Understanding Lebanon’s public holidays in 2026 is essential for effective planning throughout the year. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, organizing travel, or coordinating personal events, knowing when nationwide holidays occur helps you stay organized and avoid conflicts. This comprehensive guide covers only confirmed national public holidays that are observed across Lebanon, excluding regional or sectarian-specific observances that may vary by location.
Official Public Holidays in Lebanon 2026
Lebanon recognizes a diverse range of public holidays that reflect the country’s rich multicultural and multi-religious heritage. However, the following list includes only nationwide holidays that are officially designated as non-working days across the entire nation. Consequently, these dates represent occasions when government offices, banks, and many businesses remain closed.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 6 | Tuesday | Orthodox Christmas |
| February 9 | Monday | St. Maron’s Day |
| February 14 | Saturday | Commemoration of PM Rafic Hariri’s Assassination |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (Tentative) |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| March 25 | Wednesday | Feast of the Annunciation |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| April 10 | Friday | Orthodox Good Friday |
| April 12 | Sunday | Orthodox Easter |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| May 3 | Sunday | Martyrs’ Day |
| May 10 | Sunday | Liberation and Resistance Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Tentative) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| June 17 | Wednesday | Muharram (Tentative) |
| June 26 | Friday | Ashoura (Tentative) |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary |
| August 26 | Wednesday | Prophet’s Birthday (Tentative) |
| November 22 | Sunday | Independence Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Important Note: Islamic holidays marked as “tentative” are based on lunar calendar calculations and may shift by one or two days depending on moon sighting announcements. Therefore, it’s advisable to check closer to the date for final confirmation from official Lebanese government sources.
Planning Tips for Lebanon’s 2026 Holiday Calendar
Several holidays in 2026 create opportunities for extended breaks, making them ideal for travel planning or project scheduling. For instance, the Eid al-Fitr holidays fall on Friday and Saturday (March 20-21), naturally extending into the weekend. Similarly, Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, offering another long weekend opportunity.
Meanwhile, many holidays fall on Sundays in 2026, including Easter Sunday, Martyrs’ Day, Liberation and Resistance Day, and Independence Day. When holidays occur on weekends, some organizations may observe them on the following Monday, though this varies by employer. On the other hand, holidays that fall on weekdays provide convenient mid-week breaks for rest and celebration.
Business travelers should particularly note the Islamic holidays, as these often result in reduced business activity across the Middle East region. Consequently, scheduling important meetings or transactions around these dates requires extra consideration. Moreover, banking services and government offices will be closed on all listed holidays, so plan your administrative tasks accordingly.
Understanding Lebanon’s Holiday Traditions
Lebanon’s public holiday calendar reflects the nation’s unique religious diversity and historical significance. The country observes Christian holidays from both Eastern Orthodox and Western traditions, Islamic holidays following the lunar calendar, and national secular holidays commemorating important historical events. This multicultural approach demonstrates Lebanon’s commitment to honoring its diverse population.
Independence Day on November 22 marks Lebanon’s liberation from the French Mandate in 1943, representing one of the country’s most significant national celebrations. Furthermore, Labor Day on May 1 aligns Lebanon with international workers’ rights observances. Religious holidays, however, hold deep cultural significance and are often celebrated with family gatherings, special meals, and traditional customs.
For those planning to visit Lebanon or conduct business in the country, understanding these holidays provides valuable cultural insight. Nevertheless, always verify specific office hours with individual organizations, as some businesses may maintain limited operations during certain holidays while others close completely.
Managing Work and Travel Around Public Holidays
Effective calendar management becomes easier when you incorporate public holidays into your planning routine. Consider using online time zone converters and world clock tools to coordinate international meetings around Lebanon’s holiday schedule, especially when dealing with clients or colleagues in different time zones.
Additionally, setting up countdown timers for upcoming holidays helps ensure you don’t miss important deadlines before extended closures. Many professionals find that blocking out holidays on their calendars at the beginning of the year prevents scheduling conflicts later.
Transportation and accommodation costs often increase around major holidays, particularly during Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Christmas. Therefore, booking travel arrangements well in advance can result in significant savings. On the other hand, some expatriates and tourists find that traveling during Lebanese holidays offers unique opportunities to experience authentic cultural celebrations.
Additional Resources for Time Management
Beyond knowing public holidays, staying informed about current local time in Lebanon and around the world proves invaluable for international coordination. Our comprehensive time and date management guides offer practical tips for scheduling across different regions and managing complex calendars.
Remember that Lebanon observes daylight saving time, with clocks moving forward in late March and back in late October. These changes can affect international meeting schedules, so always double-check times when coordinating across borders during these transition periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Lebanon?
Lebanon recognizes 22 official nationwide public holidays in 2026, including New Year’s Day, Independence Day (November 22), Labor Day (May 1), and Christmas Day (December 25), along with various Christian and Islamic religious observances. All government offices, banks, and many businesses close on these days throughout the entire country.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 create excellent long weekend opportunities. Eid al-Fitr falls on Friday-Saturday (March 20-21), naturally extending into the weekend. Christmas Day occurs on Friday, December 25, offering another potential three-day break. However, many holidays fall on Sundays (Easter, Martyrs’ Day, Liberation Day, Independence Day), which some employers may compensate with Monday off.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Yes, Islamic holidays marked as “tentative” in the calendar are subject to change based on lunar calendar observations and official moon sighting announcements. These include Eid al-Fitr (March 20-21), Eid al-Adha (May 27-28), Muharram (June 17), Ashoura (June 26), and the Prophet’s Birthday (August 26). Final dates are typically confirmed a few days in advance by religious authorities.
Do businesses remain closed on all public holidays?
Government offices, banks, and public sector institutions close on all official public holidays. However, private businesses vary in their observance. Some retail establishments, restaurants, and tourist facilities may remain open during certain holidays, particularly in major cities like Beirut. It’s best to check directly with specific businesses regarding their holiday schedules.
How does Lebanon handle holidays that fall on weekends?
When public holidays fall on weekends, particularly Sundays, some employers and government agencies may provide a compensatory day off on the following Monday, though this is not universally mandated. Practice varies between public and private sectors, so employees should verify their organization’s specific policy regarding weekend holidays.
Where can I find official updates about Lebanese public holidays?
Official announcements regarding public holidays, particularly adjustments to Islamic holidays based on moon sightings, are typically made through the Lebanese government’s official channels and the Central Bank of Lebanon. For the most current information, consult official government websites or contact the Lebanese embassy or consulate in your area.