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Prague Essentials

Czech Public Holidays — Complete Guide for Expats

How to plan long weekends like a local

By Simona · HomeInPrague · 2026

The Czech Republic has 13 public holidays per year. On these days, most government offices, banks and many shops are closed. As an expat, knowing when these fall will save you from an unexpected locked door — and help you plan long weekends like a local.

💡 Unlike some countries, Czech public holidays are not moved when they fall on a weekend. What falls on Saturday, stays on Saturday.

📅 All 13 Public Holidays

Jan

New Year's Day & Restoration of the Czech State

Nový rok / Den obnovy samostatného českého státu

A double celebration — New Year and the anniversary of the peaceful split of Czechoslovakia into Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.

Shared with most of Europe

Apr

Good Friday

Velký pátek

Added to the Czech calendar only in 2016 — relatively new compared to other holidays. Together with Easter Monday, it creates a 4-day Easter weekend. Dates change every year.

Shared with UK, Germany, Scandinavia

Apr

Easter Monday

Velikonoční pondělí

Easter is a big deal in Czech Republic — especially the traditional Easter whip (pomlázka) where boys visit girls and lightly whip them with a willow branch. Yes, really.

Shared with most of Europe

May

Labour Day

Svátek práce

A popular spring long weekend. Parks and terraces fill up quickly. Traditional kissing under a blossoming cherry tree is a Czech custom on this day.

Shared with most of Europe

May

Liberation Day

Den vítězství

Marks the end of WWII and liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945. Often combined with Labour Day leave, creating a busy early-May travel period.

Czech specific

Jul

Saints Cyril and Methodius Day

Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje

Commemorates the arrival of the two Byzantine missionaries who brought Christianity and the Glagolitic alphabet to the Slavic peoples in the 9th century.

Czech & Slovak specific

Jul

Jan Hus Day

Den upálení mistra Jana Husa

Remembers Jan Hus, a reformist priest burned at the stake for heresy in 1415. A symbol of Czech resistance and moral courage. Bonfires are sometimes lit in his memory.

Uniquely Czech

Sep

St. Wenceslas Day (Czech Statehood Day)

Den české státnosti

Marks the death of Saint Wenceslas (Svatý Václav), patron saint of Bohemia, in 935. His statue stands at the top of Wenceslas Square in Prague.

Uniquely Czech

Oct

Foundation of Czechoslovakia

Den vzniku samostatného československého státu

Marks the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918 — the country's independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. One of the most significant national dates.

Uniquely Czech

Nov

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

Den boje za svobodu a demokracii

Commemorates the 1989 Velvet Revolution — the peaceful end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. Also marks a 1939 student protest against Nazi occupation.

Uniquely Czech

Dec

Christmas Eve

Štědrý den

The main Christmas celebration in Czech Republic happens on the 24th — not the 25th. Families gather for a traditional dinner of fried carp or schnitzel with potato salad, and open presents in the evening.

Czech tradition — most of Europe celebrates on Dec 25

Dec

Christmas Day

1. svátek vánoční

A quieter day after the celebrations of the 24th. Families rest, visit relatives, and spend time together.

Shared with most of Europe

Dec

St. Stephen's Day

2. svátek vánoční

Also known as Boxing Day in the UK. A second Christmas holiday — shops remain closed, most people continue celebrating with family.

Shared with UK, Germany, Austria

🎒 School Holidays 2025/2026

Czech school holidays are set centrally by the Ministry of Education — with one exception: the one-week spring break varies by district. Here are the main school breaks:

Summer Holidays

July 1 – August 31, 2026

Two full months off — the longest break of the year. City gets noticeably quieter, especially in August.

Christmas Holidays

December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026

Two weeks over Christmas and New Year. Most families travel or visit relatives.

Spring Break (varies by district)

February 2 – March 15, 2026 (staggered by region)

One week per district, spread across 6 weeks to avoid overcrowding ski resorts and attractions. Prague 1–5 break: Feb 16–22.

Autumn Break

October 29–30, 2026 (+ Oct 28 public holiday)

A short 2-day break around the Oct 28 national holiday — effectively a 5-day weekend.

Half-year Break

January 30, 2026 (one day)

A single Friday off at the end of the first school term. Easy to miss if you're new!

Easter Break

April 2, 2026 (Thursday)

Schools also close on Easter Thursday — combined with Good Friday and Easter Monday, it creates a 5-day long weekend.

📌

Good to know

Czech schools also have 5 extra daysper year — set individually by the school principal. Always check with your child's school directly.

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