Planning a Europe trip, remote work schedule, study abroad program, or international business calendar?
Then this Europe Holidays 2026 Calendar – Ultimate Guide will help you understand all major public holidays across European countries in one place.

Europe does not have a single unified holiday system. Each country follows its own national, cultural, and religious calendars. However, many important holidays are commonly observed across most European nations.

This guide covers:

✔ Pan-European common holidays
✔ Country-wise public holidays
✔ Best travel periods
✔ Long-weekend planning tips
✔ Business and embassy closure insights

🌍 Common Holidays Across Most of Europe in 2026

These holidays are observed in many European countries, though exact dates or names may vary.

These dates are important for travelers because transport, offices, banks, and tourist places may operate on limited schedules.

🏳️ Major European Countries – Public Holidays 2026 Overview

Below is a country-wise holiday focus to help you plan accurately.

🇫🇷 France – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Easter Monday – Apr 6
• Labour Day – May 1
• Victory in Europe Day – May 8
• Bastille Day – July 14
• Assumption – Aug 15
• All Saints’ Day – Nov 1
• Christmas – Dec 25

France observes many national and Christian holidays. Government offices and banks remain closed on most of these dates.

🇩🇪 Germany – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Good Friday – Apr 3
• Easter Monday – Apr 6
• Labour Day – May 1
• Ascension Day – May 14
• German Unity Day – Oct 3
• Christmas – Dec 25 & 26

Germany also has state-specific holidays, so dates can vary by region.

🇮🇹 Italy – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Epiphany – Jan 6
• Easter Monday – Apr 6
• Liberation Day – Apr 25
• Labour Day – May 1
• Republic Day – June 2
• Assumption – Aug 15
• All Saints – Nov 1
• Christmas – Dec 25

Italy observes both national and strong religious holidays.

🇪🇸 Spain – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Epiphany – Jan 6
• Good Friday – Apr 3
• Labour Day – May 1
• Assumption – Aug 15
• National Day of Spain – Oct 12
• All Saints – Nov 1
• Constitution Day – Dec 6
• Christmas – Dec 25

Spain also has many regional holidays depending on autonomous communities.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Good Friday – Apr 3
• Easter Monday – Apr 6
• Early May Bank Holiday – May 4
• Spring Bank Holiday – May 25
• Summer Bank Holiday – Aug 31
• Christmas – Dec 25
• Boxing Day – Dec 26

UK holidays are known as Bank Holidays.

🇳🇱 Netherlands – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Good Friday – Apr 3
• Easter Monday – Apr 6
• King’s Day – Apr 27
• Liberation Day – May 5
• Ascension Day – May 14
• Christmas – Dec 25 & 26

King’s Day is one of the biggest celebrations in the Netherlands.

🇧🇪 Belgium – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Easter Monday – Apr 6
• Labour Day – May 1
• Ascension – May 14
• Belgian National Day – July 21
• Assumption – Aug 15
• All Saints – Nov 1
• Christmas – Dec 25

🇨🇭 Switzerland – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Good Friday – Apr 3
• Easter Monday – Apr 6
• Ascension – May 14
• Swiss National Day – Aug 1
• Christmas – Dec 25

Swiss holidays also vary by canton.

🇦🇹 Austria – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Epiphany – Jan 6
• Easter Monday – Apr 6
• Labour Day – May 1
• Ascension – May 14
• Assumption – Aug 15
• National Day – Oct 26
• Christmas – Dec 25 & 26

🇵🇱 Poland – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Easter Monday – Apr 6
• Labour Day – May 1
• Constitution Day – May 3
• Assumption – Aug 15
• Independence Day – Nov 11
• Christmas – Dec 25 & 26

🇵🇹 Portugal – Holidays 2026 Highlights

• New Year’s Day – Jan 1
• Good Friday – Apr 3
• Freedom Day – Apr 25
• Labour Day – May 1
• Portugal Day – June 10
• Assumption – Aug 15
• Republic Day – Oct 5
• Christmas – Dec 25

✈️ Best Travel Periods in Europe 2026

Based on European holiday patterns:

✅ April – June: Spring festivals, Easter, fewer crowds
✅ July – August: National days, summer festivals, peak tourism
✅ September – October: Cultural holidays, best weather, lower prices
✅ December: Christmas markets, winter tourism

Avoid heavy public-holiday weeks if you need business services or embassy work.

🧠 Business & Embassy Planning Tips

• Most embassies close on both local and national holidays
• Banks remain shut on national public holidays
• Trains and flights operate but may follow holiday schedules
• Tourist attractions may open late or close early

Always confirm holidays before booking appointments.

📌 Final Conclusion

The Europe Holidays 2026 Calendar is essential for:

✔ Travelers
✔ International students
✔ Remote workers
✔ Business owners
✔ Visa and immigration planning

Europe has diverse cultures, and each country follows its own holiday structure. Planning ahead using a country-wise holiday calendar can save money, time, and unnecessary delays.

❓ FAQs – Europe Holidays 2026