Planning your year ahead requires knowing when Lithuania observes its official public holidays. Understanding these nationwide non-working days helps you schedule vacations, coordinate business operations, and make travel arrangements with confidence. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays in Lithuania for 2026, excluding regional or local observances.
Official National Public Holidays in Lithuania 2026
Lithuania recognizes 16 official national public holidays throughout 2026. These dates are observed nationwide, with government offices, banks, and most businesses closed. The following table presents all confirmed public holidays for easy reference and planning purposes:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| February 16 | Monday | Independence Day |
| March 11 | Wednesday | Independence Restoration Day |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 3 | Sunday | Mothers’ Day |
| June 7 | Sunday | Fathers’ Day |
| June 24 | Wednesday | St John’s Day (Day of Dew) |
| July 6 | Monday | King Mindaugas’ Coronation Day (Statehood Day) |
| August 15 | Saturday | Feast of the Assumption of Mary |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| November 2 | Monday | All Souls’ Day |
| December 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas |
Understanding Lithuania’s Holiday Calendar
The majority of Lithuanian public holidays reflect the nation’s deep Christian heritage, particularly Roman Catholic traditions that have shaped the country’s cultural identity for centuries. However, Lithuania’s holiday calendar also honors important historical milestones that commemorate the nation’s struggle for independence and sovereignty.
Independence Day on February 16 marks the 1918 declaration that established modern Lithuania as an independent state. Meanwhile, Independence Restoration Day on March 11 celebrates the 1990 declaration that ended nearly five decades of Soviet occupation. These patriotic observances hold profound significance for Lithuanians nationwide.
Religious holidays include Easter celebrations, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, and the extended Christmas period from December 24-26. Interestingly, Christmas Eve carries special importance in Lithuanian culture, often celebrated more extensively than Christmas Day itself. Furthermore, St John’s Day on June 24 incorporates ancient pagan traditions, reflecting Lithuania’s unique blend of Christian and pre-Christian cultural influences.
Planning Tips for 2026 Public Holidays
Several holidays in 2026 create favorable opportunities for extended breaks and efficient vacation planning. Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, providing a natural long weekend when combined with the weekend. This presents an excellent opportunity for short trips or family gatherings without using additional vacation days.
The Christmas holiday period spans Thursday through Saturday (December 24-26), which automatically extends into the weekend. Consequently, taking just one vacation day on Monday, December 28, would create a five-day break. This strategic approach maximizes your time off while minimizing vacation day usage.
However, several holidays fall on Sundays in 2026, including Easter Sunday, Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, and All Saints’ Day. When public holidays coincide with Sundays, workers typically do not receive an additional day off, as Sunday is already a non-working day. Therefore, plan accordingly when these dates impact your schedule.
For business operations and travel planning, note that government offices, banks, and most commercial establishments remain closed during national holidays. If you need to conduct official business or access banking services, ensure you complete essential tasks before these dates. Additionally, public transportation schedules may vary, and tourist attractions might operate on reduced hours or close entirely.
When scheduling international meetings or coordinating with partners abroad, always verify Lithuania’s holiday calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts. Using reliable current local time tools helps you coordinate across different time zones effectively. Moreover, setting timer tools for important deadlines ensures you don’t miss critical timeframes before holidays begin.
How Lithuania’s Holidays Compare Across Europe
Lithuania observes 16 official national public holidays annually, which places it in the middle range compared to other European Union member states. Some countries observe fewer holidays, while others recognize more. Nevertheless, the specific dates and cultural significance of each holiday vary considerably across the continent.
Easter Monday, recognized in Lithuania, is also observed throughout much of Europe, including Germany, France, and neighboring Poland. On the other hand, holidays like King Mindaugas’ Coronation Day remain uniquely Lithuanian, celebrating the nation’s medieval heritage. This balance between shared European traditions and distinctive national observances characterizes Lithuania’s holiday calendar.
For travelers visiting Lithuania or residents planning trips abroad, understanding these differences proves essential. Always consult updated holiday guides when coordinating international travel or business operations. This preparation helps avoid unexpected closures and scheduling complications.
Verification and Official Sources
All holiday dates listed in this article have been verified against authoritative calendar sources and official government observances. The information presented reflects Lithuania’s legally recognized national public holidays as confirmed for 2026.
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, holiday dates occasionally change due to legislative amendments or government announcements. Therefore, we recommend checking official Lithuanian government sources or contacting relevant authorities if you require absolute confirmation for critical planning purposes.
This guide focuses exclusively on nationwide public holidays. Regional celebrations, local observances, and commemorative days that do not qualify as official non-working holidays are intentionally excluded to maintain clarity and practical utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Lithuania?
Lithuania recognizes 16 official national public holidays in 2026. These include New Year’s Day, Independence Day (February 16), Independence Restoration Day (March 11), Easter Sunday and Monday, Labour Day, Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, St John’s Day, King Mindaugas’ Coronation Day, Feast of the Assumption of Mary, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, and the three Christmas holidays (December 24-26). All of these holidays are observed nationwide, with government offices and most businesses closed.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Labour Day on Friday, May 1, creates a natural three-day weekend. The Christmas period from Thursday, December 24, through Saturday, December 26, extends into the weekend. However, several holidays fall on Sundays (Easter Sunday, Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, All Saints’ Day), which do not create extended weekends since Sunday is already a non-working day. The Easter Monday holiday on April 6 provides a long weekend following Easter Sunday.
Are any holidays subject to change?
The dates for fixed holidays (such as Independence Day and Christmas) remain constant each year. However, moveable holidays like Easter and related observances change annually based on the lunar calendar. While the 2026 dates presented here are confirmed, it’s always wise to verify closer to your planning date, as government authorities occasionally make adjustments to holiday observances. Legislative changes can also affect holiday calendars, though such changes typically receive advance notice.
Do businesses close on all public holidays?
Government offices, banks, and most commercial businesses close during official national public holidays. However, essential services, hospitals, some restaurants, and tourist attractions may remain open with modified hours. Large shopping centers and international chains might also operate on reduced schedules. It’s advisable to check specific business hours before visiting during public holidays, especially if you need to access particular services.
How do I stay updated on holiday changes?
Bookmark this page and return periodically for any updates to Lithuania’s 2026 holiday calendar. You can also consult official Lithuanian government websites for the most current information. Setting calendar reminders well in advance of major holidays helps ensure you don’t miss important planning deadlines. Additionally, subscribing to official government newsletters or following relevant authorities on social media provides timely updates about any changes to public holiday observances.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Lithuania’s 2026 Holidays
Understanding Lithuania’s official public holidays for 2026 empowers you to plan effectively throughout the year. Whether you’re coordinating business operations, scheduling family vacations, or simply organizing your personal calendar, this comprehensive guide provides the essential information you need.
Remember that this list covers only nationwide public holidays. Regional celebrations and local festivals, while culturally significant, do not appear here because they aren’t observed across the entire country. For complete holiday planning resources, explore our main public holidays section and related guides.
Save this calendar, share it with colleagues and family members, and refer back whenever you need to verify a holiday date. Proper planning around public holidays ensures smoother operations, better travel experiences, and more enjoyable celebrations throughout 2026.