Greek National Holidays 2026: When Things Close and Why

All Greek national holidays in 2026

Date	Holiday	What closes
January 1	New Year's Day	Everything except hotels, some restaurants
January 6	Epiphany (Theofania)	Most museums, banks, government offices
February 23	Clean Monday (Lent begins)	Most restaurants closed in afternoon (kite-flying day)
March 25	Independence Day	Museums, banks, government. Military parade in Athens.
April 10	Good Friday	Most museums, half of shops, somber atmosphere
April 12	Easter Sunday	EVERYTHING closed
April 13	Easter Monday	EVERYTHING still closed
May 1	Labour Day	Banks, government, most museums
June 1	Pentecost (Holy Spirit Monday)	Banks, government
August 15	Dormition of the Virgin	Most things on islands. Athens calmer than usual.
October 28	Ohi Day (WW2 commemoration)	Banks, government, schools. Military parade.
December 25	Christmas Day	EVERYTHING closed
December 26	Boxing Day (St. Stephen)	Most shops and museums

Practical advice by holiday severity

Plan around (high impact): Easter Sunday & Monday (April 12-13), Christmas Day (December 25), August 15. Major tourism disruption.
Be aware (moderate impact): March 25, October 28, May 1. Museums close but tourism continues. Military parades in Athens.
Barely affects tourists: January 6, Pentecost, December 26. Banks and offices close but tourism continues normally.

Frequently asked.

Do all Greek museums close on national holidays?+

Yes for major holidays (Easter, Christmas, August 15). Major sites like Acropolis sometimes have reduced 'holiday hours' for less significant ones (Independence Day, Ohi Day). Always verify hours the day before traveling.

Will my hotel be open on Christmas?+

Yes — hotels and emergency services run year-round. Hotel restaurants will operate. External restaurants and tourism services are mostly closed.

Is August 15 disruptive?+

On islands, very. Hotels at peak rates, ferries oversold (Athenians returning), shops on smaller islands closed. In Athens itself, less disruptive — the city is already quiet because everyone left for islands.

Are public transportation open on holidays?+

Reduced schedule. Athens metro runs but less frequently. Ferries reduce but operate. Domestic flights mostly run. International airports open.

What about Clean Monday (Kathari Deftera)?+

It's the start of Lent. Most restaurants serve Lenten (vegan) menu. Many close in afternoon as families fly kites — a Greek Clean Monday tradition. Tourism continues normally otherwise.

Greek holidays 2026: when to visit, when not to.

All Greek national holidays in 2026

Practical advice by holiday severity

Frequently asked.

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