Public holidays in the Czech Republic


Public holidays in the Czech Republic are defined by Act No. 245/2000, on national holidays, on other holidays, on significant days and on days off from work. In addition to public holidays, this law also defines other holidays and significant days. Public holidays and other holidays are non-working days, significant days are working days. Public holidays "should remind citizens of the traditions, noble goals and historical twists and turns on which Czech statehood is built".
On some national and other holidays, the opening hours of some stores are limited by law.
DateEnglish nameCzech NameRemarks
1 JanuaryRestoration Day of the Independent Czech State, New Year's DayDen obnovy samostatného českého státu; Nový rokCzechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Two days before EasterGood FridayVelký pátekGood Friday has been a public holiday since 2016.
Day after EasterEaster MondayVelikonoční pondělí-
1 MayLabour DaySvátek práce-
8 MayVictory DayDen vítězství1945, the end of the European part of World War II.
5 July[Cyril and Methodius|Saints Cyril and Methodius] DayDen slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a MetodějeIn 863, Church teachers St. Cyril and Metoděj came from the Balkans to Great Moravia to propagate Christian faith and literacy.
6 JulyJan Hus DayDen upálení mistra Jana HusaThe religious reformer Jan Hus was burned at the stake in 1415.
28 SeptemberStatehood DayDen české státnostiIn 935, St. Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, now patron of the Czech State, was murdered by his brother.
28 OctoberIndependent Czechoslovak State DayDen vzniku samostatného československého státuIndependence Day and Creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918.
17 NovemberStruggle for Freedom and Democracy DayDen boje za svobodu a demokraciiCommemorating the student demonstration against Nazi occupation in 1939, and the demonstration in 1989 that started the Velvet Revolution.
24 DecemberChristmas EveŠtědrý denChristmas is celebrated during the evening of the 24th.
25 DecemberChristmas Day1. svátek vánoční-
26 DecemberSecond Day of Christmas2. svátek vánoční-

Restrictions on sales on public holidays

Since 2016, stores over 200 square meters must remain closed on New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Liberation Day, Statehood Day, Independent Czechoslovak State Day and both Christmas Days. They must also close at noon on 24 December because this day most Czechs celebrate Christmas.
The closures do not apply to all stores. Small minimarkets and grocery stores with area smaller than 200 square metres can remain open. Pharmacies, gas stations, shops at railway stations, airports and hospitals are exempt.