2024 Public Holidays in Switzerland

Public Holidays in Switzerland 2024

Switzerland celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year, each with its own significance and traditions. These holidays reflect Switzerland’s cultural diversity, historical events, and religious observances. Here is a comprehensive list and description of public holidays in Switzerland for the year 2024.

National Public Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1st

Description: New Year’s Day, or “Neujahrstag” in German, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with gatherings, parties, and fireworks displays across Switzerland. Many people make New Year’s resolutions and spend time with family and friends, reflecting on the year gone by and looking forward to the year ahead.

Berchtoldstag – January 2nd

Description: Berchtoldstag is a traditional Swiss holiday celebrated in some regions, particularly in the canton of Bern. It honors Saint Berchtold, a historical figure associated with the founding of the city of Bern. The day is marked by cultural events, parades, and traditional activities such as folk music and dancing.

Good Friday – April 12th

Description: Good Friday, or “Karfreitag” in German, is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of solemnity and reflection, with many Swiss attending church services and participating in religious observances.

Easter Monday – April 15th

Description: Easter Monday, or “Ostermontag” in German, is the day after Easter Sunday and is also a public holiday in Switzerland. It is a time for relaxation and continued celebrations with family and friends. Many people enjoy outdoor activities or visit tourist attractions during the long weekend.

Labour Day – May 1st

Description: Labour Day, or “Tag der Arbeit” in German, is celebrated as International Workers’ Day in Switzerland and around the world. It honors the achievements of workers and the labor movement and is marked by rallies, demonstrations, and public events advocating for workers’ rights and social justice.

Ascension Day – May 30th

Description: Ascension Day, or “Auffahrt” in German, commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a Christian holiday observed with church services and religious observances. Many Swiss also take advantage of the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities or travel.

Whit Monday – June 10th

Description: Whit Monday, or “Pfingstmontag” in German, is the day after Pentecost Sunday and is also a public holiday in Switzerland. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and is celebrated with church services and religious observances. Many people also spend time with family and friends, enjoying outdoor activities or picnics.

Swiss National Day – August 1st

Description: Swiss National Day, or “Bundesfeier” in German, celebrates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. It is one of the most important national holidays in Switzerland, marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, fireworks displays, and cultural events across the country. The day highlights Swiss patriotism and unity, as well as the country’s commitment to democracy and freedom.

Assumption Day – August 15th

Description: Assumption Day, or “Mariä Himmelfahrt” in German, is a Christian holiday commemorating the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven. It is observed with church services and religious observances, particularly in Catholic regions of Switzerland. Many people also take advantage of the long weekend for leisure activities or travel.

Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer – September 19th

Description: The Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer, or “Eidgenössischer Dank-, Buss- und Bettag” in German, is a public holiday observed in some cantons of Switzerland. It is a day for reflection, gratitude, and spiritual contemplation, with church services and religious observances held across the country.

Christmas Day – December 25th

Description: Christmas Day, or “Weihnachtstag” in German, is celebrated by Swiss as the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Traditional Swiss Christmas customs include decorating the Christmas tree, exchanging gifts, and enjoying special holiday foods such as “raclette” or “fondue.”

St. Stephen’s Day – December 26th

Description: St. Stephen’s Day, or “Stephanstag” in German, is the day after Christmas Day and is also a public holiday in Switzerland. While not widely celebrated with specific customs or traditions, it provides an opportunity for relaxation and continued festive activities.

Table: Public Holidays and Days Off in Switzerland 2024