Public holidays

Belgium · 2026

14 holidays including 14 national and 0 regional observances.

14
Total
14
National
0
Regional
11
Public

Guide to public holidays in Belgium

Overview, context, and quick answers for 2026.

Holiday overview

Belgium observes 14 public holidays throughout 2026, including 14 national and 0 regional. 11 are official public holidays with government recognition.

Use the monthly calendar below for exact dates. Planning in Belgium means tracking both fixed-date holidays and variable dates set by calendar or decree.

Key context

  • Location: Belgium (BE), Europe
  • Distribution: 100% national, 0% regional
  • Official public: 79% of listed holidays
  • Year: 2026 (Gregorian)

Why this calendar matters

Public holidays affect government hours, banking, and many businesses. Use this list to avoid conflicts and plan travel or operations in Belgium.

FAQ in this guide

How many public holidays does Belgium have in 2026?

Belgium has 14 public holidays in 2026, including 14 national and 0 regional. 11 are official government-recognized public holidays.

What are the most important holidays in Belgium?

Major holidays include national days, religious observances, and cultural events—often with closures for government offices, banks, and many businesses.

Do holidays in Belgium affect business?

Yes. Many offices and banks close or reduce hours on public holidays; private businesses vary by sector and region.

Are there regional differences?

Yes. Belgium has both nationwide holidays and regional observances in specific areas or communities.

Geographic & cultural context

Location
  • Country: Belgium (BE)
  • Continent: Europe
  • Coordinates: 50.5039, 4.4699
  • Time zone: CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Holiday mix
  • National, regional, religious, and cultural
  • Gregorian calendar
  • Official days often close government offices
2026
Calendar year
100%
Free access
Updated
Maintained
Calendar

Holidays by month

All observances for 2026, grouped by month.

January 2025

1 holiday

Nieuwjaar

National
Wednesday, January 1, 2025

New Year's Day is observed on January 1st, marking the start of the Gregorian calendar year. It is a day for celebration and reflection on the past year, with many making resolutions for the year ahead.

April 2025

3 holidays

Goede Vrijdag

National
Friday, April 18, 2025
Bank

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum.

Pasen

National
Sunday, April 20, 2025

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament. It is the culmination of Holy Week and a celebration of new life.

Paasmaandag

National
Monday, April 21, 2025

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is a public holiday in many countries. It often involves continuation of Easter celebrations and traditions.

May 2025

3 holidays

Dag van de arbeid

National
Thursday, May 1, 2025

Labour Day, also known as May Day, celebrates the social and economic achievements of the labor movement. It is a day of parades, picnics, and other festivities.

Onze Lieve Heer hemel

National
Thursday, May 29, 2025

Ascension Day commemorates the Christian belief of Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. It is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday.

Day after Ascension Day

National
Friday, May 30, 2025
Bank

The Day after Ascension Day is a bank holiday in some regions, often used for leisure and outdoor activities following the religious observance of Ascension Day.

June 2025

1 holiday

Pinkstermaandag

National
Monday, June 9, 2025

Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a Christian holiday celebrated the day after Pentecost. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.

July 2025

1 holiday

Nationale feestdag

National
Monday, July 21, 2025

Belgian National Day commemorates the anniversary of Leopold I's swearing-in as the first King of the Belgians in 1831. It is celebrated with military parades, fireworks, and other festivities.

August 2025

1 holiday

Onze Lieve Vrouw hemelvaart

National
Friday, August 15, 2025

Assumption Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is observed on August 15th.

November 2025

2 holidays

Allerheiligen

National
Saturday, November 1, 2025

All Saints' Day is a Christian festival honoring all known and unknown saints. It is a day to remember and celebrate those who have attained heaven.

Wapenstilstand

National
Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Armistice Day commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany at Compiègne, France, on November 11, 1918, ending World War I. It is a day to remember and honor veterans of armed conflicts.

December 2025

2 holidays

Kerstdag

National
Thursday, December 25, 2025

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25th and is a major cultural holiday worldwide.

Boxing Day

National
Friday, December 26, 2025
Bank

St. Stephen's Day, also known as Boxing Day, is celebrated on December 26th. It is traditionally a day for giving gifts to service workers and the less fortunate.

Frequently asked questions

How many public holidays are there in Belgium?

Belgium has 14 public holidays in 2026, including 14 national and 0 regional observances.

Are all holidays in Belgium national?

No. There are 14 national holidays and 0 regional holidays that apply only in certain areas.

Which are official public holidays?

11 holidays are marked as public; these are typically the most important for closures and time off.

When do holidays occur?

Dates are spread across the year—see the monthly calendar above for each exact date in 2026.

Do all businesses close?

Government offices usually close on official public holidays; private businesses vary by sector and region.

How do I stay updated?

Bookmark this page. We refresh data from official sources as schedules are published or amended.

Data summary

Structured overview for this country and year.

14
Total
Listed holidays
14
National
Country-wide
0
Regional
Local
11
Public
Official type

Dataset details

Geography
  • Country: Belgium (BE)
  • Continent: Europe
  • Coordinates: 50.5039, 4.4699
  • Time zone: CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Time
  • Year: 2026
  • Calendar: Gregorian
  • Reference date: 2026-03-29

Belgium · 2026

14 dates for planning operations, travel, and time off in Belgium.

14
Total
14
National
0
Regional
11
Public

Bookmark this page for quick access all year.

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