Neujahr
1 Jan 2008New Year's Day (Neujahr, January 1) marks the beginning of the calendar year in Switzerland. It is widely observed with quiet family time after New Year's Eve celebrations. Most businesses and public institutions are closed nationwide, and it is a public holiday in all cantons.
Berchtoldstag
2 Jan 2008St. Berchtold's Day (Berchtoldstag, January 2) is a public holiday in selected cantons. It is observed mainly in German-speaking and western cantons, traditionally extending New Year celebrations and offering a day for rest or family visits.
Heilige Drei Könige
6 Jan 2008Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige, January 6) is a public holiday in the canton of Ticino. It commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus and is marked by church services and family traditions.
Jahrestag der Ausrufung der Republik
1 Mar 2008Republic Day (Jahrestag der Ausrufung der Republik, March 1) is a public holiday in the canton of Neuchatel. It commemorates the establishment of the Republic of Neuchatel in 1848 and is marked by official events and local celebrations.
Josefstag
19 Mar 2008Saint Joseph's Day (Josefstag, March 19) is a public holiday in selected cantons. This Catholic holiday honors Saint Joseph and is observed with religious services and a quieter public life.
Karfreitag
21 Mar 2008Good Friday (Karfreitag, Friday before Easter) is a public holiday in most cantons. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is widely observed, especially in Protestant cantons, with church services and reduced commercial activity.
Ostermontag
24 Mar 2008Easter Monday (Ostermontag, Monday after Easter) is a public holiday in many cantons. It continues Easter celebrations and is commonly used for family visits and leisure activities, with many businesses closed where it is observed.
Näfelser Fahrt
4 Apr 2008Näfelser Fahrt (first Thursday in April) is a public holiday in the canton of Glarus. It commemorates a historic battle from 1388 and is marked by a traditional procession and local ceremonies rooted in regional history.
Auffahrt
1 May 2008Ascension Day (Auffahrt, Thursday 40 days after Easter) commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a public holiday in all cantons and often creates a long weekend.
Pfingstmontag
12 May 2008Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag, Monday after Pentecost) is a public holiday in many cantons. It continues Pentecost celebrations and is commonly used for short trips, rest, and outdoor activities.
Fronleichnam
22 May 2008Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam, Thursday after Trinity Sunday) is a public holiday in Catholic cantons. The day is marked by religious processions and church services, especially in central and southern Switzerland.
Peter und Paul
29 Jun 2008This is a public holiday in Switzerland.
Bundesfeier
1 Aug 2008Swiss National Day (Bundesfeier, August 1) celebrates the founding of the Swiss Confederation. It is a public holiday in all cantons and is marked by fireworks, bonfires, speeches, and local celebrations throughout the country.
Maria Himmelfahrt
15 Aug 2008Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Maria Himmelfahrt, August 15) is a public holiday in Catholic cantons. The day honors the Virgin Mary and is observed with religious services and local festivities.
Jeûne genevois
11 Sep 2008Geneva Prayday (Jeûne genevois, September) is a public holiday in the canton of Geneva. This unique cantonal holiday combines reflection, tradition, and local customs, reflecting Geneva's Protestant heritage.
Eidgenössischer Dank-, Buss- und Bettag
21 Sep 2008This is a public holiday in Switzerland.
Bettagsmontag
22 Sep 2008Federal Fast Monday (Bettagsmontag, Monday after the Federal Day of Thanksgiving) is a public holiday in the canton of Vaud. It follows the Federal Day of Thanksgiving and offers an additional day of rest.
Allerheiligen
1 Nov 2008All Saints' Day (Allerheiligen, November 1) is a public holiday in Catholic cantons. It is dedicated to remembering the deceased, with families visiting cemeteries and observing the day in quiet reflection.
Mariä Empfängnis
8 Dec 2008Immaculate Conception (Mariä Empfängnis, December 8) is a public holiday in Catholic cantons. The day honors the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and is marked by religious observances.
Weihnachten
25 Dec 2008Christmas Day (Weihnachten, December 25) celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a public holiday in all cantons. It is widely observed with family gatherings, festive meals, and religious services.
Stephanstag
26 Dec 2008St. Stephen's Day (Stephanstag, December 26) is a public holiday in many cantons. It continues the Christmas holiday period and is commonly spent visiting relatives or relaxing.
Restauration de la République
31 Dec 2008Restoration Day (Restauration de la République, December 31) is a public holiday in the canton of Geneva. It commemorates the restoration of the Republic of Geneva in 1813 and is observed with local ceremonies.