Public holidays in Slovakia affect the opening hours of shops, public services, transport and tourist attractions. Check the official calendar before travelling: the legal status of individual dates can change.
Key dates
Fixed national holidays include 1 January, 5 July and 29 August. Constitution Day on 1 September is not a statutory day off. The national holidays on 28 October and 17 November also do not provide a statutory day off.
Statutory days off include 6 January, Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1 May, 1 November and 24–26 December. In 2026, 8 May and 15 September remain holidays but are not statutory days off. Easter dates change each year.
What may be closed
Public offices, banks and some shops change their opening hours on holidays. Restaurants, museums and tourist attractions may follow special schedules, so book ahead and check the venue’s website.
Where to check
The official list of national holidays and statutory days off is available on the Slov-Lex portal. For work shifts, also check with your employer and the working calendar.
Three different calendar concepts
National holidays, statutory days off and school holidays are different categories. A holiday date does not always provide a day off, and school holidays do not mean public services close. For a family trip, check the holiday calendar, school schedule and venue opening hours separately. Shift workers also need to follow their approved work schedule.
Preparing for a long weekend
Start with accommodation that has clear cancellation terms, then check outward and return transport. Plan shopping and visits to public offices before the holiday. Look for special holiday schedules at museums, pools and restaurants rather than relying only on standard map hours. At popular resorts, book admission or treatments separately from accommodation when needed.
Easter and Christmas: travel considerations
Easter dates change each year, so check the calendar before choosing leave. Christmas holidays on 24–26 December coincide with family celebrations, and venue schedules may differ from normal winter hours. Christmas markets and public holidays are not the same thing either: organisers set market dates, and individual stalls may follow their own schedules.
Do not carry 2026 rules into the next year
The exception for 8 May and 15 September is specifically worded for 2026. When planning a 2027 trip, check the current law and calendar again rather than copying this year’s list. For neighbouring countries, consult their own holidays: a Slovak day off does not guarantee the same opening arrangements in Austria or Hungary.