Planning a trip to Lithuania in 2026? Whether you’re a UK resident eyeing a Baltic adventure or an expat keeping track of days off, understanding Lithuania’s bank holidays is crucial. These public holidays (known locally as ‘valstybinės šventės’) mean government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses close, while public transport may run reduced services. Tourist attractions often stay open, but expect crowds during major celebrations.
In Lithuania, there are around 12 official public holidays annually, some fixed and others movable like Easter Monday. Unlike the UK, where substitute days shift weekend holidays to weekdays, Lithuania generally observes holidays on their set dates—even if they fall on weekends—with no extra days off. This guide lists all 2026 dates, offers travel tips tailored for Brits, and compares them to UK bank holidays for easy planning. All dates verified against official Lithuanian calendars.
What Are Bank Holidays in Lithuania?
Lithuania’s bank holidays stem from a mix of Christian traditions, national independence milestones, and international labour days. They were formalised post-independence from the Soviet Union, reflecting the country’s rich history. On these days:
- Banks and post offices: Closed.
- Shops and supermarkets: Many open reduced hours; smaller stores may shut.
- Restaurants and bars: Usually open, especially in cities like Vilnius and Kaunas.
- Public transport: Buses and trains operate but with holiday timetables—check vt.lt or local apps.
- Events: Fireworks for New Year, folk festivals for St. John’s Day, and markets on national days.
For UK travellers, these align somewhat with our bank holidays, but Lithuania has unique patriotic dates like 16 February (Independence Restoration). With direct flights from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh (around 2.5 hours), it’s an easy getaway.
Full List of Lithuania Bank Holidays 2026
Here’s every official public holiday in 2026, with the day of the week for planning:
- 1 January 2026 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day: Nationwide celebrations with fireworks and family gatherings. Similar to the UK’s New Year’s Day bank holiday.
- 16 February 2026 (Monday) – Independence Day: Commemorates the 1918 declaration. Parades in Vilnius; great for history buffs.
- 11 March 2026 (Wednesday) – Restoration of Independence Day: Marks 1990 freedom from USSR. Concerts and flag-raising events.
- 6 April 2026 (Monday) – Easter Monday: Movable feast following Easter Sunday (5 April). Church services and egg-painting traditions. Matches England’s Easter Monday.
- 1 May 2026 (Friday) – Labour Day: Parades and picnics, echoing International Workers’ Day.
- 23 June 2026 (Tuesday) – St. John’s Day (Rasų): Summer solstice eve with bonfires, wreath-floating, and herbal rituals in the countryside.
- 24 June 2026 (Wednesday) – St. John’s Day (Joninių): Continuation of midsummer festivities—picnics, singing, and midnight sun vibes at the Curonian Spit.
- 6 July 2026 (Monday) – Statehood Day: Honours 1253 coronation of King Mindaugas. Medieval reenactments in Kernavė.
- 15 August 2026 (Saturday) – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Religious processions; churches packed despite weekend timing.
- 1 November 2026 (Sunday) – All Saints’ Day: Cemetery visits with candles; solemn atmosphere.
- 25 December 2026 (Friday) – Christmas Day: Family feasts with kūčiukai (poppy seed cakes). Like the UK’s Christmas bank holiday.
- 26 December 2026 (Saturday) – Second Day of Christmas: Extended celebrations, markets, and relaxation.
Note: No additional substitute holidays for weekends, so 2026 offers 10 weekdays off if you’re working there.
Easter Bank Holiday 2026 in Lithuania
With the context of April 2026, Easter is timely. Good Friday (3 April) isn’t an official holiday, but many take it off informally. Easter Sunday (5 April) features dawn masses, and Monday (6 April) is the bank holiday—perfect for a long weekend. UK travellers note: this aligns exactly with England’s Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April), making it ideal for a joint holiday trip.
UK Bank Holidays 2026: Comparison for Travellers
To help UK-based planners, here’s the full 2026 UK bank holiday list (sourced from gov.uk standards). Spot the overlaps for cheap flights during shared long weekends:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January 2026 (all UK).
- 2 January 2026 (Friday): Bank holiday in Scotland only.
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026 (all UK).
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; not statutory 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 Monday 28 December 2026 where applicable).
Key differences:
- Lithuania skips May/Spring/August bank holidays but has midsummer feasts instead.
- Shared: New Year, Easter Monday, Christmas.
- UK has more summer breaks; Lithuania emphasises national history.
| Month | Lithuania Holiday | UK Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
| Feb | 16 Feb | None |
| Mar | 11 Mar | None |
| Apr | 6 Apr | 3 & 6 Apr |
| May | 1 May | 4 May |
| Jun | 23-24 Jun | None |
| Jul | 6 Jul | None |
| Aug | 15 Aug | 3/31 Aug |
| Nov | 1 Nov | None/30 Nov (Scotland) |
| Dec | 25-26 Dec | 25, 26/28 Dec |
Travel Tips from the UK to Lithuania in 2026
- Best times to visit: Avoid New Year and Christmas for crowds; target shoulder seasons like May (post-Labour Day) or September. Easter 2026 is busy but magical with spring blooms.
- Flights: Ryanair, Wizz Air from UK airports to Vilnius (VNO), Kaunas (KUN), or Palanga (PLQ). Book around shared holidays for deals.
- Accommodation: Hotels fill up for Joninės (June 23-24); book early.
- Driving: Rent cars via Sixt or Hertz; note EU roaming for mobiles post-Brexit.
- Currency: Euros—use contactless like in UK.
- Visa: None needed for Brits (up to 90 days in 180).
- COVID/Updates: Check Lithuanian tourism board (lithuania.travel) or FCDO for latest.
Pro tip: Travel during Lithuania’s Statehood Day (6 July Monday) for free festivals, coinciding near UK’s Spring bank holiday.
What to Expect: Closures and Celebrations
On bank holidays, Vilnius Old Town buzzes with markets, but rural areas quieten. Supermarkets like Maxima open limited hours. ATMs work 24/7. For events:
- Independence Day: Free concerts at Cathedral Square.
- Joninės: Hill of Crosses lit up.
Expats in Lithuania get these days off; UK firms may align partially.
FAQs on Lithuania Bank Holidays 2026
Are there school holidays too?
Yes, longer breaks around Christmas, Easter, and summer (July-August).
Do shops open on holidays?
Major chains yes (10am-8pm); independents no.
How does Easter compare to UK?
Easter Monday matches; Good Friday observed culturally.
Any 2026 changes?
None announced; confirm via lrkm.lrv.lt (Lithuanian govt).
This guide equips you for 2026 adventures. Safe travels from the UK!
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