What do you do on a public holiday & where are you from?

Void.

Depends, family time or gaming or going out

North Russia here. If it's suddenly sunny, people usually go out for a walk or something to get their portion of UV. Sometimes half-naked. It doesn't mean they are not having coat or jacket with them - the weather is really coquette one
On the cold days I prefer to play board games. I'd really like to play D&D 3.5 or 4, but it's a problem to find good party or GM. So I usually end up playing Carcassonne or Jackal.

I'm happy that I have more time to study and I do just that but a bit more relaxed :)

Western Europe here. Chilling and relaxing as there are few public holidays. :-)

If I can, I choose to work on bank holidays, so I can get a useful day off in lieu :D

Sleep until 10 am. Go to gym. Come home, eat as much chicken breast as i can. Go to my room and play until midnight. (Hungary)

What is this "free time" of which you speak?

Hmm, I tend to wake up early. After that I either watch some TV or binge game. Like, 10 hour binge gaming sessions. The best! :D

(Tennessee, USA)

whatever work the wife can think up, coz who has time to play games?

No holiday for me even on public holiday :( I still have to go to work

Shitty Germany, unfortunately. :(