PHILIPSBURG:--- Shops in the designated area of Philipsburg may open from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on St. Maarten’s Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day under a holiday exemption announced by Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten.
The exemption applies on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Friday, December 25, 2026, and Friday, January 1, 2027. The ministry’s notice includes a map outlining the designated area in green, covering the downtown shopping district along Front Street and Back Street.
The ministry cited cruise ship calls scheduled for all three holidays. It said the exemption is intended to improve the visitor experience and support holiday business activity. Shops that choose to open must comply with all applicable labor regulations.
The National Ordinance on Shop Closure requires businesses, including stand-alone casinos and lottery establishments, to close on the three public holidays unless an exemption applies.
Businesses already permitted to operate
Article 3 of the ordinance allows the following businesses to operate under its existing rules:
- Pharmacies, for sales of medicines and medical products
- Bars and restaurants
- Hotels and guesthouses
- Shops in hotels, at the airport and on harbor premises
- Funeral parlors
- Gas stations
- Bakeries selling pastries, milk or milk products
