MANDATORY BUSINESS CLOSURE AND EXEMPTION FOR SHOPS IN PHILIPSBURG ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR'S DAY

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The public is herewith reminded that December 25th, 2025 (Christmas Day), and January 1st, 2026 (New Year's Day) are official public holidays.

In accordance with the National Ordinance on Shop Closure (Landsverordening winkelsluiting, AB 2013, GT no. 542), all places of business, including all stand-alone casinos and lottery establishments must be closed on these days.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Telecommunication (TEATT) hereby informs the public that, due to the number of cruise ships that are scheduled to visit our port on Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, an exemption is granted to allow shops in Philipsburg to operate and be open between 6:00 AM and 6:30 PM on December 25th, 2025, and on January 1st, 2026.

This decision is intended to enhance the visitor experience and to support our economic activity during the holiday season. Businesses opting to operate under this exemption are reminded to comply fully with all applicable labor regulations.

The aforementioned does not apply to the following businesses that may continue operate as is regulated in article 3 of the National Ordinance on Shop Closure (Landsverordening winkelsluiting, AB 2013, GT no. 542) to Pharmacies, as long as it concerns the sale of medicine and medical products; Bars and restaurants Hotels and guesthouses; Stores located in hotels, on the airport and on the harbor premises. Funeral parlors; Gas stations; Bakeries selling pastries, milk, and/or milk products.