Holidays

In Alberta, we celebrate a dozen holidays over the course of a year. While government facilities, schools and banks are closed on national holidays, many retailers, entertainment venues and tourist attractions remain open (some with holiday hours). Special events may also be held on these days in celebration or commemoration of the occasion.Note that when a holiday lands on a Sunday, it is typically observed on the following Monday.

New Year’s Day – January 1 (National holiday)

Family Day – the third Monday of February – A statutory holiday that was first instituted in 1990 to give Albertans an opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends

Good Friday (National religious holiday)

Easter Monday – religious holiday (optional) mid to late April

Victoria Day – mid to late May; weekend before U.S. Memorial Day (National holiday) – A Canadian commemoration of Queen Victoria’s birthday, this weekend informally marks the beginning of our summer season

Canada Day – July 1 – Special events, which range from parades to festivals to fireworks, are organized across the country to celebrate Canada’s birthday; this is a fabulous opportunity to experience Canada’s patriotism and  hospitality

Heritage Day – first Monday in August – an optional holiday in Alberta that pays homage to our cultural diversity; tens of thousands merge at the Heritage Festival in Edmonton, while Fort Calgary is a favourite Heritage Day venue in southern Alberta

Labour Day – first Monday in September (National holiday) – recognition of the labour movement; in Alberta, Labour Day signifies the end of summer holidays and the return to school; sports fans look forward to the annual Labour Day Classic, where the Edmonton Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders tackle it out on the football field for bragging rights

Thanksgiving – second Monday in October

Remembrance Day – November 11 – a time to honour those who have, and continue, to serve our country; a minute of silence is recognized at 11:00am

Christmas Day – December 25 (National religious holiday)

Boxing Day – December 26 – the biggest shopping day of the year; don’t miss shelf-clearing sales at West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Chinook Centre in Calgary or a multitude of other malls and stores across the province