Introduction to Latvia Bank Holidays 2026
Planning a trip to Latvia in 2026? Whether you’re eyeing a spring getaway around Easter or a summer adventure, understanding local bank holidays is essential. Bank holidays, known as ‘svētki’ in Latvia, mean closures of banks, government offices, schools, and many businesses. Public transport may run reduced services, and popular attractions could be busier or shut.
As a UK-focused guide, we’ll cover the full 2026 Latvia calendar, highlight key dates (especially with the April 2026 context), and compare them to UK bank holidays. This helps British travellers spot overlaps for better planning. Dates are based on official Latvian government sources and astronomical calculations for movable feasts like Easter.
Latvia observes 13 public holidays annually, some fixed and others movable. Unlike the UK, Latvia doesn’t always substitute weekend holidays with extra days off. All are non-working days by law.
Full Calendar of Latvia Bank Holidays 2026
Here’s the complete list in chronological order:
- 1 January 2026 (Thursday): New Year’s Day (Jaunais gads) – Celebrations with fireworks in Riga’s Old Town.
- 3 April 2026 (Friday): Good Friday (Lielā piektdiena) – Part of Easter observances.
- 6 April 2026 (Monday): Easter Monday (Otrās Lieldienas) – Family gatherings and egg-painting traditions.
- 1 May 2026 (Friday): Labour Day (Darba svētki) – Parades and workers’ rights commemorations.
- 4 May 2026 (Monday): Restoration of Independence Day (Latvijas Republikas Satversmes pieņemšanas diena) – Marks the 1922 constitution adoption; patriotic events.
- 23 June 2026 (Tuesday): Midsummer Eve (Jāņu vakars) – Bonfires, singing, and wreath-making; one of Latvia’s biggest festivals.
- 24 June 2026 (Wednesday): St. John’s Day (Jāņi) – Continuation of midsummer with cheese and beer feasts.
- 18 November 2026 (Wednesday): Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republikas proklamēšanas diena) – Independence torchlight processions in Riga.
- 24 December 2026 (Thursday): Christmas Eve (Ziemassvētku vakars) – Family dinners with 12 dishes, no meat.
- 25 December 2026 (Friday): Christmas Day (Ziemassvētki) – Church services and gift-giving.
- 26 December 2026 (Saturday): St. Stephen’s Day (Otrās Ziemassvētki) – Boxing Day equivalent, visited despite weekend.
Note: Midsummer Eve and Jāņi are consecutive, creating a long weekend. Christmas Eve is also a full public holiday.
Key Holidays in Detail
Easter Period (April 2026)
With context around April 2026, focus here. Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April) align perfectly with UK dates. Expect Riga’s churches like Riga Cathedral to host services. Markets sell painted eggs, and countryside trips for ‘sviesta kulēšana’ (butter churning) are popular. From the UK, this coincides with UK Easter holidays – ideal for a Baltic Easter break. Flights from London to Riga take about 3 hours.
Spring Holidays (May 2026)
Labour Day (1 May, Friday) and Restoration Day (4 May, Monday) bookend the UK Early May bank holiday (Monday 4 May). Riga hosts concerts and flag-raisings. UK travellers can enjoy extended weekends both sides of the Baltic Sea.
Summer and Midsummer
Midsummer (23-24 June) is Latvia’s highlight – think pagan roots with solstice fires. Book accommodations early; rural areas buzz. No direct UK match, but near UK’s Spring bank holiday (25 May).
Winter Festivities
New Year kicks off with parties. Independence Day (18 November) features military parades. Christmas mirrors UK traditions but with unique Latvian twists like ‘bumpus’ (potato sausages).
Comparison: Latvia vs UK Bank Holidays 2026
For UK travellers, spotting overlaps aids multi-country trips. Here’s how Latvia stacks up against UK-wide and regional holidays (sourced from gov.uk style references):
| Date | Latvia Holiday | UK Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan (Thu) | New Year’s Day | New Year’s Day (all UK) |
| 2 Jan (Fri) | - | Scotland only |
| 3 Apr (Fri) | Good Friday | Good Friday (all UK) |
| 6 Apr (Mon) | Easter Monday | Easter Monday (England, Wales, NI; not Scotland) |
| 4 May (Mon) | Restoration Day | Early May (all UK) |
| 25 May (Mon) | - | Spring bank holiday (all UK) |
| 3 Aug (Mon) | - | Summer (Scotland) |
| 31 Aug (Mon) | - | Summer (England, Wales, NI) |
| 24-26 Jun | Midsummer | - |
| 18 Nov (Wed) | Independence Day | - |
| 25 Dec (Fri) | Christmas Day | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec (Sat) | St. Stephen’s Day | Boxing Day (substitute 28 Dec Mon where applicable) |
| 30 Nov (Mon) | - | St Andrew’s (Scotland) |
Key Insights:
- Easter and Christmas align closely, perfect for UK-Latvia combos.
- No UK equivalent for Latvia’s unique dates like 4 May or Jāņi.
- UK has more summer bank holidays; Scotland’s 2 Jan and St Andrew’s add regional variety.
- 2026 Boxing Day on Saturday means UK substitute (28 Dec Monday in England/Wales/NI), but Latvia keeps 26 Dec as is.
This table helps plan joint holidays, e.g., UK Easter Monday off matches Latvia’s perfectly.
Planning Tips for UK Travellers
Travel Around Holidays
- Easter April 2026: Direct flights from Manchester, London, or Edinburgh. Expect 20% price hikes; book via Ryanair or airBaltic.
- May Long Weekends: Combine UK 4 May with Latvia’s 1-4 May for 4 days off.
- Midsummer: Rural B&Bs fill fast; fly into Riga then rent a car.
What Closes?
Banks, post offices, and supermarkets shut. ATMs work, but carry euros (Latvia uses euro since 2014). Museums like the Art Nouveau Museum may close; check websites.
Getting Around
Riga’s trams run; intercity buses via Lux Express. From UK, Eurostar to Brussels then flight, or direct.
Visa & Currency
UK citizens need no visa for 90 days (Schengen). Euros everywhere.
Cultural Etiquette
Respect midsummer bonfires; join locals for authenticity. Learn ‘Paldies’ (thank you).
Business and Remote Workers
If working remotely in Latvia, note closures. Co-working spaces like Teikums in Riga may stay open. Align with UK dates for shared days off.
Final Thoughts
Latvia’s 2026 bank holidays blend Christian, pagan, and national themes, offering vibrant experiences. With Easter in early April, it’s prime time for UK escapes. Compare to UK schedule for seamless plans. Always verify with Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) for updates.
Word count: 1028. Safe travels from Blighty to the Baltics!