Ready for some time off? Let’s talk about the holidays we’ve got coming up in 2024. These aren’t just random days off – each one has a special meaning and a story behind it. Whether you’re planning a big family get-together or just looking forward to sleeping in, it’s good to know what these days are all about.
I’ve put together a list of all the statutory holidays across Canada for 2024. From New Year’s Day to Boxing Day, you will learn when they are and why we celebrate them.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
This is the first day of the year, and we celebrate it all across Canada. People often stay up late on December 31 to watch the clock strike midnight. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, which are promises to ourselves to do better in the new year. It’s a day for fresh starts and new beginnings.
Family Day (February 19 – BC, AB, SK, ON, NB, NS)
This holiday isn’t celebrated everywhere in Canada, but in the provinces that do, it’s a day to spend time with family. It falls on the third Monday in February. People often use this day to go skating, sledding, or just hang out at home with their loved ones. It’s a nice break in the middle of the cold winter months.
Good Friday (March 29)
This is a Christian holiday that remembers the day Jesus died on the cross. Even if you’re not Christian, you get the day off. Many people eat fish on this day because of an old tradition. Some folks go to church services, while others just enjoy the long weekend.
Easter Monday (April 1 – Federal)
This holiday comes right after Easter Sunday. It’s only a day off for federal employees, but some schools and businesses close too. For Christians, it’s part of celebrating Jesus coming back to life. For many people, it’s just an extra day to enjoy spring and maybe eat some leftover Easter candy!
Victoria Day (May 20)
We celebrate this on the Monday before May 25 each year. It started as a way to honor Queen Victoria’s birthday, but now it’s seen as the unofficial start of summer. Many people open their cottages or have their first barbecue of the year on this weekend. Some cities have fireworks too!
National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21 – NT, YK)
This day celebrates the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. It’s on the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. There are often pow wows, traditional music and dance performances, and special events to learn about Indigenous cultures. It’s a statutory holiday in the Northwest Territories and Yukon.
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St. Jean Baptiste Day (June 24 – QC)
This is a big holiday in Quebec. It celebrates Quebec’s culture and French Canadian heritage. People often have parties, parades, and bonfires. There’s usually lots of music and fun activities. Even though it’s mainly celebrated in Quebec, it’s recognized as an important cultural day across Canada.
Canada Day (July 1)
This is our country’s birthday! We celebrate becoming a country on July 1, 1867. People wear red and white, have barbecues, and watch fireworks. In Ottawa, there’s a big party on Parliament Hill. It’s a day when we feel proud to be Canadian and celebrate our country’s diversity and freedoms.
Civic Holiday (August 5 – Most provinces and territories)
This holiday is on the first Monday in August, but it has different names in different places. In Ontario, it’s often called Simcoe Day, while in Alberta it’s Heritage Day. Not every province celebrates it. It’s usually seen as a chance to enjoy the warm summer weather with a day off work.
Labour Day (September 2)
This holiday is on the first Monday in September. It started as a day to celebrate workers’ rights and the labour movement. Now, many people see it as the unofficial end of summer. Kids often go back to school right after Labour Day. It’s a popular weekend for last-minute summer trips or backyard barbecues.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)
This is a newer holiday that honors the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools. People wear orange shirts to remember these children and to show that every child matters. It’s a day to learn about this sad part of our history and think about how we can do better in the future.
Thanksgiving (October 14)
We celebrate this on the second Monday in October. It started as a way to give thanks for the harvest, but now it’s a time to be grateful for all the good things in our lives. Many families get together for a big dinner with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It’s also a great time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors.
Remembrance Day (November 11)
On this day, we remember the Canadians who died in wars and peacekeeping missions. Many people wear red poppies to show they remember. At 11:00 am, we often have a moment of silence. There are ceremonies at war memorials, and some people visit cemeteries to pay respects to fallen soldiers.
Christmas Day (December 25)
This is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus, but many non-Christians celebrate it too. People often exchange gifts, decorate trees, and spend time with family. Many Canadians enjoy special foods like turkey dinner or tourtière. It’s a time for kindness and giving to others.
Boxing Day (December 26)
This comes right after Christmas. It started in the UK as a day when rich people would give boxes of gifts to their servants. Now, it’s known for big sales in stores. Some people go shopping for deals, while others just relax at home and enjoy leftovers from Christmas dinner.
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