Czech Public Holidays 2026: When Prague Gets Quiet and When It Gets Busy

Public holidays in the Czech Republic reflect the country’s modern history, religious traditions, and national identity. For international travelers, these dates can influence shop opening hours, museum schedules, transport frequency, and crowd levels, particularly in Prague and other major cities.

Public Holidays in the Czech Republic 2026

About observances and non-public holidays

Not every notable date in the Czech Republic is an official public holiday.
Some days are widely recognized or culturally observed but do not result in nationwide closures or changes to business hours.

These include:

• Valentine’s Day (Valentýn)
• Mother’s Day (Den matek)
• Europe Day (Den Evropy)
• Advent Sundays (Adventní neděle)
• Daylight Saving Time changes

Only the holidays listed above are official nationwide public holidays, meaning they may affect shop openings, office hours, and travel services.

Why Czech Public Holidays Matter for Travelers

Public holidays in the Czech Republic can significantly affect daily routines, especially outside major tourist areas.

• Large supermarkets and shopping centres may close on major holidays
• Government offices and banks do not operate
• Museums and attractions often stay open, but with shorter hours
• Public transport runs on holiday timetables, usually with reduced frequency

For travelers planning museum visits, shopping, or intercity travel, checking schedules in advance is essential.

Long Weekends in the Czech Republic 2026

Several Czech public holidays fall on Mondays or Fridays in 2026, creating attractive long weekends for domestic and international travel.

Key long weekend opportunities include:

• Labour Day (Friday, 1 May)
  A popular spring long weekend, especially for city breaks and outdoor cafés.
• Liberation Day (Friday, 8 May)
  Often combined with Labour Day leave, creating a busy early-May travel period.
• Jan Hus Day (Monday, 6 July)
  Creates a midsummer long weekend with lighter crowds than August.
• Czech Statehood Day (Monday, 28 September)
  A well-timed autumn long weekend, ideal for wine regions and historic towns.

During these periods, accommodation fills faster and transport demand increases, particularly in Prague, Brno, Český Krumlov, and Karlovy Vary.

Cultural Highlights Around Public Holidays

Czech public holidays are closely tied to national identity and historical events.

• 17 November – Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day
  Marks the Velvet Revolution (Sametová revoluce). Expect exhibitions, commemorations, and educational events, especially in Prague.
• 28 October – Independence Day
  One of the most important national holidays, often accompanied by ceremonies and free entry to selected museums.
• 5 & 6 July – Saints Cyril and Methodius Day and Jan Hus Day
  These consecutive holidays highlight Czech religious and cultural heritage and are widely observed across the country.

For visitors, these dates offer insight into Czech history beyond architecture and beer culture.

What’s Open on Public Holidays in the Czech Republic

Opening hours vary, but some general patterns apply:

Usually open

• Restaurants, cafés, and bars
• Public transport and long-distance trains
• Major tourist attractions, especially in Prague

Often closed or limited

• Supermarkets and shopping centres
• Banks and government offices
• Smaller local shops outside city centres

Christmas Eve (Štědrý den) is the quietest day of the year, with widespread early closures.

Seasonal Travel Guide for the Czech Republic

Public holidays align closely with seasonal travel trends.

Spring (April–May)

• Mild temperatures and blooming parks
• Easter traditions and strong long-weekend travel in May

Summer (June–August)

• Festivals, outdoor dining, and domestic travel peak
• July holidays bring short but busy travel periods

Autumn (September–October)

• Pleasant weather and fewer crowds
• Wine harvest season in Moravia and cultural events in Prague

Winter (December)

• Christmas markets and festive city atmosphere
• Short daylight hours but strong seasonal charm

Staying Connected While Traveling in the Czech Republic

Czech Republic public holidays in 2026 shape how the country moves, celebrates, and observes its traditions. By planning around long weekends and major national dates, travelers can enjoy smoother trips and a deeper cultural experience, whether visiting Prague or exploring beyond the capital.

Reliable mobile data helps travelers navigate train schedules, check attraction hours, and book last-minute tickets.

An Eskimo Czech Republic eSIM allows seamless connectivity without swapping SIM cards. Unused data rolls over with each top-up, data can be shared with friends or family, and new users can try 500 MB of free global data before choosing a plan. Europe and Global plans support smooth travel beyond the Czech Republic.

FAQs

Are Czech public holidays nationwide?

Yes. All holidays listed above are official nationwide public holidays.

Are shops open on public holidays in Prague?

Restaurants and attractions usually stay open, but large shops may close on major holidays.

Is 17 November an important holiday?

Yes. It commemorates the Velvet Revolution and is a key national remembrance day.

Does public transport operate on holidays?

Yes, but services run on reduced holiday timetables.