Christmas Day in Jersey
Christmas Day falls on 25 December in Jersey. The island’s law observes it as a general holiday by custom, while local bellringing in three western parishes gives the season a distinct Jersey tradition.[1][3]
How Jersey classifies the day
Jersey’s Public Holidays and Bank Holidays Act lists Christmas Day as a general holiday observed by custom. It does not list Christmas Day as a public holiday under the Act. The same section sets separate public holiday rules for 26 December, including substitute days when that date falls on a weekend.[1]
The Employment (Jersey) Law gives employees an entitlement to leave on Christmas Day. If an employee is required to work that day, the law provides for leave in substitution on another day. This entitlement sits alongside the minimum annual leave entitlement, which is three weeks or a longer period set by a relevant agreement.[2]
A Christmas custom in the western parishes
Jersey Heritage records Christmas bellringing in St Ouen, St Mary and St Peter on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The parish churches open their doors to people who want to try ringing, and the tradition is described as open to all ages, with some families returning each year.[3]
Jersey Heritage dates the custom to the 15th century.[3] At St Mary, bells have sometimes interrupted Christmas services; today, ringing pauses during services and overnight.[4]
Shops, cafés and planning
A Sunday trading permit cannot authorize shops to open on Christmas Day, whether the shop is small or large. That rule means visitors should not assume that ordinary retail shops will be trading; the Government notes that some retail businesses may be exempt from permit requirements.[5]
Places of refreshment are governed by a separate rule: registered premises generally need a permit from the parish Constable to serve customers on Christmas Day. Check directly with a café or restaurant before making plans, since the law permits opening only where the relevant permission applies and does not require any business to open.[6]
Christmas Day in Jersey: FAQs
When is Christmas Day in Jersey?
Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Jersey?
The law describes Christmas Day as a general holiday observed by custom, rather than listing it as a public holiday. It treats Boxing Day separately and provides substitute public holidays for certain weekend dates.[1]
Are employees entitled to time off?
The Employment (Jersey) Law entitles employees to leave on Christmas Day. If an employee is required to work, the law provides for substitute leave on another day.[2]
Can shops open on Christmas Day?
A Sunday trading permit cannot authorize a shop to open on Christmas Day. Some retail businesses may be exempt from the permit rules, so check with a specific business if needed.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Jersey:
- Public Holidays and Bank Holidays (Jersey) Act 2010- Jersey Legal Information Board
- Employment (Jersey) Law 2003- Jersey Legal Information Board
- Intangible Cultural Heritage in Jersey- Jersey Heritage
- St Mary Walk- Jersey Heritage
- Sunday trading- Government of Jersey
- Places of Refreshment (Jersey) Law 1967- Jersey Legal Information Board