This list includes national holidays, public holidays, and observances for Switzerland in 2025. Some holidays may be regional or observed only in specific locations.
Filter by Type:
Date
Holiday
Description
Type
Location
January
Wed
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
New Year's Day
New Year’s Day is the first day of the year, or January 1, in the Gregorian calendar.
New Year’s Day is the first day of the year, or January 1, in the Gregorian calendar.
Common local holiday
All
Thu
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Berchtold Day
Berchtold Day is a public holiday in a number of Switzerland's cantons.
Berchtold Day is a public holiday in a number of Switzerland's cantons.
Common local holiday
15 states
Mon
Monday, January 6, 2025
Epiphany
Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrated globally on January 6 each year. It commemorates two events recorded in the Bible: the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus; and Jesus’ baptism.
Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrated globally on January 6 each year. It commemorates two events recorded in the Bible: the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus; and Jesus’ baptism.
Common local holiday
GR (partly), SZ, TI, UR
February
Fri
Friday, February 14, 2025
Valentine's Day
February 14 is Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Feast. The day of love owes its origins to ancient Roman and European Christian traditions.
February 14 is Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Feast. The day of love owes its origins to ancient Roman and European Christian traditions.
Observance
All
Thu
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Carnival Thursday
Carnival Thursday is a half day holiday in Switzerland
Carnival Thursday is a half day holiday in Switzerland
Half Day Holiday
SZ
March
Sat
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Neuchâtel Republic Day
Neuchâtel Republic Day is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Neuchâtel Republic Day is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Common local holiday
NE
Wed
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Saint Joseph's Day
St. Joseph's Day is a public holiday in the predominantly Catholic regions of Switzerland.
St. Joseph's Day is a public holiday in the predominantly Catholic regions of Switzerland.
Common local holiday
LU (partly), NW, SO (partly), SZ, TI, UR, VS
Thu
Thursday, March 20, 2025
March Equinox
March Equinox in Switzerland (Bern)
March Equinox in Switzerland (Bern)
Season
All
Sun
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Daylight Saving Time starts
Daylight Saving Time starts in Switzerland
Daylight Saving Time starts in Switzerland
Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
All
April
Thu
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Näfels Procession
Näfels Procession is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Näfels Procession is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Common local holiday
GL
Fri
Friday, April 18, 2025
Good Friday
Good Friday is a global Christian observance two days before Easter Sunday.
Good Friday is a global Christian observance two days before Easter Sunday.
Common local holiday
All except TI, VS
Sun
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection, according to Christian belief.
Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection, according to Christian belief.
Observance
All
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday.
Common local holiday
All except LU, NE
Mon
Monday, April 28, 2025
Sechseläuten
Sechseläuten is an old spring festival that is celebrated each year in Zurich, Switzerland.
Sechseläuten is an old spring festival that is celebrated each year in Zurich, Switzerland.
Observance
ZH
May
Thu
Thursday, May 1, 2025
May Day
Labor Day, International Workers' Day, and May Day, is a day off for workers in many countries around the world.
Labor Day, International Workers' Day, and May Day, is a day off for workers in many countries around the world.
Common local holiday
BL, BS, JU, SH, ZH
Thu
Thursday, May 1, 2025
May Day (Half-Day)
Labor Day, International Workers' Day, and May Day, is a day off for workers in many countries around the world.
Labor Day, International Workers' Day, and May Day, is a day off for workers in many countries around the world.
Half Day Holiday
SO
Thu
Thursday, May 1, 2025
May Day (Half-Day)
Labor Day, International Workers' Day, and May Day, is a day off for workers in many countries around the world.
Labor Day, International Workers' Day, and May Day, is a day off for workers in many countries around the world.
Observance
TG, TI
Sun
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Mothers' Day
Mother’s Day celebrates the achievements and efforts of mothers and mother figures.
Mother’s Day celebrates the achievements and efforts of mothers and mother figures.
Observance
All
Thu
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is the 40th day of Easter. It is a religious holiday that commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.
Ascension Day is the 40th day of Easter. It is a religious holiday that commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.
Common local holiday
All
June
Sun
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Fathers' Day
Father’s Day celebrates fatherhood and male parenting on different dates worldwide.
Father’s Day celebrates fatherhood and male parenting on different dates worldwide.
Observance
All
Sun
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Pentecost
Many Christians all over the world annually observe Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday or Whit Sunday.
Many Christians all over the world annually observe Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday or Whit Sunday.
Observance
All
Mon
Monday, June 9, 2025
Pentecost Monday
Whit Monday, or Pentecost Monday, is a Christian holiday that falls on the day after Pentecost, which is also known as Whit Sunday or Whitsunday.
Whit Monday, or Pentecost Monday, is a Christian holiday that falls on the day after Pentecost, which is also known as Whit Sunday or Whitsunday.
Common local holiday
All except NE
Thu
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a public holiday in a number of Switzerland's cantons.
Corpus Christi is a public holiday in a number of Switzerland's cantons.
Common local holiday
13 states
Sat
Saturday, June 21, 2025
June Solstice
June Solstice in Switzerland (Bern)
June Solstice in Switzerland (Bern)
Season
All
Mon
Monday, June 23, 2025
Jura Independence Day
Jura Independence Day is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Jura Independence Day is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Common local holiday
JU
Sun
Sunday, June 29, 2025
St. Peter and St. Paul
St. Peter and St. Paul is a observance in Switzerland
St. Peter and St. Paul is a observance in Switzerland
Observance
TI
August
Fri
Friday, August 1, 2025
Swiss National Day
Switzerland's National Day falls on August 1.
Switzerland's National Day falls on August 1.
National holiday
All
Fri
Friday, August 15, 2025
Assumption of Mary
The Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary is on or around Aug 15 in most countries. A few celebrate Assumption Day at other times of the year.
The Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary is on or around Aug 15 in most countries. A few celebrate Assumption Day at other times of the year.
Common local holiday
12 states
September
Thu
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Genevese Fast
Genevese Fast is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Genevese Fast is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Common local holiday
GE
Sat
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Knabenschiessen
Knabenschiessen is a traditional shooting competition in Zurich, Switzerland.
Knabenschiessen is a traditional shooting competition in Zurich, Switzerland.
Observance
ZH
Sun
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Knabenschiessen
Knabenschiessen is a traditional shooting competition in Zurich, Switzerland.
Knabenschiessen is a traditional shooting competition in Zurich, Switzerland.
Observance
ZH
Mon
Monday, September 15, 2025
Knabenschiessen
Knabenschiessen is a traditional shooting competition in Zurich, Switzerland.
Knabenschiessen is a traditional shooting competition in Zurich, Switzerland.
Observance
ZH
Sun
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Swiss Federal Fast
Swiss Federal Fast is a observance in Switzerland
Swiss Federal Fast is a observance in Switzerland
Observance
All except GE
Mon
Monday, September 22, 2025
Federal Fast Monday
Federal Fast Monday is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Federal Fast Monday is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Common local holiday
VD, NE
Mon
Monday, September 22, 2025
Mauritius Day
Mauritius Day is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Mauritius Day is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Common local holiday
AI (partly)
Mon
Monday, September 22, 2025
September Equinox
September Equinox in Switzerland (Bern)
September Equinox in Switzerland (Bern)
Season
All
Thu
Thursday, September 25, 2025
St. Nicholas of Flüe
St. Nicholas of Flüe is a common local holiday in Switzerland
St. Nicholas of Flüe is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Common local holiday
OW
October
Sun
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Daylight Saving Time ends
Daylight Saving Time ends in Switzerland
Daylight Saving Time ends in Switzerland
Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
All
November
Sat
Saturday, November 1, 2025
All Saints' Day
All Saints is a public holiday in some areas of Switzerland.
All Saints is a public holiday in some areas of Switzerland.
Common local holiday
15 states
December
Mon
Monday, December 8, 2025
Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Christian observance on December 8 each year.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Christian observance on December 8 each year.
Common local holiday
12 states
Sun
Sunday, December 21, 2025
December Solstice
December Solstice in Switzerland (Bern)
December Solstice in Switzerland (Bern)
Season
All
Wed
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and falls on December 24 in the Gregorian calendar.
Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and falls on December 24 in the Gregorian calendar.
Observance
All
Wed
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and falls on December 24 in the Gregorian calendar.
Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and falls on December 24 in the Gregorian calendar.
Half Day Holiday
SZ
Thu
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is one of the biggest Christian celebrations and falls on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar.
Christmas Day is one of the biggest Christian celebrations and falls on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar.
Common local holiday
All
Fri
Friday, December 26, 2025
St. Stephen's Day
The Feast of Saint Stephen is a public holiday in large parts of Switzerland.
The Feast of Saint Stephen is a public holiday in large parts of Switzerland.
Common local holiday
All except VD, GE, JU
Wed
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
New Year's Eve
New Year’s Eve is the last day of the year, December 31, in the Gregorian calendar.
New Year’s Eve is the last day of the year, December 31, in the Gregorian calendar.
Observance
All
Wed
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
New Year's Eve
New Year’s Eve is the last day of the year, December 31, in the Gregorian calendar.
New Year’s Eve is the last day of the year, December 31, in the Gregorian calendar.
Half Day Holiday
SZ
Wed
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Restoration of the Republic
Restoration of the Republic is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Restoration of the Republic is a common local holiday in Switzerland
Common local holiday
GE
Understanding Switzerland Holidays 2025
Holiday Culture in Switzerland
Switzerland celebrates a blend of Catholic and Protestant holidays with significant cantonal variation. Each of 26 cantons sets some holidays independently reflecting linguistic and religious diversity (German, French, Italian, Romansh). Swiss holidays emphasize precision, chocolate, and alpine traditions.
Major Holidays & Celebrations
Swiss National Day(August 1)
Significance: Commemorates 1291 Federal Charter foundation of Swiss Confederation. Celebrates unity amid linguistic and cantonal diversity. Less aggressive nationalism than neighbors - Swiss pride is understated.
Traditions: Fireworks, bonfires on mountains, speeches, flag displays, lantern parades, and Swiss cross everywhere.
Traditional Foods: Cervelat (national sausage), bread, fondue, raclette, Swiss chocolate, and cheese. Traditional Alpine foods.
Business Impact: National holiday - everything closes. Major fireworks displays in cities and villages. Banks, offices, shops all closed.
Christmas(December 25-26)
Significance: Christian celebration varying by region. German-speaking areas follow Germanic traditions, French areas French style, Italian Ticino Italian customs. December 26 (St. Stephen's Day) official in most cantons.
Traditions: Christmas markets, Advent traditions, St. Nicholas visits (Dec 6), midnight mass, family gatherings, and Alpine customs.
Traditional Foods: Fondue, raclette, Basler Läckerli (gingerbread), Tirggel (Zurich honey cookies), and regional specialties.
Business Impact: December 25-26 official holidays. Swiss take Christmas seriously. Businesses close Dec 24-27. Ski season peaks.
Easter(Varies (Good Friday through Easter Monday))
Significance: Christian celebration with Good Friday especially solemn. Easter Monday extends celebration. Spring in Alps makes this special time.
Traditions: Church services, egg decorating, Easter Bunny, hiking, and family meals.
Traditional Foods: Easter lamb, eggs, special breads, and chocolate eggs (Swiss chocolate shines).
Business Impact: Good Friday and Easter Monday official holidays in most cantons. Four-day weekend. Ski season winding down, spring activities begin.
Sechseläuten (Zürich)(Third Monday in April)
Significance: Zürich spring festival burning Böögg (snowman effigy) predicting summer weather. While Zürich-specific, exemplifies cantonal festival diversity. Each canton has unique celebrations.
Traditions: Parade with guilds in historical costume, burning Böögg at 6 PM, and predicting summer based on how fast head explodes.
Traditional Foods: Not specific. Traditional Zürich foods at guild celebrations.
Business Impact: Not official holiday but Zürich productivity drops. Regional festivals throughout year show Swiss cantonal pride.
Holiday Pattern & Statistics
Switzerland observes 7-9 national holidays but cantons add 2-5 more creating significant variation. Catholic cantons (Lucerne, Zug) observe more saint days than Protestant ones (Zürich, Bern). Very decentralized system reflecting federalism.
Business Travel & Coordination
Ski season (December-March) sees resorts packed. Summer holidays (July-August) less disrupted than neighbors but Swiss do vacation. Best business periods: April-June, September-November. Swiss business culture is punctual, precise, and multilingual. Use proper titles (Herr/Frau + surname). Germans speak German, French areas French, Ticino Italian - know which language region. Punctuality is sacred - be 5 minutes early. Consensus and precision valued. Banking culture influences professionalism.
Cultural Traditions & Insights
Swiss culture emphasizes precision, neutrality, and federalism. Four language regions create distinct subcultures. Swiss German (Schwyzerdütsch) differs greatly from Standard German. Banking secrecy (reduced now), chocolate, watches, cheese, and Alps define international image. Direct democracy with frequent referendums. Mandatory military service for men. High cost of living. Clean, efficient, punctual society. Alphorn, yodeling, and folk traditions maintained. Neutrality since 1815 shapes foreign policy and national identity.
Timezone Coordination Tips
Switzerland uses CET (UTC+1) in winter, CEST (UTC+2) in summer. Aligned with most of Europe. Business hours 8-5 PM typically. Lunch 12-1 PM but shorter than southern Europe. Swiss punctuality is extreme - trains apologize for 2-minute delays. When coordinating with US, afternoon Swiss time (2-5 PM) works for morning US East Coast (8-11 AM). Expect precision in scheduling - meetings start exactly on time.
Why Check Switzerland Public Holidays?
Plan business meetings and avoid scheduling conflicts during bank closures
Coordinate with remote teams and international colleagues across time zones
Book travel and accommodations around peak holiday periods for better rates
Respect cultural and religious observances important to local communities
Optimize project timelines and deadlines accounting for reduced business days
Anticipate supply chain and logistics disruptions during major holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Perfectly Synchronized
Our holiday calendar for Switzerland is regularly updated to ensure accuracy. Use this information alongside our Switzerland timezone tools and meeting planner to coordinate seamlessly with Switzerland and stay perfectly synchronized with local schedules.