2027 European Travel Dates to Avoid: Public Holidays, Closures and Crowds
Last updated: October 2026
Planning a trip to Europe in 2027? Choosing the right travel dates can make the difference between a wonderful vacation and one filled with unexpected closures, crowded attractions, expensive hotels, and transportation headaches.
After years of organizing small group tours throughout Europe, we've learned that when you travel can be just as important as where you go.
A beautiful destination can become frustrating when you arrive to discover that the museum you wanted to visit is closed, the restaurant you planned to enjoy is unavailable, or the trains are crowded with holiday travelers.
Europe has numerous national holidays, religious celebrations, regional observances, and vacation periods that can affect your plans.
That doesn't mean you should avoid every holiday. Some celebrations offer extraordinary cultural experiences. But you should know what you're getting into before booking your trip.
Here is our 2027 European public holiday and travel planning guide, covering 15 popular European destinations.
2027 European Public Holidays: Important Dates at a Glance
These are some of the most important dates to consider when planning a European vacation in 2027.
| 2027 Date |
Holiday or Event |
Travel Considerations |
| January 1 |
New Year's Day |
Widespread closures and modified transportation |
| March 26–29 |
Western Easter weekend |
Closures, holiday crowds, busy trains |
| April 25 |
Liberation Day in Italy; Liberty Day in Portugal |
Celebrations and possible closures |
| April 27 |
King's Day, Netherlands |
Major celebrations and crowds, especially in Amsterdam |
| April 30–May 3 |
Greek Orthodox Easter |
Religious celebrations, closures, busy domestic travel |
| May 1 |
Labour Day in many countries |
Shops, museums, and attractions may close |
| May 6 |
Ascension Day |
Public holiday in several European countries |
| May 17 |
Norway Constitution Day |
Parades, celebrations, widespread closures |
| May 17 |
Whit Monday in several countries |
Holiday closures and long-weekend travel |
| June 2 |
Italy Republic Day |
National celebrations and closures |
| July 14 |
Bastille Day, France |
Celebrations, crowds, and transportation restrictions |
| July 21 |
Belgian National Day |
Closures and celebrations |
| August 1 |
Swiss National Day |
Celebrations and local closures |
| August 15 |
Assumption Day |
Holiday closures in several European countries |
| October 12 |
Spain National Day |
Celebrations and some closures |
| November 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Public holiday in numerous countries |
| December 24–28 |
Christmas holiday period |
Widespread closures and limited services |
Important: This is a travel-planning guide, not a complete official holiday calendar. Public holidays vary by country and sometimes by region or city. Always confirm attraction hours and transportation schedules before finalizing reservations.
Iceland Public Holidays 2027
Iceland is one of Europe's most spectacular destinations, but public holidays can affect restaurants, supermarkets, museums, and sightseeing services, particularly outside Reykjavík.
Key dates for 2027:
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January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
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March 25–29 (Thursday–Monday): Easter holiday period
-
April 22 (Thursday): First Day of Summer
-
May 1 (Saturday): Labour Day
-
May 6 (Thursday): Ascension Day
-
May 17 (Monday): Whit Monday
-
June 17 (Thursday): Icelandic National Day
-
August 2 (Monday): Commerce Day
-
December 24–26 (Friday–Sunday): Christmas holiday period
What travelers should know:
Iceland's Easter holiday period can bring reduced business hours. In smaller towns, dining and shopping options may already be limited, so a holiday can make planning more difficult.
Summer is also the busiest tourism season, particularly from June through August. Popular attractions, rental cars, and accommodations should be reserved early.
For our Iceland and Northern Lights tours, we carefully consider seasonal conditions, sightseeing availability, and travel logistics when planning departures.
Scotland Public Holidays 2027
Scotland has a different public holiday calendar from England, something many American travelers don't realize.
Key dates for 2027:
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January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
January 4 (Monday): Substitute holiday for January 2
-
March 26 (Friday): Good Friday
-
May 3 (Monday): Early May Bank Holiday
-
May 31 (Monday): Spring Bank Holiday
-
August 2 (Monday): Summer Bank Holiday
-
November 30 (Tuesday): St. Andrew's Day
-
December 27–28 (Monday–Tuesday): Substitute Christmas holidays
What travelers should know:
Edinburgh can become exceptionally crowded during August, when the city's major festivals attract visitors from around the world. Hotels can be expensive, and popular restaurants and attractions may require advance reservations.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe typically runs during August, making it an exciting time to visit but not necessarily the best time for travelers seeking a quiet, inexpensive vacation.
New Year's celebrations, known as Hogmanay, also attract large crowds.
On our Scotland and Scottish Highlands by Scenic Rail tour, we pay particular attention to festival schedules, rail transportation, and hotel availability.
England Public Holidays 2027
England's major cities generally offer plenty of visitor services, even during public holidays. However, bank holiday weekends can mean heavier road traffic, busy trains, and crowded attractions.
Key dates for 2027:
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January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
March 26 (Friday): Good Friday
-
March 29 (Monday): Easter Monday
-
May 3 (Monday): Early May Bank Holiday
-
May 31 (Monday): Spring Bank Holiday
-
August 30 (Monday): Summer Bank Holiday
-
December 27–28 (Monday–Tuesday): Substitute Christmas holidays
What travelers should know:
Be particularly careful about scheduling intercity train journeys during bank holiday weekends. Some railway operators use these periods for planned engineering work.
London's major attractions may remain open, but that doesn't mean they won't be crowded.
If you're visiting over Christmas, remember that transportation services can be severely restricted on December 25.
Norway Public Holidays 2027
Norway is one country where checking holiday schedules is especially important.
We've learned this firsthand while organizing our Norway and the Fjords by Scenic Rail tours.
Key dates for 2027:
-
January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
March 25–29 (Thursday–Monday): Easter holiday period
-
May 1 (Saturday): Labour Day
-
May 6 (Thursday): Ascension Day
-
May 17 (Monday): Constitution Day and Whit Monday
-
December 25–26 (Saturday–Sunday): Christmas holidays
What travelers should know:
Norway's Constitution Day on May 17 is a major national celebration. Expect parades, crowds, and widespread business closures.
In 2027, Constitution Day also coincides with Whit Monday, making it especially important to verify opening hours and transportation arrangements.
Another issue that frequently surprises American travelers is that many Norwegian businesses are closed on Sundays, even when there isn't a public holiday.
On our Norway tours, we've encountered limitations involving Sunday shopping, restaurants, and activities. This is one reason we carefully plan our itineraries rather than simply scheduling sightseeing without regard to the calendar.
Norway's spectacular scenery is worth the journey. Just don't assume that every business operates seven days a week.
Austria Public Holidays 2027
Austria is known for Vienna, Salzburg, Alpine scenery, music, and wonderful Christmas markets. However, Sundays and public holidays can bring widespread retail closures.
Key dates for 2027:
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January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
January 6 (Wednesday): Epiphany
-
March 29 (Monday): Easter Monday
-
May 1 (Saturday): Labour Day
-
May 6 (Thursday): Ascension Day
-
May 17 (Monday): Whit Monday
-
May 27 (Thursday): Corpus Christi
-
August 15 (Sunday): Assumption Day
-
October 26 (Tuesday): Austrian National Day
-
November 1 (Monday): All Saints' Day
-
December 8 (Wednesday): Immaculate Conception
-
December 25–26 (Saturday–Sunday): Christmas holidays
What travelers should know:
Many stores in Austria close on Sundays and public holidays. Restaurants, museums, and tourist attractions may follow different schedules, but advance checking is essential.
If you're visiting Vienna or Salzburg during Christmas market season, keep in mind that some markets close on December 23 or 24, while others continue after Christmas.
Don't assume all Christmas markets remain open through New Year's Day.
Italy Public Holidays 2027
Italy is wonderful almost any time of year, but certain holidays can have a major effect on sightseeing, transportation, and restaurant availability.
Key dates for 2027:
-
January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
January 6 (Wednesday): Epiphany
-
March 28–29 (Sunday–Monday): Easter and Easter Monday
-
April 25 (Sunday): Liberation Day
-
May 1 (Saturday): Labour Day
-
June 2 (Wednesday): Republic Day
-
August 15 (Sunday): Ferragosto / Assumption Day
-
November 1 (Monday): All Saints' Day
-
December 8 (Wednesday): Immaculate Conception
-
December 25–26 (Saturday–Sunday): Christmas holidays
What travelers should know:
One of the most important Italian dates is August 15, Ferragosto.
Many Italians take vacations around this period, and some privately operated businesses and restaurants close for an extended summer break.
Coastal destinations can become crowded, while parts of major cities may feel unusually quiet.
Easter is another period requiring careful planning, particularly in Rome and Vatican City, where religious celebrations attract large numbers of visitors.
Some famous attractions remain open during national holidays, but operating hours may change.
The lesson: check individual attraction schedules rather than assuming every museum in Italy follows the same holiday calendar.
France Public Holidays 2027
France is one of our favorite destinations, but public holidays can catch travelers by surprise, especially when exploring outside Paris.
Key dates for 2027:
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January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
March 29 (Monday): Easter Monday
-
May 1 (Saturday): Labour Day
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May 6 (Thursday): Ascension Day
-
May 8 (Saturday): Victory in Europe Day
-
May 17 (Monday): Whit Monday
-
July 14 (Wednesday): Bastille Day
-
August 15 (Sunday): Assumption Day
-
November 1 (Monday): All Saints' Day
-
November 11 (Thursday): Armistice Day
-
December 25 (Saturday): Christmas Day
What travelers should know:
Of all the French holidays, May 1 deserves special attention. Many businesses close, and some major museums and attractions do not open.
Bastille Day on July 14 is another important date. Paris hosts major celebrations, and visitors may encounter crowds, road closures, and transportation changes.
During our Normandy Invasion Beaches tours, we've also learned that Sunday closures can create difficulties in smaller French communities.
Outside major tourist centers, supermarkets, shops, and some restaurants may be closed or operate limited hours on Sundays.
Paris offers many more alternatives, but even there, don't assume every museum or attraction will be open on a holiday.
Ireland Public Holidays 2027
Ireland has several Monday bank holidays that can affect sightseeing plans, transportation, and popular destinations.
Key dates for 2027:
-
January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
February 1 (Monday): St. Brigid's Day
-
March 17 (Wednesday): St. Patrick's Day
-
March 29 (Monday): Easter Monday
-
May 3 (Monday): May Bank Holiday
-
June 7 (Monday): June Bank Holiday
-
August 2 (Monday): August Bank Holiday
-
October 25 (Monday): October Bank Holiday
-
December 25–26 (Saturday–Sunday): Christmas and St. Stephen's Day
What travelers should know:
St. Patrick's Day is a wonderful time to experience Ireland's culture, but Dublin can become extremely crowded. Hotels may be more expensive, and transportation may be affected by parades and events.
On our Dublin and the Gems of Ireland tour, we've learned to be especially careful about planning busy sightseeing days on summer Mondays.
Ireland has several Monday bank holidays, and some museums, historic attractions, and services may operate differently on these days.
It's not that every Monday is a holiday. It can just feel that way when you're trying to build an itinerary!
Germany Public Holidays 2027
Germany's public holidays vary considerably by state, making travel planning more complicated than in countries with a single national holiday calendar.
Key dates for 2027:
-
January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
March 26 (Friday): Good Friday
-
March 29 (Monday): Easter Monday
-
May 1 (Saturday): Labour Day
-
May 6 (Thursday): Ascension Day
-
May 17 (Monday): Whit Monday
-
October 3 (Sunday): German Unity Day
-
December 25–26 (Saturday–Sunday): Christmas holidays
Additional holidays, including Corpus Christi on May 27, apply in certain German states.
What travelers should know:
Germany is another country where Sunday shopping is restricted. Many retail establishments close on Sundays, although exceptions exist at transportation hubs and in certain tourist areas.
Be especially careful during Easter and Christmas, when services may be limited.
Germany's famous Christmas markets also have varying schedules. Some end before Christmas, while others remain open longer.
Munich's Oktoberfest is expected to bring substantial crowds from September 18 through October 3, 2027. If you're not attending the festival, hotel prices and availability are worth checking before booking Munich.
Spain Public Holidays 2027
Spain has national, regional, and local holidays, so the travel implications can vary significantly between Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and other destinations.
Key dates for 2027:
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January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
January 6 (Wednesday): Epiphany
-
March 25–29: Holy Week and Easter period; holiday dates vary by region
-
May 1 (Saturday): Labour Day
-
August 15 (Sunday): Assumption Day, with substitute observances in some regions
-
October 12 (Tuesday): National Day of Spain
-
November 1 (Monday): All Saints' Day
-
December 6 (Monday): Constitution Day
-
December 8 (Wednesday): Immaculate Conception
-
December 25 (Saturday): Christmas Day
What travelers should know:
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of Spain's most important religious celebrations.
Cities such as Seville attract enormous crowds for their processions. This can be an unforgettable experience if you're traveling specifically to participate in the festivities.
However, if your priority is ordinary sightseeing, the crowds, hotel demand, and street closures may be inconvenient.
Regional holidays are also important. Before visiting Barcelona, Madrid, or Andalusia, check the local calendar.
Portugal Public Holidays 2027
Portugal is increasingly popular with European travelers, and its national holidays can affect shops, public services, and some attractions.
Key dates for 2027:
-
January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
March 26 (Friday): Good Friday
-
April 25 (Sunday): Liberty Day
-
May 1 (Saturday): Labour Day
-
May 27 (Thursday): Corpus Christi
-
June 10 (Thursday): Portugal Day
-
August 15 (Sunday): Assumption Day
-
October 5 (Tuesday): Republic Day
-
November 1 (Monday): All Saints' Day
-
December 1 (Wednesday): Restoration of Independence
-
December 8 (Wednesday): Immaculate Conception
-
December 25 (Saturday): Christmas Day
What travelers should know:
Lisbon and Porto host popular seasonal events and festivals that can affect accommodation availability.
Summer is particularly busy in the Algarve, where beach destinations can become crowded.
Local festivals may be just as important as national holidays. Check the city calendar before making nonrefundable reservations.
Netherlands Public Holidays 2027
The Netherlands has one holiday that visitors to Amsterdam should pay special attention to: King's Day.
Key dates for 2027:
-
January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
March 26 (Friday): Good Friday
-
March 29 (Monday): Easter Monday
-
April 27 (Tuesday): King's Day
-
May 6 (Thursday): Ascension Day
-
May 17 (Monday): Whit Monday
-
December 25–26 (Saturday–Sunday): Christmas holidays
What travelers should know:
King's Day transforms Amsterdam into an enormous celebration, with crowds, music, street parties, and people dressed in orange.
It can be fantastic fun, but don't expect normal sightseeing conditions.
Public transportation routes may change, streets and canals can become extremely busy, and hotel rooms may be difficult to find.
For visitors planning a relaxed Amsterdam vacation, the days immediately surrounding April 27 deserve special consideration.
Belgium Public Holidays 2027
Belgium's major cities, including Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, can experience changes in attraction hours and transportation during public holidays.
Key dates for 2027:
-
January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
March 29 (Monday): Easter Monday
-
May 1 (Saturday): Labour Day
-
May 6 (Thursday): Ascension Day
-
May 17 (Monday): Whit Monday
-
July 21 (Wednesday): Belgian National Day
-
August 15 (Sunday): Assumption Day
-
November 1 (Monday): All Saints' Day
-
November 11 (Thursday): Armistice Day
-
December 25 (Saturday): Christmas Day
What travelers should know:
Brussels hosts celebrations around Belgian National Day on July 21.
Belgium also has regional observances that may affect government services and local activities.
If you're traveling between cities by train during holiday periods, verify schedules in advance.
Switzerland Public Holidays 2027
Switzerland requires careful planning because holidays vary by canton, the country's regional administrative divisions.
Key dates for 2027:
-
January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
-
March 26 (Friday): Good Friday in many cantons
-
March 29 (Monday): Easter Monday in many cantons
-
May 6 (Thursday): Ascension Day
-
May 17 (Monday): Whit Monday in many cantons
-
August 1 (Sunday): Swiss National Day
-
December 25 (Saturday): Christmas Day
Other religious and regional holidays vary by canton.
What travelers should know:
Swiss National Day on August 1 is celebrated with fireworks and local events.
Switzerland's scenic rail journeys generally operate throughout the year, but individual mountain railways and cable cars can have seasonal operating periods.
When planning an Alpine trip, pay just as much attention to the operating schedules of mountain transportation as to the public holiday calendar.
Greece Public Holidays 2027
Greece celebrates Orthodox Easter, which often falls on different dates from Western Easter.
In 2027, that difference is particularly important.
Key dates for 2027:
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January 1 (Friday): New Year's Day
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January 6 (Wednesday): Epiphany
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March 15 (Monday): Clean Monday
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March 25 (Thursday): Greek Independence Day
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April 30 (Friday): Orthodox Good Friday
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May 2 (Sunday): Orthodox Easter
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May 3 (Monday): Orthodox Easter Monday
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August 15 (Sunday): Dormition of the Virgin Mary
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October 28 (Thursday): Ochi Day
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December 25–26 (Saturday–Sunday): Christmas holidays
What travelers should know:
Greek Orthodox Easter is one of the country's most important celebrations.
In 2027, Orthodox Easter falls on May 2, more than a month after Western Easter on March 28.
Ferry services, shops, restaurants, and attractions may operate on modified schedules during the Easter period.
The Greek islands also experience their busiest tourist season in July and August.
If your goal is fewer crowds and more comfortable sightseeing temperatures, consider spring or autumn, while checking for Easter and other holiday celebrations.
Five Other European Travel Periods to Watch in 2027
Public holidays aren't the only dates that can create travel problems.
1. Easter Weekend: March 26–29
Easter is one of Europe's major travel periods, particularly in countries that observe Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Expect increased domestic travel, possible closures, and higher demand for accommodations in popular destinations.
Remember that Greek Orthodox Easter occurs later, from April 30 through May 3 in 2027.
2. May Day: May 1
May 1 is observed in many European countries and deserves special consideration when planning sightseeing.
Some museums, stores, and attractions close completely, while transportation and public gatherings can be affected by holiday activities.
3. July and August Summer Vacations
These are peak travel months across much of Europe.
Popular destinations can experience large crowds, higher hotel rates, and heavy demand for flights and trains.
In southern Europe, August can also bring vacation-related business closures.
If you have flexibility, May, June, September, and October can be excellent alternatives, depending on your destination.
4. Christmas and New Year's
European Christmas markets are magical, but their schedules vary.
Some close before Christmas, others on Christmas Eve, and some continue into the New Year.
Christmas Day itself can be difficult for dining and sightseeing because many businesses close.
5. Sundays and Regional Holidays
One of the most common mistakes American travelers make is assuming that European businesses maintain the same opening hours as those in the United States.
In some countries, including Norway, Austria, and Germany, Sunday shopping restrictions are common.
Smaller towns in France and other countries may have limited Sunday services as well.
Also remember that a regional holiday can affect one city while businesses elsewhere operate normally.
How to Avoid Holiday Travel Problems in Europe
Here are our most important recommendations:
-
Check public holidays before booking flights and hotels. It's much easier to change your dates during the planning process than after making nonrefundable reservations.
-
Verify individual attraction schedules. A national holiday doesn't necessarily mean every museum closes, but don't assume everything will be open.
-
Check Sundays as carefully as holidays. This is especially important when visiting smaller communities.
-
Book trains and accommodations early around major celebrations. Long weekends and festivals can create unusually high demand.
-
Research local events, not just national holidays. Festivals, marathons, parades, and regional celebrations can affect an entire city.
-
Leave some flexibility in your itinerary. Unexpected closures or transportation changes are easier to manage when every minute of your vacation isn't scheduled.
Should You Avoid Traveling to Europe During Public Holidays?
Not necessarily!
Some of our most memorable travel experiences have involved local festivals, celebrations, and special events.
Norway's Constitution Day, France's Bastille Day, and the Netherlands' King's Day can offer wonderful opportunities to experience local culture.
The key is knowing whether you want to participate in the celebration or enjoy a more traditional sightseeing vacation.
There's a big difference between deliberately visiting Amsterdam for King's Day and arriving unexpectedly with plans for a quiet day of museums and sightseeing.
A Final Word From The Traveling Professor
We have spent years planning and operating small group tours throughout Europe, and one lesson continues to stand out: successful travel requires more than choosing great destinations. It requires choosing the right dates and understanding local conditions.
We carefully consider holidays, transportation schedules, attraction availability, and local events when designing our tours.
It's one of the advantages of traveling with an experienced tour operator who knows the destinations firsthand.
At Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, we believe a great vacation should be about enjoying the places you visit and the people you meet—not worrying about unexpected closures and transportation problems.
Whether you travel independently or join one of our small group tours, taking a little time to research your dates can make a big difference.
Planning your next European adventure? Explore our upcoming small group tours and discover a more personal way to experience Europe.
Holiday dates and observances were reviewed in October 2026. Local regulations, museum schedules, and transportation services can change. Always verify important details directly before traveling.