Planning your year effectively requires knowing the official public holidays in advance. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel arrangements, or organizing family events, understanding Georgia’s nationwide public holidays for 2026 is essential. This comprehensive guide covers all 18 confirmed national holidays recognized throughout the country, helping you make informed decisions about your schedule throughout the year.
Official Georgia Public Holidays 2026
Georgia observes 18 official public holidays annually, with dates established by the Labor Code. These are non-working days for government offices, public institutions, and most businesses across the nation. Notably, Georgian holidays follow the Orthodox Christian calendar for religious observances, which means they may differ from Western Christian dates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 2 | Friday | New Year’s Holiday |
| January 7 | Wednesday | Orthodox Christmas |
| January 19 | Monday | Orthodox Epiphany (Natlisgeba) |
| March 3 | Tuesday | Mother’s Day |
| March 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day |
| April 9 | Thursday | Georgia’s Independence Restoration Day |
| April 10 | Friday | Orthodox Good Friday (Red Friday) |
| April 11 | Saturday | Orthodox Holy Saturday (Great Saturday) |
| April 12 | Sunday | Orthodox Easter (Agdgoma) |
| April 13 | Monday | Orthodox Easter Monday / Memorial Day |
| May 9 | Saturday | Victory Day |
| May 12 | Tuesday | Saint Andrew the First Called Day |
| May 17 | Sunday | Family Purity Day |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Independence Day |
| August 28 | Friday | Virgin’s Assumption (Mariamoba) |
| October 14 | Wednesday | Svetitskovloba |
| November 23 | Monday | Saint George’s Day (Giorgoba) |
Key Planning Insights for 2026
Understanding the distribution of public holidays throughout 2026 can significantly enhance your planning capabilities. Five of Georgia’s 18 public holidays fall on weekends this year, which means they won’t create extended breaks for those working Monday through Friday schedules. However, several notable opportunities for long weekends emerge throughout the calendar.
The year begins with an extended New Year celebration, as January 1 and 2 both fall on weekday dates (Thursday and Friday). Consequently, combining these with the weekend creates a four-day holiday period. Meanwhile, Orthodox Christmas on January 7 stands alone as a midweek holiday on Wednesday.
April presents the most significant holiday cluster with the Orthodox Easter celebration. Good Friday (April 10) through Easter Monday (April 13) creates a four-day weekend, with the preceding Thursday marking Independence Restoration Day. This arrangement potentially allows for an extended break spanning five days if planned strategically.
Moreover, several holidays naturally create three-day weekends. Orthodox Epiphany falls on Monday, January 19, while Saint George’s Day lands on Monday, November 23. These strategic placements offer excellent opportunities for short getaways or extended family time without requiring additional vacation days.
For international travelers and business professionals, it’s worth noting that Georgian holidays differ substantially from Western calendars. For instance, Orthodox Christmas occurs in January rather than December, and Easter dates vary from Catholic and Protestant observances. Therefore, coordinating with international partners requires careful attention to these differences.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Georgia’s public holiday calendar reflects the nation’s deep Orthodox Christian heritage alongside modern civic observances. Religious holidays account for more than half of the annual celebrations, demonstrating the central role faith plays in Georgian culture. Each religious observance carries profound meaning for the Georgian people, who maintain centuries-old traditions while celebrating these dates.
Orthodox Easter represents the pinnacle of religious celebrations, commemorating Christ’s resurrection through four consecutive days of observance. Churches throughout the country hold special liturgies, families gather for elaborate feasts called “supra,” and communities come together in celebration. Similarly, Orthodox Christmas on January 7 follows the Julian calendar, distinguishing it from Western Christian traditions.
Civic holidays celebrate Georgia’s national identity and historical milestones. Independence Restoration Day (April 9) marks the restoration of Georgian independence in 1991, while Independence Day (May 26) commemorates the declaration of independence from Russia in 1918. These dates feature military parades, cultural events, and patriotic displays across the nation.
International Women’s Day on March 8 enjoys particular popularity in Georgia, reflecting its Soviet-era adoption and continued cultural significance. On the other hand, Mother’s Day on March 3 represents a more recent addition, established in 1991 to honor maternal influence in society. Both holidays provide occasions for family gatherings and expressions of appreciation.
Practical Tips for Planning Around Georgian Holidays
Successfully navigating Georgia’s holiday schedule requires advance preparation and strategic thinking. Government offices, banks, and many businesses close completely on official holidays, which means essential services become unavailable. Consequently, planning ahead ensures you won’t face unexpected disruptions during these periods.
When booking travel to or within Georgia, consider that transportation services often experience increased demand during holiday periods. Domestic flights, trains, and buses fill quickly before major holidays, particularly during the Easter weekend and New Year celebrations. Therefore, booking accommodations and transportation several weeks in advance proves advisable for popular holiday periods.
International business operations should account for Georgia’s unique holiday calendar when scheduling meetings, deadlines, or transactions. Since Georgian holidays differ from those in Western countries, assuming availability based on your home calendar could lead to miscommunication. Always verify whether your Georgian counterparts will be observing a holiday before setting important dates.
Banking transactions deserve special attention during holiday periods. While most holidays are fixed dates, banks typically close, and international transfers may experience delays. Additionally, ATM availability and currency exchange services might be limited during extended holiday periods. Planning financial matters around these closures prevents unnecessary complications.
For those managing teams or projects involving Georgian colleagues, understanding these holidays facilitates better workflow management. Avoiding deadline clustering before major holidays and accounting for reduced availability during celebration periods demonstrates cultural awareness and improves professional relationships. Furthermore, acknowledging these important dates shows respect for local customs and traditions.
Time-sensitive online tools can help you stay organized throughout the year. You can check the current local time in Georgia and worldwide to coordinate international meetings effectively. When managing tasks and deadlines, utilize online timer tools for 5, 10, or 15-minute intervals to maintain productivity. For more comprehensive planning strategies, explore our collection of practical time management guides.
Important Considerations
While the 18 holidays listed above represent official nationwide observances, it’s essential to understand that Georgia also has regional holidays and observances not included in this calendar. These local celebrations vary by region and are not recognized as national non-working days. Therefore, this guide focuses exclusively on holidays observed throughout the entire country.
Georgian labor law treats work performed on official holidays as overtime, requiring separate compensation or time-off arrangements. Employers must account for holiday work accordingly, and employees should understand their rights regarding holiday compensation. This legal framework applies uniformly across the country for all 18 official holidays.
Schools and universities follow their own academic calendars, which include additional breaks beyond the official public holidays. Winter and spring breaks vary by institution, with public schools generally observing more standardized schedules than private institutions. Parents should consult their children’s specific schools for detailed academic calendars.
Although rare, the Georgian government occasionally declares additional non-working days through special decrees, particularly around major holidays like New Year and Christmas. These supplementary days are typically announced shortly before the holiday period. However, such additional days usually apply only to government offices and may not extend to banks or private businesses.
Conclusion
Georgia’s 2026 public holiday calendar offers numerous opportunities for celebration, rest, and cultural participation throughout the year. Understanding these 18 official nationwide holidays enables better planning for both residents and international visitors. From religious observances rooted in Orthodox tradition to civic celebrations of national identity, each holiday contributes to Georgia’s rich cultural tapestry.
Whether you’re coordinating business operations, planning personal travel, or simply organizing your annual schedule, this comprehensive holiday reference serves as your authoritative guide. Remember to bookmark this page and check back regularly, as we maintain the most current information on public holidays and time-related planning resources.
For additional resources on time management and scheduling, visit our main public holidays and time tools page. Stay organized, plan ahead, and make the most of Georgia’s 2026 holiday calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Georgia in 2026?
Georgia recognizes 18 official nationwide public holidays in 2026. These include New Year’s Day (January 1), New Year’s Holiday (January 2), Orthodox Christmas (January 7), Orthodox Epiphany (January 19), Mother’s Day (March 3), International Women’s Day (March 8), Independence Restoration Day (April 9), the four-day Orthodox Easter celebration (April 10-13), Victory Day (May 9), Saint Andrew Day (May 12), Family Purity Day (May 17), Independence Day (May 26), Virgin’s Assumption (August 28), Svetitskovloba (October 14), and Saint George’s Day (November 23). All dates are confirmed by official government sources and enshrined in Georgian labor law.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 create extended weekend opportunities for Georgian residents. Orthodox Epiphany on Monday, January 19, naturally extends the weekend into a three-day break. The most significant long weekend occurs during Orthodox Easter, with Good Friday (April 10) through Easter Monday (April 13) creating a four-day celebration period. Additionally, Saint George’s Day falls on Monday, November 23, providing another three-day weekend. The year begins with a four-day holiday period combining New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1), New Year’s Holiday (Friday, January 2), and the subsequent weekend.
Are any holidays subject to change?
The vast majority of Georgia’s 18 official public holidays have fixed dates that do not change from year to year. These dates are established by the Labor Code and remain consistent annually. However, Orthodox Easter and its related observances (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday) are moveable feasts calculated according to the Orthodox Christian lunar calendar. These dates vary each year, falling in 2026 from April 10-13. Occasionally, the government may declare supplementary non-working days through special decrees, particularly surrounding New Year and Christmas celebrations, though these are announced shortly before the holidays occur.
Do Georgian holidays differ from Western holidays?
Yes, Georgian holidays differ significantly from Western calendars, primarily due to the Orthodox Christian tradition. Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7 according to the Julian calendar, rather than December 25. Orthodox Easter dates also differ from Catholic and Protestant Easter, following separate calculation methods based on the Orthodox lunar calendar. Georgia observes unique national holidays like Independence Restoration Day (April 9) and Saint George’s Day (November 23) that have no Western equivalents. Additionally, Georgia celebrates International Women’s Day (March 8) as an official holiday, which is not commonly observed in most Western countries. These differences require careful coordination for international business and travel planning.
Are banks and businesses closed on all public holidays?
Government offices, banks, and most public institutions close on all 18 official public holidays in Georgia. Private businesses may choose to remain open, though many follow the official holiday schedule. Banks specifically observe only the official holidays and typically do not close for supplementary days that the government occasionally declares. Essential services like hospitals, emergency services, and some transportation options continue operating during holidays, though with potentially reduced schedules. Retail stores and restaurants vary in their holiday observance, with many remaining open, particularly in tourist areas and major cities. International businesses operating in Georgia should verify their partners’ holiday schedules to avoid disruptions in communication or transactions.