Christmas Day in Andorra
Christmas Day, or Nadal, falls on 25 December in Andorra. It is a paid public holiday, with special rules for tourism workers and a separate legal requirement for most shops to close.[1][3]
A fixed date and a public holiday
Andorra’s labour calendar lists Christmas Day on 25 December. The law gives employees the calendar’s public holidays as paid days off; the Government’s published rules name construction, industry, offices, banks, hairdressers, transport and goods distribution, and services not directly related to tourism among the covered sectors.[1]
Tourism related workers receive the same number of paid, non-recoverable holidays, but their holidays may generally be moved by agreement. Christmas Day is one of four exceptions that cannot be transferred. If an employee in this sector must work on Christmas Day, the employer must provide a paid day off in its place and an additional paid day of leave.[1]
Christmas Eve worship and a local custom
A documented Andorran Christmas custom takes place on Christmas Eve: hot spiced wine is traditionally offered after the Missa del Gall, or midnight Mass. Andorra’s tourism authority describes the drink as a winter beverage and notes its local association with the Christmas Eve service.[2]
The Comú of Andorra la Vella has also recorded a midnight Missa del Gall at the churches of Sant Esteve and Santa Coloma, followed by chocolate, coca and moscatell. That page describes a particular past event, so these details should not be taken as a current programme or as a practice observed everywhere in the country.[4]
What closes, and what may stay open
The Government lists 25 December as a compulsory retail closure day. Tourist shops, as defined by law to include shops in museums and leisure centres and shops renting sports equipment, may open within the applicable trading hours. Each shop’s posted hours are the practical guide for visitors.[3]
The public holiday gives covered employees paid time off, but that does not establish that every office, bank, transport service, restaurant or tourist attraction is closed. Check directly with the provider before travelling or relying on a service.[1][3]
Christmas Day beyond Andorra
Christmas Day is a Christian feast marking the birth of Jesus. In Andorra, its locally documented customs include the Christmas Eve midnight Mass and the serving of hot spiced wine afterward.[2]
Frequently asked questions
When is Christmas Day in Andorra?
It is observed on 25 December each year in the national labour calendar.[1]
Is Christmas Day a paid day off?
Employees are entitled to paid calendar holidays. Tourism related workers may generally move holidays by agreement, but Christmas Day cannot be transferred; special compensation applies if they must work that day.[1]
Are shops open on Christmas Day?
Most shops must close. Defined tourist shops may open, so check the opening hours posted by the business you plan to visit.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Andorra:
- S’aprova el calendari laboral per al 2026- Govern d’Andorra
- Vi calent cremat- Andorra Turisme
- Horaris comercials- Govern d’Andorra
- MISSA DEL GALL- Comú d’Andorra la Vella