| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-05-14 | Ascension Day | National |
| 2026-08-01 | National Day | National |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
About these holidays in Switzerland (2026)
Our Switzerland public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus into heaven, held on the fortieth day of Easter, always a Thursday. It is a public holiday in many European countries including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Because it is tied to Easter, the date falls between 30 April and 3 June. In several countries it also serves as a traditional day for outdoor excursions.
National Day
National Day is a country's principal annual celebration of nationhood, often marking independence, unification, the adoption of a constitution, or the birthday of a head of state. The date and the event it commemorates are specific to each country, and in some places several National Days exist. Observances commonly includeofficial ceremonies, military parades, fireworks and cultural performances that highlight national identity.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day on 25 December is the Christian feast of the Nativity of Jesus and one of the most widely observed public holidays in the world. It is a legal holiday in most nations with Christian majorities or heritage, and a cultural holiday in many others. Customs include family gatherings, gift giving, special meals and decorated trees. Countries following the Julian or Oriental Orthodox calendars often celebrate on 7 January instead.