Discover and plan around the official public holidays in Budapest
In Hungary, public holidays are commonly recognized and celebrated. The holidays provide opportunities for individuals to spend time with their families and reflect on the day’s significance. Here is a list of public holidays observed in Budapest and Hungary:
- January 1: New Year’s Day (Újév) – This marks the first day of the year and is a public holiday in Hungary.
- March 15: National Holiday (Nemzeti Ünnep) – This day celebrates the revolution’s anniversary against Austrian rule.
- Good Friday and Easter Monday (Húsvét hétfő): These Christian holidays are observed in Hungary, often with a long weekend. The dates vary annually following the Christian liturgical calendar.
- May 1: Labor Day (Munka Ünnepe) – This day is recognized globally as a day to celebrate the achievements of workers and is a public holiday in Hungary.
- Whit Monday (Pünkösd hétfő): This Christian holiday is observed in Hungary on the Monday following Pentecost Sunday.
- August 20: National Holiday (Államalapítás Ünnepe) – This day honors St. Stephen, who is recognized as the founder of the Hungarian state.
- October 23: National Holiday (1956-os forradalom és szabadságharc ünnepe) – This day commemorates the outbreak of the 1956 revolution against Soviet rule.
- November 1: All Saints’ Day (Mindenszentek) honors all saints and martyrs, known and unknown.
- December 24: Christmas Eve (Szenteste) – Though not a public holiday, most businesses close early in observance of the start of the Christmas holidays.
- 25-26 December: Christmas (Karácsony) – These are public holidays in Hungary, celebrated in observance of the Christian holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ.
Please note that some holidays like Easter and Whit Monday vary annually. Always check the current year’s calendar for the exact dates.
During public holidays, it is customary for shops and banks to be closed. However, certain essential services and tourist attractions may remain open, albeit with potential adjustments to their operating hours. Planning and checking the schedules of specific places of interest to visit during a public holiday is advisable.
Embracing the local traditions and participating in the festivities during these public holidays can offer a unique and enriching experience for visitors to Budapest.