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Public Holidays in Belgium 2012

Total Public Holidays

14

Weekday: 11Saturday: 1Sunday: 2

Weekends Off

105

Working Days: 250

Your Annual Leave

Total Vacation Days

136

Belgium has both nationwide and regional public holidays. Some dates apply only in specific states or provinces. Please check the regional holidays carefully.

Public Holidays in Belgium 2012

Filters

January 2012

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February 2012

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March 2012

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April 2012

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May 2012

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June 2012

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July 2012

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August 2012

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September 2012

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October 2012

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November 2012

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Holiday List

  • Jan
    1

    Sunday

    Jan
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
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    5
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    11
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    20
    21
    22
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    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
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    30
    31
    NieuwjaarPublic holidayWeekend

    New Year's Day

    Nationwide
  • Apr
    9

    Monday

    Apr
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30
    PaasmaandagPublic holiday

    Easter Monday

    Nationwide

    Take Apr 10 off

    Days off: Apr 7–104-day weekend
  • May
    1

    Tuesday

    May
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30
    31
    Dag van de arbeidPublic holiday

    Labour Day

    Nationwide

    Take Apr 30 off

    Days off: Apr 28–May 14-day weekend
  • May
    8

    Tuesday

    May
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30
    31
    Iris FestivalPublic holiday

    Iris Festival

    Regional
    Observed in Regions: BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION

    Take May 7 off

    Days off: May 5–84-day weekend
  • May
    17

    Thursday

    May
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30
    31
    Onze Lieve Heer hemelPublic holiday

    Ascension Day

    Nationwide

    Take May 18 off

    Days off: May 17–204-day weekend
  • May
    28

    Monday

    May
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
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    16
    17
    18
    19
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30
    31
    PinkstermaandagPublic holiday

    Whit Monday

    Nationwide

    Take May 29 off

    Days off: May 26–294-day weekend
  • Jul
    11

    Wednesday

    Jul
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
    3
    4
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    20
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    27
    28
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    31
    Vlaamse feestdagPublic holiday

    Day of the Flemish Community

    Regional
    Observed in Regions: FLEMISH COMMUNITY

    Take Jul 9–Jul 10 off

    Days off: Jul 7–115-day weekend
  • Jul
    21

    Saturday

    Jul
    M
    T
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    31
    Nationale feestdagPublic holidayWeekend

    Belgian National Day

    Nationwide

    Take Jul 20 off

    Days off: Jul 20–223-day weekend
  • Aug
    15

    Wednesday

    Aug
    M
    T
    W
    T
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    S
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    27
    28
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    31
    Onze Lieve Vrouw hemelvaartPublic holiday

    Assumption Day

    Nationwide

    Take Aug 13, Aug 14, Aug 16, Aug 17 off

    Days off: Aug 11–199-day weekend
  • Sep
    27

    Thursday

    Sep
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
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    27
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    30
    Fête de la Communauté françaisePublic holiday

    Day of the French-speaking Community

    Regional
    Observed in Regions: FRENCH COMMUNITY

    Take Sep 24, Sep 25, Sep 26, Sep 28 off

    Days off: Sep 22–309-day weekend
  • Nov
    1

    Thursday

    Nov
    M
    T
    W
    T
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    S
    S
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    21
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    30
    AllerheiligenPublic holiday

    All Saints' Day

    Nationwide

    Take Nov 2 off

    Days off: Nov 1–44-day weekend
  • Nov
    11

    Sunday

    Nov
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
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    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
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    30
    WapenstilstandPublic holidayWeekend

    Armistice Day

    Nationwide
  • Nov
    15

    Thursday

    Nov
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
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    21
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    27
    28
    29
    30
    Tag der Deutschsprachigen GemeinschaftPublic holiday

    King's Feast & Day of the German-speaking Community

    Regional
    Observed in Regions: GERMAN-SPEAKING COMMUNITY

    Take Nov 16 off

    Days off: Nov 15–184-day weekend
  • Dec
    25

    Tuesday

    Dec
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
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    4
    5
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    21
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    27
    28
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    31
    KerstdagPublic holiday

    Christmas Day

    Nationwide

    Take Dec 24 off

    Days off: Dec 22–265-day weekend
  • Dec
    26

    Wednesday

    Dec
    M
    T
    W
    T
    F
    S
    S
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
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    20
    21
    22
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    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30
    31
    Boxing DayObserved but not public holiday

    St. Stephen's Day

    Nationwide

    Take Dec 24 off

    Days off: Dec 22–265-day weekend

Public Holidays in Belgium

Nieuwjaar

1 Jan 2012

New Year's Day (Nieuwjaar, January 1) marks the beginning of the year in Belgium. After New Year's Eve celebrations, the day is typically calm and family-oriented. Most businesses, shops, and public offices are closed, and people often spend the day resting or visiting relatives.

Paasmaandag

9 Apr 2012

Easter Monday (Paasmaandag, Monday after Easter) is an official public holiday in Belgium and marks the continuation of Easter celebrations. It is commonly spent on family outings, short trips, or leisure activities. Many people take advantage of the long weekend for travel.

Dag van de arbeid

1 May 2012

Labour Day (Dag van de Arbeid, May 1) celebrates workers and labor rights. In Belgium, it is a nationwide public holiday often marked by demonstrations, cultural events, and family activities. Most businesses are closed, and public gatherings take place in major cities. If it falls on a weekend, employees receive a replacement day off on a working day chosen by their employer or sectoral agreement.

Iris Festival

8 May 2012

Iris Festival (May 8) is a holiday for Brussels‑Capital regional civil servants and some schools. It is not a mandatory day off for the private sector. Official events celebrate the Brussels region and its institutions.

Onze Lieve Heer hemel

17 May 2012

Ascension Day (Onze-Lieve-Heer-Hemelvaart, Thursday 40 days after Easter) commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a public holiday in Belgium, and many people enjoy a long weekend, especially when combined with a bridge day on Friday. Travel and leisure activities are very common.

Pinkstermaandag

28 May 2012

Whit Monday (Pinkstermaandag, Monday after Pentecost) marks the continuation of Pentecost celebrations and is a public holiday in Belgium. It is widely used for short trips, family gatherings, and outdoor activities. Shops and offices are generally closed.

Vlaamse feestdag

11 Jul 2012

Day of the Flemish Community (Vlaamse Feestdag, July 11) is primarily observed by civil servants and schools in the Flemish Community. Most private‑sector employees still work unless a sectoral agreement grants the day off. If it falls on a weekend, a replacement day off is set by the employer or sector.

Nationale feestdag

21 Jul 2012

Belgian National Day (Nationale Feestdag, July 21) celebrates the founding of the modern Belgian state in 1831. The day is marked by military parades, official ceremonies, concerts, and fireworks, especially in Brussels. It is one of the country's most important national celebrations.

Onze Lieve Vrouw hemelvaart

15 Aug 2012

Assumption Day (Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Hemelvaart, August 15) is a Catholic holiday honoring the Virgin Mary. In Belgium, it is a public holiday often associated with religious services and summer festivities. Many towns host local events, and it is a popular day for leisure and travel. If it falls on a weekend, employees receive a replacement day off on a working day chosen by their employer or sectoral agreement.

Fête de la Communauté française

27 Sep 2012

Day of the French Community (September 27) is mainly a holiday for civil servants and schools in the French‑speaking Community. Most private‑sector employees still work unless their sectoral agreement provides time off. If it falls on a weekend, a replacement day off is set by the employer or sector.

Allerheiligen

1 Nov 2012

All Saints' Day (Allerheiligen, November 1) is dedicated to remembering the deceased. Families visit cemeteries, clean graves, and place flowers and candles. The atmosphere is solemn and respectful, and it is an important day of remembrance across Belgium. If it falls on a weekend, employees receive a replacement day off on a working day chosen by their employer or sectoral agreement.

Wapenstilstand

11 Nov 2012

Armistice Day (Wapenstilstand, November 11) commemorates the end of World War I in 1918. Given Belgium's central role in the war, the day carries strong historical significance. Official ceremonies and moments of silence are held nationwide.

Tag der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft

15 Nov 2012

Day of the German‑speaking Community (November 15) is a regional holiday limited to Belgium’s German‑speaking Community in the east. In that region, government offices and some schools may close. For most of Flanders and Wallonia, it is a regular working day. If it falls on a weekend, a replacement day off is set by the employer or sector.

Kerstdag

25 Dec 2012

Christmas Day (Kerstdag, December 25) is a major family holiday in Belgium. People gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and attend church services. Most shops, offices, and public institutions are closed nationwide. If it falls on a weekend, employees receive a replacement day off on a working day chosen by their employer or sectoral agreement.

Boxing Day

26 Dec 2012

Boxing Day / St. Stephen's Day (December 26) is not a statutory public holiday in Belgium, so most businesses operate normally. It is, however, a bank holiday (TARGET2 is closed), and many federal or regional government offices are closed as an extra day off for civil servants.

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