Bahamas Public Holidays
Bahamas observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Bahamas observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Bahamas by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Bahamas.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2 | Friday | New Year's Day |
| Jan 12 | Monday | Majority Rule Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Perry Christie Day |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| Jul 10 | Friday | Independence Day |
| Aug 7 | Friday | Emancipation Day |
| Oct 12 | Monday | National Heroes' Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | St. Stephen's Day |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in the Bahamas
This guide provides an overview of public holidays observed in the Bahamas. Holidays are typically celebrated on fixed dates, though some may fall on weekends and be observed on an adjacent weekday. For a comprehensive list of holidays and their observance dates, please refer to the full holiday calendar for the Bahamas. You can learn more about the definition of a public holiday on our public holidays page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, the Bahamas will observe a number of public holidays. These include significant national celebrations and religious observances. For a complete listing of all holidays in 2026, please visit the Bahamas public holidays in 2026 page.
- New Year's Day — 2 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Majority Rule Day — 12 January 2026. Commemorates the day in 1967 when the Progressive Liberal Party won the general election.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Easter Monday — 6 April 2026. A Christian holiday celebrated the day after Easter Sunday.
- Independence Day — 10 July 2026. Celebrates the Bahamas' independence from the United Kingdom in 1973.
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026. A major Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Planning around holidays
Public holidays in the Bahamas often cluster around specific times of the year, particularly in spring and summer. Some holidays, like Good Friday and Easter Monday, are linked to the lunar calendar and thus vary annually. Other holidays, such as Independence Day and National Heroes' Day, are fixed dates. Planning travel or business operations around these dates can help you take advantage of potential long weekends or avoid closures.
- Spring: Several holidays, including Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Whit Monday, fall within the spring months, offering opportunities for mid-year breaks.
- Summer: Independence Day and Emancipation Day are celebrated in the summer, providing significant national observances.
- Fixed Dates: Holidays like New Year's Day, Majority Rule Day, National Heroes' Day, Christmas Day, and St. Stephen's Day occur on the same date each year.
- Weekend Observance: When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it may be observed on the preceding Friday or following Monday, though this can vary. Always check the specific year for observance details.
Plan Your Year Around BS Holidays
View Bahamas holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.