Second Christmas Day 2025 in Belgium

Second Christmas Day, observed on December 26, is a bank holiday in Belgium, though not an official public holiday. While most businesses and schools remain open, some people take the opportunity to continue festive gatherings or enjoy a relaxing day after Christmas celebrations.

Second Christmas Day: A Public Holiday?

Second Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Belgium, though it is observed as a bank holiday. Businesses, offices, and schools follow regular opening hours.

Second Christmas Day

Second Christmas Day, observed on December 26, has historical roots in European traditions, particularly in neighboring countries like the Netherlands and Germany, where it is widely celebrated. The day originated as an extension of Christmas festivities, allowing people more time to spend with family and engage in charitable acts. While Belgium does not officially recognize it as a public holiday, it remains a bank holiday, meaning financial institutions close, though most businesses and schools continue their regular schedules. Historically, this day was associated with religious observances, communal gatherings, and acts of kindness toward the less fortunate. Over time, its significance in Belgium has diminished, but some families still use the day to relax, visit relatives, or continue the Christmas celebrations. While not as widely observed as Christmas Day, Second Christmas Day remains a quieter, informal extension of the festive season in Belgium.

Observance of the Second Christmas Day in Belgium

Second Christmas Day in Belgium is a more relaxed continuation of the holiday season. Unlike in other European countries where it is a major celebration, in Belgium, it is observed in a more subtle way. Some families take this opportunity to visit extended relatives they may not have seen on Christmas Day. Others enjoy a quiet day at home, watching movies, going for winter walks, or indulging in leftover festive meals. Restaurants and cafes in larger cities often remain open, catering to those who prefer to dine out after the Christmas rush. Since December 26 is a bank holiday, financial institutions remain closed, but it is a regular working day for most people.

Although there are no grand public festivities, some regions may have small events or gatherings that carry the festive spirit beyond Christmas Day. Some people take short trips or visit Christmas markets that are still open, enjoying the holiday atmosphere before the New Year celebrations begin. Retail stores often launch post-Christmas sales, attracting shoppers looking for discounts. For those working on December 26, it is simply a normal day, though the festive mood lingers.

While Second Christmas Day does not hold strong cultural or religious importance in Belgium, it still serves as a transition from the main Christmas celebrations to the New Year. It offers an additional opportunity for rest, socializing, and reflecting on the holiday season. Whether spent with family, shopping, or simply unwinding, it allows people to extend the warmth and joy of Christmas just a little longer.

Second Christmas Day Observances