Back to country calendar
Public Holiday Regional: CH-SZ-SZ-SZ

St Martin's Day

November 2026
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293012345
Holiday selected

🏪 What's open

  • Banks Closed
  • Government offices Closed
  • Schools Closed
  • Shops Mostly closed
  • Restaurants Mostly closed
  • Public transit Reduced
  • Stock market Closed
  • Post office Closed

📣 Traveler notes

Switzerland is known for its high standard of living, neutrality, and impressive organizational structure. Visitors should prepare for an orderly and respectful environment.

  • Public holidays are regulated at the cantonal level and may vary.
  • The primary observed holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Ascension Day.
  • Swiss punctuality is a matter of cultural importance; aim to be precisely on time for appointments.
  • Respect for designated quiet hours and rules is expected in accommodations and public spaces.
  • Swiss services and infrastructure operate with a high degree of precision and order.
  • When interacting, a formal approach is generally preferred unless explicitly invited otherwise.
  • The Swiss highly value cleanliness, organization, punctuality, and privacy. Always ask for permission before taking photos or recording videos of people. Be mindful of local noise restrictions, particularly on Sundays or at night. When making requests, use polite circumlocution. Learning basic phrases in the local language (German, French, or Italian) is appreciated.

About this holiday

St Martin's Day (Martinmas) is the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours, celebrated on November 11th. Historically, it was an important festival in parts of Europe, particularly Germanic regions. Traditions included feasting on 'Martinmas goose' or 'Martinmas beef', drinking the season's first wine, and mumming. Specific regional traditions involve processions of children with lanterns (Laternelaufen) or the lighting of bonfires.