Switzerland is a culturally diverse country with various holidays celebrated nationwide each year. Switzerland will observe fifteen public holidays in 2024, including New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Swiss National Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Holidays like Berchtold's Day, Labor Day, Corpus Christi, All Saint's Day and St. Martin's Day are celebrated in certain cantons. The Swiss enjoy various school holidays, including a two-week Christmas break, a two-week Easter break, a six-week summer break and a one-week autumn break. National holidays reflect Switzerland's Christian cultural heritage, while other observances highlight local traditions. Public holidays provide time for Swiss families to gather and engage in activities like city festivals, mountain trips, sports and relaxation. Diverse cantonal events and customs allow visitors and residents to experience Switzerland's rich culture through holidays in 2024.
What are the holiday dates in Switzerland?
Switzerland has several types of holidays, each significant and impacting daily life. These are Nationwide Public Holidays, National Holidays, Bank Holidays, School Holidays, Commercial Holidays and Government Holidays. Firstly, nationwide public holidays are observed nationwide across all cantons in Switzerland. They include New Year's Day (January 1st), Good Friday (March 29th), Easter Monday (April 1st), Ascension Day (May 9th), Whit Monday (May 20th), Swiss National Day (Aug 1st), Christmas Day (December 25th) and Boxing Day (December 26th). These days, most businesses and schools are closed across the country. Secondly, national holidays are public holidays recognized at the national or federal level but may not be observed in all cantons. The main national holiday is Swiss National Day (August 1st), commemorating the Swiss Confederation's founding. Thirdly, bank holidays are days when commercial banks and financial institutions are closed for business. Bank holidays in Switzerland closely follow nationwide public holidays when banks are required to close. Thirdly,
School Holidays refer to vacation periods when schools are closed. Major school holidays are the 2-week Christmas break, 2-week Easter break, 6-week summer break and 1-week autumn break. Fourthly, commercial holidays are when retail businesses and the service industry observe certain holidays that may lead to closures or special promotions. These include Valentine's Day (February 14th), Mother's Day (May 12th), Father's Day (June 2nd) and Black Friday (November 29). Lastly, government holidays are days when non-essential government offices and public services may be closed. They largely overlap with nationwide public holidays and cantonal holidays. Essential services in Switzerland still run during these holidays.
What are the dates of the national holidays in Switzerland for 2024?
Listed below are the national holiday dates in Switzerland for 2024.
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 2 | Berchtold's Day |
| January 6 | Epiphany |
| March 29 | Good Friday |
| April 1 | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| May 9 | Ascension Day |
| May 20 | Whit Monday |
| May 30 | Corpus Christi |
| August 1 | Swiss National Day |
| August 15 | Assumption Day |
| November 1 | All Saints’ Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Boxing Day |
How are the nationwide public holidays in Switzerland celebrated?
Listed below are how the nationwide public holidays in Switzerland are celebrated.
- New Year's Day. New Year's Day (January 1st) is celebrated nationwide in Switzerland, marking the beginning of the new year. It is a time for gatherings, fireworks and various local traditions to welcome the upcoming year. Many Swiss attend public events or private parties and some may also engage in the tradition of “Silvesterchläuse”, where groups of men go from house to house to offer good wishes for the new year.
- Berchtold's Day. Berchtold's Day (January 2nd), observed in certain cantons, is a traditional holiday named after Saint Berchtold. It is celebrated with various local customs and events, including parades, folk music and traditional dances. In some regions, it is the time for “Berchtoldstag” processions, where Swiss dress in traditional costumes and masks.
- Epiphany. Epiphany (January 6th) marks the end of the Christmas season. It is celebrated with religious services, traditional activities and the custom of “star singing”, where children go from house to house singing carols. In certain areas, a traditional cake known as “Three Kings' Cake” is also prepared and shared among family and friends.
- Good Friday. Good Friday (March 29th) is a religious holiday observed in Switzerland with church services and processions. It is a time for reflection and remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many Swiss also engage in traditional Easter preparations and activities during this time. Good Friday is a nationwide public holiday observed with solemnity and reverence.
- Easter Monday. Easter Monday (April 1st) is a nationwide public holiday in Switzerland, the day after Easter Sunday. It is a time for various family activities, such as Easter egg hunts and festive meals. Many Swiss also take the opportunity to enjoy the spring weather and participate in outdoor events and gatherings.
- Labor Day. Labor Day (May 1st) is a significant nationwide public holiday in Switzerland, honoring workers' contributions. It is marked by various events, including parades, demonstrations and public speeches advocating for workers' rights and labor-related issues. Many Swiss also use this day to relax and spend time with family and friends.
- Ascension Day. Ascension Day (May 9th), also known as “Auffahrt” in Switzerland, is a Christian holiday commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ. It is widely observed nationwide with religious services, processions and cultural traditions. Many also take advantage of the long weekend to engage in outdoor activities and short trips.
- Whit Monday (May 20). Whit Monday (May 20th) or “Pfingstmontag”, is a nationwide public holiday in Switzerland, occurring the day after Pentecost (Whit Sunday). It is a time for relaxation, family gatherings and outdoor leisure activities. Many communities also organize local events and festivals to celebrate this holiday.
- Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi (May 30th) is a Christian holiday widely celebrated in Switzerland. It is a time for religious processions, church services and traditional customs. In some regions in Switzerland, the celebration has secular elements, such as folk music performances and local fairs. This holiday allows the Swiss to express their faith and participate in communal traditions.
- Swiss National Day. Swiss National Day (August 1st) is Switzerland's only official national holiday celebrated nationwide. It commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation and is marked by various events, including fireworks, public speeches and cultural performances. Many Swiss also participate in traditional activities such as singing the national anthem and displaying Swiss flags.
- Assumption Day. Assumption Day (August 15) is a Christian holiday celebrated nationwide in Switzerland. It commemorates the Virgin Mary's assumption into heaven and is observed with religious services, processions and cultural traditions. Many Swiss also take this opportunity to spend time with family and friends and enjoy outdoor activities.
- All Saints’ Day. All Saints’ Day (November 1) is a Christian holiday observed nationwide in Switzerland. It is a time for the Swiss to honor all the saints and is marked by visits to cemeteries, the lighting of candles and religious services. Many communities also organize local events and activities to commemorate this day.
- Christmas Day. Christmas Day (December 25) is a major Christian holiday celebrated nationwide in Switzerland. It is a time for religious services, family gatherings, festive meals and the exchange of gifts. Many communities also organize Christmas markets, concerts and other cultural events to celebrate this day.
- Boxing Day. Boxing Day (December 26) is observed nationwide in Switzerland as a time for relaxation, family activities and shopping. Many Swiss use this day to enjoy leisurely pursuits, such as walks in nature, visits to museums or watching sports events. Retailers also offer various sales and promotions, making it a popular day for shopping.
What are the dates of the governmental holidays in Switzerland for 2024?
Listed below are the governmental holiday dates in Switzerland for 2024.
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 2 | Berchtold's Day |
| January 6 | Epiphany |
| March 29 | Good Friday |
| April 1 | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| May 9 | Ascension Day |
| May 20 | Whit Monday |
| May 30 | Corpus Christi |
| August 1 | Swiss National Day |
| August 15 | Assumption Day |
| November 1 | All Saints’ Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Boxing Day |
How are the governmental holidays in Switzerland celebrated?
Listed below are how the governmental holidays in Switzerland are celebrated.
- New Year's Day. New Year's Day (January 1st) is celebrated in Switzerland by staying late for fireworks and parties on New Year's Eve. Families and friends exchange gifts and good wishes when visiting each other on the 1st. The day is marked with concerts, sporting events and Lake Zurich's New Year's Day dip. Many Swiss take advantage of the public holiday to relax, recover from celebrations or plan activities and trips for the year ahead. New Year's Day is one of Switzerland's most widely celebrated holidays.
- Berchtold's Day. Berchtold's Day (January 2nd) is a holiday named after Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen. Many stores are closed and families go out, especially to the mountains, for skiing, sledding, hiking and other outdoor fun. Relaxing, playing traditional board games and eating wintery foods are popular activities. It marks the end of Christmas and time to return to school.
- Epiphany. Epiphany (January 6th), marking the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus, is a public holiday in some Swiss cantons. There are church services, parades and celebrations of the coming of the Three Kings. Family meals feature a traditional king cake with a trinket inside; whoever finds the trinket gets to wear the paper crown. Houses are blessed with incense and chalk in remembrance of the three kings.
- Good Friday. Good Friday (March 29th) is a somber holiday marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many Swiss attend church services and reflect quietly on the sacrifices of Christ. Businesses and schools are closed. In the evening, families gather for a modest meal of fish or vegetables. Some towns in Switzerland have dramatic re-enactments of the Stations of the Cross.
- Easter Monday. Easter Monday (April 1st) is spent enjoying Easter celebrations with family and friends and good food. Egg decorating, Easter egg hunts for children and the traditional sharing of chocolate bunnies are common activities. Families may relax or head to outdoor events and spring festivals nationwide.
- Labor Day. The Swiss recognize workers' contributions to the country's prosperity on Labor Day (May 1st). Labor unions organize rallies, speeches and city marches to discuss workers' rights. Many political parties also hold events about labor issues. Working families often celebrate with picnics, barbecues or trips to enjoy the spring weather. Most businesses are closed for the holiday and non-retail workers get the day off.
- Ascension Day. Ascension Day (May 9th) commemorates Jesus's ascension into heaven. The Swiss recognize this Christian holiday by attending church services and praying. Families gather for meals, while others may enjoy the day off from work, relaxing or outdoors. Many towns have traditional parades with costumed dancers and music to mark the occasion. Ascension Day is considered part of the Easter celebrations.
- Whit Monday. Whit Monday (May 20th) is a public holiday honoring the Holy Spirit, the day after Pentecost Sunday. Church services see adults and children dressed in white. Cities and towns host fairs, markets, music and dance performances related to the coming of the Holy Spirit. Families spend time together on trips or other outdoor spring activities.
- Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi (May 30th) celebrates the Eucharist and body of Christ in the Catholic faith. Colorful parades and processions are held in towns, often with children dressed as angels or characters from the Bible. Church services focus on the meaning of the Eucharist. It is also popular for weddings and family gatherings with special multi-course meals.
- Swiss National Day. Switzerland's national holiday (August 1st) is celebrated nationwide with fireworks, parades, music and dancing. Swiss dress up in traditional costumes and play Swiss music like the alphorn. Politicians give speeches about Swiss values and independence. Families get together for meals while proudly displaying Swiss flags.
- Assumption Day. Assumption Day (August 15th) celebrates the Virgin Mary being taken into heaven and is an important religious holiday in Catholic cantons. There are special church services and processions dedicated to Mary. Bells ring across the countryside and families gather for meals and eat blessed grapes and bread. Many Swiss pray for their loved ones who have passed away.
- All Saints' Day. All Saints' Day (November 1st) honors all Christian saints and martyrs. The Swiss attend church services to remember deceased loved ones. Cemeteries are cleaned up and decorated with flowers and candles. Extended families visit graveyards together to pay respects to their ancestors. Swiss make wreaths, crosses and gifts to place by gravesites.
- Christmas Day. Christmas Day (December 25th) is celebrated in Switzerland with beautifully decorated homes and streets. On Christmas Eve, families exchange gifts and enjoy a celebratory meal. A commemorative church service is held on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Christmas Day is spent relaxing at home and playing with new gifts from Santa Claus.
- Boxing Day. Boxing Day (December 26th) is spent visiting extended family and friends for a holiday. Leftover Christmas meals are also eaten. Some families may go to the mountains to ski and snowboard. Stores have sales to draw shoppers out during this public holiday. It marks the beginning of the winter sports season for many Swiss.
What are the holiday dates in Switzerland that locals work?
Listed below are the holiday dates in Switzerland that locals work.
- Father's Day. Father's Day in Switzerland is celebrated on the first Sunday in June each year (June 2nd). Fathers are honored and celebrated, often with small gifts, cards and family meals, but it is not an official public holiday and most Swiss work as usual. Some families may take the opportunity for a special outing or activity with their Dads.
- Mother's Day. Mother's Day (May 12th) is celebrated annually in Switzerland on the second Sunday in May. It is a day to appreciate mothers and show gratitude, with many families giving Mom flowers, cards or small gifts. Mother's Day is not an official holiday, so businesses stay open and the Swiss usually continue working.
- Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day (February 14th) occurs yearly in Switzerland. It is marked by couples exchanging cards, flowers, chocolate or other gifts as expressions of love. Restaurants may have special Valentine's Day meals or promotions. Valentine's Day is not a public holiday, so schools, businesses and services remain open. Many locals still work while celebrating in the evening or on weekends.
What are the Switzerland school holidays in 2024?
Listed below are the Switzerland school holidays in 2024.
- Christmas Break. The Christmas break (December 25, 2023, to January 5, 2024) is a time for families to celebrate the holiday season. It is a significant holiday and many families take advantage of the free time by going away on holidays or day trips. The dates may vary by canton and checking with the relevant cantonal calendars is advisable.
- Carnival/Sport Break. The carnival/sports break (January 9th to February 16th) is when various sporting and cultural events occur in Switzerland. It is a popular time for families to go on holiday or day trips. The dates may vary by canton and checking with the relevant cantonal calendars is advisable.
- Spring Break. Spring break is a time (April 8th to 19th) when families often plan holidays or day trips to take advantage of the free time. It is a period of relaxation and celebration. The dates may vary by canton and checking with the relevant cantonal calendars is advisable.
- Summer Break. The summer break (August 8th to 16th) is a significant holiday in Switzerland and many families plan vacations or engage in various activities during this holiday. The dates may vary by canton and checking with the relevant cantonal calendars is advisable.
What is the Daylight savings time?
Listed below are the daylight savings time.
- March 31st. Daylight saving time (DST) in Switzerland will be set forward one hour on March 31st at 02.00, marking the start of DST. This change will shift the local time from standard time (UTC+1) to daylight saving time (UTC+2), providing more daylight in the evening. The clocks will be set back one hour on October 27th at 03.00, returning to standard time (UTC+1). Switzerland follows Central European Time (CET) during the winter as standard time, which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+01.00) and Central European Summer Time (CEST) during the summer as daylight saving time, which is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+02.00)
What are the astronomical events in Switzerland in 2024?
Listed below are the astronomical events in Switzerland in 2024.
- ASTROMEET2024. ASTRONOMEET2024 (October 17th to 19th) is an Astronomy and Astrophysics Conference in Bern, Switzerland. Scientists, researchers and space enthusiasts worldwide will gather for this 3-day conference to discuss the latest developments in astronomy. Attendees can hear talks, view exhibits and network with experts in the field.
- Day of Astronomy event in Falera. The Day of Astronomy event in Falera (October 19) is a public astronomy event in the Swiss village of Falera that will allow Swiss to look through telescopes, attend lectures and take part in astronomy-themed activities. There will be opportunities to gaze at celestial objects and learn about constellations from local astronomers.
- Full Moon. The biggest full moon will be in 2024. October's Full Moon is the Hunter's Moon and will appear slightly larger and brighter than average as it reaches its peak fullness. The moonrise can be viewed across Switzerland as the large, glowing orb ascends into the night sky. It is a great photo opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts.
- Orionids Meteor Shower. Orionids Meteor Shower (October 21st to 22nd) is the debris from Halley's Comet that creates up to 25 meteors per hour during the peak of this meteor shower. The Orionids are known for their bright fireballs and fine trains that last several seconds. Switzerland's high-altitude mountains provide ideal viewing of the Orionid meteor Shower.
- Partial Solar Eclipse. Partial Solar Eclipse (October 24th) is visible in southern Switzerland. The moon will pass in front of and block part of the sun for those in southern parts of the country. With proper eye protection, viewers can see the moon take a “bite” from the sun's disk. The partial eclipse starts at sunrise. mention the word “astronomy” at each event.
What are the best things to do in Switzerland during the holidays?
Switzerland offers several things to do during the holidays. Firstly, Lake Zurich is a scenic lake near Zurich, Switzerland, that attracts many holiday visitors. Swiss swim at the lakeside beaches, go boating, and walk along the shore during summer holidays. The parks, rose gardens, and historic sites around the lake are also popular on holidays. The lakeside towns have holiday events, festivals, and fireworks displays. Visiting Lake Zurich is one of the things to do in Switzerland. Secondly, St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva is a key landmark during the Easter and Christmas holidays. The cathedral holds special holiday services and concerts to mark these important Christian holidays. Visitors can tour the historic cathedral during holidays to see Calvin's chair and learn about the Protestant Reformation. Thirdly, the iconic Chapel Bridge in Lucerne is bustling with holiday tourists. Crowds flock to walk along the medieval bridge during holidays and take photos of its paintings and architecture. The Christmas holidays also draw many visitors to the bridge, especially for the Lucerne Christmas market. Fourthly,
Thun Castle houses a history museum and is a popular Swiss holiday landmark. School holidays often bring families to explore the castle and exhibits. Holiday events like medieval festivals allow visitors to experience the castle's grandeur. The knights' hall can be rented out for special holiday functions. Lastly, Das Berner Munster is located in Bern, Switzerland. This Swiss Reformed cathedral, the largest ecclesiastical building in Switzerland, began construction in 1421. The cathedral's towering structure, completed in 1893, stands as the tallest in the country. The cathedral houses 234 intricate sandstone figures, representing the Last Judgment. Visitors to Switzerland and the cathedral can explore its grand architecture, admire the sandstone figures, and learn about its rich history.
Who are the most famous people in Switzerland?
Switzerland features several of the most famous Swiss people. Firstly, Leonhard Euler was an influential 18th-century Swiss mathematician who made seminal contributions to nearly every field of mathematics. Euler introduced modern mathematical terminology and notation. His most celebrated work was in graph theory and topology, including solving the Seven Bridges of Königsberg problem, which laid the foundations of graph theory. Secondly, Horace-Bénédict de Saussure was an 18th-century Swiss physicist, geologist, and meteorologist who conducted revolutionary scientific studies of the Alpine environment. His exploration and measurements of the Alps across scientific fields like geology and meteorology laid the foundation for modern Alpine studies. Thirdly, Paracelsus was a 16th-century Swiss physician and alchemist who challenged traditional Galenic medicine by pioneering chemicals and minerals to treat ailments. His rejection of ancient medical authorities in favor of hands-on clinical observation and the use of novel remedies revolutionized medicine and laid a precedent for modern scientific medicine. Fourthly, Emil Theodor Kocher was a pioneering Swiss surgeon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He systematically studied thyroid function and pathology, developing innovative surgical techniques that transformed thyroid surgery. Kocher introduced procedures like total thyroidectomy and was careful to avoid damaging the parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerves during surgery. Lastly, Charles Édouard Guillaume was a Swiss physicist renowned for his work with nickel steel alloys. His most celebrated achievement was his discovery of invar and elinvar, two alloys notable for their minimal thermal expansion, and received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1920. Guillaume's innovations left a legacy in physics and engineering, laying the foundations for subsequent research into advanced composite alloys and temperature-invariant materials. His findings contributed significantly to precision engineering and measurement science.
What are the most interesting facts about Switzerland?
There are several interesting facts about Switzerland. Firstly, Switzerland is the only country with four official national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. German is the most widely spoken, with 63% of the population, followed by French at 23%, especially in western regions near the French border. Italian is spoken by 8%, concentrated in southern cantons bordering Italy. Romansh has under 1% speakers in isolated southeastern areas near Austria. This linguistic diversity reflects Switzerland's ethnic groups and cantonal system. Secondly, the Swiss Alps are a major European Alps mountain range subsection. The Alps occupy the southern part of Switzerland, covering 65% of the country's total 41,285 square kilometers (15,940 square miles) of land. The Swiss Alps extend from the Rhône valley near Lake Geneva in the west to the Rhine valley near Liechtenstein in the east. The Swiss Alps have helped shape Swiss history, culture, and economy. The Alps provide the Alpine scenery, making Switzerland a popular tourist destination. Thirdly, Switzerland is landlocked, enclosed by land without direct coastal access. It borders Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein. Switzerland's landlocked position has impacted its politics and economy. It relies on efficient overland infrastructure and partnerships with neighboring countries for trade and transit. The landlocked mountainous terrain helped Switzerland maintain the country’s neutrality. Switzerland leverages its central location as a global hub for business, diplomacy, and tourism and overcame limitations through innovation and cross-border cooperation. Fourthly, Swiss cheesemaking developed over centuries with medieval roots. There are over 450 varieties, including famous types like Emmental and Gruyère. Swiss chocolate has a long tradition of technical innovation by chocolatiers since the 1800s. Famous brands include Lindt, Toblerone, and Nestlé. Swiss watchmaking centered in the “Watch Valley” focuses on precision and innovation, with luxury leaders like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe. Swiss banking built on neutrality and stability to become a global leader in asset management, with over €5.56 trillion ($6 trillion, £4,749 trillion). Lastly, Switzerland has maintained neutrality in foreign affairs and wars since 1515, after gaining independence from the Holy Roman Empire. Its Alpine geography gave natural defenses. Swiss neutrality was internationally recognized, keeping it out of European conflicts. Geneva became a hub for diplomacy and humanitarianism through the Red Cross, reinforcing neutrality. Switzerland was a refuge and intelligence center despite Axis and Allied encirclement. Its neutral status enables humanitarian action and mediation between conflicts globally. Facts about Switzerland are the important information to know before visiting the country.
What are the best places to visit in Switzerland?
There are several top places to visit in Switzerland. Firstly, Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. Zurich's top attractions include its medieval Old Town along the Limmat River, the 13th-century Grossmünster church, Fraumünster church with its Marc Chagall stained glass windows, museums like the Swiss National Museum and Kunsthaus art museum, the Lake Zurich waterfront and high-end shopping along Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich also offers trendy districts like Zurich West and Niederdorf for nightlife and alternative culture. Zurich is also one of the best destinations in Switzerland. Secondly, Geneva is the second-largest city in Switzerland, located at the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva. Geneva is an international hub and the most cosmopolitan city in Switzerland. Top attractions in Geneva include the tall Jet d'Eau fountain, the Old Town centered around the Gothic St. Pierre Cathedral and pedestrian shopping streets, the United Nations and Red Cross headquarters where tours are available, high-end shopping along Rue du Rhône, excellent museums like the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and parks along the lake like Jardin Anglais (English Garden) with its famous flower clock. Lastly, Lucerne is a city on the shores of Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland. It is the most populous city in central Switzerland and an important center of the region's economics, transportation, culture and media. The top places to visit in Lucerne include the Chapel Bridge, the Old Town and the new part of Lucerne. Other famous attractions are the Lion Monument, Old Town's cobblestone lanes and Mount Pilatus, accessible by the world's steepest cogwheel railway, which offers panoramic views, hiking trails and winter sports.
PIN FOR LATER
Find below our best guides about Switzerland.
