The Czech Republic has a rich history and a vibrant culture. This is clearly seen in every Czech public holidays. Whether you are a local or a tourist, it is important to understand these days. Many offices and shops close during a public holiday in Czech Republic, so planning ahead will help you avoid frustration.
Major Czech Public Holidays & Shop Closures
In the Czech Republic, a law from 2016 controls shop hours. On some holidays, large stores (over 200 square meters) must close. So, Large Supermarkets (Tesco, Albert, Kaufland, LIDL) must close on the “CLOSED” days listed above.
Where can you still shop?
When big shops in CZ are closed, smaller shops stay open, so you can still buy basic groceries.
- Exemptions: Gas stations, pharmacies, and shops at airports or major train stations stay open.
- Small Shops: Neighborhood convenience stores (Potraviny) (often run by the Vietnamese community) almost always remain open 365 days a year.
2026–2027 Czech Public Holiday Calendar
| Holiday Name (English) | 2026 Date | 2027 Date | Large Shops (>200m²) |
| New Year / Restoration Day | Jan 1 (Thu) | Jan 1 (Fri) | CLOSED |
| Good Friday | Apr 3 (Fri) | Mar 26 (Fri) | OPEN |
| Easter Monday | Apr 6 (Mon) | Mar 29 (Mon) | CLOSED |
| Labour Day | May 1 (Fri) | May 1 (Sat) | OPEN |
| Liberation Day | May 8 (Fri) | May 8 (Sat) | CLOSED |
| St. Cyril & Methodius | July 5 (Sun) | July 5 (Mon) | OPEN |
| Jan Hus Day | July 6 (Mon) | July 6 (Tue) | OPEN |
| St. Wenceslas Day | Sept 28 (Mon) | Sept 28 (Tue) | CLOSED |
| Independent State Day | Oct 28 (Wed) | Oct 28 (Thu) | CLOSED |
| Freedom & Democracy Day | Nov 17 (Tue) | Nov 17 (Wed) | OPEN |
| Christmas Eve | Dec 24 (Thu) | Dec 24 (Fri) | CLOSE at 12:00 |
| 1st Christmas Day | Dec 25 (Fri) | Dec 25 (Sat) | CLOSED |
| 2nd Christmas Day | Dec 26 (Sat) | Dec 26 (Sun) | CLOSED |
Czech Public Holidays: Business and Service Information
- Banks and Offices: Always closed on Czech public holidays. Plan your errands a few days early.
- Public Transport: Metro, trams, and buses run on a weekend schedule. There are fewer connections, so check the “IDOS” or “PID” apps for times.
Cultural Insights and Traditions
Czech holidays are famous for their unique customs:
- The New Year Lunch: On Jan 1st, people eat lentils (čočka) to bring money and prosperity for the year.
- Easter Monday: Men use decorated willow sticks (pomlázka) to “whip” women. It is a fun tradition meant to bring health. In return, women give men painted eggs.
- May 1st: The day of love. Couples go to parks to kiss under a blooming cherry tree for good luck.
- Christmas Eve (Dec 24): This is the most important day. Families eat fried carp and potato salad and then open presents brought by “Ježíšek” (Baby Jesus).
4. Traveler’s Alert: Long Weekends
When a Czech public holidays falls on a Friday or Monday, it creates a “long weekend.”
- The “Bridge”: If a holiday is on a Thursday, many Czechs take Friday off too. This is called a “bridge.” Expect many small offices to be empty during these times.
- Travel: Many locals leave the city for their country cottages (chata). Roads will be very busy on Friday afternoon and Sunday evening.
- Advise: Book your hotels and train seats in advance if you plan to visit popular spots like Český Krumlov or the Moravian wine regions.
Czech Holiday Dictionary
Look for these words on shop doors or signs:
- Zavřeno: Closed
- Otevřeno: Open
- Státní svátek: State Holiday
- Omezený provoz: Limited service (Weekend schedule)
- Dovolená: Vacation (The owner is away)
Understanding Signs on the Door
If you see a sign that says: “28. 10. – ZAVŘENO (Státní svátek)” It means they are closed specifically for the October 28th holiday.
If you see a handwritten note saying: “Dnes otevřeno do 12:00” It means “Today open until 12:00.” This is very common on Christmas Eve (Dec 24).
Czech Public Holidays: Final Tip
Even if large stores are closed, you can always find a snack or essentials at a gas station or a small shop in the main train station (Hlavní nádraží).
