Public holidays in Estonia in 2026 cover 12 statutory holiday dates, including Independence Day, Easter, Victory Day, Midsummer and Christmas. Under Estonian law, the calendar consists of one national holiday and 11 public holidays. Nine fall on weekdays, while three fall on weekends. This guide explains the official holiday calendar, national celebrations, working-day rules, holiday pay and long weekends.
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Next Public Holiday in Estonia
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 24, 2026 | Thursday | Christmas Eve | Confirmed |
Public Holidays in Estonia 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Confirmed |
| February 24, 2026 | Tuesday | Independence Day (Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia) | Confirmed |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Confirmed |
| April 5, 2026 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Confirmed |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | May Day (Spring Day) | Confirmed |
| May 24, 2026 | Sunday | Pentecost (Whit Sunday) | Confirmed |
| June 23, 2026 | Tuesday | Victory Day | Confirmed |
| June 24, 2026 | Wednesday | Midsummer Day | Confirmed |
| August 20, 2026 | Thursday | Day of Restoration of Independence | Confirmed |
| December 24, 2026 | Thursday | Christmas Eve | Confirmed |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Confirmed |
| December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Boxing Day (Second Day of Christmas) | Confirmed |
Estonia's nationwide holidays are established under the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act, published in the official legal gazette, Riigi Teataja. The legislation distinguishes the country's national holiday from its other statutory public holidays and separately identifies commemorative days that do not generally provide an additional day off work.
The Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act provides the legal basis for the schedule, while the Estonian State Chancellery explains the significance of individual holidays.
National Holidays in Estonia
Estonia has one legally designated national holiday: Independence Day on 24 February. The remaining 11 statutory holidays are classified as public holidays. Both categories are recognized as days of rest under the national holiday legislation.
Independence Day – 24 February
Independence Day, known in Estonian as Iseseisvuspäev, commemorates the declaration of the independent Republic of Estonia on 24 February 1918.
The national holiday is marked by flag ceremonies, official speeches, commemorations, cultural events and a traditional military parade. The President of the Republic also hosts an official reception and concert ceremony.
In 2026, Independence Day fell on Tuesday, 24 February. It remains the country's only holiday formally classified as a national holiday rather than an ordinary public holiday.
The Estonian State Chancellery's national holiday page provides additional historical and ceremonial information.
Day of Restoration of Independence – 20 August
The Day of Restoration of Independence, known as Taasiseseisvumispäev, commemorates Estonia's restoration of independence on 20 August 1991.
The holiday marks the restoration of Estonian state independence during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Although it is nationally significant, the law classifies it as a public holiday rather than the country's single national holiday.
In 2026, the holiday fell on Thursday, 20 August.
Victory Day and Midsummer Celebrations in Estonia
June features two consecutive public holidays that are especially important in Estonia's national and cultural calendar: Victory Day and Midsummer Day.
Victory Day – 23 June
Victory Day, or Võidupüha, commemorates the Estonian victory in the Battle of Võnnu during the War of Independence in June 1919.
It is associated with military commemorations, patriotic ceremonies and the lighting of the Victory Day flame, which is traditionally connected with the Midsummer celebrations that follow.
Victory Day fell on Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
Midsummer Day – 24 June
Midsummer Day, or Jaanipäev, is one of Estonia's most widely celebrated traditional holidays. Its customs include bonfires, outdoor gatherings, music and time spent with family and friends.
Midsummer celebrations are closely associated with the long daylight hours of the northern summer. Celebrations often begin on Midsummer Eve, 23 June, and continue into the public holiday on 24 June.
In 2026, Midsummer Day fell on Wednesday, 24 June, immediately following Victory Day.
The two consecutive holidays can provide an opportunity for an extended break, although any additional days away from work must be arranged separately.
Religious Public Holidays in Estonia
Estonia recognizes several Christian holidays as statutory public holidays. These include Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Pentecost and three Christmas-related dates.
Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while Easter Sunday celebrates his resurrection.
In 2026, Good Friday fell on Friday, 3 April, and Easter Sunday on Sunday, 5 April. Both are public holidays under Estonian law.
Easter Monday is not separately listed as a statutory public holiday in Estonia. Employees should therefore not assume that the Monday following Easter is an official nationwide day off.
Pentecost – Whit Sunday
Pentecost, known as Nelipühad in Estonian, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Jesus Christ. It takes place on the seventh Sunday after Easter Sunday.
In 2026, Pentecost fell on Sunday, 24 May. Although it coincided with a regular weekend day, it remained one of Estonia's 11 statutory public holidays.
Christmas Holidays
Estonia recognizes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the Second Day of Christmas as separate statutory public holidays.
Christmas Eve, known as Jõululaupäev, is particularly important in Estonian family traditions. Christmas celebrations commonly include family gatherings, festive meals, religious services and visits to cemeteries to remember loved ones.
In 2026, Christmas Eve fell on Thursday, Christmas Day on Friday and the Second Day of Christmas on Saturday.
The consecutive holidays provided an extended Christmas period for employees who normally work Monday to Friday.
National Observances That Are Not Public Holidays
Estonia's legislation also recognizes days of national importance, known as riiklikud tähtpäevad. These dates commemorate important historical events, cultural traditions and social occasions but are not automatically nationwide days off work.
Examples include:
- Anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty: Observed on 2 February to commemorate the 1920 peace treaty between Estonia and Soviet Russia.
- Mother Tongue Day: Celebrated on 14 March to recognize the Estonian language and its cultural importance.
- Estonian Flag Day: Observed on 4 June to honor the country's national flag.
- Day of Mourning: Commemorated on 14 June in remembrance of victims of Soviet deportations.
- Mother's Day: Celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
- Father's Day: Celebrated on the second Sunday of November.
These observances should not be confused with the statutory public holidays included in the main holiday calendar. Additional commemorative dates are listed in the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act.
Long Weekends in Estonia in 2026
Several public holidays in 2026 created longer breaks for employees following the usual Monday-to-Friday working schedule.
- Easter weekend: Good Friday on 3 April fell immediately before the regular Saturday-Sunday weekend, providing three consecutive days off for qualifying employees.
- May Day weekend: Friday, 1 May, provided another three-day weekend.
- Christmas holidays: Christmas Eve on Thursday, 24 December, and Christmas Day on Friday, 25 December, combined with the weekend to create four consecutive days off for employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday free.
Victory Day and Midsummer Day also fell on consecutive weekdays, Tuesday and Wednesday, 23–24 June. Employees could potentially create a longer break by arranging annual leave on surrounding working days.
These are calendar-based planning opportunities, not additional government-declared holidays. Actual leave entitlements depend on employment arrangements.
What Happens When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend in Estonia?
Estonia does not generally transfer statutory public holidays falling on Saturday or Sunday to the following Monday.
In 2026, Easter Sunday, Pentecost and the Second Day of Christmas coincided with weekend dates. These holidays remained part of the statutory calendar without creating additional substitute weekdays.
Public holiday entitlements and working-time arrangements are governed by Estonian employment legislation. Employees required to work during a public holiday are subject to the compensation provisions of the Employment Contracts Act.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Estonia?
Employees working on an Estonian public holiday are generally entitled to double pay for the hours worked, according to Section 45 of the Employment Contracts Act.
The law also allows employers and employees to agree on compensation through additional time off instead of the statutory holiday-work payment arrangement.
Estonia's Employment Contracts Act further establishes that national and public holidays are excluded from the calculation of statutory annual holiday days.
These protections are particularly important for employees working shifts, weekends or public holiday schedules.
For the legal provisions, consult the Employment Contracts Act, Sections 45 and 54, published in Riigi Teataja.
Shortened Working Days Before Public Holidays
Estonian law requires certain working days immediately preceding major holidays to be shortened by three hours.
Section 53 of the Employment Contracts Act applies this requirement to the working day preceding:
- New Year's Day
- Independence Day
- Victory Day
- Christmas Eve
For a standard Monday-to-Friday working schedule, the shortened working days associated with the 2026 holiday calendar were 23 February, 22 June and 23 December. The working day preceding New Year's Day 2026 was 31 December 2025.
The three-hour reduction depends on whether the employee was scheduled to work immediately before the relevant holiday. It does not automatically transfer to an earlier working day simply because the employee has a day off between work and the holiday.
The Estonian Working Life Portal, maintained by the Labour Inspectorate, explains how shortened working days apply to different working schedules.
Are Banks, Schools and Government Offices Closed on Public Holidays?
Estonia's national holiday and statutory public holidays are legally designated days of rest. Government offices and many regular office-based businesses generally close on these dates.
Bank branches and other financial institutions may have altered opening hours, although digital banking services may continue operating. Customers should consult individual banks for branch services and payment processing arrangements.
Schools generally observe nationwide public holidays, but school vacation periods are governed by separate educational calendars and should not be confused with public holidays.
Essential services, transport providers, hospitality businesses and retail establishments may continue operating under different schedules. Their opening hours should be checked individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in Estonia?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The live Next Public Holiday in Estonia section near the top of this page displays the next upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards holiday database.
What is Estonia's country code?
Estonia's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is EE.
How many public holidays are there in Estonia in 2026?
Estonia has 12 nationwide statutory holiday dates in 2026. These consist of one national holiday, Independence Day, and 11 public holidays. Nine occur on weekdays, while three fall on weekends.
When is Estonia's Independence Day in 2026?
Estonia's Independence Day falls on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. It commemorates the declaration of independence in 1918 and is the country's only legally designated national holiday.
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Estonia?
No. Estonia recognizes Good Friday and Easter Sunday as statutory public holidays, but Easter Monday is not included in the national public holiday list.
When is Midsummer Day in Estonia in 2026?
Midsummer Day falls on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. It follows Victory Day on Tuesday, 23 June, creating two consecutive statutory public holidays.
Does Estonia provide substitute holidays for weekend public holidays?
Estonia does not generally provide an additional weekday holiday when a statutory public holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday. The holiday remains on its original calendar date.
Do employees receive double pay for working on public holidays in Estonia?
Yes. Section 45 of Estonia's Employment Contracts Act generally requires double pay for work performed on a public holiday. An employer and employee may alternatively agree to compensation through additional time off.
Which working days are shortened before Estonian public holidays?
The working day immediately preceding New Year's Day, Independence Day, Victory Day and Christmas Eve must be shortened by three hours where the statutory requirement applies. The arrangement depends on the employee's scheduled working time.
Are Estonian Flag Day and Mother Tongue Day public holidays?
No. Estonian Flag Day and Mother Tongue Day are legally recognized days of national importance, but they are not additional statutory public holidays or automatic nationwide days off.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Estonia
- Riigi Teataja – Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act: Establishes Estonia's national holiday, 11 statutory public holidays and separate commemorative observances.
- State Chancellery of Estonia – National Holiday: Explains Independence Day and its role as Estonia's sole national holiday.
- State Chancellery – National and Public Holidays: Provides official information about Estonia's recognized holidays and their historical or cultural significance.
- Riigi Teataja – Employment Contracts Act: Covers public holiday pay, the exclusion of holidays from annual leave and shortened working days.
- Estonian Labour Inspectorate – Working Time: Explains how working-time reductions apply before designated national and public holidays.
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