Latvia Public Holidays 2026: Official Dates, Long Weekends, and National Celebrations

Disclaimer: Public holiday dates in Latvia may change. Always refer to official Latvian government sources for the most up-to-date information.

Latvia’s public holidays reflect the country’s national identity, religious traditions, and seasonal rhythms. In 2026, these holidays influence business hours, travel demand, and peak tourism periods, especially around major celebrations such as Midsummer and Christmas.

Public Holidays In Latvia 2026

Latvia’s public holidays are officially recognized nationwide. On these days, government offices and banks close, while tourism services usually continue operating, particularly in major cities and popular destinations.

Major Religious And Cultural Holidays In Latvia

Several Latvian public holidays go beyond time off work and play a central role in national life. These celebrations are widely observed and have a noticeable impact on travel and local activity.

Midsummer In Latvia

Midsummer is the most important celebration in Latvia and is widely known as Līgo svētki and Jāņi. Celebrated on 23 and 24 June, this holiday marks the summer solstice and is deeply rooted in Latvian folklore and tradition.

During Midsummer, people gather outdoors to sing traditional songs, light bonfires, and celebrate with family and friends. Travel activity increases as many residents leave cities to celebrate in rural areas, making this one of the busiest domestic travel periods of the year.

Easter In Latvia

Easter, known locally as Lieldienas (Easter), is an important religious holiday in Latvia. In 2026, Easter falls in early April and is observed over a long weekend that includes Good Friday (lielā piektdiena), Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.

While Easter celebrations are generally quieter than Midsummer, the long weekend encourages short trips and family visits, especially within the country.

Christmas In Latvia

Christmas, or Ziemassvētki (Christmas), is widely celebrated across Latvia. Official public holidays run from Christmas Eve (24 December) through the Second Day of Christmas (26 December), with many businesses continuing reduced schedules through the end of December.

This period marks the start of winter travel and seasonal events, particularly in Riga and other major cities.

National Proclamation Day

Latvia’s Proclamation Day, officially called Latvijas Republikas proklamēšanas diena, is observed on 18 November. It commemorates the founding of the Republic of Latvia in 1918 and is marked by ceremonies, public events, and national displays.

Long Weekends And Peak Travel Periods In 2026

Latvia’s holiday calendar creates several long weekends in 2026, which influence travel demand and accommodation availability.

Notable long weekends include:

• Easter, combining Good Friday and Easter Monday
• Labour Day on Friday, 1 May
• Restoration of Independence Day on Monday, 4 May
• Christmas, with Christmas Day falling on a Friday

Midsummer does not create a traditional long weekend, but its importance as a cultural celebration leads to increased travel regardless of weekday placement.

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What Remains Open During Public Holidays In Latvia

Public holidays in Latvia do not result in a complete shutdown, especially in tourist areas.

Typically:

• Hotels and short-term accommodations remain open
• Restaurants and cafes operate, sometimes with adjusted hours
• Supermarkets and shopping centers often stay open
• Banks and government offices are closed

Smaller towns may observe reduced services, particularly on major national holidays.

Seasonal Travel Considerations In Latvia

Latvia’s public holidays align closely with seasonal travel patterns.

• Spring: Easter and May holidays encourage short domestic trips
• Summer: Midsummer drives peak travel, especially to rural areas
• Autumn: Proclamation Day brings local events with moderate travel impact
• Winter: Christmas marks the start of the winter holiday season

Understanding these patterns helps travelers plan trips around crowds and availability.

Stay Connected While Traveling In Latvia With Eskimo

Traveling during Latvia’s public holidays often means navigating busy transport routes, checking local schedules, and staying flexible with plans. Reliable mobile data makes this easier.

With Eskimo eSIM, you can stay connected across Latvia without relying on public Wi-Fi or physical SIM cards. Setup is quick, and your connection works as soon as you arrive.

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FAQs

How many public holidays are there in Latvia?

Latvia observes a mix of national and religious public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are officially recognized nationwide.

What is the most important holiday in Latvia?

Midsummer, known as Jāņi or Līgo svētki, is the most widely celebrated holiday and has the biggest cultural and travel impact.

Are shops open on public holidays in Latvia?

Many shops and restaurants remain open on public holidays, especially in cities. Banks and government offices are usually closed.

Is Easter a public holiday in Latvia?

Yes. Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday are all official public holidays in Latvia and are widely observed across the country.

Do public holidays affect travel in Latvia?

Yes. Travel demand increases around long weekends, Easter, Midsummer, and Christmas, especially for domestic trips.