Public Holidays in Switzerland 2025: Calendar for Romandy Cantons and Border Areas
Switzerland is a unique country in that public holidays are not uniform nationwide, but vary from canton to canton. With a total of 26 cantons, each has its own traditions and celebrations. In this article, we will explore public holidays in Switzerland in 2025, focusing on the cantons of Romandy and the border cantons, in order to highlight the specificities of each.
Calendar of Public Holidays by Canton in Switzerland for 2025
Table: Calendar and Dates of the 2025 Public Holidays in French-speaking Switzerland
Table: Calendar and Dates of the 2025 Public Holidays in Other Swiss Border Cantons
To optimize your vacations and moments of rest, it is important to know which public holidays in Switzerland fall in 2025. This allows you to wisely combine these days with weekends to extend your getaways, while promoting a better balance between your professional and personal life. Planning ahead can also enable you to benefit from advantageous rates on transportation and accommodation, making your travels even more accessible. Thus, knowing the public holidays in Switzerland in 2025 is a valuable asset for maximizing your leisure time and exploring the various attractions around you.
However, one question remains:
How do public holidays in Switzerland vary in 2025?
Public Holidays Common to All Cantons in Switzerland
Each year, several public holidays in Switzerland are observed in all cantons, allowing residents to celebrate events of national importance.
Calendar and Date of the 2025 Public Holidays in French-speaking Switzerland: Events and Traditions
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Geneva
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 29: Ascension Thursday
- June 9: Whit Monday
- August 1: National Day
- September 11: Geneva Fast (the Thursday following the first Sunday of September)
- December 25: Christmas
- December 31: Restoration of the Republic
In 2025, the canton of Geneva will celebrate several public holidays, each marking significant events in the local culture and history.
Have you heard of the Jeûne genevois?
The Jeûne genevois is a tradition dating back to the 16th century, originally established as a moment of solidarity and humility, often in support of persecuted communities. This day is rooted in the practices of the Reformed cantons, which made it an annual custom from the 17th century onward. Today, this tradition is marked by the tasting of plum tarts, recalling the time when they were prepared in advance to be the only meal of the day. More than just a public holiday, the Jeûne genevois remains an occasion to embrace values of sharing and compassion.
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Vaud
In 2025, the canton of Vaud will celebrate several important public holidays, enabling residents to come together and commemorate meaningful events. Here are the specific public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 2: New Year’s Monday
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 29: Ascension Thursday
- June 9: Whit Monday
- August 1: National Day
- December 25: Christmas
The 2nd of January is a public holiday celebrated in some regions of Switzerland, including the canton of Vaud, where it is known as Saint-Berchtold. This day is often associated with community and folk festivities involving parades, dances, songs, and shared meals.
Saint-Berchtold refers to a blend of historical and pagan origins. Historically, it is attributed to Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen, who is said to have founded the city of Bern in 1191. However, this celebration has older roots, going back to Celtic traditions. It honors Berchta, the goddess of vegetation and fertility, making it a festival that ties local cultural elements to ancient beliefs.
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Neuchâtel
In 2025, the canton of Neuchâtel will celebrate the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 2: Berchtoldstag
- March 1: Establishment of the Republic of Neuchâtel
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 29: Ascension
- June 9: Whit Monday
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- September 21: Federal Fast
- December 25: Christmas Day
The Establishment of the Republic of Neuchâtel, celebrated on March 1, commemorates Neuchâtel’s transformation into a republic in 1848, a key moment in its political history. This day highlights the importance of the democratic values and autonomy that characterize the canton.
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Jura
In 2025, the canton of Jura will observe the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 2: Berchtoldstag
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 29: Ascension
- June 9: Whit Monday
- June 19: Corpus Christi
- June 23: Commemoration of the Jura Referendum
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- August 15: Assumption
- September 21: Federal Fast
- December 25: Christmas Day
The Commemoration of the Jura Referendum on June 23 celebrates the 1974 vote that led to the creation of the canton of Jura, a significant moment in Swiss history. This day is an opportunity to reflect on Jura’s identity and self-determination.
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Valais
In 2025, the canton of Valais will celebrate the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- March 19: Saint Joseph’s Day
- May 29: Ascension
- June 19: Corpus Christi
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- August 15: Assumption
- September 21: Federal Fast
- November 1: All Saints’ Day
- December 8: Immaculate Conception
- December 25: Christmas Day
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Fribourg
In 2025, the canton of Fribourg will observe the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 2: Berchtoldstag
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 29: Ascension
- June 9: Whit Monday
- June 19: Corpus Christi
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- August 15: Assumption
- September 21: Federal Fast
- November 1: All Saints’ Day
- December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
Calendar, Date of the 2025 Public Holidays in Other Swiss Border Cantons
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Basel
In 2025, the canton of Basel will celebrate the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 29: Ascension
- June 9: Whit Monday
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- September 21: Federal Fast
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
The Federal Fast is a day of reflection and prayer celebrated in Switzerland on the third Sunday in September, established to mark gratitude and national solidarity during times of crisis or for good harvests.
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Zurich
In 2025, the canton of Zurich will observe the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 2: Berchtoldstag
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 29: Ascension
- June 9: Whit Monday
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- September 21: Federal Fast
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Ticino
In 2025, the canton of Ticino will celebrate the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 6: Epiphany
- March 19: Saint Joseph’s Day
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 29: Ascension
- June 9: Whit Monday
- June 19: Corpus Christi
- June 29: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- August 15: Assumption
- September 21: Federal Fast
- November 1: All Saints’ Day
- December 8: Immaculate Conception Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Solothurn
In 2025, the canton of Solothurn will observe the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 2: Berchtoldstag
- March 19: Saint Joseph’s Day
- April 18: Good Friday
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 29: Ascension
- June 9: Whit Monday
- June 19: Corpus Christi
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- August 15: Assumption
- September 21: Federal Fast
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Thurgau
In 2025, the canton of Thurgau will celebrate the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 2: Berchtoldstag
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 29: Ascension
- June 9: Whit Monday
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- September 21: Federal Fast
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of Schwyz
In 2025, the canton of Schwyz will observe the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 6: Epiphany
- March 19: Saint Joseph’s Day
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 29: Ascension
- June 9: Whit Monday
- June 19: Corpus Christi
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- August 15: Assumption
- September 21: Federal Fast
- November 1: All Saints’ Day
- December 8: Immaculate Conception Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
Guide to 2025 Public Holidays in the Canton of St. Gallen
In 2025, the canton of St. Gallen will celebrate the following public holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 21: Easter Monday
- May 29: Ascension
- June 9: Whit Monday
- August 1: Swiss National Day
- September 21: Federal Fast
- November 1: All Saints’ Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
Public Holidays and Non-Working Days in 2025
In Switzerland, public holidays are official dates recognized in each canton where workers generally enjoy a day off. Although these days vary from one canton to another, dates such as January 1 (New Year’s Day) are celebrated in all cantons. On the other hand, non-working days are days on which employees do not work, which may be determined by collective agreements or corporate policies. For example, some cantons may have public holidays that are not automatically non-working days for all sectors, which can vary depending on the field of activity.
Our Tips for Long Weekends in the Cantons of Geneva and Vaud in 2025
To get the most out of your vacation days in 2025, here are some strategies for extending your weekends in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud.
- May 29 (Ascension Thursday): By taking leave on Friday, May 30, you will enjoy a four-day long weekend, perfect for a getaway or some relaxation.
- June 9 (Whit Monday): If you take Friday, June 6 off, you can benefit from a four-day long weekend, ideal for outdoor activities or sightseeing.
- August 1 (National Day): If August 1 falls on a Friday, you have the option to take Monday, August 4 off, giving you a long weekend to celebrate and enjoy the festivities.
A solid understanding of Switzerland’s public holidays in 2025, especially in the French-speaking and border cantons, gives you the opportunity to plan your vacation days optimally. By smartly combining these rest days with weekends, you can enjoy extended moments to travel, recharge, or spend time with loved ones. This guide helps you with that planning, so each public holiday becomes a chance for escape or relaxation in your annual schedule.
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