Public and usual holidays

Traditionally the Belgian take their summer holidays in July and, for schools, also in August. Therefore, the capital of Europe can be very quiet during this period and it'she best time to enjoy Brussels at a leisurely pace. During the Public holidays, banks and shops are generally closed, however fortunately, practically all the cafes and restaurants are open. 

2012

January 1

New Years Day

Public holiday

January 6

Epiphany

Not a public holiday

April 9

Easter Monday

Public holiday. Monday after Easter Sunday

May 1

Labour Day

Public holiday

May 13

Mothers Day

2nd Sunday in May. Not a public holiday

May 17

Ascension Day

Public holiday. 40 days after Easter

May 28

Whitmonday

Public holiday. Pentecost Monday

July 11

Flemish speaking

Public holiday. Flanders & Brussel only

July 21

National holiday

Public holiday. Independence Day

August 15

Assumption Day

Public holiday. Assumption of Mary

September 27

French speaking

Public holidays. Walloonia & Brussels only

November 1

All Saints Day

Public holiday

November 2

All Souls day

Not a public holiday

November 11

Armistice Day

Public holiday. End of WW 1.

November 15

German speaking

Public holiday. German speaking region only

November 15

King's Feast

Not a public holiday

December 6

Saint Nicholas

Not a public holiday

December 25

Christmas Day

Public holiday

 

2013

January 1

New Years Day

Public holiday

January 6

Epiphany

Not a public holiday

April 1

Easter Monday

Public holiday. Monday after Easter Sunday

May 1

Labour Day

Public holiday

May 9

Ascension Day

Public holiday. 40 days after Easter

May 12

Mothers Day

Not a Public holiday. 2nd Sunday in May.

May 20

Whitmonday

Public holiday.Pentecost Monday    

June 9

Fathers Day

Not a Public holiday. 2nd Sunday in June.

July 11

Flemish speaking

Public holiday. Flanders & Brussel only

July 21

National holiday

Public holiday. Independence Day

August 15

Assumption Day

Public holiday. Assumption of Mary

September 27

French speaking

Public holidays. Walloonia & Brussels only

November 1

All Saints Day

Public holiday

November 2

All Souls day

Not a public holiday

November 11

Armistice Day

Public holiday. End of WW 1.

November 15

German speaking

Public holidays. German speaking region only

November 15

King's Feast

Not a public holiday

December 6

Saint Nicholas

Not a public holiday

December 25

Christmas Day

Public holiday