Christmas Day in Bermuda
Christmas Day falls on 25 December and is a public holiday in Bermuda under the Public Holidays Act 1947. The Christian feast marks the Nativity of the Lord; local culture also connects Christmas with cassava pie.[1][5][3]
A public holiday under Bermuda law
Bermuda’s Government sets public holiday dates under the Public Holidays Act 1947. Its published rule says that when a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the next following weekday is observed as a public holiday.[1]
The Employment Act 2000 provides for employees to receive a paid holiday on a public holiday, subject to the Act’s conditions. If an employee is required to work, the employer must pay at least the overtime rate or provide regular pay and another paid holiday by agreement. The Act also allows an employer and employee to agree in writing that this section does not apply.[2]
Christian observance and Bermudian culture
In Christian calendars, Christmas is the feast of the Nativity of the Lord. Bermuda’s tourism authority describes Christmas Eve church services as one of the island’s seasonal observances, while recognizing that the holiday season includes different traditions.[5][4]
Bermuda’s Department of Culture names cassava pie at Christmas as part of Bermudian life and culture. That is a documented local food association, not a claim that every household celebrates or eats the same way.[3]
Planning around the holiday
Check directly with shops, restaurants and attractions, and confirm bus or ferry schedules with the operator if you need to travel.
The Government’s published calendar is also the clearest guide to substitute observance: a weekend holiday is followed by an observed weekday under its stated rule. Check the current official calendar when making plans, since the weekday arrangements depend on the year.[1]
Christmas Day in Bermuda: FAQs
Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Bermuda?
Yes. Bermuda lists Christmas Day as a public holiday under the Public Holidays Act 1947.[1]
When is Christmas Day observed?
Christmas Day is on 25 December. If it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Government says the next following weekday is observed as a public holiday.[1]
Do employees have the day off?
The Employment Act provides for paid leave on a public holiday, subject to its conditions. An employee may be required to work with the statutory pay or substitute-holiday arrangement, and the Act permits a written agreement to opt out of this section.[2]
What is open on Christmas Day?
Opening hours vary by business and transport provider. Check with the specific shop, restaurant, attraction or transport operator before setting out.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Bermuda:
- Public Holidays- Government of Bermuda
- Employment Act 2000- Government of Bermuda
- Being Bermudian- Department of Culture, Government of Bermuda
- Celebrate the Holidays in Bermuda- Bermuda Tourism Authority
- Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord: Holy Mass during the Day- The Holy See