Public holidays and observances in the Czech Republic in 2026

To fully enjoy holidays in the Czech Republic, you must prepare in advance. In this guide, you’ll find the full list of public holidays in the Czech Republic in 2026, as well as helpful tips and historical facts to show off your erudition to friends and locals.

Calendar of the official holidays in the Czech Republic

It’s expected to be 13 bank holidays in the Czech Republic in 2026:

Save these dates to your calendar to plan your year perfectly! Now, we’ll share some tips for expats on how to get ready for public holidays in the Czech Republic.

For expats:

• ATMs in the Czech Republic: Bank fees and limits.
• Cost of living in the Czech Republic.
• Useful apps to live comfortably in the Czech Republic.

Holiday tips

During days off, life flows differently. People put their worries away, stop rushing, celebrate in unity, and…don’t work. You should remember this when building plans for the national holidays in the Czech Republic. Consider the following:

Large shops are closed

Retail shops larger than 200 square meters must close on:

• New Year's Day (January 1st),
• Easter Monday (April 6th),
• Liberation Day (May 8th),
• Czech Statehood Day (September 28th),
• Independent Czechoslovak State Day (October 28th),
• Christmas Day (December 25th),
• St. Stephen's Day (December 26th).

If there are only huge supermarkets near you, get your groceries before days off. Smaller shops aren't legally required to close, but they might still close if the owner wants to rest.

Reduced schedules

Public transportation schedules often change on bank holidays in the Czech Republic. Gaps are longer, and traffic gets busier, so you should go out earlier to make it on time. Note that the routes can also change due to processions and parades – check the news, Google Maps, and transportation websites like PID.

No ‘sliding’ holidays

When days off fall on Saturdays and Sundays, they don’t move anywhere. In 2026, there will be two ‘lost’ holidays: Sts. Cyril and Methodius Day and St. Stephen's Day / Second Day of Christmas. In both cases, the following Monday is a typical working day. Yes, it's sad, but we have to adapt to the local rules and realities.

Combining long weekends with working holidays

Good Friday and Easter provide 4 days off in a row, so you may combine them with preceding working holidays and organise a dream trip. Request working days off in advance, because you're not the only smart employee in the company – most people want to extend their long weekends.

Banks and offices are closed

Don't plan anything related to bureaucracy or banking on holidays in the Czech Republic, because financial institutions and government offices are closed.

If you need to send money home for a holiday, use Profee. This online service operates 24/7, year-round, and delivers funds from the Czech Republic to over 90 destinations. You'll love Profee for:

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Facts about holidays in the Czech Republic

To blend into society and not feel like an outsider who has no idea what people around are celebrating, let’s learn some facts about each of the public holidays in the Czech Republic.

New Year’s Day

January 1st is a dual public holiday marking both the New Year and the Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State, which took place in 1993. On this day, people spend time in a small circle of family or friends. It's a time of cosy evenings, peace, and expectation of miracles.

Good Friday

A Christian observance which marks the crucifixion of Jesus. It was reinstated as a national holiday only in 2016 and is now widely celebrated across the country. It's a day of silence, strict fasting and reflection.

Good Friday marks the start of the long Easter holidays in the Czech Republic. This day is used to prepare for Easter Sunday: people attend churches, paint eggs and cook traditional foods such as mazanec.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday is a feast day on which locals play games, have fun and welcome spring. You may see boys going around the neighbourhood, slightly whipping girls or pouring water over them, for health and youth. Also, locals sing carols, paint eggs and eat tasty food together with their loved ones.

May Day

On May Day, two holidays are celebrated at once: Labour Day and Day of Love. The first one put the spotlight on the workers’ rights and their protests in the 19th century. The second one is similar to Valentine’s Day: couples kiss under cherry trees, exchange small gifts and enjoy each other’s company in a romantic atmosphere.

Liberation Day

The day when World War II ended in Europe in 1945. On May 8th, people commemorate the exploits of the past generations, keep a minute of silence and remind themselves that peace is a blessing we must protect. It’s not a day to have fun, but rather to pay respect to everyone who made the victory possible. During this day, you may witness military ceremonies and historical events.

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Day

Cyril and Methodius are two Byzantine missionaries who arrived in Great Moravia (modern Czech Republic, Slovakia, and parts of Hungary) in 863 AD. It’s believed that they had brought Christianity and the Glagolitic script to the region. It’s a cultural and religious celebration with masses and family gatherings.

Burning at the Stake of Jan Hus

Jan Hus was a reformer of the Czech language and a scholar. He was burned at the stake for his beliefs, and his death sparked the Hussite wars. On this day, people attend ceremonies, light bonfires, and visit historical festivals.

St. Wenceslas Day/Czech Statehood Day

One more double holiday! This time, people celebrate the creation of the Czech Republic state and St. Wenceslas, who has become a symbol of Czech national identity. The skull of St. Wenceslas is paraded, and wreaths are laid at the St. Wenceslas statue in Wenceslas Square.

Establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic

After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Czechoslovak Republic emerged as an independent state. This holiday celebrates the free spirit of the Czech people through ceremonies, state awards, and open-door events.

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

This holiday commemorates the 1989 Velvet Revolution and the 1939 anti-Nazi student resistance. People are encouraged to protect their freedom and rights, so they often gather together to protest for democracy, participate in the free festival Korzo Národní and other cultural events.

Christmas

Christmas holidays in the Czech Republic are pretty long – three days in a row. It’s the cosiest time of the year when friends and families exchange gifts, plan their future year and surround themselves with Christmas magic. Attending a Christmas market and theatre performances is a must if you want to fully immerse yourself in a fairytale.

Explore: Expat's guide to holiday markets, best Christmas markets in EU capitals and hidden local gems.

FAQ – Holidays in the Czech Republic

How many public holidays are celebrated in the Czech Republic in 2026?

There will be 13 public holidays in total.

1. New Year’s Day/Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State
2. Good Friday
3. Easter Monday
4. May Day
5. Liberation Day
6. Sts. Cyril and Methodius Day
7. Burning at the Stake of Jan Hus
8. St. Wenceslas Day/Czech Statehood Day
9. Establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic
10. Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day
11. Christmas Eve
12. Christmas Day
13. Second Christmas Day/St. Stephen's Day

Are public holidays paid in the Czech Republic?

Yes, if it falls on a working day, employees should receive the compensation.

What is the big festival in Prague?

There are several huge festivals in Prague: Prague Spring Festival, Signal Festival, Bohemian Carnival, Christmas Markets and others.

What do they eat in the Czech Republic for Christmas?

Soup, bread with honey, carp, potato salad, dapple strudel, vánočka.

Food inspiration: European Christmas dinner ideas – recipes you must try this season.

How can I send money from the Czech Republic?

1. Join Profee.
2. Add the transfer amount.
3. Select how to pay.
4. Enter the recipient’s details.
5. Double-check and confirm.