Czechia observes thirteen public holidays, a mix of Christian feasts and twentieth-century political dates — 17 November and 28 October carry real civic weight.

How people take the days

Bridging is common around the two May holidays, which sit a week apart. Christmas Eve is a public holiday in its own right, so the shutdown starts a day earlier than in much of Europe.

If you're visiting

Large shops over 200 square metres are legally closed on seven of the holidays, including 24 December afternoon and 25 December. Restaurants and Prague's tourist centre stay busy.

If you live here

Statutory leave is four weeks. Holidays falling on a weekend are not replaced, which makes some years noticeably thinner than others.

Nearby countries

Neighbours of Czechia — 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.

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

17 Nov 2026

Public

Observance: 17 November marks both the 1939 closure of the Czech universities and the 1989 student march that began the Velvet Revolution. Candles fill Národní třída by evening.
Business: Banks and offices closed; retail open.
Transport: Normal services with central Prague closures around the memorial.

Written for this country

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.