’s Day are also celebrated.
Cultural traditions shine on Saint Nicholas Day (6 December) and New Year’s Eve in Belgium. Although not public holidays, they are significant Belgium cultural holidays. Other observances include Epiphany and Armistice Day, a key Belgium memorial day.
For families, aligning these dates with school holidays in Belgium is essential for planning activities and vacations.
Plan Your Year with Confidence
Explore the complete list of countries’ bank holidays and stay ahead with accurate dates, smart planning, and stress-free travel and work schedules.
With this complete guide to Belgium bank holidays and key dates, you’re ready to plan your year with confidence. From national celebrations to regional festivals, you won’t miss a beat.
For absolute certainty, always check the official sources:
- Official announcements: Visit belgium.be
- General information: Wikipedia – Public Holidays in Belgium
Happy planning from the team at Coming Holidays!
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FAQs
Are shops closed on public holidays?
Yes, most shops, banks, and public offices are closed on national Belgium bank holidays. Some supermarkets in tourist areas may have limited hours.
Is Good Friday a public holiday in Belgium?
No, Good Friday is not an official federal public holiday. However, it is a day off for employees in some specific sectors and is recognised as a holiday in certain regions.
What is the Day after Ascension Day?
It is an additional non-working day for many public sector employees and some schools, observed the Friday after Ascension Thursday. It’s a notable Belgium closure day.
When are the school holidays in Belgium?
School holidays in Belgium vary by region (Flemish, French, German-speaking). They typically include one week in autumn, two weeks at Christmas, one week in spring (Carnival), two weeks at Easter, and the long summer holiday from July to September.
Is Boxing Day a holiday in Belgium?
No, 26 December (Boxing Day) is not a national public holiday in Belgium. Christmas Day is the official holiday.