Hungary (HU)
Hungary is a landlocked Central European nation in the heart of the Carpathian Basin — home to one of Europe's most beautiful capital cities (Budapest), one of the oldest parliaments in continuous operation, a notoriously complex but unique language, Europe's largest thermal spring lake (Lake Hévíz), and a culture that blends Magyar warrior heritage, Ottoman influence, Habsburg elegance, and post-communist resilience into something entirely its own.
Capital: Budapest
Region: Europe
Language: Hungarian
Currency: HUF (Ft)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 42)
Emergency: 112
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Public Holidays 2026
16 holidays in Hungary. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Újév
Public holiday. New Year's Eve (Szilveszter) is celebrated with fireworks and parties. Budapest hosts public celebrations on the Danube embankment.
Fri 2
New Year Holiday Public Holiday
Újév utáni pihenőnap
Government-designated extra holiday for 2026 (compensated by a working Saturday). Banks, government offices, and most businesses closed. Check the official government work-schedule decree annually.
March 2026
Sun 15
1848 Revolution Day Public Holiday
Nemzeti ünnep — az 1848–49-es forradalom és szabadságharc emléknapja
National Day commemorating the start of the 1848–49 Hungarian Revolution against Habsburg rule. One of Hungary's most important national holidays — marked by patriotic ceremonies, wreath-laying, and cultural events. The Petőfi poem "Nemzeti dal" (National Song) is traditionally recited.
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Nagypéntek
Public holiday since 2017. A religious observance. Most businesses close or operate reduced hours.
Sun 5
Easter Sunday Public Holiday
Húsvét vasárnap
Easter Sunday — public holiday. Traditional Easter involves "locsolkodás" (Easter sprinkling), where men and boys sprinkle or pour water/perfume on women, who give painted Easter eggs (hímes tojás) and chocolates in return. A beloved Hungarian tradition.
Mon 6
Easter Monday Public Holiday
Húsvéthétfő
Easter Monday — public holiday. The second day of the Easter sprinkling tradition. Family gatherings, lamb dishes, and egg-decorating are traditional.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
A munka ünnepe
International Workers' Day / Labour Day — public holiday. In socialist times this was a major state celebration; now it is mainly a family day off with spring outdoor activities.
Sun 24
Whit Sunday (Pentecost) Public Holiday
Pünkösd vasárnap
Pentecost Sunday — public holiday. Religious observance.
Mon 25
Whit Monday Public Holiday
Pünkösd hétfő
Whit Monday — public holiday. Creates a Pentecost long weekend.
August 2026
Thu 20
State Foundation Day / St. Stephen's Day Public Holiday
Az államalapítás ünnepe / Szent István-nap
Hungary's most important national holiday — commemorating the founding of the Hungarian state by King (Saint) Stephen I in 1000 AD. Major celebrations in Budapest with a spectacular fireworks display over the Danube, the Holy Crown procession, and air shows. Falls on Thursday in 2026 — bridge day Aug 21 creates a 4-day weekend.
Fri 21
St. Stephen's Day Bridge Holiday Public Holiday
Pihenőnap (híd)
Government-designated bridge day (pihenőnap) between St. Stephen's Day (Aug 20, Thursday) and the weekend — compensated by a working Saturday. Banks, government offices, and most businesses closed. Creates a 4-day weekend (Aug 20–23).
October 2026
Fri 23
1956 Revolution Day Public Holiday
Az 1956-os forradalom és szabadságharc ünnepe
National holiday commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution against Soviet rule — and the proclamation of the Third Hungarian Republic in 1989. A date of deep national and historical significance. Solemn ceremonies at the Parliament and Heroes' Square.
November 2026
Sun 1
All Saints' Day Public Holiday
Mindenszentek napja
All Saints' Day — public holiday and important religious observance. Hungarian families visit cemeteries to light candles and place flowers on graves. One of the most widely observed cultural traditions in Hungary, regardless of religious affiliation.
December 2026
Thu 24
Christmas Eve Public Holiday
Karácsony este
Christmas Eve — government-designated public holiday for 2026 (compensated by a working Saturday). The main Hungarian Christmas celebration: "Baby Jesus" (Jézuska) brings gifts, families gather for traditional dinner (fish soup, stuffed cabbage, poppy-seed pastries). Budapest Christmas markets at Vörösmarty tér.
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Karácsony (1. nap)
Christmas Day — public holiday. The main Hungarian Christmas celebration is Christmas Eve (Karácsony este, 24 December) when "Baby Jesus" (Jézuska) brings gifts. Families gather for a traditional dinner (typically fish soup, stuffed cabbage, and poppy-seed/walnut pastries). The Budapest Christmas markets (Vörösmarty tér) run throughout Advent.
Sat 26
Second Christmas Day Public Holiday
Karácsony (2. nap)
Boxing Day equivalent — public holiday. Used for visiting extended family, continuing Christmas celebrations, and attending cultural events.
Note: Some holidays in Hungary apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.