The Czech Republic is a country where national holidays are deeply intertwined with everyday life and culture. Every public day off carries important historical, religious, or cultural significance. In 2025, both tourists and locals will be able to enjoy a variety of festive dates, some of which will create long weekends.

Knowing the Czech holiday calendar is especially important for travelers: during certain dates, shops and public institutions might be closed, and colorful festivals, fairs, and parades will fill the cities.

Let’s explore all the official public holidays in the Czech Republic for 2025, festive traditions, and useful travel planning tips.

Full List of Official Public Holidays in the Czech Republic in 2025

There are 13 official public holidays in the Czech Republic. In 2025, they are distributed as follows:

• New Year’s Day (Nový rok) — January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
  Celebrated with fireworks and public celebrations, especially in Prague's Wenceslas Square.

• Good Friday (Velký pátek) — April 18, 2025 (Friday)
  A day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, officially recognized as a holiday since 2016.

• Easter Monday (Velikonoční pondělí) — April 21, 2025 (Monday)
  Celebrated with the traditional "pomlázka," where decorated willow branches are used in playful customs.

• Labour Day (Svátek práce) — May 1, 2025 (Thursday)
  Associated not only with labor celebrations but also with love and spring festivities.

• Victory Day (Den vítězství) — May 8, 2025 (Thursday)
  Celebrates the end of World War II in Europe.

• Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje) — July 5, 2025 (Saturday)
  Honoring the Christianization of the Slavic peoples.

• Jan Hus Day (Den upálení mistra Jana Husa) — July 6, 2025 (Sunday)
  Commemorates the Czech religious reformer and national hero.

• Czech Statehood Day (Den české státnosti) — September 28, 2025 (Sunday)
  Dedicated to Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech nation.

• Independent Czechoslovak State Day (Den vzniku samostatného československého státu) — October 28, 2025 (Tuesday)
  Marks the founding of the independent Czechoslovak state in 1918.

• Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (Den boje za svobodu a demokracii) — November 17, 2025 (Monday)
  Honoring student protests against the Nazis in 1939 and the beginning of the Velvet Revolution in 1989.

• Christmas Eve (Štědrý den) — December 24, 2025 (Wednesday)
  Traditionally celebrated with a festive dinner and gift-giving.

• Christmas Day (1st Christmas Holiday) (1. svátek vánoční) — December 25, 2025 (Thursday)
  The main day of Christmas celebrations.

• St. Stephen’s Day (2nd Christmas Holiday) (2. svátek vánoční) — December 26, 2025 (Friday)
  A day to visit relatives and continue holiday gatherings.

How Czechs Will Celebrate Holidays in 2025

Several holidays in 2025 fall on Thursdays and Fridays, creating perfect opportunities for long weekends.

• No Holiday Shifting: Unlike some countries, the Czech Republic does not move holidays that fall on a weekend to the following weekday.

• Long Weekends: Long weekends can be enjoyed during Easter (April 18–21), Christmas (December 24–26), and the May holidays.

• Vacation Traditions: Czechs often take short trips to neighboring countries like Austria, Germany, or Slovakia, or enjoy nature retreats.

• Workplace Adjustments: Many offices offer the option to take a "bridge day" (den volna) between holidays and weekends.

Traditional Czech Celebrations

Holidays in the Czech Republic are rich in customs reflecting history, faith, and folklore:

• Masopust (Carnival) — February
  A Czech version of carnival with parades, dances, and festive banquets.

• Easter (Velikonoce)
  Celebrated with painted Easter eggs, "pomlázka" traditions, and festive foods like "mazanec" (a sweet Easter bread).

• Maypole Celebration
  On the night before May 1, villagers erect maypoles (májka) as symbols of vitality and renewal.

• Jan Hus Day
  Memorial events are held, especially at Prague’s Old Town Square at the Jan Hus Memorial.

• Christmas (Vánoce)
  The highlight of the year featuring festive Christmas markets, twinkling lights across Prague, and traditional dishes like fried carp and potato salad.

Travel Tips for 2025

If you are planning to visit the Czech Republic during public holidays, consider the following:

• Best Times to Visit
  Easter, Christmas, and the Independence Day (October 28) are among the best periods to experience cultural events.

• Must-See Places During Holidays

  • Prague Castle during Easter

  • Wenceslas Square Christmas Market

  • Historical reenactments in Český Krumlov

  • National memorial sites during Freedom and Democracy Day

• Public Transport and Store Hours
  Public transportation operates on a weekend schedule during major holidays. Many shops and museums may close or reduce their hours.

• Accommodation Tips
  For peak periods such as Christmas, Easter, and October 28, it is highly recommended to book hotels at least 2–3 months in advance.

Conclusion

Holidays in the Czech Republic are not just days off but a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's rich history, traditions, and vibrant culture.
When planning travel or business trips in 2025, it’s essential to consider the holiday calendar to avoid surprises and make the most of your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many official public holidays are there in the Czech Republic in 2025?
There are 13 official public holidays in the Czech Republic in 2025.

2. Which are the most important holidays in the Czech Republic?
The most significant are New Year's Day, Easter, Independent Czechoslovak State Day, and Christmas.

3. Are stores and restaurants closed on public holidays?
Yes, many stores and restaurants are closed or have limited hours during major public holidays.

4. What events should visitors attend during Easter 2025?
It is recommended to visit Easter markets in Prague and Brno.

5. Are Christmas markets open in the Czech Republic in December 2025?
Yes, Christmas markets usually open from late November and run until early January.

6. What traditional foods should you try during Christmas in the Czech Republic?
Fried carp, potato salad, and "vanilkové rohlíčky" (vanilla crescent cookies).

7. Does the Czech Republic shift holidays that fall on weekends to weekdays?
No, there is no shifting of holidays to weekdays in the Czech Republic.