Public Holidays in Zurich
In the Canton of Zurich, there are eleven public holidays every year. These are treated like Sundays, with no work or school, and include January 2, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, the Swiss National Day on August 1, and the Christmas holidays.
Two of the city’s traditional events are also celebrated: Sechseläuten in the spring and Knabenschiessen (youth's shooting competition) in the fall. On these two days, people in the city of Zurich usually only work in the morning, as the afternoon is reserved for the festivities.
The Feast of Corpus Christi is not a public holiday in the Canton of Zurich, so it is a normal working day.
Overview of Public Holidays in Zurich 2026
Public Holiday | 2026 |
New Year’s Day* | Thursday, January 1, 2026 |
Berchtold’s Day* | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
Good Friday* | Friday, April 3, 2026 |
Easter Monday* | Monday, April 6, 2026 |
Sechseläuten (afternoon only) | Monday, April 20, 2026 |
International Workers’ Day* | Friday, May 1, 2026 |
Ascension Day | Thursday, May 14, 2026 |
Whit Monday* | Monday, May 25, 2026 |
Swiss National Day | Saturday, August 1, 2026 |
Knabenschiessen (afternoon only) | Monday, September 14, 2026 |
Christmas Eve (afternoon only) | Thursday, December 24, 2026 |
Christmas Day* | Friday, December 25, 2026 |
St. Stephen’s Day* | Saturday, December 26, 2026 |
New Year’s Eve** | Thursday, December 31, 2026 |
*Legally recognized public holidays in the Canton of Zurich.
**Most businesses in Zurich are open on New Year’s Eve but usually shut between 4 PM and 6 PM.
Overview of Public Holidays in Zurich 2027
Public Holiday | 2027 |
New Year’s Day* | Friday, January 1, 2027 |
Berchtold’s Day* | Saturday, January 2, 2027 |
Good Friday* | Friday, March 26, 2027 |
Easter Monday* | Monday, March 29, 2027 |
Sechseläuten (afternoon only) | Monday, April 19, 2027 |
International Workers’ Day* | Saturday, May 1, 2027 |
Ascension Day | Thursday, May 6, 2027 |
Whit Monday* | Monday, May 17, 2027 |
Swiss National Day | Sunday, August 1, 2027 |
Knabenschiessen (afternoon only) | Monday, September 13, 2027 |
Christmas Eve (afternoon only) | Friday, December 24, 2027 |
Christmas Day* | Saturday, December 25, 2027 |
St. Stephen’s Day* | Sunday, December 26, 2027 |
New Year’s Eve** | Friday, December 31, 2027 |
*Legally recognized public holidays in the Canton of Zurich.
**Most businesses in Zurich are open on New Year’s Eve but usually shut between 4 PM and 6 PM.
Opening Times on Public Holidays
Shops, schools, and administrative departments are closed on most public holidays in Zurich. Restaurants, museums, and some retail businesses at railway stations generally remain open, often with different opening hours than usual. It is therefore a good idea to check these before visiting. On December 24 and 31, most stores close between 4 PM and 6 PM.
Inspiration for Public Holidays in Zurich
Other Stories You Might Like
Multifaceted Zurich
