Switzerland Calendar 2025 - Public & Regional Holiday: Significance and Celebrations

Switzerland, known for its cultural diversity and breathtaking landscapes, celebrates a wide array of public and regional holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country’s federal structure, linguistic diversity, and deep-rooted traditions, varying significantly across its 26 cantons. From national commemorations to unique local observances, Switzerland’s holiday calendar provides insight into its rich cultural heritage.

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Holidays in Switzerland 2025

List of Public Holidays in Switzerland 2025: Significance, Celebrations

Switzerland’s public holidays are a mix of federal and cantonal observances. Only August 1st (Swiss National Day) is recognized nationwide, while other holidays vary by canton.

1. New Year’s Day (Neujahrstag / Jour de l’An / Capodanno)

• Date: January 1, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Significance:

  Marks the beginning of the calendar year, a time for renewal and celebration.

• Celebrations:
  • Family gatherings and festive meals.
  • Fireworks and public celebrations in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne.

2. Berchtold’s Day (Berchtoldstag)

• Date: January 2, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Observed in some German-speaking cantons)
• Significance:

  An ancient feast day with roots in Alemannic pagan traditions, now celebrated as a day of rest.

• Celebrations:
  • Community events, including games and shared meals.
  • Some regions host storytelling and cultural activities.

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3. Good Friday (Karfreitag / Vendredi Saint / Venerdì Santo)

• Date: April 18, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Most cantons except Ticino and Valais)
• Significance:

  Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a solemn day in Christian tradition.

• Celebrations:
  • Church services and quiet reflection.
  • Some communities hold religious processions.

4. Easter Monday (Ostermontag / Lundi de Pâques / Lunedì di Pasqua)

• Date: April 21, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Most cantons)
• Significance:

  Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, following Easter Sunday.

• Celebrations:
  • Families gather for festive meals and Easter egg hunts.
  • In some regions, traditional parades and outdoor fairs take place.

5. Ascension Day (Auffahrt / Ascension / Ascensione)

• Date: May 29, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Significance:

  Commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven, 40 days after Easter.

• Celebrations:
  • Religious services are widely attended.
  • Many families use the day for hiking or outdoor activities.

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6. Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag / Lundi de Pentecôte / Lunedì di Pentecoste)

• Date: June 9, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Observed in most cantons)
• Significance:

  Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.

• Celebrations:
  • Families enjoy outings and picnics.
  • Some regions host local fairs or concerts.

7. Swiss National Day (Bundesfeier / Fête nationale / Festa nazionale)

• Date: August 1, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Significance:

  Commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291.

• Celebrations:
  • Fireworks, parades, and bonfires light up cities and villages across the country.
  • Traditional foods, such as raclette and fondue, are enjoyed.
  • Political speeches and flag-raising ceremonies mark the occasion.

8. All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen / Toussaint / Ognissanti)

• Date: November 1, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Observed in Catholic cantons)
• Significance:

  Honors all saints and martyrs of the Christian faith.

• Celebrations:
  • Families visit cemeteries to place flowers and candles on graves.
  • Church services are held in remembrance of the departed.

9. Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag / Noël / Natale)

• Date: December 25, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Nationwide)
• Significance:

  Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a major religious and family holiday.

• Celebrations:
  • Families exchange gifts and share festive meals.
  • Churches hold midnight masses on Christmas Eve.

10. St. Stephen’s Day (Stephanstag / Lendemain de Noël / Giorno di Santo Stefano)

• Date: December 26, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday (Observed in some cantons)
• Significance:

  Honors St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

• Celebrations:
  • Family gatherings and outdoor winter activities.
  • Extended Christmas celebrations.

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Regional and Lesser-Known Holidays in Switzerland

In addition to public holidays, Switzerland celebrates several regional and traditional holidays, reflecting its cantonal diversity and cultural heritage.

1. Sechseläuten (Zurich)

• Date: April 14, 2025
• Observed In: Zurich
• Significance:

  A traditional spring festival marking the end of winter.

• Celebrations:
  • A parade of guilds in traditional costumes.
  • Burning of the Böögg (a snowman figure) to predict the summer weather.

2. St. Leodegar’s Day (Lucerne)

• Date: October 2, 2025
• Observed In: Lucerne
• Significance:

  Honors St. Leodegar, the patron saint of Lucerne.

• Celebrations:
  • Religious services and processions.
  • Local fairs featuring traditional music and foods.

3. Geneva Escalade (L’Escalade)

• Date: December 13–15, 2025
• Observed In: Geneva
• Significance:

  Commemorates Geneva’s victory over the Duke of Savoy’s forces in 1602.

• Celebrations:
  • Historical reenactments and parades.
  • Chocolate cauldrons filled with marzipan vegetables are broken and shared.

4. Zibelemärit (Onion Market)

• Date: November 24, 2025
• Observed In: Bern
• Significance:

  A traditional market celebrating the onion harvest.

• Celebrations:
  • Market stalls sell onion-themed decorations and foods.
  • Visitors enjoy onion soup and other delicacies.

Conclusion

Switzerland’s public and regional holidays in 2025 reflect the country’s cultural and religious diversity. With traditions deeply rooted in Catholic and Protestant practices, as well as its historical heritage, these holidays provide a unique insight into Swiss life. Whether it’s the nationwide festivities of Swiss National Day or the regional charm of St. Nicholas Day, Switzerland’s holidays offer something special for everyone.

FAQs

1. What are the nationwide public holidays in Switzerland?

   New Year’s Day, Swiss National Day, Christmas Day, and Good Friday (in most cantons) are recognized nationwide.

2. Do regional holidays affect all of Switzerland?

   No, regional holidays like Epiphany or Assumption Day are only observed in certain cantons.

3. Are shops and offices open on public holidays in Switzerland?

   Most public holidays see closures of schools, public offices, and supermarkets. However, some tourist attractions and restaurants may remain open.

4. What is special about Swiss National Day?

   Swiss National Day features fireworks, bonfires, parades, and traditional Swiss music, celebrating the unity and independence of Switzerland.

5. Are religious holidays widely observed in Switzerland?

   Yes, Switzerland’s strong Catholic and Protestant heritage means holidays like Easter, Ascension Day, and All Saints’ Day are deeply celebrated in respective cantons.

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