Bank Holidays in Belgium 2026: An Overview
Planning a trip to Belgium in 2026? Understanding local bank holidays—known as ‘public holidays’ or ‘jours fériés’ in French and ‘feestdagen’ in Dutch—is essential, especially for UK travellers. These are days when banks, government offices, schools and many businesses close, similar to UK bank holidays. However, Belgium’s holidays vary by region: Flanders (Dutch-speaking north), Wallonia (French-speaking south) and the bilingual Brussels-Capital Region.
In 2026, most Belgians enjoy around 10 public holidays, with some falling on weekends (no substitute days, unlike the UK). Key dates align with Christian traditions and national events. As we’re in April 2026, Easter Monday has just passed (6 April), but plenty more lie ahead. This guide lists all dates, explains regional differences and compares them to UK bank holidays for easy planning.
Whether you’re catching the Eurostar from London to Brussels, flying into Charleroi or driving from Dover via Calais, avoid peak holiday travel for smoother journeys.
Full List of Public Holidays in Belgium 2026
Here’s the complete calendar of bank holidays across Belgium in 2026. Note the day of the week for each:
- Thursday, 1 January: New Year’s Day (nationwide)
- Monday, 6 April: Easter Monday (nationwide)
- Thursday, 1 May: Labour Day (nationwide)
- Thursday, 14 May: Ascension Day (nationwide)
- Monday, 25 May: Pentecost Monday (Whit Monday, nationwide)
- Wednesday, 21 July: Belgian National Day (nationwide)
- Friday, 25 December: Christmas Day (nationwide)
Regional additions bring the total to 10-12 days depending on your location:
Flanders-Specific
- Friday, 11 July: Flemish Community Holiday
Wallonia and Brussels-Specific
- Saturday, 15 August: Feast of the Assumption
- Sunday, 1 November: All Saints’ Day
- Wednesday, 11 November: Armistice Day
Assumption Day (15 August) falls on a Saturday in 2026, so workers get no extra day off. All Saints’ Day on a Sunday means limited impact, but schools and offices still close. These regional holidays mean Flanders has 10 days total, while Wallonia and Brussels have up to 12.
Regional Variations Explained
Belgium’s federal structure leads to tailored holidays reflecting cultural identities.
Holidays in Flanders
Flanders, home to Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp, celebrates its community on 11 July—a public holiday not observed elsewhere. Expect fireworks, parades and family gatherings. Combined with nationals, key dates include summer highlights like 11 July and 21 July. Shops in tourist areas like Bruges may stay open, but supermarkets close.
Holidays in Wallonia
Wallonia, including Liège, Namur and the Ardennes, honours French-speaking heritage with Assumption (15 August), All Saints (1 November) and Armistice (11 November). 11 November commemorates the 1918 Armistice with ceremonies. As 15 August is a weekend, focus on autumn dates.
Holidays in Brussels-Capital Region
Brussels blends both, observing Flemish, Walloon and national days plus Assumption, All Saints and Armistice. The EU quarter quiets down, ideal for sightseeing minus crowds—but restaurants cater to tourists.
Comparing Belgium and UK Bank Holidays 2026
For UK residents, spotting overlaps helps plan cross-Channel trips. Here’s how Belgium’s dates stack up against official UK bank holidays (sourced from gov.uk equivalents):
Shared or Similar Dates:
- Easter Monday: 6 April (Belgium nationwide; England/Wales/NI, not Scotland)
- Early May: 4 May (UK all); Belgium has 1 May (Thursday)
- Spring: 25 May (both UK all and Belgium Pentecost Monday)
UK-Only Highlights:
- New Year’s: 1 January (UK all; Belgium too)
- Good Friday: 3 April (UK all; Belgium skips it)
- Scotland extras: 2 January, 3 August, 30 November (St Andrew’s)
- England/Wales/NI summer: 31 August
- Christmas period: 25 Dec (Fri), 26 Sat → 28 Mon substitute (UK applicable regions; Belgium 25 only)
Belgium-Unique: National Day (21 July), regionals like 11 July (Flanders).
| Date | Belgium | UK (All unless noted) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year | New Year’s Day |
| 6 Apr | Easter Mon | Easter Mon (ex Scot) |
| 1 May | Labour | - |
| 4 May | - | Early May BH |
| 14 May | Ascension | - |
| 25 May | Pentecost Mon | Spring BH |
| 21 Jul | National Day | - |
| 31 Aug | - | Summer BH (E/W/NI) |
| 25 Dec | Christmas | Christmas |
UK has 8 bank holidays (more in Scotland), Belgium 10+. Summer gaps differ—Belgium clusters in July, UK in August.
What Happens on Bank Holidays in Belgium?
Public holidays mean:
- Banks & Post Offices: Closed nationwide.
- Shops: Supermarkets shut; tourist spots (Grand Place, Atomium) open limited hours. Bakeries may operate mornings.
- Transport: Trains (SNCB) run reduced schedules; Eurostar unaffected but busier. Roads quieter except national events.
- Work: Most get paid days off; hospitality often works.
Festivals liven things: 21 July features Brussels fireworks; 11 July has Flemish processions. Weather in 2026 summer should be mild—pack for rain!
Travel Tips for UK Visitors in 2026
Getting There
- Eurostar: London St Pancras to Brussels Midi (2 hours), £50-£150 return. Book early around 21 July.
- Flights: EasyJet/Ryanair to Brussels Charleroi or Ostend from Gatwick, Manchester.
- Ferry + Drive: Dover-Calais (P&O), then 2-3 hours to Belgium. Avoid Easter/Christmas peaks.
- Trains from UK: Connect via Lille.
Best Times to Visit
- Avoid 21 July (Brussels crowds) or 1 May (marches).
- Visit Flanders post-11 July for re-opening buzz.
- Shoulder bank holidays: Ardennes hiking in November (post-Armistice).
UK Bank Holiday Synergies
Pair UK Spring Bank (25 May) with Belgium’s Pentecost—extended weekend in Bruges. Scotland’s 3 August aligns near England/NI 31 August; hop over for Belgian beer festivals.
Practical Advice
- ATMs scarcer on holidays—carry euros.
- Museums: Many free/open (e.g., Magritte in Brussels).
- COVID/2026 Rules: Check gov.uk/FCDO for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays in Belgium paid? Yes, for most employees.
Do they substitute weekend holidays? Rarely, unlike UK (e.g., no extra for 15 Aug Sat).
Can UK residents work in Belgium on holidays? Contracts vary; expats note regional laws.
Impact on EU travel? Seamless, but book ferries/Eurostar ahead.
This 2026 guide ensures you’re prepared. For updates, check Belgium’s official sites (e.g., belgium.be). Safe travels from the UK!
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