What Are Bank Holidays in Lithuania?
Bank holidays in Lithuania, known locally as ‘šventės’ or public holidays, are days when banks, government offices, schools and most businesses close. These non-working days allow Lithuanians to celebrate national, religious and cultural events. In 2026, there are 11 official public holidays, some of which may fall on weekends. Unlike the UK, Lithuania does not typically provide substitute days for holidays on Saturdays or Sundays, but closures still apply.
This guide to bank holidays Lithuania 2026 is perfect for UK travellers, expats or businesses planning ahead. With Easter approaching in April 2026, it’s timely to note these dates. We’ll cover the full list, comparisons to UK bank holidays, and practical advice.
Full List of Bank Holidays in Lithuania 2026
Here’s the complete calendar of Lithuania bank holidays 2026, listed chronologically with the day of the week for easy planning:
- 1 January 2026 (Thursday): New Year’s Day – Celebrates the start of the new year with fireworks and family gatherings.
- 16 February 2026 (Monday): Restoration of the State of Lithuania – Marks the 1918 declaration of independence from Russia.
- 11 March 2026 (Saturday): Restoration of Independence of Lithuania – Commemorates the 1990 act restoring sovereignty from the Soviet Union.
- 5 April 2026 (Sunday): Easter Sunday – A major Christian holiday with church services, egg painting and family feasts.
- 1 May 2026 (Friday): Labour Day – Honours workers with parades and picnics, a legacy of socialist traditions.
- 24 June 2026 (Wednesday): St. John’s Day (Rasos or Joninės) – Midsummer festival with bonfires, wreath-making and folk songs.
- 6 July 2026 (Monday): Statehood Day – Celebrates the 1253 Christianisation and crowning of Mindaugas as Lithuania’s first king.
- 1 November 2026 (Sunday): All Saints’ Day – Time for visiting cemeteries and honouring the dead.
- 24 December 2026 (Friday): Christmas Eve (Kūčios) – Traditional family dinner with 12 dishes, no meat, and the Christmas tree lighting.
- 25 December 2026 (Saturday): Christmas Day – Religious celebrations and gift-giving.
- 26 December 2026 (Sunday): Second Day of Christmas (St. Stephen’s Day) – Continuation of festivities with visits to relatives.
Note: Even on weekends, these are official non-working days. Banks like Swedbank and SEB will close, as will post offices and public transport may run reduced schedules.
Key Bank Holidays in Lithuania 2026 Explained
New Year and Independence Days
January kicks off with New Year’s Day, a nationwide party. February and March holidays highlight Lithuania’s turbulent history of independence struggles – ideal for cultural visits to Vilnius’ museums, which may have special exhibits.
Easter 2026
In April 2026, Easter Sunday (5 April) is the only Easter-related bank holiday. No Good Friday or Easter Monday here, unlike the UK. Expect markets selling painted eggs and palangos (Easter palms). Churches in Kaunas and Vilnius host dawn services.
Summer Celebrations
Labour Day (1 May) often leads to long weekends. St. John’s Day (24 June) is magical – head to the Curonian Spit for authentic pagan rituals blended with Christianity. Statehood Day (6 July) features historical reenactments.
Winter Holidays
November’s All Saints’ Day sees candlelit cemeteries. Christmas Eve to 26 December forms a festive cluster, with markets in Vilnius’ Cathedral Square offering kūčiukai (poppy seed pastries).
Lithuania Bank Holidays 2026 vs UK Bank Holidays 2026
As a UK-focused guide, comparing to British bank holidays helps expats and travellers. The UK has region-specific dates, while Lithuania’s are uniform nationwide. Here’s the official UK 2026 list for reference:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January 2026 (all UK).
- Scotland: 2 January 2026 (Friday) is a bank holiday in Scotland.
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026 (all UK).
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland).
- Early May bank holiday: Monday 4 May 2026 (all UK).
- Spring bank holiday: Monday 25 May 2026 (all UK).
- Summer bank holiday (Scotland): Monday 3 August 2026.
- Summer bank holiday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): Monday 31 August 2026.
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday 30 November 2026 (Scotland).
- Christmas Day: Friday 25 December 2026; Boxing Day: Saturday 26 December 2026; substitute bank holiday Monday 28 December 2026 where applicable.
Key Differences:
- Lithuania has more holidays (11 vs UK’s 8-10), focused on history and faith.
- Easter: Lithuania only Sunday (5 Apr); UK has Good Friday (3 Apr) and Easter Monday (6 Apr).
- May: Lithuania 1 May (Fri); UK Early May (4 May Mon).
- No August holidays in Lithuania; UK has summer ones.
- Christmas: Lithuania includes Eve (24 Dec); UK substitutes Boxing Day if weekend.
UK residents get similar long weekends, but Lithuania’s cluster around Christmas and summer solstice offers unique vibes.
Planning Travel Around Bank Holidays Lithuania 2026
From the UK: Flights and Timing
Book Ryanair or Wizz Air from London to Vilnius/Kaunas early. Avoid peaks like 1 May or 24-26 December when prices soar. April 2026 Easter aligns closely with UK dates – fly post-5 April for quieter Lithuania.
What Closes on Bank Holidays?
Banks, shops (supermarkets may open limited hours), museums and attractions close. Restaurants in tourist areas stay open. Public transport runs but less frequently – check Trafi app.
Long Weekends to Maximise
- 11 March (Sat): Quiet weekend.
- 1 May (Fri): Thu-Fri off if taking annual leave.
- 6 July (Mon): Perfect three-day break.
- 24-28 Dec: Extended festive period.
Business Implications for UK-Lithuania Trade
If you’re in logistics or finance, note bank closures affect payments. SEPA transfers process next working day. Plan contracts around 1 Jan, 1 May and Christmas.
School Holidays Alignment
Lithuanian schools close on these dates plus summer (June-August). UK families: Lithuania’s summer solstice (24 June) beats UK Spring Bank (25 May).
Weekend Holiday Rules in Lithuania
No automatic substitutes like UK’s Boxing Day shift to 28 Dec 2026. 25-26 Dec on Sat-Sun? Still holidays, but work resumes 29 Dec (Tue).
Tips for UK Expats in Lithuania
Register for e-health for holidays. Join British Embassy events on Lithuanian dates. For Vilnius Old Town walks, bank holidays mean fewer crowds outside peaks.
This comprehensive guide to bank holidays Lithuania 2026 ensures you’re prepared. Total holidays: 11 days off. Compare to UK’s variable 8-10, and plan cross-border trips wisely. Updated April 2026 amid Easter planning. For official confirmation, check Lithuanian Government site (lrv.lt). Safe travels!
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