The second largest country in the world and the largest country in the North American continent, Canada is divided into several provinces and territories. The country is home to some of the most diverse and dramatic landscapes and geographical conditions. Moreover, the city has some of the most interesting cities and cultures you have ever seen. Public holidays in Canada reflect the nation’s cultural diversity. The best part is that there is something to do in Canada during all seasons, be it the warm summer or the snowy winter. If you are planning a holiday in Canada, knowing about the dates of these holidays would be helpful.
Canada’s Public Holidays for the Year 2025
1. New Year’ Day: January 01′ 2025
The New Year in Canada begins with a public holiday. While January 1st is a holiday for most people in the country, 31st December is a working day. Still, New Year parties begin on the 31st night. People celebrate the New Year at their homes or at bars and nightclubs. There are music concerts, fireworks and other such celebrations on New Year’s Eve, in major cities of Canada. The parties go on till wee hours of January 1. The New Year’s Eve fireworks in Canada are something you should not miss. Celebrations for New Year’s Day, which include fireworks, parties, and outdoor activities around the nation, mark the beginning of January events in Canada. Most people rest on New Year’s Day to recover from the revelry of the previous night. On the other hand, there are people who take this opportunity to enjoy the snow by taking part in winter activities.
2. St. Patrick’s Day: March 17′ 2025
March 17, 2025, is St. Patrick’s Day, a time for colourful celebrations across Canada. Canada March events come alive with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, featuring parades, green-themed parties, and Irish cultural festivities. Major cities like Toronto and Montreal hold exciting parades, Irish music, and dance events. Despite being mostly Irish in origin, the day has evolved into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture, with Canadians dressing in green and taking part in activities such as community festivals, concerts, and pub crawls. Green lighting surrounds many local sites, spreading a joyous mood throughout the country.
3. Good Friday: April 18′ 2025
Good Friday is a solemn occasion for the Christian community worldwide. Christians in Canada commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. On this day, Christians in Canada attend mass at church and spend the day in a sombre manner through quiet prayer. While some go on a fast, others avoid meat and alcohol on this particular day. On the other hand, Canadians who are not Christians consider the Good Friday holiday as a long weekend and go on a short holiday with family and friends. Good Friday is a public holiday for all provinces and territories of Canada, except Quebec. Schools, public offices, stores, etc. in Quebec may or may not be open on Good Friday.
4. Easter Sunday and Easter Monday: April 20, 2025 and April 21, 2025
While Good Friday is an occasion for grieving, Easter is a day of celebration, which venerates the day Jesus was resurrected. For Christians in Canada, Easter begins with going to the church followed by elaborate lunch with family and friends. Easter egg hunts, Easter egg decorations, Easter craft contests, etc.are a few of the interesting activities to participate on Easter Sunday. The celebrations of Easter continue until the next day, and most provinces and territories of Canada enjoy a holiday on Easter Monday. It is the day to relax, eat the remaining Easter eggs and have a good time. Enjoy March and April events that bring communities together for springtime festivities and outdoor activities.
5. Victoria Day: May 19′ 2025
May events in Canada are marked by Victoria Day, where parades, fireworks, and long weekend getaways celebrate the start of summer. Canadians celebrate Victoria Day on the Monday before May 25. In 2025, Victoria Day falls on May 19th, and this day is celebrated in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday. The day is celebrated as National Patriots Day in Quebec. On Victoria Day, you would get to see some fabulous fireworks in most cities, especially Victoria in British Columbia, which is a city named after the renowned Queen. Notable parades are also something that one should not miss in Canada on Victoria Day. Apart from the celebrations, Victoria Day marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring or summer season. Several summer attractions reopen during the Victoria Day weekend in Canada.
6. Canada Day: July 1′ 2025
Canada Day, previously known as Dominion Day, was the day when the country became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain, on July 1′ 1987. It is a statutory holiday for the entire country. Canada in July is the best month to visit Canada. If July 1 falls on a Sunday, most provinces declare a public holiday on July 2. Municipal governments of most cities and towns in Canada mark this occasion with amazing celebrations by arranging parades, pancake breakfasts, firework displays, concerts, carnivals, citizenship ceremonies, etc. If you want to be a part of the most amazing celebrations, the capital city of Ottawa is a place to visit on this day.
7. Labour Day: September 1′ 2025
Celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labour Day in Canada in September is a day for campaigning and celebrating equal rights for workers. In 2025, Labour Day falls on September 1. On this day, trade unions organize parades and picnics throughout the country. Also, as it is a part of a long weekend, many Canadians go on a holiday, especially to their summer cottages, where they can enjoy fairs, picnics, fireworks and festivals with their families and friends. For most students, it is the last day to party before the beginning of the new academic year.
8. Thanksgiving Day: October 14′ 2025
Canada celebrates Thanksgiving Day on the second Monday of October, and it would be on October 14 2025. You can enjoy this festival with Canadians if you are visiting Canada in October. It is the day when people thank for a good year of harvest and all the other blessings. It is a holiday that is celebrated with family. Family reunions are quite the norm on Canada’s Thanksgiving Day. Elaborate feasts with dishes including roast turkey, pecan nuts, pumpkin and corn ears, etc. can be commonly seen on this day. Apart from this, people enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, etc. as Thanksgiving is the last holiday before winter sets in. Moreover, the beauty of the Canadian fall attracts everyone to spend more time outdoors during the Thanksgiving weekend.
9. Remembrance Day: November 11′ 2025
This is one of the most important events that you will get to see if you visit Canada in November. November 11 is officially observed as Remembrance Day in Canada, a day in the memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during wars. Red poppies are the main symbol for Remembrance Day. People wear artificial poppies on their clothes weeks before November 11. On Remembrance Day, special church services happen throughout the country. Wreaths and poppies are laid at every grave at war memorials. While it is a statutory holiday in Canada, not all provinces have a holiday on this day. Schools that stay open on this day hold special lessons, presentations and assemblies on armed conflicts for the students.
10. Christmas Day: December 25′ 2025
Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in Canada. World over, this is a festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For Canadians, Christmas is a family affair celebrated with delicious food, get-togethers and exchange of gifts. Canadian Christians attend special church services on Christmas Day and even on Christmas Eve. Consumption of large quantities of food is a part of the Christmas tradition for many. Lunch or dinner comprises large meals that include roast turkey, potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetables and gravy. Pumpkin pie or Christmas pudding makes for the dessert. Overall, the Christmas vacation experience in Canada is a time to make merry, spanning a festive period filled with joy and celebrations.
11. Bing Day: December 26′ 2025
The day after Christmas, i.e. Boxing Day is a statutory holiday for most people in Canada. The tradition of Boxing Day goes to the olden times, when the servants of the household would get a holiday and a gift box on the day after Christmas. Boxing Day is a day to relax after all the festivities of the previous day. It is also a great time to shop, as most retail stores host Boxing Week sales, starting December 26 until New Year’s Eve. Another popular thing to do on Boxing Day, among Canadians, is to watch important sporting events like ice hockey championships on television.
12. Family Day: Feb 17’ 2025
Family Day is one of the interesting February events in Canada. It is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year. However, this public holiday is restricted to only five provinces of Canada. This day is celebrated in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Most educational institutions and offices remain closed on this day. The day is dedicated to families, and it is a heartwarming holiday where families come together to spend quality time with each other. Exploring art exhibitions, enjoying ice skating on outdoor rinks, indulging in art activities, watching movies, playing board games, etc., are some of the things done on this day. It is common for families and communities to come together and enjoy a meal on this day.
Apart from these 12 days, certain territories and provinces of Canada have extra holidays for some special occasions. Make sure to check the calendars of these places if you plan to visit them. Remember that several attractions and stores in Canada remain closed on statutory or public holidays. There are many things you should know before you travel. As you prepare for your holiday, discover the essence of Canadian celebrations. Familiarize yourself with festive traditions for a richer, more immersive travel experience.
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