Cyprus follows the Orthodox calendar, with Green Monday opening Lent, Greek Independence Day on 25 March, Cyprus Independence Day on 1 October and Ochi Day on 28 October.

How people take the days

Public sector and banks close strictly; tourism runs through everything. Summer working hours shift earlier, which matters as much as the holiday list.

If you're visiting

Green Monday is a countryside picnic day with kite-flying and Lenten food. Orthodox Easter, usually later than the Western date, is the biggest week of the year.

If you live here

Bank holidays here include several the private sector works, so confirm with your employer rather than assuming the published list applies.

Nearby countries

Neighbours of Cyprus — see their holidays, or compare the two calendars side by side.

What these days actually mean

Observance, business closures and transport impact for the next few dates.

Christmas Eve

24 Dec 2026

Public

Observance: Officially recognised as a public holiday, so most people have the day off work.
Business: Expect offices, banks and the majority of shops to be closed.
Transport: Public transport usually runs a Sunday or holiday timetable.

General guidance based on this day's official classification, not country-specific reporting.

Christmas Day

25 Dec 2026

Public

Observance: The central Christian winter feast; in most countries the household gathering matters more than the church service.
Business: Near-total closure of retail, offices and banks. Expect the preceding afternoon to shut early too.
Transport: Skeleton or suspended services in many countries. Book intercity travel well ahead.

St. Stephen's Day

26 Dec 2026

Public

Observance: Officially recognised as a public holiday, so most people have the day off work.
Business: Expect offices, banks and the majority of shops to be closed.
Transport: Public transport usually runs a Sunday or holiday timetable.

General guidance based on this day's official classification, not country-specific reporting.