2026 European Public Holidays to Avoid for a Stress-Free Vacation

A lot of planning goes into our small group tours to Europe.  There are many dates and periods of time to avoid traveling.  Traveling through Europe in 2026? Avoiding major public holidays can save you from crowded attractions, high prices, and closed businesses. Here’s a country-by-country guide with the key public holidays in 2026 for Iceland, Scotland, Norway, Austria, Italy, France, and Ireland.

In addition to the dates below, avoid travel on May Day (May 1).  In some locations, all museums are closed. 

Iceland Public Holidays 2026

• New Year’s Day: Jan 1 (Thursday)

• Independence Day: June 17 (Wednesday)

• Christmas Day: Dec 25 (Friday)

• Boxing Day: Dec 26 (Saturday)

• Additional holidays include Easter period and Labour Day

Note: Peak tourist season runs from June to August — expect crowds.

Scotland Public Holidays 2026

• New Year’s Day: Jan 1 (Thursday)

• 2nd January: Jan 2 (Friday)

• Early May Bank Holiday: May 4 (Monday)

• Spring Bank Holiday: May 25 (Monday)

• Summer Bank Holiday: Aug 3 (Monday)

• Christmas Day: Dec 25 (Friday)

• Boxing Day: Dec 26 (Saturday)

Note: Hogmanay celebrations on December 31st draw large crowds in Edinburgh.

Norway Public Holidays 2026

• Constitution Day: May 17 (Sunday)

• Christmas Day: Dec 25 (Friday)

• Boxing Day: Dec 26 (Saturday)

• Easter holidays: April 2–6 (Thursday to Monday)

• We also found through our Norway and the Fjords by Scenic Rail tours that many shops, restaurants, and activities are not available in Norway on Sundays. 

Austria Public Holidays 2026

• National Day: Oct 26 (Monday)

• Christmas Day: Dec 25 (Friday)

• Boxing Day: Dec 26 (Saturday)

• Easter: March 29–30 (Sunday and Monday)

Italy Public Holidays 2026

• Liberation Day: Apr 25 (Saturday)

• Republic Day: June 2 (Tuesday)

• Assumption Day: Aug 15 (Saturday)

• Christmas Day: Dec 25 (Friday)

France Public Holidays 2026

• Bastille Day: July 14 (Tuesday)

• Christmas Day: Dec 25 (Friday)

• Easter Monday: April 6 (Monday)

• Labour Day: May 1 (Friday)

• Outside of Paris we have found that many shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays.  This is especially true when we travel outside of Paris on our Normandy Invasion Beaches tours. 

Ireland Public Holidays 2026

• St. Patrick’s Day: Mar 17 (Tuesday)

• Easter Monday: April 6 (Monday)

• Christmas Day: Dec 25 (Friday)

• St Stephen’s Day: Dec 26 (Saturday)

• We avoid planning active days in Ireland on Mondays in the summer.  It seems that almost every Monday is a "bank" holiday.

Tips for Traveling in Europe in 2026

• Avoid peak months of June to August for fewer crowds and better prices.

• Plan around local public holidays listed above to avoid busy attractions and transport.

• Book early if traveling during holiday periods.

Use this 2026 holiday calendar as your travel compass to maximize your European adventure with fewer hassles and more magic.