Public holidays in Hungary in 2026

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In Hungary, planning your year often revolves around "long weekends" (hosszú hétvégék) and the unique system of "swapped work Saturdays." For 2026, the calendar is quite generous, offering seven long weekends in total.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the Hungarian public holidays and work schedule for 2026.

2026 Public Holidays' Calendar

Date	Day	Holiday (English)	Holiday (Hungarian)
Jan 1	Thursday	New Year's Day	Újév
Mar 15	Sunday	1848 Revolution Day	Az 1848-as forradalom ünnepe
Apr 3	Friday	Good Friday	Nagypéntek
Apr 6	Monday	Easter Monday	Húsvéthétfő
May 1	Friday	Labour Day	A munka ünnepe
May 25	Monday	Whit Monday	Pünkösdhétfő
Aug 20	Thursday	State Foundation Day	Az államalapítás ünnepe
Oct 23	Friday	1956 Revolution Day	Az 1956-os forradalom ünnepe
Nov 1	Sunday	All Saints' Day	Mindenszentek
Dec 25	Friday	Christmas Day	Karácsony
Dec 26	Saturday	Second Day of Christmas	Karácsony másnapja

The 2026 "Long Weekends"

In Hungary, if a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the government usually declares the intervening Monday or Friday a rest day to create a 4-day weekend. However, these "extra" days must be "paid back" by working on a designated Saturday.

4-Day Long Weekends

• New Year: Jan 1 (Thu) – Jan 4 (Sun)

• Easter: Apr 3 (Fri) – Apr 6 (Mon)

• State Foundation: Aug 20 (Thu) – Aug 23 (Sun)

• Christmas: Dec 24 (Thu) – Dec 27 (Sun)

3-Day Long Weekends

• Labour Day: May 1 (Fri) – May 3 (Sun)

• Pentecost: May 23 (Sat) – May 25 (Mon)

• 1956 Memorial: Oct 23 (Fri) – Oct 25 (Sun)

Working Saturdays (The "Swaps")

To make those 4-day weekends possible, you will need to head into the office on these three Saturdays in 2026. These are full workdays:

• January 10 (Sat): Working in exchange for Friday, Jan 2.

• August 8 (Sat): Working in exchange for Friday, Aug 21.

• December 12 (Sat): Working in exchange for Thursday, Dec 24 (Christmas Eve).

  
  

Pro-Tip for Expats & Travelers

• Shops & Services: On "Red Letter" days (official public holidays), almost all supermarkets, malls, and shops are closed. Plan your grocery shopping at least a day in advance!

• Public Transport: Buses and trains run on a "holiday schedule" (ünnepi menetrend), which is less frequent.

• Christmas Eve (Dec 24): While it is a "rest day" in 2026, note that shops and public transport usually shut down early (around 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM) as Hungarians head home for the traditional Christmas dinner.

Note: March 15 and November 1 fall on Sundays in 2026. Unlike some other countries, Hungary does not "roll" these holidays over to the following Monday, so they simply overlap with the weekend.

Practical Tips for Holiday Travel

If you plan to travel during these long weekends, keep in mind that Hungary’s "swapped workday" system affects more than just offices. On Working Saturdays, banks and government offices follow Friday hours, but public transport often remains on a standard weekday schedule. Conversely, on the actual holiday "Red Letter" days, nearly all commercial activity stops; even major international supermarket chains close their doors. If your 2026 plans involve a trip to Lake Balaton or the thermal baths in Eger during a long weekend, book your accommodation and train tickets at least 4–6 weeks in advance, as these periods are the most popular for domestic tourism.

Cultural Traditions and Festivities

Hungarian public holidays are deeply rooted in heritage, offering a unique glimpse into the national soul. On March 15th, you will see locals wearing the kokárda (national tricolor ribbon) as cities host patriotic parades and open-air history lessons. Easter remains one of the most vibrant times in the countryside, where the tradition of "locsolkodás" (sprinkling women with water or perfume) is still practiced alongside elaborate egg-painting festivals. Meanwhile, August 20th is the literal "biggest day" of the year, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the Danube in Budapest that celebrates both the founding of the state and the "New Bread" of the harvest.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Public holidays in Hungary in 2026

How many long weekends are there in Hungary in 2026?

There are a total of seven long weekends in 2026, consisting of four 4-day weekends and three 3-day weekends.

Which Saturdays are designated as working days in 2026?

Employees will need to work on January 10th, August 8th, and December 12th to make up for the extra rest days.

Do shops stay open during Hungarian public holidays?

Almost all retail stores, supermarkets, and malls are legally required to remain closed on "Red Letter" public holidays.

What happens if a public holiday falls on a Sunday in 2026?

In Hungary, holidays that fall on a weekend do not roll over to the following Monday, so they are essentially "lost" as extra days off.

Is public transport available on major holidays like August 20th or Christmas?

Public transport operates on a limited "holiday schedule" during these days, and service often ends early on the afternoon of December 24th.

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