In the Czech Republic, most shops — including supermarkets, shopping malls, pharmacies, and clothing stores — are open seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays. Unlike in many European countries, Sunday shopping is completely normal. Large stores are required to close only on a few Czech public holidays each year, so visitors are often surprised by how convenient shopping in Czechia can be.
However, there are several important public holidays when large shops must stay closed by law. If you are planning a trip or simply need to do some shopping, it is useful to know these dates in advance to avoid inconvenience.
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?
Even when large stores (>200m²) in the Czech Republic are closed, you can still buy basic groceries in smaller shops.
Exemptions: Gas stations, pharmacies, and shops at airports or major train stations remain open.
Small shops: Neighborhood convenience stores (potraviny), often run by the Vietnamese community, are usually 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 |
Food shopping can be very confusing for tourists and new arrivals. To help you identify the right products and decode local labels, check out our comprehensive guide: “Local Products & Their Names: What You Need to Know for Food Shopping in Czechia“
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.
and what else defines the local palate, see our “Czech Typical Food: Guide to Popular and Traditional Czech Dishes.”
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.
- Advice: 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: Beyond the Basics
While the closures might seem like a hurdle, public holidays are actually some of the most atmospheric times to visit. If you find yourself in Czechia on a “Closed” holiday, don’t worry—use these tricks to stay fed and happy:
- Restaurant Survival: While big supermarkets close, most restaurants and cafes in city centers remain open. In fact, many offer special holiday menus—like the roast goose for St. Martin’s Day or traditional fasting menus on Christmas Eve. But, since Czechs can’t shop, they often go out. Restaurants are exempt from the closure law and stay very busy. If you want to try a traditional holiday meal, book your table at least 2 days in advance.
- The “Rohlik” & “Kosik” Hack: If you’re staying in a holiday rental and find the fridge empty, check online delivery services like Rohlik.cz or Kosik.cz. While their delivery slots fill up fast on holidays, they continue to operate even when physical supermarkets are legally required to close their doors.
- The Vietnamese “Večerka”: Look for the small neighborhood shops called Potraviny. These are almost always open from early morning until late at night (often until 11 PM), regardless of the holiday. They are perfect for grabbing bread, milk, or beer.
- Museums and Galleries: Most major tourist sites and museums stay open even on “Closed” holidays (except for Dec 24–25). It’s the perfect time to trade a shopping trip for a cultural one.
