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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 / 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.