Ultimate Guide: Upcoming European Public Holidays by Country 2024
Diversity is manifested in the public holidays celebrated across the continent.Every European country observes its own public holidays to commemorate national independence days, religious holidays, and historical events.This guide informs you of 2024 European public holidays and will help you plan your travel, business activities, or anticipate short work weeks.The following sections describe major European countries and outline the holidays, their importance and description, and planning tips.
European public holidays overview
Public holidays are observed by the government and the private sector, resulting in the closing of schools, offices and the suspension of public services.European public holidays can be categorized national holidays, Christian observances, and national religious holidays. Certain EU holidays and national holidays can be celebrated by more than one country.European countries generally observe the January 1st, May 1st, Easter Monday, and December 25th. However, different countries celebrate the days in different ways.
European public holidays by country 2024
The following is a description of the major public holidays which occur country by country through the course of 2024.
- France
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Luxembourg
- Poland
- Switzerland
- Malta
- Albania
Public holidays in France
France is proud of its long established holidays, which combine its history with its religion.
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- April 1 – Easter Monday
- May 1 – Labour Day
- May 8 – Victory in Europe Day (VE Day)
- May 9 – Ascension Day
- May 20 – Whit Monday
- July 14 – Bastille Day
- August 15 – Assumption of Mary
- November 1 – All Saints’ Day
- December 25 – Christmas Day
These holidays include everything from the French Revolution, to a world war, to major elements of Christianity.
Public holidays in Germany
Germany has regional public holidays dependant on the federal state, but the following are nationwide public holidays.
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- March 29 – Good Friday
- April 1 – Easter Monday
- May 1 – Labour Day
- May 9 – Ascension Day
- May 20 – Whit Monday
- October 3 – German Unity Day – celebrated to mark the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990
- December 25 – Christmas Day
- December 26 – Boxing Day
Germany’s Unity Day is the most popular holiday, recognizing the end of a divided Europe.
Public holidays in United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, there are bank holidays that are country specific.Some holidays will apply to all of the UK while others will only apply to one or two of the countries.
Holidays in both England and Wales:
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- March 29 – Good Friday
- April 1 – Easter Monday
- May 6 – Early May Bank Holiday
- May 27 – Spring Bank Holiday
- August 26 – Summer Bank Holiday
- December 25 – Christmas Day
- December 26 – Boxing Day
Holidays specific to Scotland: 2 January and St Andrew’s Day replacement. Northern Ireland Holidays: St. Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne.
Public holidays in Luxembourg
Public holidays in Luxembourg are a mix of European and local celebrations.
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- April 1 – Easter Monday
- May 1 – Labour Day
- May 9 – Europe Day and Ascension
- May 20 – Whit Monday
- June 23 – National Day
- August 15 – Assumption
- November 1 – All Saints’ Day
- December 25/26 – Christmas & Saint Stephen’s Day
Europe Day on May 9 emphasizes Luxembourg’s central role in the European Union.
Public holidays in Poland
Polands national holidays revolve around culture and traditions of the country:
- 1 May – Labour Day
- 3 May – Constitution Day
- 11 November – Independence Day
- 25–26 December – Christmas holidays
These dates are important to Poland’s dark history and important events that caused them to have democracy.
Public holidays in Switzerland
Switzerland celebrates a wide variety of holidays.Each of the country’s 26 cantons can celebrate holidays in their own unique way.However, the following holidays are celebrated throughout the country:
- New Year’s Day (1 January)
- Berchtoldstag (2 January)
- Epiphany (6 January)
- Labor Day (1 May)
- Ascension Day (9 May)
- Whit Monday (20 May)
- Swiss National Day (1 August)
- Assumption Day (15 August)
These holidays represent a combination of regional and national observances.
Public holidays in Malta
Malta has lots of holidays, and even holidays that extend the weekends.
- 1 January – New Year
- 10 February – Feast of Saint Paul’s Shipwreck
- 1 May – Workers’ Day
- 31 March – Freedom Day
- 7 June – Sette Giugno
- 8 September – Victory Day
- 21 September – Independence Day
- 13 December – Republic Day
- 25 December – Christmas Day
Malta has lots of unique national holidays and religious feasts that make them an even more wonderful vacation spot for the holidays!
Public holidays in Albania
Albania celebrates both secular and religious holidays throughout the year.These include:
- New Year Holidays (1-2 January)
- Day of Summer (14 March)
- Nowruz (Spring Festival) (22 March)
- Eid al-Fitr (10 April)
- Labor Day (1 May)
- Flag and Independence Day (28 November)
- Liberation Day (29 November)
- Christmas (25 December)
The combination of Islamic and Christian celebrations in Albania demonstrates the country’s cultural diversity.
The impact of public holidays on travel and business
Travel advice
- On holidays, expect some shops, museums, and government buildings to be closed.
- There may be limited hours on public transport.
- Traveling around holidays like Christmas and Easter will likely be busy.
Business advice
- Holidays may mean altered shipping dates, meeting schedules, and deadlines.
- In many European countries, holiday calendars are used to determine when to take seasonal leave.
Holiday patterns in Europe
Around Europe, certain holidays happen in certain seasons:
- Winter: New Year’s and Epiphany
- Spring: Lent, Easter, Labour Day, and national awakening days
- Summer: National Days and Assumption
- Autumn/Winter: All Saints’ Day, Independence Days, Christmas festivities
Many countries observe religious holidays, as well as labor holidays like May 1, International Workers’ Day.
Conclusion
For travelers, businesses, and locals, knowing the public holidays in Europe for 2024 is important.The diverse holidays from the varied European countries are a reflection of the different cultures and histories of Europe.This is important for planning holidays, organizing work, and scheduling activities for the year.Use this holiday calendar to help with these things.