Christmas Day in Zambia

A national public holiday by law

The Public Holidays Act lists Christmas Day in its schedule of holidays to be observed throughout Zambia. If a scheduled holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a public holiday. The Act does not move a holiday that falls on Saturday under this rule.[1]

The Employment Code Act describes paid-holiday entitlements where a public holiday has been designated as paid. It also sets a higher rate of pay for employees who work on a public holiday that does not form part of their normal working week. These provisions do not mean that every worker has the same work schedule or entitlement in every circumstance; employees should check their contract and applicable arrangements.[3]

Christian meaning and Zambia’s context

Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus in Christian belief.[5] Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism describes the country as having been declared a Christian nation in 1991 while also recognizing freedom of worship and the practice of several religions. That national context helps explain the holiday’s place in the calendar, but it does not mean every resident observes it in the same way.[2]

A calendar published by the United Church of Zambia lists a Christmas revival week and Christmas Day among its December activities. This is one church’s observance; programmes and customs can differ among congregations.[4]

Planning for the day

The Public Holidays Act establishes Christmas Day as a public holiday. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check directly with the shop, bank or transport provider you plan to use for opening hours and service arrangements.[1]