Planning your year ahead requires knowing the official public holidays in Greece for 2026. Whether you’re organizing business meetings, booking travel, or coordinating personal time off, understanding these nationwide holidays helps you make informed decisions. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays in Greece for 2026, excluding regional or local observances.
Official Public Holidays in Greece 2026
Greece observes 12 official national public holidays in 2026. However, understanding the calendar is essential for effective planning. These holidays are recognized nationwide, meaning most businesses, government offices, and banks close on these dates. Consequently, advance preparation becomes crucial for both residents and visitors.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 6 | Tuesday | Epiphany |
| February 23 | Monday | Clean Monday |
| March 25 | Wednesday | Greek Independence Day / Annunciation |
| April 10 | Friday | Orthodox Good Friday |
| April 13 | Monday | Orthodox Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| June 1 | Monday | Orthodox Holy Spirit Monday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Dormition of the Holy Virgin (Assumption) |
| October 28 | Wednesday | Ochi Day (National Holiday) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Saturday | Synaxis of the Mother of God (Boxing Day) |
Key Holiday Planning Tips for 2026
The 2026 calendar presents several opportunities for extended breaks. New Year’s Day falls on Thursday, creating a natural long weekend when combined with the following weekend. Meanwhile, Labor Day on Friday, May 1, offers another perfect three-day opportunity for a short getaway.
Orthodox Easter celebrations span from Good Friday (April 10) through Easter Monday (April 13), providing a four-day weekend. This period represents one of the most significant celebrations in Greek culture. On the other hand, August 15 and December 26 fall on Saturdays, which means standard Monday-to-Friday workers won’t gain additional time off from these holidays.
Strategic planning around mid-week holidays can maximize your vacation days. For instance, October 28 falls on Wednesday, so taking either the beginning or end of that week off creates a five-day break using only two vacation days. Similarly, March 25 on Wednesday offers the same opportunity for travel or relaxation.
When booking accommodations or transportation, remember that checking current local times around the world helps coordinate international travel plans. Additionally, using timer tools for countdown planning ensures you don’t miss booking deadlines for popular holiday periods.
Understanding Greek Holiday Traditions
Greek public holidays reflect the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Most holidays have deep roots in Orthodox Christian tradition, including Epiphany on January 6, when the Blessing of the Waters ceremony takes place throughout Greece. Clean Monday marks the beginning of Lent with outdoor celebrations and traditional vegetarian meals.
Independence Day on March 25 commemorates Greece’s declaration of independence from Ottoman rule in 1821. This date also coincides with the Annunciation, making it both a national and religious celebration. Ochi Day on October 28 honors Greece’s rejection of Italian demands in 1940, marking the country’s entrance into World War II.
For detailed information about planning around these holidays, visit our comprehensive guides section for additional resources on time management and scheduling strategies.
Important Considerations for 2026
While this list includes all nationwide public holidays, Greece also observes numerous local patron saint days and regional celebrations. These vary by municipality and are not included in this national calendar. Additionally, employees in certain sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and public transportation may work on public holidays with appropriate compensation.
Greek law mandates that workers employed on public holidays receive either double pay or compensatory time off. Therefore, understanding your employment rights becomes important if your work schedule includes holiday shifts. Most retail businesses close on major holidays, particularly during Easter and Christmas periods.
Furthermore, Orthodox Easter dates change annually based on the Julian calendar calculation, differing from Western Easter dates. This movable feast determines several related holidays, including Clean Monday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Holy Spirit Monday. Consequently, planning far in advance requires confirming these dates each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Greece have in 2026?
Greece has 12 official national public holidays in 2026. These are recognized nationwide and observed by government offices, banks, and most businesses across the country. However, three of these holidays fall on weekends (August 15 and December 26 on Saturdays), which means they don’t provide additional days off for standard Monday-to-Friday workers.
Which holidays in 2026 create long weekends?
Several holidays create excellent long weekend opportunities in 2026. New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, naturally extends into a four-day weekend. Labor Day falls on Friday, May 1, creating another three-day break. The Easter period from Good Friday (April 10) through Easter Monday (April 13) provides a four-day weekend. Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, also creates a long weekend opportunity.
Are Greek public holidays subject to change?
Most Greek public holidays have fixed dates that don’t change from year to year, such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. However, Orthodox Easter and related holidays (Clean Monday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Holy Spirit Monday) change annually based on the Orthodox ecclesiastical calendar. These dates are calculated using the Julian calendar and typically differ from Western Christian Easter dates.
Do businesses close on all public holidays in Greece?
Yes, most businesses, government offices, banks, and many retail establishments close on official public holidays. Essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, public transportation, and some hospitality businesses remain operational with reduced staff. Employees working on public holidays are entitled to double pay or compensatory days off according to Greek labor law.
What is the difference between national and regional holidays in Greece?
National holidays are observed throughout Greece and recognized by law as non-working days for all employees, except those in essential services. Regional holidays, also known as Name Days or patron saint celebrations, are observed only in specific municipalities or regions. This guide focuses exclusively on nationwide public holidays that apply across all of Greece.
How can I plan vacations around Greek holidays in 2026?
Strategic vacation planning involves identifying holidays that fall near weekends or mid-week. For example, taking a day off on Thursday, January 2, extends New Year’s into a five-day break. Mid-week holidays like March 25 and October 28 (both Wednesdays) allow you to create five-day breaks by taking just two vacation days. Book accommodations and transportation early during peak holiday periods, especially Easter and summer holidays.
For more detailed planning resources and time management tools, explore our collection of helpful scheduling guides and countdown timers to stay organized throughout the year.