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Vaud Canton Guide

Public Holidays in Vaud (VD) 2026: Your Complete Guide

Planning your year in Vaud? Switzerland's cantonal system means your holidays depend on where you live—and Vaud has its own unique calendar that differs from Geneva, Zurich, and other cantons.

Switzerland Landscape

This guide covers all 11 public holidays in Vaud for 2026, including the canton-specific days you won't find elsewhere in Switzerland. Whether you're scheduling time off, planning events, or just curious about local traditions, here's everything you need to know.

Complete List of Vaud Public Holidays 2026

DateDayHoliday Name
January 1ThursdayNew Year's Day
January 2FridayBerchtold's Day
April 3FridayGood Friday
April 6MondayEaster Monday
May 14ThursdayAscension Day
May 25MondayWhit Monday
August 1SaturdaySwiss National Day
September 21MondayFederal Fast Monday (Lundi du Jeûne)
December 25FridayChristmas Day

Total: 9 paid public holidays (Note: August 1 falls on a Saturday in 2026)

Canton Differences

What Makes Vaud's Holidays Different

Not all Swiss cantons celebrate the same days. Vaud observes two holidays that set it apart from much of Switzerland.

Berchtold's Day (Jan 2)

Extended New Year break—while most of Switzerland returns to work, Vaud enjoys a second day off.

Federal Fast Monday (Sep 21)

Uniquely French-Swiss holiday observed only in Vaud, Neuchâtel, and Bernese Jura.

No St. Stephen's Day

Unlike most cantons, Vaud works on December 26. This surprises newcomers from Zurich or Basel.

No Epiphany

Catholic cantons celebrate January 6. Protestant Vaud does not—you got Berchtold's instead.

Berchtold's Day (January 2)

While most of the world returns to work on January 2, Vaud residents enjoy a second day off. This Protestant tradition gives you an extended New Year break.

What it means for you:

  • Offices, banks, and most shops remain closed
  • Public transport runs on Sunday schedules
  • Kids traditionally celebrate with neighborhood gatherings and folk dancing

The name comes from the old German verb "berchten"—meaning to walk around asking for food. Today, it's simply a cherished day to recover from New Year celebrations.

Who else celebrates: Berchtold's Day is also observed in Zurich, Bern (some districts), Schaffhausen, and parts of central Switzerland. But Geneva, Valais, and Ticino go back to work.

Federal Fast Monday (Lundi du Jeûne)

On September 21, 2026, Vaud observes Federal Fast Monday—a uniquely French-Swiss holiday.

This Monday follows the third Sunday in September (Federal Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer). While the Sunday is recognized nationwide, only three cantons give workers the following Monday off: Vaud, Neuchâtel, and the Bernese Jura.

Historical context: This holiday has Protestant roots, dating back centuries as a day of repentance and reflection. Today, it's simply a welcome late-summer break.

For visitors: Expect shops and services to be closed. Many residents use this long weekend for end-of-summer trips to the mountains or lakes.

Understanding Switzerland's Cantonal Holiday System

Switzerland's 26 cantons each set their own public holidays—with one exception. Only August 1 (Swiss National Day) is mandated nationwide. Everything else is decided at the cantonal level.

💼 Employee Rights Protected
📅 9 Holidays in Vaud
✅ Exceeds Minimum
🔒 Legally Binding
🇨🇭
Federal Rule

Only Swiss National Day is mandatory nationwide

📋
Cantonal Freedom

Each canton designates up to 8 additional holidays

⚖️
Legal Minimum

At least 8 paid public holidays per year required

🗺️
Cross-Canton Differences

Your colleague in Geneva might work when you don't

Your Rights

Your Rights as an Employee in Vaud

Understanding your entitlements ensures you get what you're legally owed.

Paid Time Off

All Public Holidays Are Paid Days Off

Your employer cannot deduct these from your vacation allowance. Part-time workers receive proportional compensation.

  • If a public holiday falls on your working day, you get paid without working
  • Part-time workers receive proportional compensation
  • These days don't count toward your minimum 4 weeks annual vacation
  • Public holidays are separate from vacation entitlement
Paid Time Off
Working on Holidays

When You Must Work on Public Holidays

Some industries—hospitality, healthcare, transport—operate on public holidays. You have rights.

  • Compensatory time off (usually within 14 days)
  • OR overtime pay at 150% of regular rate
  • Public holidays treated as Sundays legally
  • Employment contract may provide better terms
Working on Holidays
Weekend Holidays

When Holidays Fall on Weekends

Switzerland doesn't move public holidays to Mondays if they fall on weekends. In 2026, August 1 falls on Saturday—no substitute day.

  • No substitute days for weekend holidays
  • This is standard Swiss practice
  • Plan accordingly for August 1, 2026
  • Different from some other countries
Weekend Holidays

Smart Planning: Long Weekends in 2026

Strategic use of bridge days can extend your holidays significantly.

Easter Weekend (April 3-6)

Good Friday through Easter Monday creates a 4-day weekend. No bridge day needed—perfect for spring getaways.

Ascension Strategy (May 14-17)

Ascension Thursday is May 14. Take Friday, May 15 off and you get four consecutive days. This is one of the best bridge day opportunities in 2026.

Whit Monday Extended (May 22-25)

Whit Monday falls on May 25. Take Friday, May 22 off for another 4-day weekend. Coming right after Ascension, savvy planners could take just 3 vacation days to get 10 days off between May 14-24.

Federal Fast Long Weekend (September 19-21)

The Monday holiday naturally creates a 3-day weekend. Consider taking Friday, September 18 for four days in late summer.

Christmas 2026

Christmas falls on a Friday. Combined with the weekend, you get a 3-day break without using vacation days. Note: You're back at work on December 26 (not a holiday in Vaud).

Practical Guide

What's Open and Closed

Know before you go—avoid surprises on public holidays.

Generally Closed

Banks, post offices, government offices, most shops and supermarkets, schools, many restaurants outside tourist areas.

Usually Open

Train station shops (reduced hours), gas stations, hospitals and emergency services, some city center restaurants, summer tourist attractions.

Public Transportation

Trains, buses, and metros run on Sunday/holiday schedules. Expect reduced frequency and no peak-hour services.

Pro Tip

Stock up on groceries the day before a public holiday. You won't find many options when shops are closed.

Canton Comparison

How Vaud Compares to Other Cantons

Understanding differences helps when coordinating across Switzerland.

CantonTotal HolidaysUnique Holidays
Vaud9Berchtold's Day, Federal Fast Monday
Geneva11Genevan Fast, Restoration Day
Zurich11Berchtold's Day, Sechseläuten
Bern9-10Varies by district
Ticino15Epiphany, Corpus Christi, St. Stephen's, more

Key takeaway: Catholic cantons (Ticino, Valais, Lucerne) typically have more holidays due to religious observances. Protestant cantons like Vaud have fewer but different ones.

Cultural Traditions in Vaud

New Year & Berchtold's Day

The extended New Year break is deeply valued. Many Vaudois head to mountain chalets or take advantage of ski season. Restaurants may require reservations well in advance.

Easter Monday

Families often gather for brunches or outdoor activities if weather permits. The Monday extends the celebration, allowing time with both sides of the family over the 4-day weekend.

Federal Fast Monday

Historically a solemn day, it's now treated as a secular long weekend. Lake Geneva towns may see increased tourism, and hiking trails in the Jura are popular destinations.

Swiss National Day (August 1)

Even though it falls on a Saturday in 2026, expect fireworks displays around Lake Geneva, mountain bonfires, and community celebrations. Lausanne's waterfront hosts major festivities.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vacation days do I get in Switzerland?

By law, employees get at least 4 weeks (20 days) of paid vacation per year. Workers under 20 get 5 weeks (25 days). Public holidays are separate and don't count toward this.

What if a public holiday falls during my scheduled vacation?

That day doesn't count as vacation. You get it back. If Easter Monday is within your vacation week, you're only charged for 4 vacation days, not 5.

Can my employer make me work on Lundi du Jeûne?

Only if your role requires it (essential services, hospitality, etc.) and you receive proper compensation (time off in lieu or overtime pay).

Are shops in Lausanne open on public holidays?

Most are closed. Exceptions include some shops at Lausanne train station and gas station convenience stores. Plan ahead.

Does Vaud have school holidays on these dates?

Public holidays and school holidays are different. Schools close for public holidays, but they also have separate winter, spring, and summer breaks that vary by commune.

Why doesn't Vaud celebrate St. Stephen's Day?

Historical reasons tied to the Protestant Reformation. Catholic cantons maintain the feast day tradition; Protestant ones generally don't.

Can I download a calendar with these dates?

Most digital calendar applications let you add Switzerland/Vaud holidays. Check your canton's official website for ICS files you can import into Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar.

For Employers

Compliance Checklist

If you employ people in Vaud, ensure you're meeting these requirements.

Provide Statutory Holidays

All 9 statutory public holidays as paid time off.

Compensate Holiday Work

Pay 150% rate OR provide compensatory time off for holiday work.

Separate from Vacation

Don't count public holidays toward vacation entitlement.

Document Policies

Include holiday policies in employment contracts and verify collective bargaining agreements.

Legal minimum: 8 paid public holidays per year (federal requirement). Vaud's 9 holidays meet this standard.

Plan Your Year in Vaud with Confidence

Understanding Vaud's public holiday calendar helps you maximize time off, coordinate with colleagues across Switzerland, and respect local traditions.

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Key points to remember:

  • Vaud observes 9 public holidays in 2026, including unique days like Berchtold's Day and Federal Fast Monday
  • You don't get St. Stephen's Day off (unlike most Swiss cantons)
  • Public holidays are paid time off and don't count as vacation
  • Smart bridge days in May create exceptional long weekend opportunities
  • Shops and services close on public holidays—plan accordingly

Ready to optimize your HR processes for Swiss holidays? Magic Heidi helps businesses manage employee time off, track cantonal holidays, and ensure compliance with Swiss labor laws—all in one platform built specifically for Switzerland's complex employment landscape.

Whether you're a resident planning your year or an employer ensuring compliance, this guide gives you everything you need for 2026 in Vaud.