Belgium Public Holidays 2026: Dates, Long Weekends & Travel Tips

Disclaimer: Public holidays listed below are official nationwide observances. Local practices and opening hours may vary by region and city.

Belgium’s public holidays shape how the country slows down, celebrates, and travels throughout the year. From national commemorations to religious observances, these dates affect shop opening hours, transport schedules, and travel demand across Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. Understanding Belgium’s public holidays in 2026 helps travelers plan confidently and avoid unexpected disruptions.

Public Holidays 2026 in Belgium

These holidays are observed nationwide and usually come with reduced business activity.

Belgian National Holiday (21 July)

Belgian National Holiday marks the founding of modern Belgium in 1831. Celebrations are most visible in Brussels, where parades, concerts, and fireworks take over the city centre. For travelers, this is one of the liveliest days of the year, offering a festive atmosphere rather than a quiet holiday.

Public transport runs on holiday schedules, museums often remain open, and central areas become crowded by midday.

Ascension Day and Whit Monday: Belgium’s Long-Weekend Core

Ascension Day and Whit Monday are among Belgium’s most travel-relevant public holidays. These dates regularly create extended breaks, making late spring one of the busiest domestic travel periods.

• Ascension Day (Thursday, 14 May 2026) is often extended into a four-day weekend
• Whit Monday (Monday, 25 May 2026) naturally creates a long break

During these periods, trains between Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp fill quickly, and accommodation prices rise across popular destinations.

Cultural Highlights Around Public Holidays

Belgium’s public holidays are closely tied to cultural traditions, national history, and seasonal events. Traveling during these dates often reveals celebrations and customs that visitors would otherwise miss.

Carnaval de Binche (Binche Carnival)

Held before Lent, Carnaval de Binche is one of Belgium’s most iconic traditions and is recognised by UNESCO. Masked Gilles, brass bands, and ceremonial orange-throwing transform the town of Binche. Although not an official public holiday, it significantly increases travel demand in the region.

Marché de Noël Belge (Belgian Christmas Markets)

From late November through December, Belgium’s cities host festive Christmas markets. Brussels, Bruges, Liège, and Antwerp draw large crowds with lights, mulled wine, waffles, and a variety of seasonal events. Public holidays around Christmas amplify crowds, making December one of the busiest travel periods.

National Commemorations

Holidays such as Armistice Day bring ceremonies and moments of remembrance across the country. These dates provide visitors with a deeper insight into Belgium’s modern history, particularly in Flanders.

Long Weekends in Belgium 2026

Belgium’s holiday calendar naturally creates several high-demand long weekends. These periods are ideal for short trips but require advance planning.

• Labour Day (Friday, 1 May) – an instant three-day break
• Ascension Day (Thursday, 14 May) – often extended into four days
• Whit Monday (25 May) – popular for early summer travel
• Christmas Day (Friday, 25 December) – creates a festive winter weekend

Hotels and transport services are busiest during these dates, especially in historic city centres.

What’s Open on Public Holidays in Belgium

Public holidays in Belgium affect daily operations more than many visitors expect. Knowing what stays open helps avoid last-minute inconvenience.

Usually closed or limited:

• Supermarkets and shopping centres
• Banks and post offices
• Small independent retailers

Often open, especially in tourist areas:

• Restaurants and cafés
• Museums and major attractions
• Convenience stores near major train stations

Public transport operates on reduced holiday schedules, with fewer services outside major cities. Checking opening hours in advance is strongly recommended.

Seasonal Travel Guide for Belgium

Belgium’s public holidays align closely with seasonal travel patterns. Understanding this rhythm helps travelers plan around crowds and pricing.

• Spring: Easter, Ascension Day, and Whit Monday drive city breaks and short trips
• Summer: Belgian National Holiday and school holidays bring festivals and outdoor events
• Autumn: Armistice Day draws visitors to museums and memorials
• Winter: Christmas markets dominate travel demand, especially in Brussels and Bruges

Staying Connected While Traveling in Belgium

Navigating holiday schedules, transport changes, and busy city centres requires reliable mobile data. An Eskimo Belgium eSIM allows travelers to stay connected from arrival to departure without swapping SIM cards.

Unused data rolls over with each top-up, data can be shared with travel companions, and travelers trying Eskimo for the first time can explore Belgium with 500 MB of free global data before choosing a plan. Europe and Global options support seamless cross-border travel for trips beyond Belgium.

FAQs About Belgium Public Holidays 2026

How many public holidays are there in Belgium in 2026?

Belgium has 10 official nationwide public holidays in 2026, observed across the country.

Which public holidays create long weekends in Belgium?

The best long weekends form around Labour Day (1 May), Ascension Day (14 May), Whit Monday (25 May), and Christmas Day (25 December).

Is the Belgian National Holiday a good time to visit?

Yes. 21 July is one of the most lively days of the year, especially in Brussels, with events, parades, and fireworks.

Are shops and supermarkets open on public holidays?

Most shops and supermarkets close or operate with limited hours, while restaurants, museums, and tourist areas often remain open.

Do public holidays affect transport in Belgium?

Yes. Public transport runs on reduced holiday schedules, especially outside major cities.

When is the busiest holiday season in Belgium?

The busiest periods are late spring (May) due to long weekends and December during the Christmas market season.