Introduction to Bank Holidays in Latvia 2026
Planning a trip to Latvia in 2026? Or perhaps you’re a UK business expanding into the Baltics? Understanding Latvia’s bank holidays – known locally as ‘svētki’ or public holidays – is essential. These are days when banks, government offices, post offices, and many shops close, impacting travel, business, and daily life.
Latvia observes 12 public holidays annually, including fixed dates like Labour Day (1 May) and movable ones like Easter Monday. Unlike the UK, where substitute days often shift weekend holidays to Mondays, Latvia sticks to the calendar date without automatic substitutes. However, some employers offer extra days off around Christmas or New Year.
This guide lists all Latvia bank holidays for 2026, explains their significance, and compares them to UK bank holidays (sourced from official UK government references). With Easter falling in early April 2026 – a key travel period – we’ll highlight tips for British visitors. Whether you’re holidaying in Riga or working remotely from Jurmala, this UK-focused overview ensures you’re prepared.
Full List of Latvia Bank Holidays 2026
Here’s the complete calendar of Latvia’s 12 public holidays in 2026, with days of the week for easy planning:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Ņujārgada diena) | Nationwide closure; celebrations with fireworks. |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday (Lielā piektdiena) | Christian observance; start of Easter weekend. |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday (Lieldienu svētki) | Family gatherings, egg painting traditions. |
| 1 May | Friday | Labour Day (Darba svētki) | Parades in Riga; echoes May Day movements. |
| 4 May | Monday | Constitution Day (Satversmes diena) | Commemorates 1920 constitution; patriotic events. |
| 23 June | Tuesday | Midsummer Eve (Līgo) | Bonfires, singing; peak party time. |
| 24 June | Wednesday | St John’s Day (Jāņu diena) | Crowns of flowers, solstice celebrations. |
| 11 November | Wednesday | Lacplesis Day (Lāčplēša diena) | Honours 1919 battle; torchlight processions. |
| 18 November | Wednesday | Independence Day (Proklamēšanas diena) | 1918 proclamation; fireworks, concerts. |
| 24 December | Thursday | Christmas Eve (Ziemassvētku vakars) | Family dinners; limited shop hours. |
| 25 December | Friday | First Christmas Day (1. Ziemassvētku diena) | Church services, gift-giving. |
| 26 December | Saturday | Second Christmas Day (2. Ziemassvētku diena) | Relaxed family time; some closures. |
These dates are confirmed from Latvian government sources. Note: Schools and kindergartens often extend breaks around Easter and Christmas.
Detailed Breakdown of Key Latvia Holidays 2026
Easter Holidays (3-6 April 2026)
Easter is a highlight in April 2026, aligning with the current context. Good Friday (3 April, Friday) marks solemn church services, while Easter Monday (6 April, Monday) features joyous traditions like egg rolling and painting. Expect Riga’s Old Town to buzz with markets. Banks and public transport run reduced services; supermarkets may open afternoons on Monday.
Spring and Summer Holidays
Labour Day (1 May, Friday) and Constitution Day (4 May, Monday) create a four-day weekend – perfect for city breaks. Midsummer (23-24 June) is Latvia’s biggest festival: countryside bonfires, folk songs, and herbal crowns. Book accommodation early; rural areas get crowded.
Autumn Independence Celebrations
November brings back-to-back holidays: Lacplesis Day (11 November) honours military heroes with remembrance events, followed by Independence Day (18 November) with grand parades and President speeches.
Winter Festivities
New Year (1 January, Thursday) kicks off with family feasts. Christmas (24-26 December) mirrors UK Boxing Day vibes but starts earlier with Eve preparations.
On these days, ATMs may have limits, and international flights continue unaffected. Pharmacies and petrol stations stay open.
Comparing Latvia and UK Bank Holidays 2026
For UK travellers, spotting overlaps simplifies planning. Here’s how Latvia’s holidays stack up against official UK 2026 bank holidays:
- New Year’s Day: Latvia 1 Jan (Thu) matches all UK. Scotland adds 2 Jan (Fri).
- Easter: Latvia Good Friday 3 Apr (Fri) and Easter Monday 6 Apr (Mon) align exactly with UK-wide Good Friday and England/Wales/NI Easter Monday (Scotland skips the latter).
- Early May: Latvia’s 1 May (Fri) and 4 May (Mon) precede UK’s Early May bank holiday (4 May, Mon).
- Spring Bank: No direct Latvia match for UK 25 May (Mon).
- Summer: Latvia Midsummer 23-24 Jun differs from UK Scotland 3 Aug (Mon), England/Wales/NI 31 Aug (Mon).
- November: Latvia’s 11/18 Nov vs Scotland’s St Andrew’s 30 Nov (Mon).
- Christmas: Latvia 24-26 Dec; UK Christmas 25 Dec (Fri), Boxing 26 Dec (Sat, substitute 28 Dec Mon).
Latvia has more holidays (12 vs UK’s 8-10 regionally) but fewer long weekends without planning. UK substitutes create extra Mondays; Latvia doesn’t. Businesses note: EU harmonisation means similar Easter/Christmas closures.
Travel Tips for UK Visitors in 2026
Booking and Timing
Avoid peak days like 24 June or 18 November for domestic travel – trains/buses book out. Ryanair and easyJet flights from London to Riga run daily; book Easter returns post-6 April. Use NSI.lv for updates.
What Opens and Closes
Banks (Swedbank, SEB) shut fully. Supermarkets like Rimi open 10am-6pm on holidays. Museums (Riga Art Nouveau) often close Mondays. Restaurants thrive on festive nights.
Driving and Visas
UK drivers need GB sticker post-Brexit; vignette for motorways. No visa for 90-day stays. Expect queues at borders during Independence Day.
Cultural Etiquette
Join Midsummer sing-alongs – Brits love it! Respect solemn Lacplesis vigils. Vegetarian options abound at Easter feasts.
Business Considerations
For UK firms, note Q2 disruptions around May holidays. Remote work? Co-working in Riga operates limited hours.
Planning Your Latvia Trip Around Holidays
Use tools like Timeanddate.com for calendars. For expats, Latvian law mandates 4 weeks paid leave, often bridging holidays. UK remote workers: factor time zones (GMT+2).
In April 2026, combine Latvia Easter with UK Good Friday for a Baltic getaway. Budget £300-500 return flights, £50/night hotels.
Final Thoughts
Latvia’s 2026 bank holidays blend Christian, pagan, and national pride, offering vibrant experiences beyond UK norms. By comparing calendars, UK travellers avoid pitfalls and maximise enjoyment. Check gov.lv for last-minute changes and safe travels!
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