Czech holiday calendar 2026: How many days off will you get next year?

How many extra days off can you look forward to in 2026? The Czech National Bank (CNB) has published next year’s public holiday calendar, giving a clear picture of when workers in Czechia can enjoy some well-earned time off.

Czechia has 13 national holidays, with most dates fixed except for Good Friday and Easter Monday. Next year, 11 of these holidays fall on weekdays as per the CNB's list, offering plenty of opportunities for long weekends.

Just two holidays, Saints Cyril and Methodius Day and Boxing Day, fall on a weekend next year. This gives people in Czechia one more day than in 2025 to have time off. Unlike some countries, Czechia does not move holidays to create extra days off when they land on Saturdays or Sundays.

Easter, which this year falls relatively early (near the start of April), brings a long weekend, as does Jan Hus Day in 2026 (Monday, July 6).

Freedom and Democracy Day (Nov. 17) falls on a Tuesday, giving a welcome midweek pause for many around the country.

Christmas is shaping up nicely in 2026: Dec. 24 and 25 fall on Thursday and Friday, giving many a near four-day break, while Boxing Day lands on Saturday.

With a little strategy, just a handful of vacation days can feel like a full month of relaxation. For example, with both Labor Day (May 1) and Victory Day (May 8) on Fridays, you could stretch a single day off into a four-day mini-vacation.

By planning carefully, you can get a lot of time off with just a few days of leave. For example, taking the Thursday between Labor Day and Victory Day (May 7) lets you enjoy four full days off. Similarly, taking Friday, April 3, before Good Friday and Easter Monday can create a four-day break. 

Another option is taking Monday, Dec. 28, after Christmas, giving a chance to extend the holiday period into a five-day stretch if combined with the weekend.

Remember, large stores over 200 square meters must close on certain holidays: Jan. 1, Easter Monday, May 8, Sept. 28, Oct. 28, and Christmas Day. Stores usually reduce hours on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, so plan ahead if you need to shop.