Public Holidays in State of Palestine 2026 – Islamic & National Days
State of Palestine (West Bank & Gaza) observes a mix of civil, religious, and national public holidays. Many religious holidays depend on the Islamic lunar calendar, so dates may vary slightly depending on official announcement. For comparison, countries like Palau frequently apply substitute weekdays for Sunday holidays, whereas Palestine typically follows lunar and national observance rules directly.
Public Holidays in Palestine 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Fixed holiday |
| January 7 | Wednesday | Orthodox Christmas | Observed by Orthodox Christian communities |
| January 16 | Friday | Isra & Mi’raj | Islamic observance (lunar-based) |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (First Day) | End of Ramadan (subject to moon sighting) |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Continuing holiday |
| March 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Additional non-working day |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 25 – May 29 | Mon – Fri | Eid al-Adha & Holidays | Expected multi-day official holiday |
| June 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year | Hijri calendar observance |
| August 26 | Wednesday | Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid) | Islamic observance |
| November 15 | Sunday | Independence Day | Palestinian Declaration of Independence |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Observed in Christian communities |
Long public holiday periods are commonly used for family visits and short domestic travel. Many residents choose to explore historical and cultural sites across the region, while others prefer staying locally at well-rated accommodations listed under best hotels in Palestine.
Public Holidays in Palestine 2025
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Fixed holiday |
| January 7 | Tuesday | Orthodox Christmas | Observed by Orthodox Christian communities |
| January 27 | Monday | Isra & Mi’raj | Islamic observance |
| March 30 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr (First Day) | End of Ramadan |
| March 31 | Monday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Continuing holiday |
| April 1 | Tuesday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Additional non-working day |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| June 5 – June 9 | Thu – Mon | Eid al-Adha & Holidays | Five-day official holiday |
| June 27 | Friday | Islamic New Year | Lunar-based observance |
| September 5 | Friday | Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid) | Islamic observance |
| November 15 | Saturday | Independence Day | Palestinian Declaration of Independence |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Observed in many Christian communities |
Remarks & Observations
- Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri (lunar) calendar and may vary by official moon sighting.
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are typically observed for multiple days.
- Independence Day (November 15) is the most important civil national holiday.
- Orthodox Christmas (January 7) is officially recognized.
- Holiday periods are often used for regional travel and cultural visits within Palestine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Palestine have each year?
Palestine observes around 12 major public holidays annually, including Islamic, Christian, and national observances.
Are Islamic holiday dates final for 2026?
No. Islamic holidays in 2026 are estimated and may change slightly depending on moon sighting and official announcements.
Is Eid al-Adha a multi-day holiday in Palestine?
Yes. Eid al-Adha is typically declared as a multi-day public holiday, often lasting four to five days.
Do public holidays move if they fall on weekends?
Generally no. Unlike some countries, Palestine does not consistently apply substitute weekdays for weekend holidays.
Conclusion
Public holidays in the State of Palestine reflect the country’s religious diversity and national identity. With Islamic, Christian, and civil observances spread throughout the year, these holidays provide important moments for worship, remembrance, and family gatherings.
Explore more: Public Holidays in Palau
