VE Day 2026

VE Day 2026 is on Friday, May 8, 2026 (in 301 days).  Calendar for 2026

VE Day 2025 has already passed: it was on Thursday, May 8, 2025 (64 days ago).  Calendar for 2025

VE Day celebrates the end of the World War II in Europe and is held every year on May 8. It is the abreviated form of Victory in Europe Day and is used much more commonly.

The unconditional surrender of all German forces was formally agreed on 7 May. The time for the cessation of all hostilities in Europe was set for May 8, 11:01 p.m., marking the official end of World War II in Europe. By this time it was already May 9 in eastern Europe, and thus several former Soviet bloc countries (Russia, Belarus and some of the successor states of former Yugoslavia, such as Serbia) celebrate Victory Day on May 9.

Upon the announcement of Germany's surrender and the cessation of hostilities, celebrations erupted throughout the Western world, especially in the United Kingdom and in North America. Several countries observe public holidays on May 8, under names such as Victory Over Fascism Day, Liberation Day or Victory Day (though not the UK and the US).

But the war continued in the Far East. VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day, Victory in the Pacific Day or VP Day) on August 15 celebrates the victory over Japan and the end of the Pacific War on August 15, 1945. It is observed on August 15 in the UK, while the United States commemorate this day on September 2, as Japan's surrender only formally occured on September 2, 1945.

Related days:
Armistice Day, Remembrance Day and Poppy Day celebrate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.

Further reading: Victory in Europe Day on Wikipedia

VE Day 2027 is on Saturday, May 8, 2027 (in 666 days).  Calendar for 2027

Dates of VE Day 2026 and surrounding years as downloadable image file