Mother's Day 2026
David Chelly, January 15, 2026
Date in France and the calculation rule
Mother's Day is celebrated every year in honour of mothers, and it is the most classic occasion for children to give a gift, a thoughtful gesture or a shared moment. In France, the date follows a simple rule: the last Sunday of May, unless that Sunday coincides with Pentecost, in which case the celebration is moved to the first Sunday of June. In 2026, Pentecost falls on May 24 and the last Sunday of May is May 31, so Mother's Day in France takes place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, and not on May 25.
Origin and status
The modern tradition took shape at the beginning of the 20th century, with local initiatives followed by gradual official recognition after the Second World War. Today, it is not a public holiday, but it is a very well-established date, with a peak in sales for florists and gifts, and a strong family dimension. In schools, craft activities intended for mothers remain a common practice, which explains the "end of May" reference point in many school calendars.
Useful ideas for organising the day
What works best is rarely the most expensive gift but the most targeted one. A planned moment, a reserved lunch, an outing, a cultural activity, a visit to the family, often has more impact than an object bought at the last minute. If you give a material gift, the most reliable options remain those tailored to the person: a photo album, a framed print, a voucher for an activity, a truly well-chosen book, a long-lasting houseplant rather than a fragile bouquet, or a "comfort" treat, a massage, spa care, or a day free of obligations. To avoid mistakes, it is better to choose a clear intention, keepsake, relaxation, usefulness, indulgence, and stick to it.
Dates and particularities in Belgium
In Belgium, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, May 10. As an important particularity, in Antwerp, Mother's Day is traditionally celebrated on August 15, the day of the Assumption, which creates a different calendar locally and explains why some Belgian families have two reference dates depending on the region and family history.
Dates and particularities in Switzerland
In Switzerland, Mother's Day is also celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, May 10. It is not a national public holiday, but the date is widely observed, with family celebrations and frequent initiatives in schools and shops, which makes it a stable fixture year after year.