List of important days and dates in Canada 2025, including national and international days, public holidays, festivals, cultural celebrations, and special observances.
Holidays in Canada 2025
| Date (2025) | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 (Wednesday) | New Year’s Day |
| January 6 (Monday) | Epiphany |
| February 2 (Sunday) | Groundhog Day |
| February 14 (Friday) | Valentine’s Day |
| February 17 (Monday) | Family Day |
| March 9 (Sunday) | Daylight Saving Time starts |
| March 10 (Monday) | Commonwealth Day |
| March 17 (Monday) | St. Patrick’s Day |
| April 6 (Sunday) | Tartan Day |
| April 9 (Wednesday) | Vimy Ridge Day |
| April 18 (Friday) | Good Friday |
| April 20 (Sunday) | Easter Sunday |
| April 21 (Monday) | Easter Monday |
| May 11 (Sunday) | Mother’s Day |
| May 19 (Monday) | Victoria Day |
| June 15 (Sunday) | Father’s Day |
| June 21 (Saturday) | National Indigenous Peoples Day |
| July 1 (Tuesday) | Canada Day |
| August 4 (Monday) | Civic/Provincial Day |
| August 4 (Monday) | Heritage Day (Alberta) |
| September 1 (Monday) | Labour Day |
| September 30 (Tuesday) | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation |
| October 13 (Monday) | Thanksgiving Day |
| October 31 (Friday) | Halloween |
| November 2 (Sunday) | Daylight Saving Time ends |
| November 11 (Tuesday) | Remembrance Day |
| December 11 (Thursday) | Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster |
| December 24 (Wednesday) | Christmas Eve |
| December 25 (Thursday) | Christmas Day |
| December 26 (Friday) | Boxing Day |
| December 31 (Wednesday) | New Year’s Eve |
Canada Holidays 2025
New Year’s Day (January 1)
The first day of the year is celebrated with gatherings, fireworks, and traditions that symbolize fresh starts. Many people set resolutions and spend time with family and friends.
Epiphany (January 6)
A Christian holiday marking the visit of the Wise Men to baby Jesus, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the world. In some cultures, it is celebrated with special church services, feasts, and gift-giving.
Groundhog Day (February 2)
A North American tradition where a groundhog predicts the weather. If it sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter are expected; if not, spring is believed to come early.
Valentine’s Day (February 14)
A day to celebrate love and affection. People exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, and gifts to show appreciation for partners, friends, and family.
Family Day (Third Monday in February, in some provinces)
A public holiday that encourages spending time with loved ones. Families often enjoy outdoor activities, meals, and local community events.
Daylight Saving Time Starts (March)
Clocks are moved one hour forward to make better use of daylight during warmer months. It means longer evenings but one less hour of sleep that day.
Commonwealth Day (Second Monday in March)
A celebration of the Commonwealth nations, highlighting shared history and values. Events often include ceremonies, educational programs, and cultural activities.
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
An Irish cultural and religious celebration honoring St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. People wear green, enjoy parades, and celebrate Irish music, dance, and traditions.
Tartan Day (April 6)
A celebration of Scottish heritage in Canada and other countries. People wear tartan, attend parades, and honor Scottish contributions to society.
Vimy Ridge Day (April 9)
A day to remember the Canadian soldiers who fought and died at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in World War I. Ceremonies are held to honor their sacrifice and bravery.
Good Friday (March/April)
A Christian holiday marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many attend church services, and it is observed as a day of reflection and prayer.
Easter Sunday (March/April)
The most important Christian holiday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Families gather, attend church, and often take part in egg hunts and festive meals.
Easter Monday (March/April)
The day after Easter Sunday, often a public holiday in Canada. Some people spend it relaxing with family, while others attend community or church events.
Mother’s Day (Second Sunday in May)
A day to honor mothers and maternal figures. Families show appreciation with cards, gifts, and special meals.
Victoria Day (Monday before May 25)
A Canadian holiday celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday and the country’s ties to the monarchy. It is also seen as the unofficial start of summer, with fireworks and outdoor activities.
Father’s Day (Third Sunday in June)
A day to celebrate fathers and father figures. Families show gratitude through gifts, cards, and spending quality time together.
National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21)
A day recognizing the history, culture, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. Celebrations include cultural performances, ceremonies, and educational events.
Canada Day (July 1)
Canada’s national holiday marking the anniversary of Confederation in 1867. People celebrate with parades, fireworks, concerts, and patriotic displays.
Civic/Provincial Day (First Monday in August)
A public holiday in many provinces, often known by different names (such as Simcoe Day or Natal Day). It’s a day off for relaxation, local events, and community festivals.
Heritage Day (Alberta, First Monday in August)
A day dedicated to celebrating Alberta’s diverse cultures and traditions. Communities host cultural events, performances, and educational activities.
Labour Day (First Monday in September)
A holiday honoring workers and the labor movement. It marks the unofficial end of summer, with parades, festivals, and family gatherings.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)
A day to reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. It honors survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities.
Thanksgiving Day (Second Monday in October)
A day to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the year. Families gather for a traditional meal, often including turkey and pumpkin pie.
Halloween (October 31)
A fun celebration where children dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. Communities enjoy spooky decorations, haunted houses, and themed parties.
Daylight Saving Time Ends (November)
Clocks are turned back one hour, giving people an extra hour of sleep. It signals shorter days and earlier sunsets.
Remembrance Day (November 11)
A solemn day to honor military members who died in service to Canada. Ceremonies and moments of silence are held across the country at 11 a.m.
Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster (December 11)
Marks the 1931 law that gave Canada full legal independence from Britain. It is an important milestone in Canadian nationhood, though not widely celebrated.
Christmas Eve (December 24)
The night before Christmas, filled with family gatherings, festive meals, and traditions like hanging stockings. Many also attend midnight church services.
Christmas Day (December 25)
A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, widely observed with gift-giving, decorations, and family meals. It’s one of the most important holidays of the year.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Traditionally a day to give to the less fortunate, it is now also known for major shopping sales. Families may also use the day to relax after Christmas celebrations.
New Year’s Eve (December 31)
The last day of the year, celebrated with parties, fireworks, and countdowns to midnight. People gather to welcome the new year with joy and hope.