Planning a trip to Belgium in 2025? Great choice! But before you pack your bags and hit the road (or the train, or the bike—Belgium is all about the wheels), let’s talk about something that could throw a wrench in your well-laid plans: public holidays. Yes, that’s right, the days when locals take a break from work, and the shops close for a bit. These holidays are sprinkled throughout the year like chocolate on a Belgian waffle, and knowing when they are can help you avoid a frustrating encounter with a locked door—or worse, missing out on a delicious moules frites experience. So, let’s dive into the key dates and how they could affect your itinerary.
National Day: July 21
Mark your calendars for July 21! This day is all about celebrating Belgium's independence, and trust me, the locals go all out. Expect parades, fireworks, and festivities that give you a taste of Belgian pride (and maybe a few beers too). But here's the catch: many shops and attractions will close or have limited hours. If you don’t want to find yourself staring through the glass at a closed chocolate shop, plan your activities accordingly.
What should you do on National Day? Join the locals in the celebrations! Check out the parades in the capital, Brussels, or head to other cities like Antwerp or Ghent for their own festivities. Just make sure to grab your favorite Belgian beer and join in the fun. Who doesn't want to dance a little jig while holding a cold brew in hand? Ok, so maybe not everyone is coordinated enough for that, but you get the idea.
All Saints' Day: November 1
Next on the list is All Saints' Day on November 1. This day is a bit more somber than National Day. People remember loved ones who have passed, and many locals will be visiting cemeteries to pay their respects. It’s a beautiful tradition, but it also means that many shops and attractions will close for the day. If you’re itching to explore the local museums or check out that trendy café in Bruges, you might want to adjust your schedule.
But don’t fret! You can still soak in the atmosphere. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets, enjoy the fall foliage, and maybe find a cozy spot to sip hot chocolate (or a Belgian ale, no judgment here). You might even stumble upon a local market or a festive gathering. Just keep your eyes peeled and your plans flexible.
Other public holidays to keep in mind
Belgium has a few more public holidays sprinkled throughout the year that are worth noting. Here’s a quick list to keep you in the loop:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Labor Day: May 1
- Ascension Day: May 9
- Pentecost: May 19
- Assumption Day: August 15
- Armistice Day: November 11
- Christmas Day: December 25
Each of these holidays can lead to similar closures, so make sure to check your itinerary against this list. Imagine showing up at a museum only to find it closed for Labor Day—that would be a bummer. And we all know how precious time is when you're on vacation. You want to maximize your fun, not find yourself staring at a “Closed” sign.
Planning around public holidays
So how do you plan around these public holidays? Here are some tips to make your trip smoother:
- Check local calendars. Before you go, look up the public holidays in Belgium. This can save you a lot of headaches later.
- Prioritize your must-see attractions. If there’s a museum or restaurant you absolutely can’t miss, plan your visit around the public holidays to ensure it’s open.
- Embrace the local culture. If you find yourself in Belgium during a holiday, lean into it! Participate in the festivities and enjoy the local traditions.
- Be flexible. Sometimes plans change, and that's okay! Keep a backup plan or two in case your initial ideas don’t work out due to closures.
Traveling is all about the unexpected, right? Embrace those surprises, and you might just have an even better experience than you planned.
Wrapping it all up
Public holidays in Belgium don’t have to derail your travel plans. With a little awareness and some strategic planning, you can navigate these dates like a local. Just remember, the key is to stay informed, be flexible, and maybe brush up on your dance moves for National Day. You’ll want to join in the fun when the parade passes by! So get ready to indulge in waffles, chocolate, and some good old Belgian beer while enjoying the local culture, holiday festivities, and the warm smiles from friendly Belgians. Your 2025 Belgian adventure awaits, and it’s going to be amazing!
