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title: "Belgium Public Holidays 2026: Complete Calendar and Regional Differences"
description: "Belgium has 11 national public holidays, but observance varies by region. This guide covers Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels differences for 2026."
tags: ["belgium", "holidays", "travel", "culture", "europe"]
canonical_url: https://public-holidays.shop/en/blog/guide/belgium-public-holidays
Belgium is a federal state with three official languages and three regions, and its public holiday calendar reflects that complexity. While Belgium has 11 national public holidays, the way they're observed can vary between Flanders (Dutch-speaking), Wallonia (French-speaking), and the Brussels-Capital Region.
The 11 National Public Holidays (2026)
| Date | Holiday | Dutch | French |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day | Nieuwjaarsdag | Jour de l'An |
| Apr 6 | Easter Monday | Paasmaandag | Lundi de Pâques |
| May 1 | Labour Day | Dag van de Arbeid | Fête du Travail |
| May 9 | Europe Day | Europe Dag | Jour de l'Europe |
| May 14 | Ascension Day | Hemelvaart | Ascension |
| May 25 | Whit Monday | Pinkstermaandag | Lundi de Pentecôte |
| Jul 21 | National Day | Nationale Feestdag | Fête Nationale |
| Aug 15 | Assumption | Ontslapingsmaria | Assomption |
| Nov 1 | All Saints' Day | Allerheiligen | Toussaint |
| Nov 11 | Armistice Day | Wapenstilstand | Armistice |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day | Kerstmis | Noël |
Regional Variations You Should Know
Belgium's federal structure means holiday observance isn't uniform:
- Flanders: No Europe Day holiday. King's Birthday (Sun after Jun 21) is celebrated.
- Wallonia: June 2 (Liège patron day) is a regional holiday.
- Brussels: Both French and Dutch celebrations coexist.
What Changed in 2024: The King's Birthday Move
Traditionally, King's Birthday was June 21. Since 2024, it's been moved to the Sunday following June 21. For 2026, that means King's Birthday is celebrated on Sunday, June 22.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Plan around National Day (Jul 21): This is the biggest celebration. Streets are closed, firework displays are huge.
- Ascension Day creates a 4-day weekend: 2026's Ascension is May 14 (Thursday).
- Check regional calendars: Holiday observance can differ by region.
- Shop closing laws: Belgium has strict rules about shop opening hours on public holidays.
Want to compare Belgium with its neighbors? Check our Netherlands and France public holidays guides.
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