Christmas Day in Suriname
Christmas Day in Suriname is observed on December 25 and is listed as a public holiday. The country’s official labor rules also recognize both First and Second Christmas Day, while local government reports document church services and public Christmas displays.[1][2][3]
Status and dates
A 1971 decree published in Suriname’s official labor-law collection names First and Second Christmas Day among the days treated like Sunday under the labor rules. The Suriname Tourism Board likewise lists December 25 as Christmas Day and December 26 as the Second Day of Christmas, both public holidays.[1][2]
Christmas Day is December 25, and the separately named Second Day of Christmas falls on December 26.[1][2]
Religious observance and public celebrations
Christmas is a Christian religious festival in Suriname. A government report on a Christmas service at Paramaribo’s Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral describes a service led by Bishop Karel Choennie, with prayers that connected the meaning of Jesus Christ’s coming with reducing the gap between rich and poor and supporting the country’s development.[3]
Government coverage also documents a public Christmas display called the Enchanted Christmas Forest, centered on a decorated tree and lights at Independence Square. The report describes it as a place for families and children to enjoy the season. This is one documented Paramaribo event. Check locally for information about events and customs elsewhere in the country.[4]
Planning around the holiday
The legal classification as a day treated like Sunday has practical relevance to work schedules, but it does not establish that every business or service closes. Check directly with a provider before making plans, especially for travel or essential services.[1]
The Tourism Board recognizes a second public holiday on December 26 as well as Christmas Day on December 25. Travelers may therefore want to check opening arrangements for both dates.[2]
Christmas Day in Suriname: common questions
When is Christmas Day in Suriname?
It is observed on December 25 each year. The Tourism Board lists December 26 separately as the Second Day of Christmas.[2]
Is Christmas Day a public holiday?
Are shops, banks, or public transport closed?
Is December 26 a separate public holiday?
Yes. The Tourism Board lists December 26 as the separate Second Day of Christmas, also a public holiday.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Suriname:
- Arbeidswet- Overheid van de Republiek Suriname
- Religious Holidays- Suriname Tourism Board
- Speciale kerkdienst ivm kerst- Overheid van de Republiek Suriname
- Enchanted Christmas Forest moet wederom Kerstgevoel aanwakkeren- Overheid van de Republiek Suriname