In order to best plan your trip to Budapest, check your dates of stay with regard to public holidays in Hungary.

Dates of Public holidays in Hungary in 2023 and 2024:

Public holidays in Hungary in chronological order:

  • January 1st: New Year’s Day is always a public holiday.
    Most of Budapest thermal baths are open on January 1st. Get more informations in our article ‘The best baths in Budapest’ on this link.

  • March 15th 2023 – 2024 :
    National Day of Hungary commemorates the anniversary of the Revolution of 1848 against the Austrian Habsburg Empire. This war of independence will begin with several victories but the insurgents will be defeated in 1849 by the Austrian and Russian armies.

  • Easter Monday:
    April 10 in 2023 and April 1st in 2024. This celebration in Hungary is marked by a long-time tradition: boys sprinkle perfume on young girls to bring them happiness. They receive a small gift in return, often an Easter egg or silver coin.

  • May 1st: Labor Day. This day has its origins in the strike movements of the nineteenth century. In Hungary this day does not give rise to demonstrations.

  • Pentecost Monday:
    Monday, May 29 in 2023 and Monday, May 20 in 2024 are public holidays in Hungary which is a Roman Catholic country.

  • The 20th of August (2023-2024) is St. Stephen’s day and a public holiday in Hungary, when the foundation of the Hungarian Christian State and its first King Saint Stephen are celebrated.
    Many celebrations take place in Budapest all day (see their full program in our article ‘Budapest in August’ on this link).
    The festivities begin at 9:00 am in front of the Hungarian Parliament and take place all day at various sites in the Hungarian capital. Do not miss the highlight of the big fireworks at 9 pm, above the Danube, between the Erzsébet bridge and the Margit bridge (many bridges and platforms are closed to traffic).

    Discover the 2023 fireworks on this video:

  • October 23th 2023 and 2024: Celebration of the Insurrection of 1956 against the totalitarian yoke of the USSR. This ‘celebration of revolution in Hungary’ commemorates the beginning of the uprising of the population of Budapest in the face of Soviet repression. This attempt at revolution, which lasted from October 23 to November 10, 1956, was crushed with the invasion by the Soviet army.
    On this public holiday, the shops are closed.

  • November 1st: All Saints Day – Wednesday, 1st in 2023 and Friday, 1st in 2024. It is an important date in Hungary, a country of Catholic tradition, where Christians celebrate the feast of all saints.

    The vast majority of shops and activities will be closed. Some museums will be open and others closed: check their respective websites.

  • Christmas: December 25th and 26th are public holidays in Hungary
    budapest christmas marketBudapest becomes fairy in December with its many Christmas markets in the city center. This is the unique opportunity to discover the city, its architecture and immerse yourself in this warm and festive atmosphere.
    Many museums and shops close already on December 24th from 14:00.
    From mid-November Budapest becomes magical with all its illuminations and its various Christmas markets: don’t hesitate to consult our article on ‘Budapest’s Best Christmas markets’ on this link. Between 25 December and 30 December, many restaurants are closed. You can consult our Selection of restaurants in Budapest on this link and check the opening dates on the websites of the establishments mentioned.

. January 1st: Public holiday
Museums,  restaurants and shops are mostly closed on public holidays in Hungary.

Here is a summary of the 2023 and 2024
public holidays in Hungary:

  • January 1st 2023, January 1st 2024.
  • March 15, 2023, March 15, 2024.
  • April 10 2023 & April 1st 2023.
  • May 1st, 2023, May 1st, 2024.
  • May 29 2023, May 20 2024.
  • August 20, 2023, August 20, 2024.
  • October 23, 2023, October 23, 2024.
  • November 1st, 2023 and 2024.
  • December 25&26, 2023 and 2024.
  • January 1st 2024 and 2025.

Do not forget to consult our sections, ‘Documents Not to Forget’, ‘Hungarian Currency – Change your Money‘ to prepare your trip to Budapest! Do not hesitate to consult the calendar of events for Budapest (festivals, exhibitions, concerts, etc.) on this link and our recommended itineraries for a visit to Budapest in 2 days, 3 days and 4 days!