Understanding Luxembourg’s official public holidays for 2026 is essential for effective planning throughout the year. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, organizing travel arrangements, or simply maximizing your time off, knowing these nationwide holidays helps you stay organized and make informed decisions. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays in Luxembourg for 2026, providing you with accurate dates to plan your professional and personal activities accordingly.
Official Luxembourg Public Holidays 2026
Luxembourg observes eleven legal public holidays throughout 2026, as established by the law of April 25, 2019. These dates are recognized nationwide, and most businesses, government offices, and schools remain closed on these days. However, it’s worth noting that some holidays falling on weekends may entitle employees to compensatory rest days, depending on their employment agreements and sector-specific regulations.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 9 | Saturday | Europe Day |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| June 23 | Tuesday | National Day |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day (St. Stephen’s Day) |
Understanding Luxembourg’s Holiday Traditions
Most of Luxembourg’s public holidays have their roots in Christian festivals, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage. Interestingly, Luxembourg stands as the only European Union member state to designate Europe Day on May 9th as an official public holiday, demonstrating its commitment to European integration. Additionally, while Luxembourg celebrates National Day on June 23rd, the Grand Duke’s actual birthday falls on April 16th—a fascinating distinction that highlights the ceremonial nature of this celebration.
Planning Tips for 2026
Several holidays in 2026 present unique planning opportunities. Consequently, New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, creating potential for an extended weekend if you take Friday, January 2nd off. Meanwhile, Easter Monday on April 6th naturally provides a three-day weekend, perfect for short trips or family gatherings. Labour Day on May 1st falls on Friday, offering another built-in long weekend opportunity.
However, four public holidays in 2026 fall on weekends: Europe Day (Saturday, May 9th), Assumption of Mary (Saturday, August 15th), All Saints’ Day (Sunday, November 1st), and Boxing Day (Saturday, December 26th). On the other hand, employees may be entitled to compensatory rest days for these weekend holidays, depending on their employment contracts and sector regulations. The banking and financial sectors often provide additional flexibility in these situations.
For Christmas 2026, December 25th falls on Friday, creating a natural long weekend. By strategically taking December 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st off, you could enjoy an extended nine-day break through New Year’s Day 2027, provided your employer approves. Furthermore, tracking these patterns using tools like Current Local Times helps coordinate international meetings around holiday schedules.
Additional Considerations
While this guide covers official nationwide holidays, it’s important to note that regional observances and bank-specific holidays are not included here. Banking institutions may observe additional closure days, such as Good Friday and Christmas Eve afternoon, which are considered bank holidays rather than legal public holidays. Therefore, if you work in the financial sector or need to conduct banking transactions, verify your institution’s specific holiday schedule.
Employee rights regarding public holidays are protected under Luxembourg labor law. If a public holiday falls on your normal day off, you’re entitled to a compensatory paid day of leave, which must be used within three months. Moreover, employees required to work on public holidays receive premium compensation, with rates varying based on the day and circumstances. Using timer tools can help you track work hours accurately during holiday periods when calculating overtime or premium pay.
Making the Most of Your Time Off
Luxembourg employees benefit from 26 days of paid vacation annually, in addition to these eleven public holidays. This generous allocation allows for strategic planning throughout the year. Consider booking travel early for popular long weekends, particularly around Easter, Labour Day, and Christmas. Additionally, coordinating your vacation days with public holidays maximizes your time off while minimizing the number of leave days used.
For families with children, school holidays may not always align perfectly with public holidays. Consequently, consulting the official school calendar on Guichet.lu helps coordinate family activities. Furthermore, many cultural events and festivals coincide with public holidays, offering opportunities to experience Luxembourg’s vibrant traditions and community celebrations.
For comprehensive planning resources and detailed guides on maximizing your productivity around holidays, explore our planning guides section, which offers valuable insights on time management and scheduling strategies throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg recognizes eleven nationwide public holidays in 2026: New Year’s Day (January 1), Easter Monday (April 6), Labour Day (May 1), Europe Day (May 9), Ascension Day (May 14), Whit Monday (May 25), National Day (June 23), Assumption of Mary (August 15), All Saints’ Day (November 1), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26). These dates are established by law and apply throughout the entire country.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays offer natural long weekend opportunities in 2026. Easter Monday (April 6) provides a three-day weekend, while Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1st, creating another extended weekend. Christmas Day on Friday, December 25th also naturally extends into a long weekend. Additionally, if you take strategic days off, you can create extended breaks around New Year’s Day, Ascension Day, and National Day.
Are any holidays subject to change?
The dates listed are official public holidays established by Luxembourg law and are not subject to change. However, compensatory arrangements for holidays falling on weekends may vary by employer and sector. Banking institutions may observe additional closure days beyond these legal holidays. Always verify specific arrangements with your employer, particularly regarding weekend holidays and compensatory rest days.
What is Europe Day and why is it celebrated?
Europe Day, celebrated on May 9th, commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, which proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community—the precursor to today’s European Union. Luxembourg is currently the only EU member state that recognizes Europe Day as an official public holiday, reflecting the country’s deep commitment to European integration and its role as a founding member of the European Union.
What happens if a public holiday falls on my regular day off?
If a public holiday falls on your normal non-working day (such as a weekend day for most employees), Luxembourg labor law entitles you to a compensatory paid day of leave. This compensatory day must be taken within three months of the public holiday. In 2026, several holidays fall on weekends (May 9, August 15, November 1, and December 26), so many employees will be entitled to these compensation days.
Are regional or local holidays included in this list?
No, this guide exclusively covers nationwide public holidays that apply throughout all of Luxembourg. Regional observances, local patron saint festivals, and sector-specific holidays (such as banking closure days) are not included. While these additional observances may affect specific areas or industries, they are not considered official legal public holidays at the national level.