There are different types of holidays worldwide, some giving you a day off while others do not. Here, we explain the differences between various types of holidays. For example, when is a holiday considered a Public Holiday, and when is it a Bank Holiday?
Contents
- 1. Public Holiday
- 2. National Holiday
- 3. Legal Holiday
- 4. Bank Holiday
- 5. Other Holiday Types
- 6. Comparison Table
- 7. Can holidays fall into multiple categories?
- 8. Key Takeaways
1. Public holiday
A public holiday is a day officially recognized by the government. It often leads to the closing of businesses, schools, and government offices. Employees may receive a day off or extra pay if required to work. Public holidays can be religious or secular.
Examples
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Labour Day (May 1)
2. National holiday
A national holiday celebrates a country’s history, independence, or cultural identity. It often marks significant events such as independence days or revolutions.
Examples
- Independence Day (July 4, USA)
- Bastille Day (July 14, France)
- King’s Day (April 27, Netherlands)
What is the difference between National and Public Holidays?
- A public holiday can be set at the national or regional level and applies to various sectors.
- A national holiday celebrates the country’s identity explicitly but may not be a public holiday for all sectors.
3. Legal holiday
A Legal Holiday is a holiday that is officially recognized by law. It may require government offices, banks, or businesses to close, but this is not always the case. Unlike Public Holidays, a Legal Holiday does not necessarily mean a mandatory day off for all workers. Instead, it may come with specific labor regulations, such as extra pay for employees working that day or designated time off for specific sectors (e.g., government employees).
Examples
- Inauguration Day (January 20, USA)
- Columbus Day (Second Monday of October, USA)
- Good Friday
4. Bank holiday
A bank holiday is a day when financial institutions close. Other businesses may or may not follow.
In the United Kingdom & Ireland, banks and many government offices, schools, and companies are closed. In India and some Asian countries, banks, financial markets, and government services often shut down. In the U.S., “Federal Reserve Bank Holidays” exist, during which only banks and financial markets close. Government agencies, stores, and other businesses often remain open. In short, during a bank holiday, banks close, but in many countries, government institutions and other sectors also shut down. This varies from country to country.
Examples
- Boxing Day (December 26, UK)
- May Day Bank Holiday (First Monday in May, UK)
- Labour Day Bank Holiday (First Monday in October, Australia)
5. Other holiday types
🔹 Federal Holiday
A federal holiday applies to government offices and institutions but may not always be a public holiday for private businesses.
🔹 Regional/State Holiday
A regional or state holiday is observed only in specific parts of a country.
🔹 Religious Holiday
A religious holiday is based on religious beliefs and may or may not be an official public holiday.
🔹 Observance Day
An observance day commemorates an event or person but does not grant an official day off.
6. Comparison table
| Holiday Type | Government Recognized? | Public Closures? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Holiday | Yes | Yes | Christmas |
| National Holiday | Yes | Sometimes | Independence Day |
| Legal Holiday | Yes | Some sectors | Thanksgiving |
| Bank Holiday | Yes | Banks closed, sometimes more | Boxing Day |
| Federal Holiday | Yes | Federal offices closed | Labor Day (USA) |
| Regional Holiday | Yes | Varies by region | Oktoberfest (Germany) |
| Religious Holiday | Varies | Varies by country | Diwali |
| Observance Day | Sometimes | No mandatory closures | Veterans Day |
7. Can holidays fall into multiple categories?
Yes, some holidays can fall into multiple categories, depending on the country and how they are celebrated. This is because holidays can have different meanings and purposes. Below, we explain how a holiday can belong to multiple categories.
- A holiday can be both a National Holiday and a Public Holiday.
- A holiday can be both a Religious Holiday and a Public Holiday.
- A Public Holiday can also be a Bank Holiday, but not always.
- An Observance Day can be officially recognized but not be a Public Holiday.
| Holiday | National Holiday | Public Holiday | Religious Holiday | Bank Holiday | Observance Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bastille Day (France) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Christmas Day (USA, Europe) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Boxing Day (UK) | ❌ No | ❌ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Veterans Day (USA) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Anzac Day (Australia) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| King’s Day (Netherlands) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Songkran (Thailand) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
8. Key takeaways
Each country distinguishes between different types of holidays, but their meanings can vary between nations.
✔ Public holidays involve widespread closures and government recognition.
✔ National holidays celebrate country-specific historical events.
✔ Legal holidays are designated by law and may apply to specific sectors.
✔ Bank holidays primarily affect financial institutions but may impact other businesses.
✔ Other holiday types (federal, regional, religious, observance) vary by country and law.
