Switzerland's most generous canton gives workers 15 paid public holidays. Plan your year with our complete calendar, bridge day strategies, and cultural insights.
While Zurich residents get 9 holidays and Geneva workers enjoy 10, Ticino's Catholic heritage means extra days off for feast days like Corpus Christi, Saints Peter & Paul, and the Immaculate Conception.
All dates verified against the official Republic and Canton of Ticino government source.
| Date | Day | Holiday (EN) | Italian Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Capodanno | Most shops closed |
| Jan 6 | Tuesday | Epiphany | Epifania | Three Kings Day |
| Mar 19 | Thursday | St Joseph's Day | San Giuseppe | Also Father's Day in Ticino |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday | Lunedì di Pasqua | Spring hiking season |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | Festa del Lavoro | Union events in cities |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day | Ascensione | Prime bridge day opportunity |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday | Lunedì di Pentecoste | Pentecost Monday |
| Jun 4 | Thursday | Corpus Christi | Corpus Domini | Parish processions |
| Jun 29 | Monday | Saints Peter & Paul | Santi Pietro e Paolo | Unique to Ticino |
| Aug 1 | Saturday | Swiss National Day | Festa Nazionale | Falls on weekend in 2026 |
| Aug 15 | Saturday | Assumption | Assunzione | Falls on weekend in 2026 |
| Nov 1 | Sunday | All Saints' Day | Ognissanti | Falls on weekend in 2026 |
| Dec 8 | Tuesday | Immaculate Conception | Immacolata | Christmas markets open |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Natale | Family celebrations |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | St Stephen's Day | Santo Stefano | Boxing Day |
Important: Switzerland doesn't shift holidays to Monday when they fall on weekends. In 2026, four holidays (August 1, August 15, November 1, and December 26) land on Saturday or Sunday.
Planning your business year? Here's what you need to know.
Turn a few PTO days into extended breaks with these proven strategies.
Take off March 30 to April 3 (4 vacation days) and combine with Easter Monday (April 6).
The golden opportunity of 2026 with three holidays close together.
Christmas falls on Friday, December 25. Perfect timing for an extended winter break.
Ticino's generous calendar reflects its Catholic heritage with unique feast days.
| Canton | Ticino | Valais | Geneva | Zurich |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Holidays | 15 | |||
| St Joseph's Day | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Corpus Christi | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Saints Peter & Paul | ✓ Unique! | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Good Friday | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Moving from another canton? You might miss these days off.
This surprises many newcomers. Good Friday is a public holiday in 24 cantons—all except Ticino and Valais. The cantonal parliament debated adding it but rejected the proposal. Most banks and some businesses still close or reduce hours.
Popular in German-speaking cantons like Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne. Not observed in Ticino—pack your bags for work on January 2nd.
Banks may close on additional days beyond official public holidays. Always confirm with your bank for specific branch hours, especially around Easter and Christmas.
Many banks closed (San Bertoldo)
Reduced hours common
Early closing expected
Early closing expected
From fireworks over lakes to traditional King's Cake, here's your insider guide to Ticino's holiday traditions.
Celebrate in Lugano's Piazza della Riforma or Locarno's lakefront with concerts and fireworks.
Bakeries sell "Torta dei Re" with a hidden figurine—find it and wear the paper crown!
Also Father's Day in Ticino, following Italian tradition rather than the June date.
Perfect for hiking in Verzasca Valley or picnics by Lago Maggiore.
Fireworks over lakes, bonfires on hillsides, official speeches, and family barbecues.
Christmas markets reach full swing. Lugano's lakefront transforms with decorated chalets.
Public holidays mean Sunday-level closures. Stock up on groceries the day before. Tourist areas like Lugano's Via Nassa or Locarno's old town may have limited openings, but don't count on it.
SBB trains and regional buses run holiday schedules. Check the SBB app before traveling—service frequency drops significantly on major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and August 1.
Many close for holidays, especially family-run grotti. Book ahead for Christmas, Easter, and August 1 if you want a nice meal out.
Northern Italy shares some holidays (Epiphany, Assumption, All Saints, Immaculate Conception) but not others. If you're heading to Como or Milan, verify Italian dates separately.
Fifteen—the highest count of any Swiss canton, thanks to its Catholic heritage and unique feast days.
No. Ticino and Valais are the only cantons where Good Friday is a regular working day. Many businesses close early anyway.
No. Switzerland doesn't use this system. Four holidays fall on weekends in 2026 (August 1, August 15, November 1, December 26).
Ticino has 6 more holidays than Zurich (15 vs 9), mainly Catholic feast days like Corpus Christi, Saints Peter & Paul, and the Immaculate Conception.
March 19, St Joseph's Day—following the Italian tradition. German-speaking Switzerland celebrates in June.
Generally no. Expect Sunday-style closures. Some tourist areas have limited openings, but plan groceries ahead.
Save this page and sync these dates to your calendar. Whether you're planning lakeside escapes, mountain hikes, or simply enjoying Ticino's dolce vita, knowing when the canton shuts down helps you make the most of every holiday.
Most in Switzerland
May offers 16 days off
Check employer policy
Unlike most cantons
Magic Heidi
CHF 500
Jan 29
Webbiger LTD
CHF 2000
Jan 24
John Doe
CHF 600
Jan 20
Need to manage expenses or payroll around these holidays? Magic Heidi automatically accounts for cantonal holidays in Switzerland.