St-Jean-Baptiste Day 2025: Your Guide to Quebec's Favourite Holiday

Also known as La Fête nationale du Québec, this holiday unites millions of Quebecers and visitors in a spectacular display of French-Canadian pride, tradition, and heritage. 

In Quebec, St-Jean-Baptiste is a favourite holiday. You’ll even find that celebrations are bigger than Canada Day’s the next week. As a province with a rich, unique history and a strong sense of independence, St-Jean-Baptiste Day helps to represent Quebec’s cultural pride.

Let’s dive into the history, dates, celebrations, and what exactly to expect for 2025.

When Is St-Jean-Baptiste Day 2025?

St-Jean-Baptiste Day is celebrated annually on June 24th. In 2025, it falls on a Tuesday, giving Quebecers a mid-week break. However, celebrations will likely also take place on the preceding weekend, Friday June 20th to Sunday June 22nd.

Since this is a statutory holiday in Quebec, most businesses, government offices, and schools will be closed on June 24th.

The History of St-Jean-Baptiste Day

The roots of St-Jean-Baptiste Day trace back to pagan summer solstice celebrations. With the spread of Christianity, the festival was adapted to honour John the Baptist, and early settlers brought the tradition to New France. 

Over time, it evolved into a powerful symbol of Quebec’s cultural and linguistic identity. In 1977, St-Jean-Baptiste Day was officially declared Quebec’s national holiday.

How to Celebrate St-Jean-Baptiste Day 2025

There’s no shortage of fun ways to celebrate St-Jean-Baptiste Day in Quebec. From typical holiday celebrations like fireworks and parades, to special events, nightlife, and outdoor fun—there’s something for everyone.

If celebrations aren’t your thing, you can also make the most of the extra day off by spending time with family and friends, exploring your city, or relaxing.

Events in Montreal

As Quebec’s largest and most populous city, you’ll find the biggest St-Jean celebrations in Montreal, including:

• A parade

• Fireworks

• Block parties in neighbourhoods across the city

• Free music shows

Events in Quebec City

As the capital of Quebec, Quebec City is also known for taking St-Jean celebrations to the next level, including:

• Free music shows

• Family activities

Events in Other Regions

No matter what region of Quebec you live in, there will most likely be a St-Jean celebration nearby. We’ll be updating this article as more events get announced, and you can search for fireworks or parades near you to get more details.

Common St-Jean-Baptiste Day Traditions

On St-Jean-Baptiste Day, it's common for people to dress up in blue and white and display the Quebec flag. If they’re not headed to a specific celebration, you’ll find many people hosting parties, meeting up for barbecues in local parks, or taking advantage of the day off to explore local museums, activities, and restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is St-Jean-Baptiste Day?

  St-Jean-Baptiste Day is Quebec’s national holiday (also called “La Fête nationale du Québec”). It marks the “birthday” of the province and celebrates French-Canadian culture, heritage, and identity.

• Is St-Jean-Baptiste Day a public holiday across Canada?

  No. It is a statutory holiday only in Quebec, though some French-Canadian communities across Canada hold local celebrations.

• What are traditional St-Jean-Baptiste Day activities?

  Common traditions include parades, concerts, bonfires, feasts, and displaying Quebec’s flag. Since it’s a statutory holiday, many Quebecers simply take the opportunity to get outside, spend time with friends and family, or enjoy local nightlife.