Public holidays in the Czech Republic (2026)

When offices close, what Czechs actually celebrate, and what you need to know for planning.

The Czech Republic has 13 public holidays per year. On these days, most businesses, government offices, and institutions are closed. Shops have limited hours or are closed entirely (large retailers must close on certain holidays by law).

If you’re planning business activities, deliveries, or meetings — check this list first.

Public holidays 2026

What each holiday means

1 January — New Year’s Day / Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State

Two celebrations in one. Besides welcoming the new year, Czechs mark the date when Czechoslovakia peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.

In practice, most people are recovering from New Year’s Eve celebrations. Don’t expect much to happen.

3 April 2026 — Good Friday

A Christian holiday marking the crucifixion of Jesus. For most Czechs (one of the least religious nations in Europe), it’s simply a day off. Added as a public holiday only in 2016.

6 April 2026 — Easter Monday

The date moves each year (the Monday after the first full moon following the spring equinox).

Easter has unique Czech traditions. Men and boys make decorated whips from willow branches (pomlázka) and visit women, lightly whipping them while singing traditional songs. In return, they receive painted eggs, sweets, or drinks. The tradition is meant to bring health and vitality.

Yes, foreigners find this strange. Czechs enjoy explaining it.

1 May — Labour Day

Officially a celebration of the labour movement, but the communist regime’s mandatory parades ruined that meaning for most Czechs.

Today, 1 May is celebrated as a day of love and spring. Couples kiss under blooming trees (traditionally cherry or birch). A nice day for a walk, not for political demonstrations.

8 May — Liberation Day

Commemorates the end of World War II and liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945.

Various commemorative events take place, especially in cities like Plzeň (Pilsen), which was liberated by American forces. Military history enthusiasts will find re-enactments, exhibitions, and veteran tributes.

5 July — Saints Cyril and Methodius Day

Honours the Byzantine missionaries who brought Christianity and the first Slavic alphabet to the region in the 9th century. They’re credited with laying foundations for Czech literacy and culture.

Mostly a quiet holiday without major public events.

6 July — Jan Hus Day

Remembers the reformist priest Jan Hus, burned at the stake for heresy in 1415 in Konstanz. His ideas predated the Protestant Reformation by a century.

Hus is a symbol of Czech resistance to external authority and moral courage. Bonfires are sometimes lit in his memory.

28 September — Czech Statehood Day

Marks the death of Saint Wenceslas (Svatý Václav), the patron saint of Bohemia, in 935. Wenceslas is a symbol of Czech statehood and identity — you’ll see his statue in Prague’s main square.

Government ceremonies and wreath-laying at significant sites.

28 October — Czech Independence Day

The most important national holiday. Celebrates the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918, when the country gained independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I.

Though Czechoslovakia no longer exists (it split in 1993), both Czechs and Slovaks still honour this date. Expect official ceremonies, flag displays, and some businesses making a bigger deal of closing.

17 November — Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

Commemorates two student protests against oppression:

• 1939: Protests against Nazi occupation, leading to university closures and student executions
• 1989: Peaceful student demonstration brutally suppressed by police, triggering the Velvet Revolution that ended communist rule

A significant day for Czechs. Expect commemorative events, especially in Prague. Many people lay flowers at memorial sites.

24 December — Christmas Eve

The main Christmas celebration in Czechia. Families gather for a traditional dinner of fried carp and potato salad (though some opt for schnitzel or other dishes).

Gifts are exchanged in the evening — brought not by Santa Claus but by “Ježíšek” (Baby Jesus). Children must wait until a bell rings, signalling that Ježíšek has left presents under the tree.

Shops close early (usually by noon). The country essentially shuts down.

25 December — Christmas Day

A quiet family day. Most people stay home, eat leftovers, and relax. Almost everything is closed.

26 December — St. Stephen’s Day (2nd Christmas Day)

Another day of rest and family time. Some people visit relatives they didn’t see on Christmas Eve.

Shops remain closed. The holiday period effectively continues until after New Year.

Practical tips for businesses

Plan around holiday clusters

2026 has some convenient long weekends:

• Easter: Good Friday (3 April) + Easter Monday (6 April) = 4-day weekend
• Early May: Labour Day (1 May, Friday) + Liberation Day (8 May, Friday) = two separate long weekends
• Christmas/New Year: 24-26 December (Thu-Sat) + 1 January = extended break

Many Czechs take additional days off to bridge these into longer holidays.

December slowdown

Don’t expect much business activity between Christmas and New Year. Many companies close entirely or operate with skeleton staff. If you need something done, finish it by mid-December.

Shop closures

Czech law restricts large retailers (over 200m²) from opening on certain holidays: 1 January, Easter Monday, 8 May, 28 September, 28 October, 17 November, and 24-26 December. Smaller shops may open, but don’t count on it.

Government offices

Closed on all public holidays. If a holiday falls mid-week, some offices may have reduced hours the day before or after. Always verify before visiting.

Next steps

Planning business activities around Czech holidays? Need someone to check on things while the country is on break? We can help coordinate timing and handle local matters.

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Holiday dates are set by Czech law. Easter dates calculated for 2026. Verify current regulations for shop opening rules.