Is 26 December a public holiday in France?

No, December 26th (St. Stephen's Day, or Boxing Day) is not a public holiday in most of France, but it is a public holiday in the Alsace-Moselle region, a special zone bordering Germany, due to historical agreements. Everywhere else in France, December 26th is a normal working day, though many people are off for Christmas, so it's often a quiet day for family.

Is Boxing Day a holiday in France?

The French do not have Boxing Day as a public holiday, unlike other countries. France, on the other hand, has church holidays on which everyone has time off, while other countries do not.

What happens on the 26th of December in France?

Boxing Day does not exist! Yes, there is no equivalent to Boxing Day in France. The day after Christmas is a normal working day, and people are often back at work. The only areas of France where this is not the case is the Alsace and the Moselle region, which observes Saint Stephen's Day on December 26th.

Is 26th December a public holiday in Europe?

Boxing Day facts

St Stephen's Day is an official public holiday in Austria, Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Sweden, Finland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Poland.

Where is 26 December a public holiday?

In South Africa, 26 December is the Day of Goodwill, a public holiday. In Trinidad and Tobago, Boxing Day is a public holiday. In the UK outside Scotland, 26 December (unless it is a Sunday) has been a bank holiday since 1871.

France’s Public Holidays Explained - Bastille Day, Assumption Day and more

What countries have a holiday on December 26th?

Catholics know the day as St. Stephen's Day. Ireland celebrates Boxing Day along with the Day of the Wren. Also, December 26th is considered Second Christmas in Germany, Poland, Netherlands, and Scandinavia.

Is 26 Boxing Day a public holiday?

Our National Public Holidays are New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Which countries celebrate Christmas on the 26th?

In parts of Europe, such as Catalonia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Romania, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, and the Republic of Ireland, 26 December is Saint Stephen's Day, which is considered the second day of Christmas.

Is it a French bank holiday today?

Today – 17 January 2026 – is not a holiday in France.

Is 25 and 26 December a bank holiday?

Christmas holidays and closures

The one time of year when London feels quiet is on Christmas Day (25 December) and Boxing Day (26 December). Public transport does not operate on Christmas Day and has a reduced service on Boxing Day and the Christmas bank holidays.

Is 26th December a holiday in France?

Some Christians attend special church services to honor St Stephen's life. Many people have a day off work in the Alsace-Moselle region of France. They may spend the day with family members and close friends or take trips to areas of France. December 26 is a normal working day in other parts of France.

Is everything closed on Christmas Day in France?

Almost everything closes on Christmas Day although some restaurants will remain open (particularly in hotels) but try to make a reservation well in advance if you wish to eat out. Christmas is a time for enjoying good food with a long dinner on Christmas Eve known as Le Réveillon being a tradition in many households.

What day is everything closed in France?

Sunday and public holidays are the usual closing days, although there are some exceptions ... During the week, department stores all have one late-night opening day, known as a 'nocturne', until 9pm. Supermarkets are open at different times depending on the neighbourhood, every day except Sunday, until 8, 9 or 10pm.

What is the most Christmassy town in France?

Strasbourg – Alsace

Dating back to 1570, the legendary market sweeps across the entire Old Town in a glow of lights and garlands with the majestic Christmas tree on Place Kléber standing as the city's seasonal centerpiece. For many, Strasbourg is more than just a market – it's a holiday pilgrimage.

What do French people do on Boxing Day?

In France, the day after Christmas is not celebrated as Boxing Day. Instead, December 26th is just another day in the festive season that follows Christmas.

What national day is it today in France?

July 14 – Fête National – Bastille Day

A national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution in 1789.

Why does no one in France work in August?

The long-standing tradition of closing up shop in August began in the early 20th century when France introduced paid vacation leave for all workers in 1936.

What are the most beautiful villages in France?

France's Most Beautiful Towns And Villages

• Domme, Dordogne. ...
• Honfleur, Normandy. ...
• Ploumanac'h, Brittany. ...
• Chartres, Loire Valley. ...
• St-Guilhem-le-Désert, Languedoc. ...
• Fourcés, Midi-Pyrénées. ...
• St-Tropez, Côte d'Azur. ...
• Grasse, French Riviera.

Is December 26th a holiday?

President Donald Trump's recent executive order has turned the post-Christmas slump into an official extension of the holiday season, designating Friday, Dec. 26, as a federal holiday.

Does Muslims celebrate Christmas?

Muslims don't celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday but we absolutely honor the story at the heart of it. In fact, Mariam or Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most honored women in Islam. An entire chapter of the Quran is named after her.

Is 26 December a holiday in Europe?

December 26 is a public holiday across much of Europe. Known variously as St. Stephen's Day, Boxing Day, or the Second Day of Christmas, it reflects different religious and cultural traditions across the continent.

Is 26 Boxing Day a holiday?

It is a “general holiday” for employees in federally regulated workplaces under federal labour standards, which is why banks, telecom, airlines, and other federally regulated sectors often treat it like a statutory day off. Ontario also lists Boxing Day as a public holiday under its employment standards rules.

Is 25 and 26 December a public holiday?

UK bank holidays between 2025 and 2026

There are two remaining bank holiday dates in 2025: 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day. 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day.

Which country has the most public holidays?

10 countries with the most public holidays; India ranks no. 1

• 1/10. India (42 public holidays) ...
• 2/10. Nepal (35 public holidays) ...
• 3/10. Iran (26 public holidays) ...
• 4/10. Myanmar (26 public holidays) ...
• 5/10. Sri lanka (25 public holidays) ...
• 6/10. Malaysia (24 public holidays) ...
• 7/10. Fiji (23 public holidays) ...
• 8/10.