Hungary has eleven public holidays in 2026. On these days most shops, offices, banks, and schools close, and public transport runs to a holiday timetable. Here is the full list, what each one marks, and how the long weekends fall this year.
Public holidays in Hungary in 2026
| Date | Holiday | What it marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January (Thu) | New Year’s Day | The start of the year |
| 15 March (Sun) | 1848 Revolution Day | The 1848-49 revolution and war of independence |
| 3 April (Fri) | Good Friday | The Christian Easter weekend |
| 6 April (Mon) | Easter Monday | The Christian Easter weekend |
| 1 May (Fri) | Labour Day | International workers’ day |
| 25 May (Mon) | Whit Monday | Pentecost |
| 20 August (Thu) | St Stephen’s Day | The founding of the Hungarian state, the national day |
| 23 October (Fri) | 1956 Revolution Day | The 1956 uprising and the 1989 republic |
| 1 November (Sun) | All Saints’ Day | Remembering those who have died |
| 25 December (Fri) | Christmas Day | Christmas |
| 26 December (Sat) | Second Day of Christmas | Christmas |
Long weekends and bridge days
When a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, Hungary often shifts the working week so the in-between day becomes a day off, with a nearby Saturday worked to make up for it. In 2026 the main breaks are:
- New Year: 1 to 4 January.
- Easter: 3 to 6 April.
- St Stephen’s Day: 20 to 23 August, with Saturday 8 August worked to bridge it.
- Christmas: 24 to 27 December.
This year, 15 March and 1 November both fall on a Sunday, so they do not create extra long weekends.
What is open and closed
Government offices, banks, and most schools close on public holidays. Large supermarkets and many shops also close, though some smaller shops, pharmacies, restaurants, and tourist sites stay open. Public transport in Budapest runs on a Sunday or holiday timetable, so check times before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does Hungary have?
Eleven in 2026, from New Year’s Day through to the Second Day of Christmas on 26 December.
What is celebrated on 20 August in Hungary?
St Stephen’s Day, Hungary’s national day, marking the founding of the Hungarian state. It is one of the country’s most important holidays, with fireworks over the Danube in Budapest.
What do 15 March and 23 October mark?
They are two key dates in Hungarian history: the 1848 revolution and war of independence (15 March) and the 1956 uprising against Soviet rule (23 October).
Are shops open on Hungarian public holidays?
Government offices, banks, and large supermarkets usually close. Some small shops, pharmacies, and restaurants stay open, and public transport runs to a holiday timetable.