Bank holidays 2024 in Europe
Navigating bank holidays is crucial for merchants, especially when timing transactions across borders. In 2024, several key dates in the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands can impact payment processing times. Understanding these can help ensure that your business operations run smoothly.
Bank holidays in the United Kingdom
In the UK, bank holidays are slightly different across its countries, but for all, the major ones in 2024 include:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Good Friday: March 29
- Easter Monday: April 1 (except Scotland)
- Early May Bank Holiday: May 6
- Spring Bank Holiday: May 27
- Summer Bank Holiday: August 26 (except Scotland)
- Christmas Day: December 25
- Boxing Day: December 26
You should also note additional holidays in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and on specific patron saint’s days.
Bank holidays in Italy
Italy celebrates numerous public holidays that affect all sectors, including banks:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Epiphany: January 6
- Easter Monday: April 1
- Liberation Day: April 25
- Labor Day: May 1
- Republic Day: June 2
- Assumption of Mary: August 15
- All Saints’ Day: November 1
- Immaculate Conception: December 8
- Christmas Day: December 25
- St. Stephen’s Day: December 26
Bank holidays in Germany
Germany’s bank holidays vary by state, but some are celebrated nationwide, including:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Good Friday: March 29
- Easter Monday: April 1
- Labor Day: May 1
- Ascension Day: May 9
- Whit Monday: May 20
- German Unity Day: October 3
- Christmas Day: December 25
- Boxing Day: December 26
Specific regions may have additional holidays like Corpus Christi and Reformation Day.
Bank holidays in France
France has several fixed bank holidays, and some that move according to the Easter date:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Easter Monday: April 1
- Labor Day: May 1
- Victory in Europe Day: May 8
- Ascension Day: May 9
- Whit Monday: May 20
- Bastille Day: July 14 (observed July 15)
- Assumption of Mary: August 15
- All Saints’ Day: November 1
- Armistice Day: November 11
- Christmas Day: December 25
Bank holidays in Spain
In Spain, bank holidays can be national, regional, or local. The main national dates include:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Epiphany: January 6
- Good Friday: March 29
- Labor Day: May 1
- Assumption of Mary: August 15
- Hispanic Day: October 12
- All Saints’ Day: November 1
- Constitution Day: December 6
- Immaculate Conception: December 8
- Christmas Day: December 25
Bank holidays in Netherlands
The Netherlands celebrates a mix of secular and religious holidays:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Good Friday: March 29
- Easter Monday: April 1
- King’s Day: April 27
- Liberation Day: May 5 (officially celebrated every 5 years; next in 2025)
- Ascension Day: May 9
- Whit Monday: May 20
- Christmas Day: December 25
- Boxing Day: December 26