Key Public Holidays in Switzerland for 2025
Switzerland’s public holidays are influenced by its federal structure, with some holidays observed nationwide, while others are specific to certain cantons or regions. Below is an overview of the key public holidays, including both national and regional observances:
| Date | Holiday | Description | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Celebrates the start of the Gregorian calendar year. | Nationwide |
| April 6 | Easter Sunday | A Christian holiday marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. | Nationwide |
| April 7 | Easter Monday | The day after Easter Sunday, typically a day of rest. | Nationwide |
| May 1 | Labor Day | Celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement. | Nationwide |
| May 21 | Ascension Day | Celebrates Christ’s ascension into heaven. | Nationwide |
| June 9 | Whit Monday | Celebrates the Christian Pentecost, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit. | Nationwide |
| August 1 | Swiss National Day | Marks the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. | Nationwide |
| September 14 | Federal Day of Thanksgiving | A day to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the year. | Nationwide |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. | Nationwide |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | A day for charitable giving, observed in some cantons. | Nationwide |
Regional Holidays in Switzerland
Several Swiss cantons have their own regional holidays. These holidays are observed only in specific regions and may not be recognized nationwide. Below are some examples of regional holidays for 2025:
| Date | Holiday | Description | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2 | St. Berchtold’s Day | Celebrated in honor of Berchtold von Zähringen, who founded the city of Bern. | Bern |
| May 15 | Ascension Day (Grisons) | Celebrates the Christian ascension of Christ in the canton of Grisons. | Grisons |
| August 15 | Assumption Day | Celebrates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. | Vaud, Ticino |
| November 15 | St. Leopold’s Day | Honors St. Leopold, the patron saint of the canton of Aargau. | Aargau |
| December 13 | St. Lucia’s Day | Celebrated in some cantons with a traditional procession and festivities. | Uri, Ticino |
Employer Considerations for Managing Public Holidays in Switzerland
National vs. Regional Observances
Given Switzerland’s decentralized structure, some holidays are observed nationwide, while others are specific to certain cantons. It is essential for employers to differentiate between these holidays to ensure compliance and respect for cultural practices across different regions.
Managing Public Holidays with EOR/PEO Services
For businesses expanding into Switzerland, partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) or Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can simplify operations:
- Compliance Assurance: Ensure adherence to Swiss labor laws regarding holiday pay and employee entitlements.
- Payroll Management: Efficient management of holiday pay, overtime, and leave adjustments.
- Leave Tracking: Streamlined management of employee leave requests and holiday schedules.
Holiday Pay and Compliance in Switzerland
Employees in Switzerland are typically entitled to paid leave for public holidays. If employees work on these holidays, they are entitled to overtime pay, often at a higher rate:
- Paid Leave: Guaranteed for all public holidays, both national and regional.
- Overtime Rates: For work performed on public holidays, employees may be entitled to 1.5 times their normal hourly wage, depending on the contract.
- Substitute Holidays: Some cantons offer substitute holidays when a public holiday falls on a weekend.
Productivity and Holiday Planning Tips
To minimize disruptions during public holidays, consider these strategies:
- Advance Communication: Share the holiday calendar early to help employees plan ahead.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer remote work options or flexible hours around the holiday period.
- Project Management: Adjust project deadlines to accommodate holiday schedules.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland’s public holidays in 2025, both national and regional, offer important insights for businesses to align with local traditions and legal requirements. By planning ahead and respecting these observances, international employers can foster a positive work environment and ensure smooth business operations across different regions of Switzerland.