Planning your work schedule, vacation time, or business trips for 2026 requires knowing when Latvia observes its official public holidays. Understanding these national holidays helps you coordinate meetings, avoid scheduling conflicts, and make the most of your time off. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed nationwide public holidays in Latvia for 2026, providing you with accurate dates to plan your year effectively.
Official Public Holidays in Latvia 2026
Latvia recognizes 16 official national public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are observed across the entire country, meaning government offices, banks, and most businesses remain closed. However, it’s worth noting that essential services and some retail establishments may maintain limited operations during these periods.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day / May Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Constituent Assembly Convocation Day |
| May 4 | Monday | Independence Restoration Day |
| May 10 | Sunday | Mother’s Day |
| May 24 | Sunday | Whitsunday (Pentecost) |
| June 23 | Tuesday | Midsummer Eve (Jāņi Eve) |
| June 24 | Wednesday | Midsummer Day (Jāņi Day) |
| November 18 | Wednesday | Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day |
| December 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas |
| December 31 | Thursday | New Year’s Eve |
Key Insights for Planning Around Latvia’s 2026 Holidays
Several holidays in 2026 create excellent opportunities for extended breaks and travel. The Easter weekend spans from Friday, April 3 through Monday, April 6, giving you four consecutive days off. Meanwhile, the double celebration on May 1 combines Labour Day with Constituent Assembly Convocation Day, creating a natural long weekend when paired with May 4’s Independence Restoration Day.
The summer celebration of Jāņi, Latvia’s midsummer festival, occurs mid-week with June 23 and 24 falling on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Consequently, many Latvians take additional vacation days to create an extended summer break. Similarly, the year-end holiday season provides substantial time off, with Christmas Eve through Second Day of Christmas spanning Thursday to Saturday, followed immediately by New Year’s Eve on Thursday, December 31.
For professionals managing schedules across different time zones, keep in mind that Latvia operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2 during standard time and UTC+3 during daylight saving time. This becomes particularly important when coordinating international meetings around holiday periods.
Notable Holiday Patterns
Unlike some countries where holidays falling on weekends trigger substitute days off, Latvia generally observes holidays on their designated dates. However, there are exceptions: if Restoration Day or Proclamation Day falls on a weekend, the following Monday becomes a paid holiday. In 2026, since November 18 (Proclamation Day) falls on a Wednesday, no substitute day applies.
Several holidays fall on weekends in 2026, including Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, and Whitsunday. Although these remain official public holidays, they don’t result in additional weekdays off for most workers. On the other hand, strategically planning vacation days around mid-week holidays can maximize your time off throughout the year.
Understanding Latvia’s Holiday Traditions
Latvia’s public holidays reflect the nation’s rich cultural heritage and historical milestones. The Independence Restoration Day on May 4 commemorates the declaration that restored Latvia’s independence in 1990, while the Proclamation Day on November 18 celebrates the original declaration of independence in 1918. These dates hold profound significance for Latvian national identity.
Jāņi, celebrated on June 23-24, represents Latvia’s most beloved traditional festival. This midsummer celebration features ancient pagan customs, including bonfires, singing folk songs, and wearing oak leaf wreaths. Most businesses close during this period, as Latvians traditionally head to the countryside for celebrations with family and friends.
The Christmas season in Latvia begins with Christmas Eve on December 24, which is actually more significant than Christmas Day itself in Latvian tradition. Families gather for festive meals and gift exchanges, continuing celebrations through the Second Day of Christmas on December 26. Subsequently, the week leading to New Year’s Eve becomes a quiet period as many people take extended holiday breaks.
Practical Tips for Travelers and Business Visitors
If you’re visiting Latvia for business or leisure, planning around these holidays proves essential. Banks, government offices, and many businesses close on public holidays, although restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions typically remain open with adjusted hours. Additionally, public transportation may operate on reduced schedules during major holidays.
For time-sensitive tasks or important meetings, using tools like a reliable timer can help you stay on schedule, especially when coordinating across different time zones. Whether you need a quick 5-minute countdown or a longer session timer, having these tools readily available ensures punctual attendance for virtual meetings with Latvian colleagues or clients.
Book accommodation and transportation well in advance for popular holiday periods, particularly around Jāņi and the Christmas season. Prices tend to increase, and availability becomes limited as both locals and tourists seek to maximize these holiday periods. Furthermore, some rural areas may have limited services during extended holiday weekends.
How to Make the Most of Your 2026 Calendar
Smart calendar planning starts with marking all official holidays at the beginning of the year. Consider which holidays create natural long weekends and identify opportunities where taking one or two vacation days can extend your time off significantly. For instance, taking December 29 and 30 off creates a nine-day break from December 24 through January 1, 2027.
Business professionals should coordinate major project deadlines and important meetings around these holiday periods to ensure maximum participation. Moreover, international companies with Latvian operations need to factor these dates into their global planning calendars to avoid scheduling conflicts.
For comprehensive information about time management and scheduling tools, visit our practical guides section, which offers tips on productivity, time zone conversion, and effective calendar management strategies for both personal and professional use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Latvia in 2026?
Latvia recognizes 16 official nationwide public holidays in 2026. These include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Labour Day, Constituent Assembly Convocation Day, Independence Restoration Day, Mother’s Day, Whitsunday, Midsummer Eve and Day, Proclamation Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Second Day of Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. All are observed throughout the country, with government offices and most businesses closed.
Which holidays create long weekends in Latvia in 2026?
The Easter holiday weekend from April 3-6 provides four consecutive days off. The early May period offers another extended break with May 1 and May 4 being public holidays. The Christmas and New Year period creates an extended holiday season, with December 24-26 followed closely by December 31. Strategic vacation planning around these dates can create even longer breaks for travelers and workers alike.
Are any Latvian public holidays subject to change in 2026?
The dates listed represent confirmed official public holidays based on Latvia’s established legal framework. Fixed-date holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Restoration Day, and Proclamation Day remain constant each year. Moveable holidays such as Easter and Whitsunday follow the liturgical calendar and are calculated accordingly. While changes to public holiday legislation can occur, these dates represent the current official schedule for 2026.
What happens when a public holiday falls on a weekend?
In Latvia, most public holidays are observed on their designated dates regardless of the day of the week. However, special provisions exist for Independence Restoration Day and Proclamation Day—if either falls on a weekend, the following Monday becomes a paid holiday. In 2026, several holidays including Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, and Whitsunday fall on Sundays, but these don’t trigger substitute weekdays off for most employees.
Do businesses remain open during public holidays in Latvia?
Government offices, banks, and most businesses close during official public holidays in Latvia. However, essential services, restaurants, hotels, and major tourist attractions typically remain open, though often with reduced hours or limited staff. During major holidays like Jāņi and Christmas, many businesses close for extended periods. Travelers should plan accordingly and verify operating hours in advance for specific services they require.
Plan Your Year with Confidence
Understanding Latvia’s public holiday schedule for 2026 empowers you to make informed decisions about vacation planning, business scheduling, and travel arrangements. Whether you’re coordinating international business meetings or planning a leisure trip to experience Latvian culture, this comprehensive guide provides the foundation for successful planning throughout the year.
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