Public Holidays in Belgium 2026

National public holidays observed across Belgium

All three regions (Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital) shut down on these ten dates. Banks close. Most shops and offices shut. Public transport runs on a Sunday or reduced schedule.

Easter Sunday and Pentecost are public holidays by law but fall on Sunday. Most people do not get an extra day off for them unless their employer gives a compensatory day.

Note that 1 January 2027 (Friday) is also a public holiday, included here because it affects the 2026-2027 holiday period.

Flemish Community Day: 11 July

The Feast of the Flemish Community (Vlaamse feestdag) is 11 July 2026, a Saturday.

• Observed only in Flanders and by Flemish institutions in the capital.
• Public offices in Flanders close. Schools in the Flemish Community close.
• In Brussels, Flemish Community institutions (e.g., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Flemish cultural centres) close.
• Most private businesses in the city do not close unless they are Flemish-community organisations.

French Community Day: 27 September

The Day of the French Community (Fête de la Communauté française) is 27 September 2026, a Sunday.

• Observed only in Wallonia and by French-Community institutions in the capital.
• Public offices in Wallonia close. French-Community schools close.
• In Brussels, French-Community institutions (e.g., Université libre de Bruxelles, Francophone cultural centres) close.
• Most private businesses in the city do not close.

How 'bridge' days (faire le pont) work around holidays

Taking an extra day off to connect a holiday to a weekend is common in Belgium. It is called faire le pont in French or brugdag in Dutch.

In 2026, these holidays are prime bridge candidates:

• Thursday 1 January (New Year's Day): take Friday 2 January off for a four-day weekend.
• Friday 1 May (Labour Day): already a Friday, a three-day weekend with no bridge needed.
• Thursday 14 May (Ascension Day): take Friday 15 May off for a four-day weekend. Many offices will be skeleton-staffed.
• Tuesday 21 July (National Day): take Monday 20 July off for a four-day weekend.
• Friday 25 December (Christmas Day): already a Friday, a three-day weekend.

If you are planning meetings in the capital during these periods, avoid the bridge days. Many people will be away. Confirm attendance before scheduling anything important around 2 January, 15 May, and 20 July.

Public holidays and business closures: what to expect

On national public holidays:

• Banks close entirely. ATMs (Bancontact/Mister Cash) remain available.
• Most shops and supermarkets close. Some convenience stores (night shops) may stay open.
• Public transport (STIB/MIVB metro, tram, bus; SNCB/NMBS trains) runs on a Sunday schedule. Reduced frequency. First trains later, last trains earlier.
• Museums and tourist attractions often stay open but may have reduced hours. Check individual websites.
• Restaurants and cafes: many open, especially in central districts. Some close. No rule.

On community holidays (11 July and 27 September):

• In the capital, expect normal business hours unless the business is tied to the Flemish or French Community.
• Banks and national chains stay open.

For detailed business hours by type, see the Brussels Business Hours & Practical Guide 2026.

School holidays vs public holidays: the difference

Public holidays and school holidays are separate systems. A public holiday is a date when most people do not work. School holidays are periods when schools close, set by each language community.

In 2026:

• The autumn school break (Toussaint) runs late October to early November. It is not a public holiday.
• The Christmas school break runs two weeks. It includes the public holidays of 25 December and 1 January.
• The Easter school break runs two weeks. It includes Easter Monday.

If you are planning around children's schedules, do not rely on the public holiday list alone. See the Brussels School Holidays 2026: French and Flemish Calendars for exact dates.