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.
| Holiday | Expected Date 2026 | Observed In |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Almost all European countries |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Many EU countries |
| Easter Sunday | April 5, 2026 | Most of Europe |
| Easter Monday | April 6, 2026 | Large part of Europe |
| Labour Day | May 1, 2026 | Almost all European countries |
| Victory Day / Europe Day | May 8 / May 9 | Many EU countries |
| Assumption Day | August 15, 2026 | Many Catholic countries |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1, 2026 | Several European nations |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Entire Europe |
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.