Planning a trip or managing a schedule in Belgium starts with one thing: knowing the Belgium bank holidays. This guide provides a clear calendar of bank holidays in Belgium, helping you navigate public office closures in Belgium, plan amazing city breaks, and experience vibrant local festivities. Let’s dive into the list of public holidays in Belgium.
Bank Holidays in Belgium
Belgium’s public holidays, or Belgian Holidays, are a rich mix of Christian traditions and national historical events. Unlike the UK, Belgium doesn’t have “bank holiday Mondays” for every event, so dates are fixed. This creates a unique rhythm for long weekends in Belgium and influences everything from public transport on holidays in Belgium to the buzzing atmosphere at Belgian National Day parades.
Belgium Bank Holidays 2026
Looking further ahead? Here are the bank holidays in Belgium in 2026Â for your future planning.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 06 Apr | Monday | Easter Monday in Belgium |
| 01 May | Friday | Labour Day |
| 14 May | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 25 May | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 21 Jul | Tuesday | Belgium National Day |
| 15 Aug | Saturday | Assumption Day |
| 11 Nov | Wednesday | Armistice Day |
| 25 Dec | Friday | Christmas Day |
Belgium Bank Holidays 2027
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 29 Mar | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 01 May | Saturday | Labour Day |
| 06 May | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 17 May | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 21 Jul | Wednesday | Belgium National Day |
| 15 Aug | Sunday | Assumption Day |
| 01 Nov | Monday | All Saints’ Day |
| 11 Nov | Thursday | Armistice Day |
| 25 Dec | Saturday | Christmas Day |
Note: As Assumption Day (15 Aug) and Christmas Day (25 Dec) fall on a weekend in 2027, no additional day off in lieu is typically given in Belgium.
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Belgium Bank Holidays 2028 (Projected Dates)
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan | Saturday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 Apr | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 01 May | Monday | Labour Day |
| 25 May | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 05 Jun | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 21 Jul | Friday | Belgium National Day |
| 15 Aug | Tuesday | Assumption Day |
| 01 Nov | Wednesday | All Saints’ Day |
| 11 Nov | Saturday | Armistice Day |
| 25 Dec | Monday | Christmas Day |
National & Cultural Celebrations in Belgium
Each Belgian holiday has its own flavor. Belgium National Day on July 21st is a highlight, featuring military parades in Brussels and spectacular Belgium fireworks celebrations. Armistice Day in Belgium on November 11th is a solemn day of remembrance. Religious holidays like Easter Monday in Belgium and All Saints’ Day in Belgium are often spent with family, embracing Belgium holiday traditions. These events during Belgian holidays offer a genuine glimpse into the local culture.
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Travel & Leisure Around Holidays
Bank holidays are perfect for exploring. With public office closures in Belgium, locals often take short city breaks in Europe from Belgium. Consider a train journey; with European train trips from Belgium, cities like Amsterdam, Paris, or Cologne are just hours away. For things to do in Belgium during holidays, visit Bruges during the Christmas holiday, the markets, or join the lively festivals in summer. It’s a prime time for a weekend trip!
School Holidays in Belgium
For families, aligning with school holidays in Belgium is crucial. The main breaks are:
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Autumn Break:Â Last week of October & first week of November.
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Christmas Break:Â Two weeks around Christmas and New Year.
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Spring Carnival Break:Â One week in February (dates vary by region).
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Easter Break:Â Two weeks around Easter.
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Summer Break:Â Early July to the end of August.
Planning around both school and bank holidays in Belgium ensures you avoid crowds or join in the fun.
Also Read: UK Bank Holidays
Practical Information During Holidays
On official bank holidays, expect most shops, banks, and public offices to be closed. Supermarkets in tourist areas might have limited hours. While using public transport in Belgium on holidays, it often follows a Sunday schedule, so check timetables in advance. Restaurants and museums in major cities usually remain open, making them a great option.
Tips for Tourists & Expats
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Book Early: Accommodation fills fast for long weekends in Belgium.
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Embrace the Culture: Don’t miss the Belgian National Day parades or a Christmas market.
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Plan for Closures:Â Do your grocery shopping the day before a holiday.
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Explore Beyond: Use the holiday for a weekend getaway from Belgium to nearby countries—check out our guides on Austrian Bank Holidays or Italian Bank Holidays for inspiration!
FAQs
Q1. How many bank holidays are there in Belgium?
There are 10 official public holidays in Belgium.
Q2. Are all businesses closed on public holidays in Belgium?
Yes, most shops, banks, and public services close. Restaurants, cafes, and many museums in tourist centres remain open.
Q3. What is the most important holiday in Belgium?
Belgium National Day on July 21st is the largest national celebration, though Christmas is also widely celebrated.
Q4. What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend in Belgium?
Unlike some countries, Belgium generally does not grant an automatic day off in lieu (a “bridge day”) when a public holiday like Assumption Day or Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday. The holiday is simply observed on that calendar date.
Q5. Are Belgian bank holidays the same in every region?
Yes, the official Bank Holidays in Belgium listed here are nationwide.
Check out our school holidays on Renfrewshire School Holidays for childcare and planning.
Understanding the Belgium Bank Holidays is your first step to a wonderfully organised year, whether you’re living in Belgium or planning a visit. From experiencing the joy of Belgium National Day celebrations to enjoying a peaceful city break, these dates shape the rhythm of life.
