A section of Front Street on Wednesday.
PHILIPSBURG--Shops in Philipsburg will be allowed to open from 6:00am to 6:30pm on St. Maarten Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day under an exemption granted by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT).
The exemption applies on November 11, 2026, December 25, 2026, and January 1, 2027, due to the number of cruise ships scheduled to visit St. Maarten’s port on those days.
The ministry said in a notice that the decision is intended to enhance the visitor experience and support economic activity during the holiday season.
Under the National Ordinance on Shop Closure, all places of business, including stand-alone casinos and lottery establishments, are generally required to close on official public holidays. Businesses choosing to operate under the exemption must comply fully with all applicable labour regulations.
The exemption applies to shops within the Philipsburg area.
The announcement also specifies businesses that may continue operating under the existing provisions of the National Ordinance on Shop Closure. These include pharmacies, insofar as they sell medicine and medical products; bars and restaurants; hotels and guesthouses; stores located in hotels, at the airport and on harbour premises; funeral parlours; gas stations; and bakeries selling pastries, milk and/or milk products.
The ministry reminded the public that November 11, 2026, December 25, 2026, and January 1, 2027, are official public holidays.
