Hungary could soon have 12 official public holidays instead of 11, as lawmakers from the governing Tisza Party have submitted legislation to make Christmas Eve a permanent day off. If approved, the change could take effect before Christmas 2026, while most shops would be required to close on 24 December.

A bill to make Christmas Eve an official public holiday was submitted to the Hungarian Parliament on Wednesday, 23 September, by three lawmakers from the governing Tisza Party, Hungarian News Agency MTI reported.

According to the legislative proposal published on Parliament’s website , the measure is intended to strengthen work-life balance and allow more people to spend Christmas Eve with their families.

The proposal describes Christmas Eve as a day of “togetherness, peace, love and consideration for one another, regardless of religious belief”, while also recognising the Christian origins of Christmas and its particular significance for believers.

The bill also calls for shops to remain closed on 24 December, with certain exceptions, to allow as many retail employees as possible to enjoy the festive break with their families.

What would change for workers in Hungary?

Under the current Labour Code, Hungary has 11 statutory public holidays. Christmas Day and Boxing Day, on 25 and 26 December, are already included, but Christmas Eve is not.

The proposed legislation would add 24 December to that list, creating three consecutive statutory public holidays over Christmas. This issue has been debated for years, trade unions have repeatedly called for Christmas Eve to become an official day off, while several major retail chains have already voluntarily closed their stores on that date.

Before taking office, Prime Minister Péter Magyar also pledged that a Tisza-led government would introduce Christmas Eve as a public holiday.

Most shops would close on Christmas Eve

Under the current rules, shops may generally remain open until 2 PM on Christmas Eve. The proposed amendment would instead require most retailers to remain closed throughout the day.

However, several exemptions would remain. The following establishments would still be permitted to operate:

  • Restaurants, cafés and other hospitality establishments;
  • Hotels and other accommodation providers;
  • Flower shops and confectionery stores;
  • Petrol stations;
  • Shops located at railway stations, bus terminals, airports and petrol stations.

Essential services, including healthcare, public safety, transport, energy and utilities, would continue to operate under the existing rules governing work on public holidays.

How many public holidays does Hungary have?

Hungary currently has 11 statutory public holidays. If the proposed amendment is adopted, Christmas Eve would become the 12th, creating three consecutive public holidays from 24 to 26 December.

The number of actual days off varies from year to year, depending on weekends and the arrangement of working days.

For a detailed look at next year’s holiday calendar, including six long weekends, read our earlier guide: Hungary public holidays 2027: six long weekends to plan for.