Victory in Europe Day 2026

Victory in Europe Day 2026 is on Friday, May 8, 2026 (in 319 days).  Calendar for 2026

Victory in Europe Day 2025 has already passed: it was on Thursday, May 8, 2025 (46 days ago).  Calendar for 2025

Victory in Europe Day celebrates the end of the World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945 and is held every year on May 8. It is the full name of the day that is usually called VE Day.

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. Victory over Japan Day (also known as VJ 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

Victory in Europe Day 2027 is on Saturday, May 8, 2027 (in 684 days).  Calendar for 2027

Dates of Victory in Europe Day 2026 and surrounding years as downloadable image file