Planning your schedule for 2026 in Monaco requires knowing the official national public holidays. Whether you’re a resident organizing your work calendar, a business owner coordinating operations, or a traveler booking your Mediterranean getaway, understanding Monaco’s public holidays in 2026 helps you plan effectively. This comprehensive guide lists all confirmed nationwide public holidays recognized by the Principality of Monaco, ensuring you won’t miss important dates when banks, government offices, and many businesses close their doors.
Complete List of Monaco Public Holidays 2026
Monaco observes 13 official public holidays in 2026. These dates are recognized nationwide under Labour Laws established by Law 800 and updated in Law 1070. Employees receive these statutory holidays off with full pay, and most businesses, banks, and government offices remain closed.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 27 | Tuesday | Saint Dévote’s Day |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| June 4 | Thursday | Corpus Christi |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| November 2 | Monday | Day off for All Saints’ Day |
| November 19 | Thursday | National Day |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Key Planning Tips for Monaco Holidays 2026
Understanding the distribution of public holidays throughout the year helps you plan effectively. Monaco’s 2026 calendar features several strategic opportunities for extended breaks. Notably, when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, as with All Saints’ Day on November 1, the following Monday becomes an official day off, creating a longer weekend for residents and visitors alike.
Several holidays create attractive long weekend opportunities. Labour Day on Friday, May 1 naturally extends into the weekend, while Christmas Day falling on Friday, December 25 offers another extended break heading into the New Year. Meanwhile, Ascension Day on Thursday, May 14 and Corpus Christi on Thursday, June 4 provide mid-week respites that many use to plan short getaways along the French Riviera.
For international travelers, it’s essential to remember that during these holidays, most banks close, government services pause, and many shops reduce their hours. However, tourist attractions in Monte Carlo generally remain open, though with modified schedules. Consequently, advance booking becomes crucial during peak holiday periods, particularly around Monaco’s National Day on November 19 when special celebrations attract visitors from across Europe.
Understanding Monaco’s Holiday Traditions
Monaco’s public holidays reflect the Principality’s deep Catholic heritage and cultural identity. Saint Dévote’s Day on January 27 honors Monaco’s patron saint with traditional ceremonies and boat burning rituals on the port. This uniquely Monégasque celebration has remained central to local identity for centuries, making it one of the most culturally significant holidays on the calendar.
Furthermore, Monaco’s National Day on November 19 stands as the grandest celebration of the year. The date commemorates Prince Rainier III’s accession to the throne, and festivities include official ceremonies at the Prince’s Palace, military parades, and evening fireworks displays. For those planning to experience authentic Monégasque culture, this holiday offers unparalleled insight into the nation’s royal traditions and community spirit.
Religious observances dominate the spring calendar with moveable feasts. Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and Corpus Christi shift dates annually based on the lunar calendar. In 2026, these celebrations cluster between April and June, creating a season rich with spiritual significance. Check the current local times when coordinating international communications during these holidays, as business operations may vary significantly from standard schedules.
Maximizing Your Time During Monaco Holidays
Strategic planning around public holidays enhances both work productivity and leisure time. Consider using timer tools to manage projects efficiently before holiday closures, ensuring deadlines align with business days rather than public holidays. This proactive approach prevents last-minute rushes and allows you to enjoy holiday periods without work-related stress.
For businesses operating in Monaco, holiday planning extends beyond marking calendar dates. Many companies negotiate operational schedules with employees months in advance, particularly for holidays falling mid-week. Moreover, understanding regional patterns helps international businesses coordinate with Monaco-based partners, as French holidays occasionally influence cross-border commerce despite not being official Monaco holidays.
Travelers should note that while Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve aren’t official public holidays in Monaco, many businesses close early or remain closed entirely on these days. Restaurants, shops, and attractions adjust their schedules accordingly. Therefore, checking specific venue hours before making plans on these transitional days prevents disappointment and ensures smooth vacation experiences. For comprehensive travel planning resources, explore our travel guides section.
How Monaco Observes Substitute Holidays
Monaco’s Labour Laws establish clear protocols when public holidays fall on Sundays. Under these regulations, the government designates the following Monday as an official day off with full pay. This policy ensures workers receive the full benefit of statutory holidays regardless of calendar placement. In 2026, All Saints’ Day demonstrates this principle, with November 1 falling on Sunday and November 2 becoming the observed holiday.
On the other hand, when holidays fall on Saturdays, no substitute day is provided, as Saturday already forms part of the traditional weekend for most businesses. The Assumption of Mary on Saturday, August 15, 2026, exemplifies this situation. While it remains an official public holiday, employees don’t receive an additional day off since the holiday coincides with a non-working day for most sectors.
Special Considerations for Employers and Employees
Monaco’s employment regulations require employers to provide statutory holidays with full compensation. However, certain sectors deemed essential may require employees to work during public holidays with appropriate compensation. When this occurs, workers receive either a compensatory day off with pay or double pay for holiday work hours. Consequently, industries like hospitality, healthcare, and emergency services maintain operations while ensuring fair treatment of staff.
The Ministry of Labour releases official holiday dates at the end of each preceding year, confirming dates for moveable feasts and any special observances. Additionally, the Prince of Monaco holds authority to declare extraordinary holidays for significant events, as occurred for the birth of royal twins in recent years. While such special holidays remain rare, they underscore Monaco’s unique blend of modern governance and traditional monarchy.
Conclusion
Monaco’s 13 public holidays in 2026 provide strategic opportunities for rest, celebration, and travel throughout the year. From Saint Dévote’s Day in January through Christmas in December, these official holidays reflect the Principality’s cultural heritage while supporting modern work-life balance. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, planning family vacations, or coordinating events, keeping this holiday calendar accessible ensures smooth planning and successful outcomes.
Remember to bookmark this page and return to it throughout 2026 when scheduling important activities. For more comprehensive information about time zones, scheduling tools, and international holiday calendars, visit our main public holidays resource center. By staying informed about Monaco’s public holidays, you’ll navigate the year with confidence and make the most of these valuable days off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Monaco?
Monaco recognizes 13 nationwide public holidays in 2026, including New Year’s Day, Saint Dévote’s Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption of Mary, All Saints’ Day, the day off for All Saints’ Day, National Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and Christmas Day. All employers must observe these holidays under Monaco’s Labour Laws.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays create extended weekends in 2026. Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, extending into the weekend. Christmas Day on Friday, December 25 offers another long weekend opportunity. Additionally, the All Saints’ Day observance provides a Monday off on November 2 after the Sunday holiday.
Are any Monaco holidays subject to change?
Most holidays remain fixed annually, but moveable religious feasts like Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and Corpus Christi shift dates based on the lunar calendar. The Ministry of Labour confirms these dates at the end of the preceding year. Additionally, the Prince may declare special one-time holidays for significant national events.
Do businesses close on all public holidays in Monaco?
Most banks, government offices, and businesses close on official public holidays. However, essential services, tourist attractions, and hospitality establishments often remain open with modified schedules. Some businesses also close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, though these aren’t official holidays.
What happens when a public holiday falls on a weekend?
When a public holiday falls on Sunday, Monaco designates the following Monday as an official day off with full pay. This occurred in 2026 with All Saints’ Day, making November 2 the observed holiday. However, holidays falling on Saturday don’t receive substitute days since Saturday is already a non-working day for most sectors.