Public Holidays in Lebanon 2026

Public holidays in Lebanon in 2026 include national commemorations, Christian and Islamic religious celebrations, and special government closure periods. The calendar covers New Year's Day, Eid al-Fitr, Easter, Labour Day, Eid al-Adha, Independence Day and Christmas. Lebanon also recognizes religious observances from different Christian and Muslim communities. This guide explains the confirmed holiday dates, differences between public-sector and banking closures, religious holiday arrangements, substitute-day rules and long weekends.

On this pageTable of Content

Next Public Holiday in Lebanon

No public holidays found.

No public holidays found.

Lebanon's 2026 holiday schedule includes statutory public holidays and additional administrative closures announced by the government. Some religious observances have fixed Gregorian dates, while Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar and Easter-related celebrations follow the Christian liturgical calendar.

The Presidency of the Council of Ministers' official holiday calendar identifies recognized holidays and their legal framework. Separate government memoranda specify dates for public administrations, institutions and municipalities.

These public-sector arrangements should be distinguished from private-sector employment entitlements and bank-specific closures.

National Public Holidays in Lebanon

Lebanon recognizes national holidays connected to its independence, political history and labour movement. Some commemorative occasions are established annually, while additional administrative closures may be declared through government decisions.

Lebanon Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated annually on November 22. It commemorates Lebanon's independence from French rule in 1943 and is one of the country's principal national holidays.

The occasion recognizes Lebanon's sovereignty and national identity. Official ceremonies and commemorations may take place across the country.

In 2026, Independence Day falls on Sunday, November 22.

Lebanon's official holiday rules do not generally provide an automatic replacement day whenever a public holiday falls on Sunday. No separate November 23 closure has been established in the verified 2026 schedule.

Labour Day

Labour Day is observed annually on May 1. It recognizes workers and their contributions to Lebanon's economic and social development.

The holiday is associated with labour rights, employment conditions and the role of workers in society.

In 2026, Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1.

Lebanon's official holiday framework includes specific replacement and compensation provisions for Labour Day. When the holiday coincides with Sunday or another holiday, special rules apply to private-sector establishments, subject to the stated exceptions.

The applicable provisions are described in the official public holiday schedule published by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

Liberation and Resistance Day

Liberation and Resistance Day commemorates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in May 2000.

The historical anniversary is associated with May 25, although Lebanon's official recurring holiday framework has also provided for commemorations on the second Sunday of May.

For 2026, the government issued a separate memorandum establishing Monday, May 25, as a day of closure for public institutions and other organizations covered by the decision.

The special closure should be distinguished from a universal private-sector employment entitlement.

The arrangement appears in the Presidency of the Council of Ministers' 2026 Liberation and Resistance Day memorandum.

Christian Public Holidays in Lebanon 2026

Lebanon officially recognizes important Christian celebrations observed by different church communities. Its holiday calendar includes Armenian Orthodox Christmas, St. Maroun's Day, the Feast of the Annunciation, Western and Eastern Easter observances, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Christmas Day.

Western and Eastern Christian communities celebrate Easter on different dates in 2026. The government therefore issued separate closure arrangements for both calendars.

Armenian Orthodox Christmas

Armenian Orthodox Christmas is observed on January 6 and is an official public holiday in Lebanon.

The celebration is particularly important to the country's Armenian Christian communities, which traditionally celebrate the Nativity and Theophany together on January 6.

In 2026, Armenian Orthodox Christmas falls on Tuesday, January 6.

St. Maroun's Day

St. Maroun's Day is observed annually on February 9. It honors Saint Maroun, the spiritual figure associated with the origins of the Maronite Christian tradition.

The Maronite Church has an important place in Lebanon's religious and cultural history.

In 2026, St. Maroun's Day falls on Monday, February 9. The government confirmed the public administration holiday through a separate memorandum.

The official decision is available through the Presidency of the Council of Ministers' St. Maroun's Day memorandum.

Feast of the Annunciation

The Feast of the Annunciation is observed annually on March 25. The Christian celebration commemorates the announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to Jesus Christ.

In Lebanon, the occasion has particular significance as a celebration connected to the Virgin Mary, who is honored by Christian communities and respected within Islamic tradition.

The observance has also been associated with interfaith activities and dialogue.

In 2026, the Feast of the Annunciation falls on Wednesday, March 25.

The date was confirmed through the government's 2026 Annunciation holiday memorandum.

Good Friday and Easter — Western Churches

Western Christian communities observe Good Friday and Easter according to the Western Christian calendar.

In 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3, Easter Sunday on April 5, and Easter Monday on April 6.

The government confirmed the closure of public administrations, institutions and municipalities on Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while Easter celebrates his resurrection.

The holiday period is associated with church services, family gatherings and religious observances.

Good Friday and Easter — Eastern Churches

Eastern Christian communities follow a different calculation of the Easter calendar in 2026.

Eastern Good Friday falls on April 10, Easter Sunday on April 12, and Easter Monday on April 13.

The government confirmed public administration closures on Friday, April 10, and Monday, April 13.

Both Easter schedules are covered by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers' March 26, 2026, memorandum.

The two Easter periods illustrate why Lebanon's holiday calendar can contain separate dates for observances with the same religious significance.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is observed annually on August 15.

The holiday commemorates the Christian belief concerning Mary's assumption into heaven and is recognized in Lebanon's official holiday calendar.

Religious observances may include church services, prayers and community gatherings.

In 2026, the Assumption falls on Saturday, August 15.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is celebrated annually on December 25 and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

The holiday is observed by Christian communities across Lebanon, with religious services, family gatherings and seasonal celebrations.

In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, creating a three-day weekend for employees who normally do not work on Saturday and Sunday.

Islamic Public Holidays in Lebanon 2026

Lebanon recognizes Islamic holidays based on the Hijri calendar, including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Ashura and Prophet Muhammad's Birthday.

Because lunar calendar dates depend on religious determinations, government memoranda are particularly important when identifying the applicable Gregorian dates and official closure arrangements.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.

The celebration is associated with communal prayers, charitable giving, family visits and festive gatherings.

Lebanon's official public holiday framework provides for the first two days of Eid al-Fitr, subject to the applicable religious announcements.

In 2026, Dar al-Fatwa announced Friday, March 20, as the beginning of Eid al-Fitr. March 21 formed the second day under that determination.

The Presidency of the Council of Ministers initially issued Memorandum No. 4/2026, providing for public administration closures according to announcements from Dar al-Fatwa and the Supreme Islamic Shia Council.

A subsequent memorandum extended the administrative closure through Monday, March 23, inclusive.

The additional Monday closure was confirmed through Memorandum No. 6/2026, issued March 19.

The resulting government closure period should not automatically be interpreted as an identical paid holiday entitlement for every private-sector employee.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, also called the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the religious tradition of Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and obedience to God.

The holiday is associated with prayers, family gatherings, charitable giving and the sharing of food.

Lebanon's statutory framework recognizes the first two days of Eid al-Adha as official holidays.

In 2026, the government designated May 27 and May 28 for Eid al-Adha and established an additional administrative closure on Friday, May 29.

The three-day arrangement was confirmed in the Presidency of the Council of Ministers' Eid al-Adha memorandum.

The additional closure applies according to the scope of the government's memorandum and should be distinguished from the ordinary statutory two-day holiday.

Islamic New Year

Islamic New Year marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar.

The occasion commemorates the start of the Islamic calendar era, traditionally associated with the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina.

In 2026, Lebanon's government confirmed Tuesday, June 16, as the official holiday for Islamic New Year, corresponding to the first of Muharram 1448 AH.

The date was established through Government Memorandum No. 13/2026.

Some provisional holiday calendars list June 17, but the government memorandum explicitly designates June 16 for public administration closures.

Ashura

Ashura is observed on the tenth day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar.

The occasion has particular importance in Shia Islam, where it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at the Battle of Karbala.

In 2026, the Lebanese government confirmed Friday, June 26, as a public administration holiday for Ashura.

The arrangement was established through Government Memorandum No. 15/2026.

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, commonly known as Mawlid al-Nabi, commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

The holiday follows the Islamic lunar calendar, meaning its Gregorian date changes from year to year.

In 2026, the Lebanese government confirmed Tuesday, August 25, as the official public administration holiday.

The date was established through Government Memorandum No. 22/2026.

Government Holidays and Bank Holidays in Lebanon

Lebanon's public holiday system includes several overlapping categories. A statutory public holiday, a public administration closure and a banking holiday may affect different institutions.

Government Administration Holidays

The Presidency of the Council of Ministers issues memoranda specifying the closure of public administrations, public institutions and municipalities.

These memoranda may confirm religious holiday dates or provide additional administrative closure days.

Examples from 2026 include the March 23 Eid al-Fitr extension and the additional May 29 closure associated with Eid al-Adha.

The relevant memorandum determines which institutions are covered.

Bank Holidays

Banque du Liban publishes a separate annual banking holiday calendar.

The calendar identifies dates observed by the central bank, its branches, and the banking and financial sectors. Certain religious holiday dates may initially be marked tentative.

For 2026, the banking calendar identifies major national holidays, both Western and Eastern Easter observances, and Islamic religious holidays.

Customers should consult the Banque du Liban official banking holiday calendar and their individual banks before scheduling branch visits or time-sensitive transactions.

Private-Sector Holidays

Private employers are subject to the applicable labour legislation and official holiday requirements.

An additional closure granted to government institutions does not necessarily establish an identical private-sector holiday.

Employees should consult their contracts, collective agreements where applicable, and relevant Ministry of Labour instructions to determine paid leave and compensation entitlements.

Substitute Public Holidays in Lebanon

Lebanon does not operate a universal rule automatically replacing every public holiday that falls on Sunday with a Monday holiday.

The official holiday framework generally provides that when a holiday or commemoration falls on Sunday or another holiday, no alternative day is granted, subject to specific exceptions.

Special provisions apply to Labour Day and Good Friday, while separate government memoranda may establish additional administrative closures.

For example, Independence Day falls on Sunday, November 22, 2026. A general substitute holiday on Monday, November 23, should not be assumed without a specific government announcement.

The applicable rules are explained in the Presidency of the Council of Ministers' statutory public holiday calendar.

Long Weekends in Lebanon in 2026

Lebanon's holiday calendar includes several extended breaks, although actual time off depends on an employee's normal working days and the applicable government or employment arrangements.

St. Maroun's Day Weekend

St. Maroun's Day falls on Monday, February 9, creating a three-day break from February 7 through February 9 for employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off.

Eid al-Fitr Holiday Period

Eid al-Fitr began on Friday, March 20, and the government extended public administration closures through Monday, March 23.

This provided an extended holiday period for institutions covered by the government memoranda.

Western Easter Weekend

Western Good Friday falls on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6.

For employees who normally do not work on Saturday and Sunday, this creates a four-day break from Friday, April 3, through Monday, April 6.

Eastern Easter Weekend

Eastern Good Friday falls on April 10 and Easter Monday on April 13.

These dates also create a four-day break for employees following a standard Monday-to-Friday work schedule.

Labour Day Weekend

Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, creating a three-day break through Sunday, May 3, for employees who normally have weekends off.

Eid al-Adha Holiday Period

The government designated May 27 through May 29 for Eid al-Adha-related closures.

For public-sector employees covered by the announcement and following a Saturday-Sunday weekend, the closure period could extend through Sunday, May 31.

Christmas Weekend

Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, creating a three-day break through Sunday, December 27, for employees who normally do not work on weekends.

Not all Lebanese workplaces follow identical weekend schedules. Employers and employees should verify the actual days off before making travel or leave arrangements.

Are Public Holidays Paid in Lebanon?

Paid public holiday entitlements in Lebanon depend on applicable labour legislation, the nature of the holiday and the employee's working arrangements.

Statutory holidays may establish employee rights, while additional public administration closures can apply specifically to government bodies.

Labour Day has special provisions concerning replacement holidays and compensation for certain private-sector establishments.

Workers required to perform duties during official holidays should consult the relevant employment rules and applicable government or Ministry of Labour guidance.

The exact compensation arrangements should not be inferred solely from the government administration closure calendar.

Are Banks, Schools and Government Offices Closed on Public Holidays?

Government Offices

Government offices, public institutions and municipalities generally observe closure dates announced by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

Essential public services may continue operating under separate arrangements.

Banks

Lebanese banks generally follow banking-sector holiday notices, which are published separately from the ordinary public administration calendar.

The Banque du Liban banking holiday calendar provides the official schedule for the relevant financial institutions.

Schools and Universities

Schools and universities may observe national public holidays as well as additional closures established by education authorities or individual institutions.

School calendars can therefore differ from public administration calendars.

Students and parents should confirm institution-specific closure dates directly with the relevant school or university.

Shops and Businesses

Retail stores, restaurants, hotels and other private businesses may remain open during some holidays.

Operating hours can vary according to location, holiday type and individual business policies.

Customers should check opening hours in advance, especially during Eid, Easter and Christmas periods.

How Are Religious Holiday Dates Confirmed in Lebanon?

Lebanon's religious holiday calendar reflects the country's different recognized religious communities.

Christian holidays may follow fixed Gregorian dates or the Western and Eastern Easter calculations.

Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar, and their official dates may depend on announcements by the competent religious authorities.

The Presidency of the Council of Ministers then issues administrative memoranda specifying government closure arrangements.

For Eid al-Fitr in 2026, the government explicitly referred to the announcements of Dar al-Fatwa and the Supreme Islamic Shia Council.

This approach allows the holiday schedule to reflect religious determinations while establishing the dates applicable to public administration operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holiday dates are listed for Lebanon in 2026?

The 2026 schedule presented here contains 22 dates, including statutory holidays and separately announced government closure dates. It counts each day of the two-day Eid holidays separately and includes additional administrative closures. Not every listed government closure automatically applies to all private-sector employees.

When is Eid al-Fitr in Lebanon in 2026?

Dar al-Fatwa announced Friday, March 20, 2026, as the beginning of Eid al-Fitr. The government recognized the initial two-day holiday and extended public administration closures through Monday, March 23.

When is Eid al-Adha in Lebanon in 2026?

Eid al-Adha began on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The government recognized May 27 and May 28 as the principal Eid holiday dates and announced an additional administrative closure for Friday, May 29.

When are the Western and Eastern Easter holidays in Lebanon in 2026?

Western Good Friday falls on April 3, followed by Easter Monday on April 6. Eastern Good Friday falls on April 10, followed by Easter Monday on April 13. The government confirmed public administration closures for both sets of dates.

When is Islamic New Year in Lebanon in 2026?

Islamic New Year was officially observed on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The date was confirmed by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers through Memorandum No. 13/2026.

When is Ashura in Lebanon in 2026?

Ashura was observed on Friday, June 26, 2026. The government confirmed the public administration closure through Memorandum No. 15/2026.

When is Prophet Muhammad's Birthday in Lebanon in 2026?

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday was officially observed on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The date was confirmed by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

Is Liberation and Resistance Day a public holiday in 2026?

The government issued a special closure announcement for Monday, May 25, 2026, in connection with Liberation and Resistance Day. The closure applies according to the scope of the government memorandum and should not automatically be treated as a universal private-sector holiday.

Does Lebanon automatically move Sunday holidays to Monday?

No. Lebanon's official holiday framework generally does not automatically grant another day when a public holiday falls on Sunday or another holiday. Specific exceptions and separate government declarations may apply.

Where can I find official public holiday announcements for Lebanon?

The Presidency of the Council of Ministers publishes statutory holiday information and administrative closure memoranda. Banque du Liban maintains the official banking holiday calendar for the relevant financial institutions.

Official Sources for Public Holidays in Lebanon

Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Official Holidays: Lists statutory public holidays, their duration and general replacement-day rules.
Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Eid al-Fitr Memorandum No. 4/2026: Establishes initial public administration holiday arrangements according to the relevant Islamic religious authorities.
Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Eid al-Fitr Memorandum No. 6/2026: Confirms the extension of government closures through March 23, 2026.
Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Easter Holiday Memorandum: Confirms Western and Eastern Good Friday and Easter Monday closure dates in April 2026.
Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Liberation and Resistance Day Memorandum: Provides the official closure arrangement for May 25, 2026.
Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Eid al-Adha Memorandum: Establishes the May 27–29 government closure period for Eid al-Adha.
Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Islamic New Year Memorandum No. 13/2026: Confirms June 16, 2026, as the public administration holiday for Islamic New Year.
Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Ashura Memorandum No. 15/2026: Confirms June 26, 2026, as the official Ashura closure date.
Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Prophet Muhammad's Birthday Memorandum No. 22/2026: Confirms August 25, 2026, as the public administration holiday.
Banque du Liban – Official Banking Holidays 2026: Identifies holiday dates and banking-sector closure arrangements, including religious holidays that may initially be subject to confirmation.

Next Public Holiday in Lebanon