worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past ten days
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Vietnam Considering Additional Public Holiday On January 2 Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam has proposed declaring Friday, January 2, 2026, as a one-off public holiday to link the upcoming January 1st annual public holiday with the subsequent weekend. This additional public holiday would be compensated by the declaration of Saturday, January 10, 2026, as a regular working day. Recall that the list of 2026 public holidays in Vietnam was set out in the Ministry of Home Affairs' Notice No.9441/TB-BNV of last October, following the approval from the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, in the Document No.9859/VPCP-KGVX. In the past, Vietnamese public holidays were managed by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). But, last June, the Vietnamese Government Office issued the Decree No. 128/2025/ND-CP regulating the decentralization and delegation of power in state management of the internal affairs sector, which took effect on July 1st, 2025, and places the Minister of Home Affairs in charge of notifying annual holidays and Tet holidays as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 112 of the Labor Code. In 2015, Friday, January 2, was declared a one-off public holiday and was then compensated by the declaration of Saturday, December 27, 2014, as a regular working day.
Vietnam Considering Additional Public Holiday On January 2 Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam has proposed declaring Friday, January 2, 2026, as a one-off public holiday to link the upcoming January 1st annual public holiday with the subsequent weekend. This additional public holiday would be compensated by the declaration of Saturday, January 10, 2026, as a regular working day. Recall that the list of 2026 public holidays in Vietnam was set out in the Ministry of Home Affairs' Notice No.9441/TB-BNV of last October, following the approval from the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, in the Document No.9859/VPCP-KGVX. In the past, Vietnamese public holidays were managed by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). But, last June, the Vietnamese Government Office issued the Decree No. 128/2025/ND-CP regulating the decentralization and delegation of power in state management of the internal affairs sector, which took effect on July 1st, 2025, and places the Minister of Home Affairs in charge of notifying annual holidays and Tet holidays as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 112 of the Labor Code. In 2015, Friday, January 2, was declared a one-off public holiday and was then compensated by the declaration of Saturday, December 27, 2014, as a regular working day.
Fiji Reminder On Year-End Public Holidays Ministry of Information (Suva) Fiji's Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Minister, Agni Deo Singh, has issued a communique clarifying the wage rules related to the ongoing Easter public holidays, under Section 67(1) of the Employment Relations Act 2007. As per the Minister, "workers who do not work on a public holiday are entitled to be paid at their normal single rate for the number of hours they would have normally worked had the day not been a public holiday" while on the other hand, "if a worker is required to work on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Day, they are entitled to be paid at double their normal rate, as provided for under Section 67(2) of the Act".
Fiji Reminder On Year-End Public Holidays Ministry of Information (Suva) Fiji's Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Minister, Agni Deo Singh, has issued a communique clarifying the wage rules related to the ongoing Easter public holidays, under Section 67(1) of the Employment Relations Act 2007. As per the Minister, "workers who do not work on a public holiday are entitled to be paid at their normal single rate for the number of hours they would have normally worked had the day not been a public holiday" while on the other hand, "if a worker is required to work on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Day, they are entitled to be paid at double their normal rate, as provided for under Section 67(2) of the Act".
Gambia Declares December 26 Public Holiday The Point Newspaper (Banjul) The President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, as often happens, has declared a one-off public holiday on Friday, December 26, 2024. As per the statement released by the Office of The President State House, "The Office of the President hereby informs the public that His Excellency President Adama Barrow has declared Thursday, 25th December and Friday, 26th December 2025, respectively, as Christmas and Boxing Day, as public holidays throughout The Gambia."). The statement goes on to confirm that "Additionally, Thursday 1st January 2026, has also been declared a public holiday as part of the New Year celebrations.". Although December 26 is not an official public holiday in the Gambia, President Barrow, and some former Presidents, often declared a one-off public holiday on December 26 or a date nearby. Thursday, December 26, 2024, and Tuesday, December 26, 2023, were both declared a public holiday by President Barrow. A couple of years before, President Barrow had declared Monday, December 27, 2021, and Monday, January 3, 2022, as one-off public holidays. December 26 was also declared a public holiday in 2017 and 2018 by the same President Barrow. And, back in 2007, Gambia's then President Yahya Jammeh had declared Monday, December 31, 2007, as a one-off public holiday, not for Christmas or the New Year, but to coincide with the official naming ceremony of his newly born son Muhammed Yahya Jammeh in Kanilai.
Gambia Declares December 26 Public Holiday The Point Newspaper (Banjul) The President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, as often happens, has declared a one-off public holiday on Friday, December 26, 2024. As per the statement released by the Office of The President State House, "The Office of the President hereby informs the public that His Excellency President Adama Barrow has declared Thursday, 25th December and Friday, 26th December 2025, respectively, as Christmas and Boxing Day, as public holidays throughout The Gambia."). The statement goes on to confirm that "Additionally, Thursday 1st January 2026, has also been declared a public holiday as part of the New Year celebrations.". Although December 26 is not an official public holiday in the Gambia, President Barrow, and some former Presidents, often declared a one-off public holiday on December 26 or a date nearby. Thursday, December 26, 2024, and Tuesday, December 26, 2023, were both declared a public holiday by President Barrow. A couple of years before, President Barrow had declared Monday, December 27, 2021, and Monday, January 3, 2022, as one-off public holidays. December 26 was also declared a public holiday in 2017 and 2018 by the same President Barrow. And, back in 2007, Gambia's then President Yahya Jammeh had declared Monday, December 31, 2007, as a one-off public holiday, not for Christmas or the New Year, but to coincide with the official naming ceremony of his newly born son Muhammed Yahya Jammeh in Kanilai.
Kurdistan Announces Year-End Public Sector Holidays Kurdistan Regional Government (Erbil) The Council of Ministers of the Regional Government of the Kurdistan province of Iraq (KRG), has declared public holidays from Thursday, 25 December 2025, until Saturday, 3 January 2026, for all institutions across the Kurdistan Region, adding that "official working hours in all government entities will resume on Sunday, 4 January 2026". Though nominally still a part of Iraq, Kurdistan has benefited from a large dose of de facto independence since 1990 and legally since the 2005 constitution. Last year, the Council of Ministers of Kurdistan had similarly declared public holidays from Wednesday, 25 December 2024, to Thursday, 2 January 2025, for all institutions across the Kurdistan Region.
Kurdistan Announces Year-End Public Sector Holidays Kurdistan Regional Government (Erbil) The Council of Ministers of the Regional Government of the Kurdistan province of Iraq (KRG), has declared public holidays from Thursday, 25 December 2025, until Saturday, 3 January 2026, for all institutions across the Kurdistan Region, adding that "official working hours in all government entities will resume on Sunday, 4 January 2026". Though nominally still a part of Iraq, Kurdistan has benefited from a large dose of de facto independence since 1990 and legally since the 2005 constitution. Last year, the Council of Ministers of Kurdistan had similarly declared public holidays from Wednesday, 25 December 2024, to Thursday, 2 January 2025, for all institutions across the Kurdistan Region.
Kiribati 2026 Public Holidays Announced Kiribati Public Service Office (Bairiki) The government of Kiribati has released its annual list of official non-working public holidays for the 2026 calendar year, including many amendments to the usual manner in which the dates of Kiribati public holidays dates are calculated, as well as the addition of some public sector holidays (listed as "Kiribati Holidays"). As is often the case, the aforementioned list of 2026 public holidays in Kiribati deviates on a few occasions from the precepts of the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2005 (No. 14 of 2005).
Kiribati 2026 Public Holidays Announced Kiribati Public Service Office (Bairiki) The government of Kiribati has released its annual list of official non-working public holidays for the 2026 calendar year, including many amendments to the usual manner in which the dates of Kiribati public holidays dates are calculated, as well as the addition of some public sector holidays (listed as "Kiribati Holidays"). As is often the case, the aforementioned list of 2026 public holidays in Kiribati deviates on a few occasions from the precepts of the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2005 (No. 14 of 2005).
Mongolian Public Holiday December 29 Montsame Agency (Ulaanbaatar) The Mongolian government has announced that, as per the Law On Public Holidays and Anniversaries, next Monday, December 29, 2025 will be observed as a public holiday. In 2007, the Mongolian Parliament had designated December 29 as an annual holiday, but nonetheless a regular working day. In 2011, the Mongolian Cabinet then declared Thursday, December 29, 2011, as a one-off public holiday, to correspond with the 100th anniversary of Mongolia's National Liberation Revolution. This was followed by a 2012 draft bill law that would have declared December 29 to be an annual non-working public holiday in Mongolia. But, as December 29 fell on weekend days in both 2012 and 2013, that draft bill was not a priority and no December 29 public holiday was included in the announcements of the 2012 and 2013 annual public holidays of Mongolia. Finally, in 2014, the Mongolian Cabinet finally decided to declare December 29 as an annual non-working public holiday in Mongolia, to be called initially "National independence Day".
Mongolian Public Holiday December 29 Montsame Agency (Ulaanbaatar) The Mongolian government has announced that, as per the Law On Public Holidays and Anniversaries, next Monday, December 29, 2025 will be observed as a public holiday. In 2007, the Mongolian Parliament had designated December 29 as an annual holiday, but nonetheless a regular working day. In 2011, the Mongolian Cabinet then declared Thursday, December 29, 2011, as a one-off public holiday, to correspond with the 100th anniversary of Mongolia's National Liberation Revolution. This was followed by a 2012 draft bill law that would have declared December 29 to be an annual non-working public holiday in Mongolia. But, as December 29 fell on weekend days in both 2012 and 2013, that draft bill was not a priority and no December 29 public holiday was included in the announcements of the 2012 and 2013 annual public holidays of Mongolia. Finally, in 2014, the Mongolian Cabinet finally decided to declare December 29 as an annual non-working public holiday in Mongolia, to be called initially "National independence Day".
Ukraine To Review Public Holiday Calendar Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's unicameral parliament) to develop proposals "defining new and logical approaches“ to holidays and special dates". Recall that, over the past decade, and particularly since Russia's invasion, Ukraine has been moving away from Soviet-era dates. In 2017, Ukrainian then President, Petro Poroshenko, signed into law of the draft bill No.5496 which had been passed by a vote of 237 in favor in the Verkhovna Rada and declared Western Christmas as a public holiday in Article 73 of the Labour Code ("The bill makes December the 25th an official holiday of Ukraine (the Nativity of Christ according to the Gregorian calendar). The bill also kills the 2nd of May as a red-letter day, referring to May the 1st as Labour Day (May Day) only"). Then, in 2022, the Bill No. 7297 ("On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Concerning the Perpetuation of the Victory over Nazism in the Second World War") was passed moving the annual Day of Victory over Nazism public holiday from May 9 to May 8 "together with all of Europe". And, finally, in 2023, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law moving 3 annual public holidays from their Soviet-era dates to their Gregorian equivalent, namely Christmas from January 7 to December 25, the Day of Ukrainian Statehood from July 28 to July 15, and the Day of Defenders of Ukraine from October 14 to October 1st.
Ukraine To Review Public Holiday Calendar Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's unicameral parliament) to develop proposals "defining new and logical approaches“ to holidays and special dates". Recall that, over the past decade, and particularly since Russia's invasion, Ukraine has been moving away from Soviet-era dates. In 2017, Ukrainian then President, Petro Poroshenko, signed into law of the draft bill No.5496 which had been passed by a vote of 237 in favor in the Verkhovna Rada and declared Western Christmas as a public holiday in Article 73 of the Labour Code ("The bill makes December the 25th an official holiday of Ukraine (the Nativity of Christ according to the Gregorian calendar). The bill also kills the 2nd of May as a red-letter day, referring to May the 1st as Labour Day (May Day) only"). Then, in 2022, the Bill No. 7297 ("On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Concerning the Perpetuation of the Victory over Nazism in the Second World War") was passed moving the annual Day of Victory over Nazism public holiday from May 9 to May 8 "together with all of Europe". And, finally, in 2023, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law moving 3 annual public holidays from their Soviet-era dates to their Gregorian equivalent, namely Christmas from January 7 to December 25, the Day of Ukrainian Statehood from July 28 to July 15, and the Day of Defenders of Ukraine from October 14 to October 1st.
Bolivia Extends 2025 Year-End Public Holidays Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social (La Paz) The Bolivian Ministry of Labor has issued the communique DGTHSO-044/2025 which declares Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26, 2025, as national public holidays. As per the aforementioned communique, "As established by Supreme Decree No. 2750 of May 1, 2016, modified by Supreme Decree No. 5019 of September 13, 2023, and Supreme Decree No. 5506 of December 22, 2025, Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26, 2025 constitute National Holidays with suspension of public and private activities throughout the territory of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.". This latest Supreme Decree No. 5506 of December 22, 2025, was announced earlier today by the Bolivian Ministry of Sustainable Tourism, Cultures, Folklore and Gastronomy, containing a single Article which reads "December 26, 2025 is declared a national holiday, with the suspension of public and private work activities, in order to promote domestic tourism as a strategic economic activity". The communique DGTHSO-044/2025 goes on to announce that December 24 and 31, 2025, will be continuous working days in the public sector, meaning that there will be a public sector holiday beginning at 13:00 (1pm) on both these dates. Last year, the Ministry of Labor had similarly announced that December 24 and 31, 2024, would be continuous working days in the entire public sector, meaning a public sector holiday on both of these days, beginning at 13:00 (1pm).
Bolivia Extends 2025 Year-End Public Holidays Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social (La Paz) The Bolivian Ministry of Labor has issued the communique DGTHSO-044/2025 which declares Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26, 2025, as national public holidays. As per the aforementioned communique, "As established by Supreme Decree No. 2750 of May 1, 2016, modified by Supreme Decree No. 5019 of September 13, 2023, and Supreme Decree No. 5506 of December 22, 2025, Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26, 2025 constitute National Holidays with suspension of public and private activities throughout the territory of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.". This latest Supreme Decree No. 5506 of December 22, 2025, was announced earlier today by the Bolivian Ministry of Sustainable Tourism, Cultures, Folklore and Gastronomy, containing a single Article which reads "December 26, 2025 is declared a national holiday, with the suspension of public and private work activities, in order to promote domestic tourism as a strategic economic activity". The communique DGTHSO-044/2025 goes on to announce that December 24 and 31, 2025, will be continuous working days in the public sector, meaning that there will be a public sector holiday beginning at 13:00 (1pm) on both these dates. Last year, the Ministry of Labor had similarly announced that December 24 and 31, 2024, would be continuous working days in the entire public sector, meaning a public sector holiday on both of these days, beginning at 13:00 (1pm).
Madagascar Declares January 2 Bridge Public Holiday Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's Council of Ministers has announced a decree amending the yet to be released list of 2026 Madagascar public holidays by declaring Friday, January 2, 2025, as a paid one-off bridge public holiday throughout Madagascar to link the upcoming January 1st public holiday with the subsequent weekend. Recall that, under a similar configuration of the weekday of January 1st, Madagascar's Government has issued the Décret n° 2014-1939 du 26 décembre 2014 déclarant le 02 janvier 2015 jour férié, chômé et payé which declared Friday, January 2, 2015, as a paid one-off bridge public holiday throughout Madagascar to link the upcoming January 1st public holiday with the subsequent weekend. And a few years before that, Madagascar's Government had issued the Décret n° 2012-1169 du 26 décembre 2012 déclarant chômée et payée la journée du 31 décembre 2012 which amended the previously-declared list of 2012 Madagascar public holidays by declaring Monday, December 31, 2012, as a paid one-off bridge public holiday throughout Madagascar to link the upcoming New Year 2013 public holiday with the preceding weekend.
Madagascar Declares January 2 Bridge Public Holiday Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's Council of Ministers has announced a decree amending the yet to be released list of 2026 Madagascar public holidays by declaring Friday, January 2, 2025, as a paid one-off bridge public holiday throughout Madagascar to link the upcoming January 1st public holiday with the subsequent weekend. Recall that, under a similar configuration of the weekday of January 1st, Madagascar's Government has issued the Décret n° 2014-1939 du 26 décembre 2014 déclarant le 02 janvier 2015 jour férié, chômé et payé which declared Friday, January 2, 2015, as a paid one-off bridge public holiday throughout Madagascar to link the upcoming January 1st public holiday with the subsequent weekend. And a few years before that, Madagascar's Government had issued the Décret n° 2012-1169 du 26 décembre 2012 déclarant chômée et payée la journée du 31 décembre 2012 which amended the previously-declared list of 2012 Madagascar public holidays by declaring Monday, December 31, 2012, as a paid one-off bridge public holiday throughout Madagascar to link the upcoming New Year 2013 public holiday with the preceding weekend.
Mozambique Declares Christmas Eve Public Holiday Agencia de Informção de Moçambique (Maputo) Mozambique's Minister of Labour, Gender and Social Action, Ivete Alane, has announced that using the powers granted to her under paragraph 2 of article 5 of the Regulation on Time Off, approved by Decree No. 7/2015 of June 3, she had declared Wednesday, December 24, 2025, as a one-off public sector holiday throughout the country. The declaration of one-off non-working public holidays is a relatively common feature of Mozambique's official public holidays calendar, as Mozambique's Labour Code gives the Minister of Labour the authority to declare one-off public holidays in Mozambique. Last year, Mozambique's then Minister of Labour, Margarida Talapa, had similarly announced that, as per paragraph 2 of article 5 of the Regulation on Time Off, approved by Decree no. 7/2015 of 3 June, her Ministry had declared Tuesday, December 24, 2024, as a public sector holiday throughout the national territory.
Mozambique Declares Christmas Eve Public Holiday Agencia de Informção de Moçambique (Maputo) Mozambique's Minister of Labour, Gender and Social Action, Ivete Alane, has announced that using the powers granted to her under paragraph 2 of article 5 of the Regulation on Time Off, approved by Decree No. 7/2015 of June 3, she had declared Wednesday, December 24, 2025, as a one-off public sector holiday throughout the country. The declaration of one-off non-working public holidays is a relatively common feature of Mozambique's official public holidays calendar, as Mozambique's Labour Code gives the Minister of Labour the authority to declare one-off public holidays in Mozambique. Last year, Mozambique's then Minister of Labour, Margarida Talapa, had similarly announced that, as per paragraph 2 of article 5 of the Regulation on Time Off, approved by Decree no. 7/2015 of 3 June, her Ministry had declared Tuesday, December 24, 2024, as a public sector holiday throughout the national territory.
Nigeria Announces 2025-2026 Year-End Public Holidays The Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Abuja) The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had decided to declare Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holiday in Nigeria.
Nigeria Announces 2025-2026 Year-End Public Holidays The Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Abuja) The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had decided to declare Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holiday in Nigeria.
Pakistan Declares December 25 Bank Holiday The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued the BPRD Circular Letter No. 25 of 2025 announcing that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), allied offices and public and private sector financial institutions would "remain closed on December 25, 2025 (Thursday) being public holiday on the occasions of Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas, as declared by the Government of Pakistan" and that normal banking operations will resume on Friday, December 26. Today's announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan is in line with the list of 2025 public holidays in Pakistan, as announced in the Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2025 published by the Government of Pakistan late last year.
Pakistan Declares December 25 Bank Holiday The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued the BPRD Circular Letter No. 25 of 2025 announcing that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), allied offices and public and private sector financial institutions would "remain closed on December 25, 2025 (Thursday) being public holiday on the occasions of Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas, as declared by the Government of Pakistan" and that normal banking operations will resume on Friday, December 26. Today's announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan is in line with the list of 2025 public holidays in Pakistan, as announced in the Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2025 published by the Government of Pakistan late last year.
Paraguay Declares December 24 Public Sector Holiday Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) The President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, has announced that he would soon declare a public sector holiday on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. As per the aforementioned announcement, "As every year, public officials have a holiday from noon on the 24th , so we are going to sign that decree today or tomorrow". Additionally, recall that late last month, President Peña issued the Decree No. 5040 declaring Friday, December 26, 2025, as a one-off public holiday for both the public and private sectors. Paraguayan public servant may yet get another holiday before the end of the year, as both December 24 and 31 are usually declared as one-off public sector holidays (last December, President Peña, released the executive decree No.3131 declaring Tuesday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as public sector holidays in Paraguay).
Paraguay Declares December 24 Public Sector Holiday Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) The President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, has announced that he would soon declare a public sector holiday on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. As per the aforementioned announcement, "As every year, public officials have a holiday from noon on the 24th , so we are going to sign that decree today or tomorrow". Additionally, recall that late last month, President Peña issued the Decree No. 5040 declaring Friday, December 26, 2025, as a one-off public holiday for both the public and private sectors. Paraguayan public servant may yet get another holiday before the end of the year, as both December 24 and 31 are usually declared as one-off public sector holidays (last December, President Peña, released the executive decree No.3131 declaring Tuesday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as public sector holidays in Paraguay).
Timor Leste Releases 2026 Public Holidays Komunikadu Imprensa Sekretaria Estadu Konsellu Ministru Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has issued a press communiqué containing its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Timor Leste for the calendar year 2026, as declared by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Timor Leste. A footnote to the aforementioned relates to the November 3 public holiday, observed since 2023, and states that "Law No. 10/2005, of August 10, establishes the legal framework for holidays, official commemorative dates, and days off, and was amended by Law No. 3/2016, of May 25, and by Law No. 10/2023, of April 5, which introduced some changes to recognize historical dates of the Struggle for Liberation and to acknowledge the role of women in Timorese society.". Recall that, in addition to the above list of 2026 public holidays, the Government of Timor Leste regularly declares one-off public sector holidays throughout the year. Most recently, the government of Timor Leste declared additional year-end public sector holidays on Wednesday and Friday, December 24 and 26, 2025, as well as on Friday, January 2, 2026 ("Tolerância de ponto nos próximos dias 24 (à tarde) e 26 de dezembro de 2025 e 2 de janeiro de 2026"). And a couple of months before, the government of Timor Leste declared Friday, October 31, 2025, as as a one-off public sector holiday in Timor Leste ("Tolerância de Ponto no dia 31 de outubro de 2025 por ocasião da celebração do “Dia de Todos os Santos” e do “Dia de Todos os Fiéis Defuntos").
Timor Leste Releases 2026 Public Holidays Komunikadu Imprensa Sekretaria Estadu Konsellu Ministru Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has issued a press communiqué containing its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Timor Leste for the calendar year 2026, as declared by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Timor Leste. A footnote to the aforementioned relates to the November 3 public holiday, observed since 2023, and states that "Law No. 10/2005, of August 10, establishes the legal framework for holidays, official commemorative dates, and days off, and was amended by Law No. 3/2016, of May 25, and by Law No. 10/2023, of April 5, which introduced some changes to recognize historical dates of the Struggle for Liberation and to acknowledge the role of women in Timorese society.". Recall that, in addition to the above list of 2026 public holidays, the Government of Timor Leste regularly declares one-off public sector holidays throughout the year. Most recently, the government of Timor Leste declared additional year-end public sector holidays on Wednesday and Friday, December 24 and 26, 2025, as well as on Friday, January 2, 2026 ("Tolerância de ponto nos próximos dias 24 (à tarde) e 26 de dezembro de 2025 e 2 de janeiro de 2026"). And a couple of months before, the government of Timor Leste declared Friday, October 31, 2025, as as a one-off public sector holiday in Timor Leste ("Tolerância de Ponto no dia 31 de outubro de 2025 por ocasião da celebração do “Dia de Todos os Santos” e do “Dia de Todos os Fiéis Defuntos").
Romania Rules-Out January 5 Public Holiday Mediafax (Bucharest) The Prime Minister of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, has announced that he will not declare Monday, January 5, 2026, as a one-off public sector holiday, to link the January 6-7 annual public holidays with the preceding weekend. Recall that, in October 2024, the Ministry of Labor of Romania had issued a draft Government Decision declaring January 3, 2025, as a one-off public sector holiday, to be compensated by the public institutions and authorities extending their working hours until January 31 2025. However, in late December 2024, the Government of Romania finally rejected the declaration of Friday, January 3, 2025, as a bridge public sector holiday, as proposed by the Ministry of Labor. The January 6 and 7 annual public holidays were instituted in a law promulgated by then Romanian President Klaus Iohannis in early 2023. The law, earlier adopted by the plenary session of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies, declares January 6 and 7, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and the Council of the Holy Prophet John the Baptist, respectively, as new annual public holidays in Romania.
Romania Rules-Out January 5 Public Holiday Mediafax (Bucharest) The Prime Minister of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, has announced that he will not declare Monday, January 5, 2026, as a one-off public sector holiday, to link the January 6-7 annual public holidays with the preceding weekend. Recall that, in October 2024, the Ministry of Labor of Romania had issued a draft Government Decision declaring January 3, 2025, as a one-off public sector holiday, to be compensated by the public institutions and authorities extending their working hours until January 31 2025. However, in late December 2024, the Government of Romania finally rejected the declaration of Friday, January 3, 2025, as a bridge public sector holiday, as proposed by the Ministry of Labor. The January 6 and 7 annual public holidays were instituted in a law promulgated by then Romanian President Klaus Iohannis in early 2023. The law, earlier adopted by the plenary session of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies, declares January 6 and 7, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and the Council of the Holy Prophet John the Baptist, respectively, as new annual public holidays in Romania.
Honduras Adds 4 Year-End Public Sector Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization of Honduras has announced that all public sector officials and employees would once again enjoy 4 additional year-end public holidays. As per the aforementioned announcement, "the civic calendar places the Christmas and New Year festivities in the month of December, dates intended for family unity and meeting with the closest people" and "this year, these festivities are scheduled for Thursday, which limits the time of those who travel to the interior of the Republic to meet and spend time with their loved ones" and therefore "in light of the foregoing, it has been decided to grant leave, charged against vacation time, to all Central Government Departments, Decentralized and Deconcentrated Institutions, on Wednesday, December 24 and Friday, December 26, 2025, as well as Wednesday, December 31, 2025 and Friday, January 2, 2026". Recall that, last year, the Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization had similarly announced that all public sector officials and employees would enjoy 4 additional public holidays in December 2024 ("it has been decided to grant all officials and employees of the Executive Branch, on account of vacation, the days Monday 23 and Tuesday 24, as well as Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 December of this year 2024. Restarting work on Thursday 26 December 2024 and Thursday 2 January 2025 respectively").
Honduras Adds 4 Year-End Public Sector Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization of Honduras has announced that all public sector officials and employees would once again enjoy 4 additional year-end public holidays. As per the aforementioned announcement, "the civic calendar places the Christmas and New Year festivities in the month of December, dates intended for family unity and meeting with the closest people" and "this year, these festivities are scheduled for Thursday, which limits the time of those who travel to the interior of the Republic to meet and spend time with their loved ones" and therefore "in light of the foregoing, it has been decided to grant leave, charged against vacation time, to all Central Government Departments, Decentralized and Deconcentrated Institutions, on Wednesday, December 24 and Friday, December 26, 2025, as well as Wednesday, December 31, 2025 and Friday, January 2, 2026". Recall that, last year, the Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization had similarly announced that all public sector officials and employees would enjoy 4 additional public holidays in December 2024 ("it has been decided to grant all officials and employees of the Executive Branch, on account of vacation, the days Monday 23 and Tuesday 24, as well as Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 December of this year 2024. Restarting work on Thursday 26 December 2024 and Thursday 2 January 2025 respectively").
Kurdistan Clarifies Year-End Public Sector Holidays Kurdistan Regional Government (Erbil) The Regional Government of the Kurdistan province of Iraq (KRG) has announced that Thursday, 25 December 2025, would be an official public sector holiday for all government offices and institutions in the region, adding that, contrary to what was done last year, this will be the last public holiday of the year in the Kurdistan Region, with no further holidays planned for 2025. Recall that, late last year, the Council of Ministers of the Government of Kurdistan declared public holidays from Wednesday, 25 December 2024, to Thursday, 2 January 2025, for all institutions across the Kurdistan Region, adding that "Official work will resume in all institutions of the Kurdistan Region on Sunday, 5 January 2025". Though nominally still a part of Iraq, Kurdistan has benefited from a large dose of de facto independence since 1990 and legally since the 2005 constitution.
Kurdistan Clarifies Year-End Public Sector Holidays Kurdistan Regional Government (Erbil) The Regional Government of the Kurdistan province of Iraq (KRG) has announced that Thursday, 25 December 2025, would be an official public sector holiday for all government offices and institutions in the region, adding that, contrary to what was done last year, this will be the last public holiday of the year in the Kurdistan Region, with no further holidays planned for 2025. Recall that, late last year, the Council of Ministers of the Government of Kurdistan declared public holidays from Wednesday, 25 December 2024, to Thursday, 2 January 2025, for all institutions across the Kurdistan Region, adding that "Official work will resume in all institutions of the Kurdistan Region on Sunday, 5 January 2025". Though nominally still a part of Iraq, Kurdistan has benefited from a large dose of de facto independence since 1990 and legally since the 2005 constitution.
Benin Declares December 25 Public Holiday Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Bénin's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou A. Mathys, has issued a communique announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Thursday, December 25, 2025, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of the upcoming Christmas holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, signed by her Cabinet Director, Victorin Honvoh, "Le Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique rappelle que conformément aux dispositions de la loi n° 90-019 du 27 juillet 1990 fixant les fêtes légales en République du Bénin, la journée du jeudi 25 décembre 2025, Jour de Noël, est fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l'étendue du territoire national.".
Benin Declares December 25 Public Holiday Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Bénin's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou A. Mathys, has issued a communique announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Thursday, December 25, 2025, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of the upcoming Christmas holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, signed by her Cabinet Director, Victorin Honvoh, "Le Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique rappelle que conformément aux dispositions de la loi n° 90-019 du 27 juillet 1990 fixant les fêtes légales en République du Bénin, la journée du jeudi 25 décembre 2025, Jour de Noël, est fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l'étendue du territoire national.".
DR Congo Declares January 3 Day In Lieu Public Holiday Présidence de la République Démocratique du Congo (Kinshasa) The Minister of Labor of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC), Ferdinand Massamba Wa Massamba, has issued the communique No.010/CAB/MIN.ET/FMM /JTN/12/2025 declaring year-end public holidays on December 25, 2025, and January 1, 2026, as well as a day in lieu public holiday on Saturday, January 3, 2026, due to the fact that the annual Martyrs' Day public holiday falls on a Sunday in 2026. As per the aforementioned communique, based on the Ordinance No. 23/042 of March 30, 2023, amending and supplementing Ordinance No. 14/010 of May 14, 2014, establishing the list of legal public holidays in the Democratic Republic of Congo, "La journée du 04 janvier dédiée aux Martyrs de l’indépendance tombant le dimanche, par conséquent, la journée du samedi 03 janvier 2026 est ainsi déclarée chômée et payée.". Note that, following the transition of the public sector of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to la semaine anglaise (ie. Monday-Friday workweek), on July 1st, 2024, we can also expect Friday, January 2, 2026, to be declared a public sector holiday. This is indeed what happened earlier this year, under the exact same circumstances, when the Simon Kimbangu public holiday of April 6 fell on a Sunday, and the then Minister of Labor of the RDC, Ephraim Akwakwa Nametu, issued the communique No.002/CAB/MIN.ET/EAN /JDO/04/2025 declaring Saturday, April 5, 2025, as a day in lieu public holiday. That communique went on to state that, additionally, Friday, April 4, 2025, would be a public sector holiday ("S’agissant des services publics, la journée du vendredi 04 avril 2025 est déclarée chômée et payée conformément à l’article 1er du Décret n° 24/09 du 17 février 2024 portant règlement d’administration relative à la discipline.").
DR Congo Declares January 3 Day In Lieu Public Holiday Présidence de la République Démocratique du Congo (Kinshasa) The Minister of Labor of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC), Ferdinand Massamba Wa Massamba, has issued the communique No.010/CAB/MIN.ET/FMM /JTN/12/2025 declaring year-end public holidays on December 25, 2025, and January 1, 2026, as well as a day in lieu public holiday on Saturday, January 3, 2026, due to the fact that the annual Martyrs' Day public holiday falls on a Sunday in 2026. As per the aforementioned communique, based on the Ordinance No. 23/042 of March 30, 2023, amending and supplementing Ordinance No. 14/010 of May 14, 2014, establishing the list of legal public holidays in the Democratic Republic of Congo, "La journée du 04 janvier dédiée aux Martyrs de l’indépendance tombant le dimanche, par conséquent, la journée du samedi 03 janvier 2026 est ainsi déclarée chômée et payée.". Note that, following the transition of the public sector of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to la semaine anglaise (ie. Monday-Friday workweek), on July 1st, 2024, we can also expect Friday, January 2, 2026, to be declared a public sector holiday. This is indeed what happened earlier this year, under the exact same circumstances, when the Simon Kimbangu public holiday of April 6 fell on a Sunday, and the then Minister of Labor of the RDC, Ephraim Akwakwa Nametu, issued the communique No.002/CAB/MIN.ET/EAN /JDO/04/2025 declaring Saturday, April 5, 2025, as a day in lieu public holiday. That communique went on to state that, additionally, Friday, April 4, 2025, would be a public sector holiday ("S’agissant des services publics, la journée du vendredi 04 avril 2025 est déclarée chômée et payée conformément à l’article 1er du Décret n° 24/09 du 17 février 2024 portant règlement d’administration relative à la discipline.").
South Ossetia Further Extends New Year 2026 Public Holidays ITAR-TASS The Cabinet of Ministers of the Russian-occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia has announced that the Government of South Ossetia had decided to extend the upcoming New Year public holidays with the declaration of December 31, 2025, as a public holiday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "Today, during a Cabinet meeting, amendments were made to the government resolution 'On the transfer of days off in 2025.' According to these amendments, the day off on Saturday, December 27, will be transferred to Wednesday, December 31, and December 27 will be a working day". Recall that, a couple of months ago, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of South Ossetia, Oleg Gagloev, had announced that the Government of South Ossetia had reviewed and approved the draft resolution О переносе выходных дней в 2026 году, according to which "the days off coinciding with the non-working holidays of January 3 and 4, 2026, will be moved to January 8 and 9, 2026, respectively". In 2024, President Alan Gagloev had similarly declared Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as a non-working public holiday to extend the New Year 2025 public holidays ("Объявить 31 декабря 2024 года нерабочим днем с сохранением за работниками заработной платы").
South Ossetia Further Extends New Year 2026 Public Holidays ITAR-TASS The Cabinet of Ministers of the Russian-occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia has announced that the Government of South Ossetia had decided to extend the upcoming New Year public holidays with the declaration of December 31, 2025, as a public holiday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "Today, during a Cabinet meeting, amendments were made to the government resolution 'On the transfer of days off in 2025.' According to these amendments, the day off on Saturday, December 27, will be transferred to Wednesday, December 31, and December 27 will be a working day". Recall that, a couple of months ago, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of South Ossetia, Oleg Gagloev, had announced that the Government of South Ossetia had reviewed and approved the draft resolution О переносе выходных дней в 2026 году, according to which "the days off coinciding with the non-working holidays of January 3 and 4, 2026, will be moved to January 8 and 9, 2026, respectively". In 2024, President Alan Gagloev had similarly declared Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as a non-working public holiday to extend the New Year 2025 public holidays ("Объявить 31 декабря 2024 года нерабочим днем с сохранением за работниками заработной платы").
Ghana Declares Year-End Public Holidays Ghana Government Portal (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Mutaka, has issued the press statement Declaration of Thursday, 25th December, Friday, 26th December 2025 and Thursday, 1st January 2026 as Statutory Public Holidays, announcing that "The general public is hereby informed that Thursday, 25th December, Friday, 26th December 2025 and Thursday, 1st January 2026, which mark Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day respectively, are Statutory Public Holidays and should be observed throughout the country.". The aforementioned announcement is in line with the list of 2025 public holidays in Ghana, as announced last January, in line with the 2018 amendments to the Public Holidays Act.
Ghana Declares Year-End Public Holidays Ghana Government Portal (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Mutaka, has issued the press statement Declaration of Thursday, 25th December, Friday, 26th December 2025 and Thursday, 1st January 2026 as Statutory Public Holidays, announcing that "The general public is hereby informed that Thursday, 25th December, Friday, 26th December 2025 and Thursday, 1st January 2026, which mark Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day respectively, are Statutory Public Holidays and should be observed throughout the country.". The aforementioned announcement is in line with the list of 2025 public holidays in Ghana, as announced last January, in line with the 2018 amendments to the Public Holidays Act.
Guam Declares 3 Additional Year-End Public Holidays The Government of Guam (Chamorro) The Governor of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero has signed the Executive Order 2025-09 declaring Wednesday, December 24, 2025, as well as Friday, December 26, 2025, and Friday, January 2, 2026, as one-off GovGuam public sector holidays. While the declaration of the Friday after Thanksgiving as a public sector holiday in Guam has been an almost annual tradition, except from 2018 to 2021, the declaration of December 24 as a public sector holiday has also occurred on many occasions, namely in 2004, 2007, 2010, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024. But the declaration of December 26 and January 2, as well, is a novelty.
Guam Declares 3 Additional Year-End Public Holidays The Government of Guam (Chamorro) The Governor of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero has signed the Executive Order 2025-09 declaring Wednesday, December 24, 2025, as well as Friday, December 26, 2025, and Friday, January 2, 2026, as one-off GovGuam public sector holidays. While the declaration of the Friday after Thanksgiving as a public sector holiday in Guam has been an almost annual tradition, except from 2018 to 2021, the declaration of December 24 as a public sector holiday has also occurred on many occasions, namely in 2004, 2007, 2010, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024. But the declaration of December 26 and January 2, as well, is a novelty.
Honduras Announces 2025-2026 Year-End Private Sector Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) has announced the dates of public holidays for the Honduran private sector for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. As per the aforementioned communique, according to article 339 of the Labor Code, Thursday, December 25, 2025 and Thursday, January 1, 2026 must be granted and paid as mandatory public holidays.
Honduras Announces 2025-2026 Year-End Private Sector Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) has announced the dates of public holidays for the Honduran private sector for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. As per the aforementioned communique, according to article 339 of the Labor Code, Thursday, December 25, 2025 and Thursday, January 1, 2026 must be granted and paid as mandatory public holidays.
Paraguay Bank Holiday December 31 Banco Central del Paraguay (Asunción) Paraguay's Central Bank has announced that Wednesday, December 31, 2025, would be a bank holiday throughout Paraguay, on account of the Resolución Nº 9131 de fecha 23 de diciembre de 1949 which declares a bank holiday on the last working day of each year ("se declare feriado bancario el último día hábil del año"). Last year, Paraguay's Central Bank similarly announced that Tuesday, December 31, 2024, would be a bank holiday throughout Paraguay. But, the year before, Paraguay's Central Bank had declared Friday, December 29, 2023, as a bank holiday throughout Paraguay, as it was the last working day of 2023.
Paraguay Bank Holiday December 31 Banco Central del Paraguay (Asunción) Paraguay's Central Bank has announced that Wednesday, December 31, 2025, would be a bank holiday throughout Paraguay, on account of the Resolución Nº 9131 de fecha 23 de diciembre de 1949 which declares a bank holiday on the last working day of each year ("se declare feriado bancario el último día hábil del año"). Last year, Paraguay's Central Bank similarly announced that Tuesday, December 31, 2024, would be a bank holiday throughout Paraguay. But, the year before, Paraguay's Central Bank had declared Friday, December 29, 2023, as a bank holiday throughout Paraguay, as it was the last working day of 2023.
Serbia Recommends Chritmas Public Holidays For Private Sector Serbian Government Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (Belgrade) At today's Cabinet meeting, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted a Conclusion recommending that employers facilitate employees who celebrate Christmas according to the Gregorian and Julian Calendars not to work on that day. As per the aforementioned recommendation, "employers should facilitate employees who celebrate Christmas according to the Gregorian Calendar, Catholics and members of other Christian religious communities from working on December 24, 2025" and similarly "The same recommendation applies to employed Orthodox believers, who celebrate this holiday on January 6, 2026, according to the Julian Calendar.". Recall that, last year, at the suggestion of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, the government of Serbia had approved the declaration of Monday, January 8, 2024, the day after Orthodox Christmas, as an official non-working public holiday in Serbia similarly adding that "the government also recommends to employers that employees who have to work on January 8th be granted all the rights that apply to working on a public holiday". In 2013, January 14, was declared a one-off non-working public holiday in Serbia, on the occasion of the upcoming Julian calendar (Orthodox) New Year.
Serbia Recommends Chritmas Public Holidays For Private Sector Serbian Government Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (Belgrade) At today's Cabinet meeting, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted a Conclusion recommending that employers facilitate employees who celebrate Christmas according to the Gregorian and Julian Calendars not to work on that day. As per the aforementioned recommendation, "employers should facilitate employees who celebrate Christmas according to the Gregorian Calendar, Catholics and members of other Christian religious communities from working on December 24, 2025" and similarly "The same recommendation applies to employed Orthodox believers, who celebrate this holiday on January 6, 2026, according to the Julian Calendar.". Recall that, last year, at the suggestion of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, the government of Serbia had approved the declaration of Monday, January 8, 2024, the day after Orthodox Christmas, as an official non-working public holiday in Serbia similarly adding that "the government also recommends to employers that employees who have to work on January 8th be granted all the rights that apply to working on a public holiday". In 2013, January 14, was declared a one-off non-working public holiday in Serbia, on the occasion of the upcoming Julian calendar (Orthodox) New Year.
Cape Verde Extends Year-End 2025 Public Sector Holidays Ministro da Administração Interna (República de Cabo Verde) The government of Cape Verde has issued the Resolução n.º139/2025, de 18 dezembro which declares 2 half-day and one full day public sector holidays, on Decemmber 24, December 26, and December 31, 2025, pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 265 of the Constitution of Cape Verde. As per Resolution 139/2025, "Throughout the national territory, employees and agents of the State, public institutions, and local authorities are granted a day off, starting at 1:00 PM on December 24th and 31st, as well as on December 26th, for the entire day". Resolution 139/2025 goes on to justify the above "considering our status as an archipelagic country and the need to create conditions so that employees can gather peacefully with their families for celebrations", that "during this festive season, Christmas Day and New Year's Day both fall on a Thursday" and that "the practice has been followed over the years during this period in Public Administration". Recall that, last year, the government of Cape Verde had similarly declared public sector holidays on Tuesday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in the Official Gazette Resolution 111/2024 from the Council of Ministers.
Cape Verde Extends Year-End 2025 Public Sector Holidays Ministro da Administração Interna (República de Cabo Verde) The government of Cape Verde has issued the Resolução n.º139/2025, de 18 dezembro which declares 2 half-day and one full day public sector holidays, on Decemmber 24, December 26, and December 31, 2025, pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 265 of the Constitution of Cape Verde. As per Resolution 139/2025, "Throughout the national territory, employees and agents of the State, public institutions, and local authorities are granted a day off, starting at 1:00 PM on December 24th and 31st, as well as on December 26th, for the entire day". Resolution 139/2025 goes on to justify the above "considering our status as an archipelagic country and the need to create conditions so that employees can gather peacefully with their families for celebrations", that "during this festive season, Christmas Day and New Year's Day both fall on a Thursday" and that "the practice has been followed over the years during this period in Public Administration". Recall that, last year, the government of Cape Verde had similarly declared public sector holidays on Tuesday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in the Official Gazette Resolution 111/2024 from the Council of Ministers.
Ivory Coast Declares December 25 Public Holiday Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (Abijan) The Ministry of Employment and Social Protection of the Ivory Coast, has issued the communique No.4117/MEPS/CAB-00/DGT/ams, signed by its minister Adama Kamara, and declaring Thursday, December 25, 2025, as a public holiday in the Ivory Coast on account of the upcoming Christmas. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Minister of Employment and Social Protection informs the people living in Côte d’Ivoire that, in application of decree no. 2011-371 of 04 November 2011, amending and supplementing article 2 of decree no. 96-205 of 07 March 1996 determining the list and regime of public holidays, Thursday 25 December 2025, Christmas Day, is declared a public holiday and a day off throughout the national territory.". Note that the décret n° 2011-371 du 04 novembre 2011, modifiant et complétant l’article 2 du décret n° 96-205 du 07 mars 1996 déterminant la liste et le régime des jours fériés does not specify that public holidays falling on a Saturday should give rise to a day in lieu on the following Monday.
Ivory Coast Declares December 25 Public Holiday Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (Abijan) The Ministry of Employment and Social Protection of the Ivory Coast, has issued the communique No.4117/MEPS/CAB-00/DGT/ams, signed by its minister Adama Kamara, and declaring Thursday, December 25, 2025, as a public holiday in the Ivory Coast on account of the upcoming Christmas. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Minister of Employment and Social Protection informs the people living in Côte d’Ivoire that, in application of decree no. 2011-371 of 04 November 2011, amending and supplementing article 2 of decree no. 96-205 of 07 March 1996 determining the list and regime of public holidays, Thursday 25 December 2025, Christmas Day, is declared a public holiday and a day off throughout the national territory.". Note that the décret n° 2011-371 du 04 novembre 2011, modifiant et complétant l’article 2 du décret n° 96-205 du 07 mars 1996 déterminant la liste et le régime des jours fériés does not specify that public holidays falling on a Saturday should give rise to a day in lieu on the following Monday.
Sudurpaschim Province Declares December 19 Public Holiday For Bhuwa Parba Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Government Cabinet of the Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal has declared Friday, December 19, 2025, as a public sector holiday for all government offices and public institutions in the province, on account of this year's Bhuwa Parba or festival. Recall that, in early March 2023, the Nepalese federal government cabinet decided that provincial governments could add up to six public holidays a year to the national list of Nepalese public holidays released by the federal government, with the Federal Ministry of Home Affairs deciding the regional public holidays to be observed in the Kathmandu valley.
Sudurpaschim Province Declares December 19 Public Holiday For Bhuwa Parba Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Government Cabinet of the Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal has declared Friday, December 19, 2025, as a public sector holiday for all government offices and public institutions in the province, on account of this year's Bhuwa Parba or festival. Recall that, in early March 2023, the Nepalese federal government cabinet decided that provincial governments could add up to six public holidays a year to the national list of Nepalese public holidays released by the federal government, with the Federal Ministry of Home Affairs deciding the regional public holidays to be observed in the Kathmandu valley.
Philippines Extends Year-End Public Sector Holidays Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Philippines Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer, Claire Castro, has released a copy of Memorandum Circular 111 signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto announcing 2 year-end public sector holidays. As per the Memorandum Circular 111, "In order to provide government employees full opportunity to celebrate New Year's Day activities and to allow them to travel to and from different regions in the country, work in all government offices is hereby suspended on 29 December 2025 (Monday) and 2 January 2026 (Friday).". Recall that, in late 2017, Philippines' then Presidential Executive Secretary, Salvador Medialdea, had similarly announced that, on authority of President Duterte, he had signed Memorandum Circular no. 37 (MC 37), declaring Tuesday, December 26, 2017, and Tuesday, January 2, 2018, as non-working public sector holidays in the Philippines, in addition to the previously released lists of official public holidays in the Philippines for the year 2017 and for the year 2018.
Philippines Extends Year-End Public Sector Holidays Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Philippines Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer, Claire Castro, has released a copy of Memorandum Circular 111 signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto announcing 2 year-end public sector holidays. As per the Memorandum Circular 111, "In order to provide government employees full opportunity to celebrate New Year's Day activities and to allow them to travel to and from different regions in the country, work in all government offices is hereby suspended on 29 December 2025 (Monday) and 2 January 2026 (Friday).". Recall that, in late 2017, Philippines' then Presidential Executive Secretary, Salvador Medialdea, had similarly announced that, on authority of President Duterte, he had signed Memorandum Circular no. 37 (MC 37), declaring Tuesday, December 26, 2017, and Tuesday, January 2, 2018, as non-working public sector holidays in the Philippines, in addition to the previously released lists of official public holidays in the Philippines for the year 2017 and for the year 2018.
Portugal Declares December 24, 26 and 31 Public Sector Holidays Governo de Portugal (Lisboa) The Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, has signed the Despacho n.º 15085-A/2025, de 18 de dezembro (Diário da República n.º 243/2025, Suplemento, Série II de 2025-12-18) which declares public sector holidays on December 24, 26, and 31, 2025. As per the aforementioned order, "Considering that it is common practice for many people to travel outside their places of residence during the Christmas and New Year period, in order to hold family gatherings A day off is granted to civil servants who perform public functions in the direct administration of the State, whether central or decentralized, and in public institutes a) On December 24, 2025; b) On December 26, 2025; c) On December 31, 2025.". Recall that, last year, a decree signed by Prime Minister Montenegro similarly declared national public sector holidays (tolerância de ponto) on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Portugal Declares December 24, 26 and 31 Public Sector Holidays Governo de Portugal (Lisboa) The Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, has signed the Despacho n.º 15085-A/2025, de 18 de dezembro (Diário da República n.º 243/2025, Suplemento, Série II de 2025-12-18) which declares public sector holidays on December 24, 26, and 31, 2025. As per the aforementioned order, "Considering that it is common practice for many people to travel outside their places of residence during the Christmas and New Year period, in order to hold family gatherings A day off is granted to civil servants who perform public functions in the direct administration of the State, whether central or decentralized, and in public institutes a) On December 24, 2025; b) On December 26, 2025; c) On December 31, 2025.". Recall that, last year, a decree signed by Prime Minister Montenegro similarly declared national public sector holidays (tolerância de ponto) on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
South Sudan Announces Year-End 2025-2026 Public Holidays Government of South Sudan Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development (Juba) South Sudan’s Undersecretary to the Ministry of Labour, Deng Kenjok, has announced that December 24 to 26, 2025, and January 1, 2026, would be public holidays in South Sudan, on account of Christmas and New Year. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The National Ministry of Labour hereby informs all Civil Service Institutions, Commissions, Diplomatic Missions, UN Agencies, NGOs, and the General Public, that the Christmas holiday shall take effect from Wednesday, 24th to Friday, 26th December 2025. Work resumes on Monday, 29th December 2025." and "The Ministry further notifies the public that Thursday, 1st January 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of the New Year. Official work shall resume on Friday, 2nd January 2026". Recall that, last year, South Sudan’s then Undersecretary to the Ministry of Labour, Mary Hillary Wani Pitia, had similarly announced that December 24 to 26, 2024, and January 1, 2025, would be public holidays, on account of Christmas and New Year. After years of de facto independence, South Sudan became an internationally-recognized independent state in 2011.
South Sudan Announces Year-End 2025-2026 Public Holidays Government of South Sudan Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development (Juba) South Sudan’s Undersecretary to the Ministry of Labour, Deng Kenjok, has announced that December 24 to 26, 2025, and January 1, 2026, would be public holidays in South Sudan, on account of Christmas and New Year. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The National Ministry of Labour hereby informs all Civil Service Institutions, Commissions, Diplomatic Missions, UN Agencies, NGOs, and the General Public, that the Christmas holiday shall take effect from Wednesday, 24th to Friday, 26th December 2025. Work resumes on Monday, 29th December 2025." and "The Ministry further notifies the public that Thursday, 1st January 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of the New Year. Official work shall resume on Friday, 2nd January 2026". Recall that, last year, South Sudan’s then Undersecretary to the Ministry of Labour, Mary Hillary Wani Pitia, had similarly announced that December 24 to 26, 2024, and January 1, 2025, would be public holidays, on account of Christmas and New Year. After years of de facto independence, South Sudan became an internationally-recognized independent state in 2011.
USA Extends Year-End Federal Public Sector Holidays The White House (Washington DC) US President, Donald Trump, has signed an executive order granting federal employees paid days off on December 24 and 26, 2025. As per the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), "To celebrate Christmas, President Trump has issued an Executive Order excusing Federal employees from duty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 and Friday, December 26, 2025, except those who, in the judgment of the head of the agency, cannot be excused for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need". Over the years, various US Presidents have declared one-off federal sector holidays so that federal civil servants get an extended Christmas break. Last year, then US President, Joe Biden, released an Executive Order declaring December 24, 2024, as a federal holiday. President George W. Bush declared December 24 a public holiday for federal civil servants in 2001, 2002, and 2007, while December 26 was declared so in 2003 and 2008. President Obama declared December 24 as a public holiday for federal civil servants in 2009 and 2012, and released an Executive Order indicating that "All executive branch departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Friday, December 26, 2014, the day after Christmas Day". President Trump, during his first term, extended the December 25 public holiday for federal civil servants in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Though not strictly related, President George W. Bush also decreed a day of national mourning on Tuesday January 2, 2007, in homage to former President Gerald Ford, to be observed as a federal holiday. President Trump declared a federal holiday on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, to honor of the death of America’s 41st President, George H. W. Bush. Note federal holidays only apply to federal civil servants, excluding the armed forces, meaning that this applies to slightly less than a million employees.
USA Extends Year-End Federal Public Sector Holidays The White House (Washington DC) US President, Donald Trump, has signed an executive order granting federal employees paid days off on December 24 and 26, 2025. As per the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), "To celebrate Christmas, President Trump has issued an Executive Order excusing Federal employees from duty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 and Friday, December 26, 2025, except those who, in the judgment of the head of the agency, cannot be excused for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need". Over the years, various US Presidents have declared one-off federal sector holidays so that federal civil servants get an extended Christmas break. Last year, then US President, Joe Biden, released an Executive Order declaring December 24, 2024, as a federal holiday. President George W. Bush declared December 24 a public holiday for federal civil servants in 2001, 2002, and 2007, while December 26 was declared so in 2003 and 2008. President Obama declared December 24 as a public holiday for federal civil servants in 2009 and 2012, and released an Executive Order indicating that "All executive branch departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Friday, December 26, 2014, the day after Christmas Day". President Trump, during his first term, extended the December 25 public holiday for federal civil servants in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Though not strictly related, President George W. Bush also decreed a day of national mourning on Tuesday January 2, 2007, in homage to former President Gerald Ford, to be observed as a federal holiday. President Trump declared a federal holiday on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, to honor of the death of America’s 41st President, George H. W. Bush. Note federal holidays only apply to federal civil servants, excluding the armed forces, meaning that this applies to slightly less than a million employees.
Chile Officializes December 31 Bank Holiday Restoration Tramitación de proyectos (Congreso Nacional de Chile) The law restoring the December 31 bank holiday of Chile has been gazetted in the Diario Oficial De La Republica De Chile Núm. 44.326, CVE 2742215. As per the unique article of the Ley Núm 21.791, "Banks will not be open to the public on December 31st of each year, nor on Saturdays, unless authorized by the Commission. Under no circumstances should these days be considered holidays or public holidays for legal purposes, except with regard to the payment and protest of bills of exchange.". Recall that, last August, Chile's Financial Market Commission (CMF) had announced changes to Article 38 of the Ley General de Bancos which prohibits in-person banking on Saturdays and December 31st, but all the while stressing that this change would not be implemented until the publication of the regulation. In the months that followed, a bill was passed by the Senate to restore the December 31 annual bank holiday, and it was then passed with broad bipartisan support in the Chilean Chamber of Deputies (lower house), on December 1st. Currently, December 31 is an annual bank holiday which is lost when it falls on a weekend, as was on many occasions reiterated by the Superintendencia de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras ("el feriado bancario es el 31 de diciembre de cada año. Si cae en día hábil, ese día los bancos no atienden público. Si coincide con jornada de sábado o domingo, el feriado se mantiene y no se traslada a un día hábil").
Chile Officializes December 31 Bank Holiday Restoration Tramitación de proyectos (Congreso Nacional de Chile) The law restoring the December 31 bank holiday of Chile has been gazetted in the Diario Oficial De La Republica De Chile Núm. 44.326, CVE 2742215. As per the unique article of the Ley Núm 21.791, "Banks will not be open to the public on December 31st of each year, nor on Saturdays, unless authorized by the Commission. Under no circumstances should these days be considered holidays or public holidays for legal purposes, except with regard to the payment and protest of bills of exchange.". Recall that, last August, Chile's Financial Market Commission (CMF) had announced changes to Article 38 of the Ley General de Bancos which prohibits in-person banking on Saturdays and December 31st, but all the while stressing that this change would not be implemented until the publication of the regulation. In the months that followed, a bill was passed by the Senate to restore the December 31 annual bank holiday, and it was then passed with broad bipartisan support in the Chilean Chamber of Deputies (lower house), on December 1st. Currently, December 31 is an annual bank holiday which is lost when it falls on a weekend, as was on many occasions reiterated by the Superintendencia de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras ("el feriado bancario es el 31 de diciembre de cada año. Si cae en día hábil, ese día los bancos no atienden público. Si coincide con jornada de sábado o domingo, el feriado se mantiene y no se traslada a un día hábil").
Ecuador Officializes New Year 2026 Public Holiday Extension Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has issued the Executive Decree 249 which declares Friday, January 2, 2026, as a one-off public holiday, for both the public and private sectors throughout the national territory. Contrary to what was initially envisaged, but in line with what was done last year, the one-off public holiday of Friday, January 2, 2026, will not be recoverable. Recall that, late last month, Ecuador's Labor Minister, Harold Burbano, had informally announced that Friday, January 2, 2026, would be a public holiday for both the private and public sectors of Ecuador, and that it would be a recoverable public holiday, whose recovery was to be defined according to the needs of each sector. Last year, President Noboa similarly signed the Executive Decree No.474 extending the New Year 2025 public holiday with the declaration of Thursday and Friday, January 2 and 3, 2025, as non-recoverable public holidays for both the private and public sectors of Ecuador.
Ecuador Officializes New Year 2026 Public Holiday Extension Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has issued the Executive Decree 249 which declares Friday, January 2, 2026, as a one-off public holiday, for both the public and private sectors throughout the national territory. Contrary to what was initially envisaged, but in line with what was done last year, the one-off public holiday of Friday, January 2, 2026, will not be recoverable. Recall that, late last month, Ecuador's Labor Minister, Harold Burbano, had informally announced that Friday, January 2, 2026, would be a public holiday for both the private and public sectors of Ecuador, and that it would be a recoverable public holiday, whose recovery was to be defined according to the needs of each sector. Last year, President Noboa similarly signed the Executive Decree No.474 extending the New Year 2025 public holiday with the declaration of Thursday and Friday, January 2 and 3, 2025, as non-recoverable public holidays for both the private and public sectors of Ecuador.
Goa Amends December 20 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Goa (Panaji) The government of the Indian State of Goa has issued the vide notification No. 37/3/2019-GAD-III/5556 amending the scope of the Saturday, December 20, 2025, paid public holiday, as announced, earlier this week in the vide notification No. 37/3/2019-GAD-III/5490 ("This supersedes the earlier Notification dated 15-12-2025 read in preamble."). Today's notification's two preamble paragraphs are similar to last Monday's notification, but the difference comes from the list of categories to whom the paid public holiday applies. The earlier vide notification No. 37/3/2019-GAD-III/5490, in addition to declaring a public holiday on Saturday, December 20, 2025, for the categories (i) "workers of all establishments including commercial and industrial undertakings in the State of Goa" and (ii) "daily wage/casual workers employed in any business, trade, industrial undertakings, Government departments, State Government Industrial Departments or any other establishments" of today's vide notification, also specified that the paid public holiday applied to "(iii) commercial and industrial workers of private establishments in the State of Goa; (iv) all private establishments; (v) daily wage/casual workers employed in any business, trade, industrial undertakings or any other establishments.". The paid public holiday of Saturday, December 20, 2025, is thus reduced to a public sector holiday. The vide notification No. 37/3/2019-GAD-III/5556 thus further amends the list of 2025 public holidays in the state of Goa, as published last year in the vide notification No. 37/3/2024-GAD-III/4247.
Goa Amends December 20 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Goa (Panaji) The government of the Indian State of Goa has issued the vide notification No. 37/3/2019-GAD-III/5556 amending the scope of the Saturday, December 20, 2025, paid public holiday, as announced, earlier this week in the vide notification No. 37/3/2019-GAD-III/5490 ("This supersedes the earlier Notification dated 15-12-2025 read in preamble."). Today's notification's two preamble paragraphs are similar to last Monday's notification, but the difference comes from the list of categories to whom the paid public holiday applies. The earlier vide notification No. 37/3/2019-GAD-III/5490, in addition to declaring a public holiday on Saturday, December 20, 2025, for the categories (i) "workers of all establishments including commercial and industrial undertakings in the State of Goa" and (ii) "daily wage/casual workers employed in any business, trade, industrial undertakings, Government departments, State Government Industrial Departments or any other establishments" of today's vide notification, also specified that the paid public holiday applied to "(iii) commercial and industrial workers of private establishments in the State of Goa; (iv) all private establishments; (v) daily wage/casual workers employed in any business, trade, industrial undertakings or any other establishments.". The paid public holiday of Saturday, December 20, 2025, is thus reduced to a public sector holiday. The vide notification No. 37/3/2019-GAD-III/5556 thus further amends the list of 2025 public holidays in the state of Goa, as published last year in the vide notification No. 37/3/2024-GAD-III/4247.
Kuwait Declares New Year 2026 Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting of yesterday, issued a decree declaring Thursday, January 1, 2026, as a public holiday in Kuwait at government bodies and entities on account of the upcoming Gregorian New Year. As per the aforementioned decree, "work at government institutions will resume on Sunday, January 4, 2026". Recall that, late last year, the Kuwaiti Cabinet had declared Thursday, January 2, 2025, as a public holiday in Kuwait at government institutions on account of the then upcoming Gregorian New Year ("Thursday (January 2) will be a day off as it will fall between two official holidays" and "work at government institutions will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2025"). As per a Kuwaiti Cabinet administrative decision of June 2007, Kuwaiti weekends were changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, beginning on September 1st, 2007.
Kuwait Declares New Year 2026 Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting of yesterday, issued a decree declaring Thursday, January 1, 2026, as a public holiday in Kuwait at government bodies and entities on account of the upcoming Gregorian New Year. As per the aforementioned decree, "work at government institutions will resume on Sunday, January 4, 2026". Recall that, late last year, the Kuwaiti Cabinet had declared Thursday, January 2, 2025, as a public holiday in Kuwait at government institutions on account of the then upcoming Gregorian New Year ("Thursday (January 2) will be a day off as it will fall between two official holidays" and "work at government institutions will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2025"). As per a Kuwaiti Cabinet administrative decision of June 2007, Kuwaiti weekends were changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, beginning on September 1st, 2007.
Guatemala Declares Bank Holiday On December 24 Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (Guatemala City) The supervisory body in charge of the banking sector in Guatemala (Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala-SIB) has announced that banks in Guatemala's financial system would close starting at noon on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, due to the Christmas Eve holiday. The aforementioned announcement goes on to state that banks will also be closed on December 25, 2025, for Christmas. The aforementioned announcement applies to banks, branches, bank agencies, finance companies, insurance companies, warehousing companies, currency exchange houses, and microfinance institutions.
Guatemala Declares Bank Holiday On December 24 Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (Guatemala City) The supervisory body in charge of the banking sector in Guatemala (Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala-SIB) has announced that banks in Guatemala's financial system would close starting at noon on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, due to the Christmas Eve holiday. The aforementioned announcement goes on to state that banks will also be closed on December 25, 2025, for Christmas. The aforementioned announcement applies to banks, branches, bank agencies, finance companies, insurance companies, warehousing companies, currency exchange houses, and microfinance institutions.
Guernsey 2026 Public Holidays Announced States of Guernsey (St. Peter Port) The States of Guernsey (the Guernsey Government) has published the official list of annual non-working public holidays in Guernsey, for the calendar year 2026. As usual, Alderney will announce its own Summer Bank Holiday and Homecoming Day, separately.
Guernsey 2026 Public Holidays Announced States of Guernsey (St. Peter Port) The States of Guernsey (the Guernsey Government) has published the official list of annual non-working public holidays in Guernsey, for the calendar year 2026. As usual, Alderney will announce its own Summer Bank Holiday and Homecoming Day, separately.
Haryana 2026 Public Holidays Released Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Haryana has published the General Administration Department vide Notification No. 28/67/2008-1HR-I containing the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Haryana for the upcoming calendar year 2026. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "It is hereby notified that the following holidays enumerated in the Schedule-I, II & III shall be observed as public Holidays in all Public Offices under the, Haryana Government during the Calendar Year 2026" while specifying that some "festivals and occasions which fall on closed day have been excluded from the list of Public Holidays". Additionally, Schedule IV lists 21 Special Days ("It is also hereby notified that the occasion in the schedule shall be observed as Special Days in the Calendar year 2026 and there would be no Public Holiday for these dates as mentioned below").
Haryana 2026 Public Holidays Released Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Haryana has published the General Administration Department vide Notification No. 28/67/2008-1HR-I containing the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Haryana for the upcoming calendar year 2026. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "It is hereby notified that the following holidays enumerated in the Schedule-I, II & III shall be observed as public Holidays in all Public Offices under the, Haryana Government during the Calendar Year 2026" while specifying that some "festivals and occasions which fall on closed day have been excluded from the list of Public Holidays". Additionally, Schedule IV lists 21 Special Days ("It is also hereby notified that the occasion in the schedule shall be observed as Special Days in the Calendar year 2026 and there would be no Public Holiday for these dates as mentioned below").
Nagaland Declares December 23 Bank Holiday Government of Nagaland (Dimapur) The Governor of India's state of Nagaland has declared that Tuesday, December 23, 2025, would be a one-off bank holiday across the state in a notification issued under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. December 23 was not included in last year's vide notification No.GAB/GEN/16/2010 (Pt.) containing the list of public holidays and restricted holidays in Nagaland for the calendar year 2025, as issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, J. Alam, and signed by Nusieta Rhakho, additional secretary to the Government of Nagaland.
Nagaland Declares December 23 Bank Holiday Government of Nagaland (Dimapur) The Governor of India's state of Nagaland has declared that Tuesday, December 23, 2025, would be a one-off bank holiday across the state in a notification issued under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. December 23 was not included in last year's vide notification No.GAB/GEN/16/2010 (Pt.) containing the list of public holidays and restricted holidays in Nagaland for the calendar year 2025, as issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, J. Alam, and signed by Nusieta Rhakho, additional secretary to the Government of Nagaland.
Niger Declares December 18 and 19 Public Holidays Ministère de la Fonction Publique et du Travail du Niger (Niamey) Niger's Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Aissatou Abdoulaye Tondi, has issued 2 communiqués, declaring Thursday, December 18, 2025, and the afternoon of Friday, December 19, 2025, as nationwide public holidays in Niger, on account of the upcoming anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic and the official opening of the 46th edition of the National Sabre of traditional wrestling. As per the 2 aforementioned communiqués, "la journée du jeudi 18 décembre 2025, correspondant à la date anniversaire de la Proclamation de la République, est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire national" and "l’après-midi du vendredi 19 décembre 2025, correspondant à l’ouverture officielle de la 46ème édition du Sabre National de la lutte traditionnelle « KOKOWA », est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire national". Recall that, in 2023, Niger's Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Aissatou Abdoulaye Tondi, similarly issued a communiqué, one declaring the afternoon of Friday, December 22, 2023, as a nationwide public holiday in Niger, on account of the then upcoming 44ème Édition Du Sabre National De La Lutte Traditionnelle. And, similarly, in 2021, Niger's Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment had declared Friday, December 24, 2021, as a nationwide public holiday in Niger, on account of the then upcoming 42ème Édition Du Sabre National De La Lutte Traditionnelle.
Niger Declares December 18 and 19 Public Holidays Ministère de la Fonction Publique et du Travail du Niger (Niamey) Niger's Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Aissatou Abdoulaye Tondi, has issued 2 communiqués, declaring Thursday, December 18, 2025, and the afternoon of Friday, December 19, 2025, as nationwide public holidays in Niger, on account of the upcoming anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic and the official opening of the 46th edition of the National Sabre of traditional wrestling. As per the 2 aforementioned communiqués, "la journée du jeudi 18 décembre 2025, correspondant à la date anniversaire de la Proclamation de la République, est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire national" and "l’après-midi du vendredi 19 décembre 2025, correspondant à l’ouverture officielle de la 46ème édition du Sabre National de la lutte traditionnelle « KOKOWA », est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire national". Recall that, in 2023, Niger's Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Aissatou Abdoulaye Tondi, similarly issued a communiqué, one declaring the afternoon of Friday, December 22, 2023, as a nationwide public holiday in Niger, on account of the then upcoming 44ème Édition Du Sabre National De La Lutte Traditionnelle. And, similarly, in 2021, Niger's Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment had declared Friday, December 24, 2021, as a nationwide public holiday in Niger, on account of the then upcoming 42ème Édition Du Sabre National De La Lutte Traditionnelle.
Qatar Declares December 18 National Day Public Holiday Qatari News Agency (QNA) The Qatari Amiri Diwan has announced that, on the occasion of the upcoming Qatar National Day, Thursday, December 18, 2025, would also be an official public holiday in Qatar, and that work would resume on Sunday, December 21, 2025 (يعلن الديوان الأميري أنه بمناسبة قرب حلول اليوم الوطني للدولة في 18 ديسمبر، فإن يوم الخميس الموافق 2025/12/18 سيكون عطلة رسمية، على أن يباشر الموظفون أعمالهم يوم الأحد الموافق 2025/12/21). Recall that, last year, the Qatari Amiri Diwan has announced that, on the occasion of the then upcoming Qatar National Day, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the subsequent day of Thursday, December 19, 2024, would also be an official public holiday in Qatar, and that work would resume on Sunday, December 22, 2024, as weekends in Qatar are Fridays and Saturdays, since 2000. December 18 was made into an annual public holiday by virtue of Qatar Law No. 61 of 2007, as a replacement for the September 3 public holiday that had previously been observed in Qatar.
Qatar Declares December 18 National Day Public Holiday Qatari News Agency (QNA) The Qatari Amiri Diwan has announced that, on the occasion of the upcoming Qatar National Day, Thursday, December 18, 2025, would also be an official public holiday in Qatar, and that work would resume on Sunday, December 21, 2025 (يعلن الديوان الأميري أنه بمناسبة قرب حلول اليوم الوطني للدولة في 18 ديسمبر، فإن يوم الخميس الموافق 2025/12/18 سيكون عطلة رسمية، على أن يباشر الموظفون أعمالهم يوم الأحد الموافق 2025/12/21). Recall that, last year, the Qatari Amiri Diwan has announced that, on the occasion of the then upcoming Qatar National Day, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the subsequent day of Thursday, December 19, 2024, would also be an official public holiday in Qatar, and that work would resume on Sunday, December 22, 2024, as weekends in Qatar are Fridays and Saturdays, since 2000. December 18 was made into an annual public holiday by virtue of Qatar Law No. 61 of 2007, as a replacement for the September 3 public holiday that had previously been observed in Qatar.
Uttar Pradesh Declares December 27 Public Holiday For Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh has declared Saturday, December 27, 2025, as a public holiday in observance of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. As per the aforementioned order, the holiday will be observed only in the Kanpur Nagar district, wherein all government offices and institutions will remain closed. The December 2024 Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh, did not list any regional public holidays.
Uttar Pradesh Declares December 27 Public Holiday For Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh has declared Saturday, December 27, 2025, as a public holiday in observance of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. As per the aforementioned order, the holiday will be observed only in the Kanpur Nagar district, wherein all government offices and institutions will remain closed. The December 2024 Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh, did not list any regional public holidays.
Argentina Announces Year-End 2025 Public Sector Holidays Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The government of Argentina has published the Decreto 883/2025 - Otórgase asueto al personal de la Administración Pública Nacional which declares December 24 and 31, 2025, as public sector holidays. As per the aforementioned decree, "A holiday is granted to the personnel of the National Public Administration on December 24 and 31, 2025". The decree goes on to specify that "It is clarified that this measure does not apply to banking institutions and financial entities", but banks in Argentina are closed the afternoon of December 24 and 31 in any event. The declaration of a public sector holiday on December 24 and 31 is somewhat of a systematic event in Argentina, and when these 2 dates fall on a weekend, as they did in 2022, December 23 and 30 were instead declared as public sector holidays. Last year, following the election of Javier Milei, there was speculation that he would stop the practice, but on December 16 his administration announced that following an internal discussion within the Government about the possibility of returning to working days for the national public administration on both December 24 and 31, it was decided in the Decreto 1108/2024 to declare Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as public sector holidays ("Después de un largo debate, el 24 y el 31 van a ser feriado estatal").
Argentina Announces Year-End 2025 Public Sector Holidays Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The government of Argentina has published the Decreto 883/2025 - Otórgase asueto al personal de la Administración Pública Nacional which declares December 24 and 31, 2025, as public sector holidays. As per the aforementioned decree, "A holiday is granted to the personnel of the National Public Administration on December 24 and 31, 2025". The decree goes on to specify that "It is clarified that this measure does not apply to banking institutions and financial entities", but banks in Argentina are closed the afternoon of December 24 and 31 in any event. The declaration of a public sector holiday on December 24 and 31 is somewhat of a systematic event in Argentina, and when these 2 dates fall on a weekend, as they did in 2022, December 23 and 30 were instead declared as public sector holidays. Last year, following the election of Javier Milei, there was speculation that he would stop the practice, but on December 16 his administration announced that following an internal discussion within the Government about the possibility of returning to working days for the national public administration on both December 24 and 31, it was decided in the Decreto 1108/2024 to declare Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as public sector holidays ("Después de un largo debate, el 24 y el 31 van a ser feriado estatal").
Goa Declares December 20 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Goa (Panaji) The government of the Indian State of Goa has issued the vide notification No. 37/3/2019-GAD-III/5490 declaring Saturday, December 20, 2025, as a paid public holiday. As per the aforementioned notification, "In pursuance to sub-section (1) of Section 40A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Goa Act No. 14 of 1994), the Government of Goa hereby declares Saturday, the 20th December, 2025 (Agrahayana 29, Saka 1947) as a “Paid Holiday” being the “Polling Day” for General Elections to Zilla Panchayats of North and South Goa District throughout the State of Goa.". It then goes on to specify that "The aforesaid holiday shall be a “paid holiday”, in addition to the holidays indicated in the Notification No. 37/3/2024-GAD-III/4247 dated 22-10-2024 published in the Official Gazette, Series II No. 30 dated 24-10-2024 to every person employed in the following establishment and entitled to vote at the aforesaid Zilla Panchayat General Elections: (i) industrial workers of the State of Goa; (ii) daily wage workers of the Government Departments and State Government Industrial Departments; (iii) commercial and industrial workers of private establishments in the State of Goa; (iv) all private establishments; (v) daily wage/casual workers employed in any business, trade, industrial undertakings or any other establishments.". The aforementioned notification thus partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays in the state of Goa, as published last year in the vide notification No. 37/3/2024-GAD-III/4247, to which it specifically refers.
Goa Declares December 20 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Goa (Panaji) The government of the Indian State of Goa has issued the vide notification No. 37/3/2019-GAD-III/5490 declaring Saturday, December 20, 2025, as a paid public holiday. As per the aforementioned notification, "In pursuance to sub-section (1) of Section 40A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Goa Act No. 14 of 1994), the Government of Goa hereby declares Saturday, the 20th December, 2025 (Agrahayana 29, Saka 1947) as a “Paid Holiday” being the “Polling Day” for General Elections to Zilla Panchayats of North and South Goa District throughout the State of Goa.". It then goes on to specify that "The aforesaid holiday shall be a “paid holiday”, in addition to the holidays indicated in the Notification No. 37/3/2024-GAD-III/4247 dated 22-10-2024 published in the Official Gazette, Series II No. 30 dated 24-10-2024 to every person employed in the following establishment and entitled to vote at the aforesaid Zilla Panchayat General Elections: (i) industrial workers of the State of Goa; (ii) daily wage workers of the Government Departments and State Government Industrial Departments; (iii) commercial and industrial workers of private establishments in the State of Goa; (iv) all private establishments; (v) daily wage/casual workers employed in any business, trade, industrial undertakings or any other establishments.". The aforementioned notification thus partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays in the state of Goa, as published last year in the vide notification No. 37/3/2024-GAD-III/4247, to which it specifically refers.
Guatemala Public Sector Holidays December 24, 26 and 31 Diario de Centro América (Diario público de Guatemala) The Government of Guatemala has published the government agreement number 222-2025 of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (Mintrab) in the Diario de Centro América. As per the aforementioned publication, the government grants paid leave to public servants on the afternoon of December 24, on December 26, and the afternoon of December 31 ("el Gobierno concede permiso laboral con goce de salario a los servidores públicos los días 24 medio día, 26 y medio día del 31 de diciembre del presente año"). Recall that, last year, the Government of Guatemala had similarly announced one-off public sector holidays on Monday and Tuesday, December 23 and 24, 2024, as well as on Monday and Tuesday, December 30 and 31, 2024 ("el Gobierno de Guatemala aprobó como asueto el 23, 24, 30 y 31 diciembre 2024 para los empleados del sector público"). Additionally, as per the Labor Code of Guatemala, decree 1441, and the Law that promotes internal tourism, decree 42-2010 and its reforms, the private sector will also be off on the afternoon of December 24 and the afternoon of December 31, 2024.
Guatemala Public Sector Holidays December 24, 26 and 31 Diario de Centro América (Diario público de Guatemala) The Government of Guatemala has published the government agreement number 222-2025 of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (Mintrab) in the Diario de Centro América. As per the aforementioned publication, the government grants paid leave to public servants on the afternoon of December 24, on December 26, and the afternoon of December 31 ("el Gobierno concede permiso laboral con goce de salario a los servidores públicos los días 24 medio día, 26 y medio día del 31 de diciembre del presente año"). Recall that, last year, the Government of Guatemala had similarly announced one-off public sector holidays on Monday and Tuesday, December 23 and 24, 2024, as well as on Monday and Tuesday, December 30 and 31, 2024 ("el Gobierno de Guatemala aprobó como asueto el 23, 24, 30 y 31 diciembre 2024 para los empleados del sector público"). Additionally, as per the Labor Code of Guatemala, decree 1441, and the Law that promotes internal tourism, decree 42-2010 and its reforms, the private sector will also be off on the afternoon of December 24 and the afternoon of December 31, 2024.
Jharkhand 2026 Public Holidays Announced Government of Jharkhand (Ranchi) The Governor of India's state of Jharkhand has released the Jharkhand vide notification No.10/SA.AV.03-03/7244 containing the official list of 2026 public holidays and government holidays in India's state of Jharkhand. Schedule 1 contains the set of gazetted holidays for the year 2026, while schedule 2 contains an executive order for additional holidays ("all offices and revenue offices under the Jharkhand State Government will remain closed on the dates mentioned in the attached Schedule-2 in the year 2026"). As usual, "The date of the holiday fixed for Muslim festivals may be changed depending on the lunar sighting" and "The bank accounts mentioned in Schedule 3 will not be applicable to Government establishments/offices after the annual audit". The aforementioned vide notification No.10/SA.AV.03-03/7244 makes good on last April's promise by the Chief minister of the Government of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, that from 2025 onward there would be a 2-day state public holiday on the occasion of Sarhul. Last March, the Government of Jharkhand had also declared a public sector holiday on Saturday, March 15, 2025, on account of the day after Holi, and this will be repeated in 2026.
Jharkhand 2026 Public Holidays Announced Government of Jharkhand (Ranchi) The Governor of India's state of Jharkhand has released the Jharkhand vide notification No.10/SA.AV.03-03/7244 containing the official list of 2026 public holidays and government holidays in India's state of Jharkhand. Schedule 1 contains the set of gazetted holidays for the year 2026, while schedule 2 contains an executive order for additional holidays ("all offices and revenue offices under the Jharkhand State Government will remain closed on the dates mentioned in the attached Schedule-2 in the year 2026"). As usual, "The date of the holiday fixed for Muslim festivals may be changed depending on the lunar sighting" and "The bank accounts mentioned in Schedule 3 will not be applicable to Government establishments/offices after the annual audit". The aforementioned vide notification No.10/SA.AV.03-03/7244 makes good on last April's promise by the Chief minister of the Government of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, that from 2025 onward there would be a 2-day state public holiday on the occasion of Sarhul. Last March, the Government of Jharkhand had also declared a public sector holiday on Saturday, March 15, 2025, on account of the day after Holi, and this will be repeated in 2026.
Kyrgyzstan President Supports January 2026 Public Holidays Extension Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) The Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Edil Baisalov, has announced that the currently discussed plan to extend the New Year 2026 public holidays until January 12, had received the support of Kyrgyzstan's President, Sadyr Japarov. Recall that, early this week, the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan published the official schedule of public holidays and days off in Kyrgyzstan in 2026, with January 1-7, 2026, as public holidays, in line with the new Labor Code approved in December 2024 by the Zhogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan) and signed into law in January 2025 by President Sadyr Japarov. But, at the end of the same week, the same Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration submitted for public discussion a draft resolution of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers extending the 2026 New Year public holidays until January 12 by moving the working days of January 8–9 to the weekends of February 7 and April 25.
Kyrgyzstan President Supports January 2026 Public Holidays Extension Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) The Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Edil Baisalov, has announced that the currently discussed plan to extend the New Year 2026 public holidays until January 12, had received the support of Kyrgyzstan's President, Sadyr Japarov. Recall that, early this week, the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan published the official schedule of public holidays and days off in Kyrgyzstan in 2026, with January 1-7, 2026, as public holidays, in line with the new Labor Code approved in December 2024 by the Zhogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan) and signed into law in January 2025 by President Sadyr Japarov. But, at the end of the same week, the same Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration submitted for public discussion a draft resolution of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers extending the 2026 New Year public holidays until January 12 by moving the working days of January 8–9 to the weekends of February 7 and April 25.
Scotland 2026 Public Holidays Announced The Devolved Government for Scotland (Edinburgh) The devolved government for Scotland has released a list of its 2026 bank holidays (aka public holidays) in Scotland for the calendar year 2026.
Scotland 2026 Public Holidays Announced The Devolved Government for Scotland (Edinburgh) The devolved government for Scotland has released a list of its 2026 bank holidays (aka public holidays) in Scotland for the calendar year 2026.
Bahrain National Day Bank Holidays December 16-17 Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Bahrain's Central Bank has published a circular declaring the dates of the bank holidays in Bahrain for the upcoming National Day holidays. As per the aforementioned announcement, signed by the Director of the Banking Services Directorate, Hessa Saif Al Buflasa, "The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) will be closed during the National Day Holiday, which will fall on Tuesday, 16th December 2025, and Wednesday, 17th December 2025 and full operations will resume on Thursday, 18th December 2025". The aforementioned announcement follows last Tuesday's announcement by Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, that "the Kingdom’s ministries, government departments and public institutions will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, corresponding to 16 and 17 December 2025, respectively". Recall that weekends in Bahrain have been observed on Friday-Saturday, since September 2006.
Bahrain National Day Bank Holidays December 16-17 Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Bahrain's Central Bank has published a circular declaring the dates of the bank holidays in Bahrain for the upcoming National Day holidays. As per the aforementioned announcement, signed by the Director of the Banking Services Directorate, Hessa Saif Al Buflasa, "The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) will be closed during the National Day Holiday, which will fall on Tuesday, 16th December 2025, and Wednesday, 17th December 2025 and full operations will resume on Thursday, 18th December 2025". The aforementioned announcement follows last Tuesday's announcement by Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, that "the Kingdom’s ministries, government departments and public institutions will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, corresponding to 16 and 17 December 2025, respectively". Recall that weekends in Bahrain have been observed on Friday-Saturday, since September 2006.
Johor Declares December 15 Public Holiday For FA Cup Victory Bernama News Agency (Johor Baru) The Government of the Malaysian state of Johor has declared tomorrow, Monday, December 15, 2025, as a one-off public holiday to celebrate tonight's victory of the Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) in the 2025 FA Cup. In an online announcement, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the declaration was made in compliance with the decree of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, as a mark of celebration for the team's outstanding achievement in continuing its dominance in Malaysian football. Recall that, earlier this week, the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the owner of the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) football club, had announced that he would declare an occasional (one-off) public holiday on Monday, December 15, 2025, if the JDT won against Sabah in the FA Cup final of Sunday, December14, 2025. Such declaration of one-off public holidays, on the day after a football club victory, are common in Johor. Last spring, the government of Johor declared Monday, April 28, 2025, as a public holiday to celebrate Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) reaching Saturday's Malaysia Cup final. In the summer of 2024, Johor State Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that, with the consent of the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the government of the State of Johor had declared Sunday, August 25, 2024, as a one-off public holiday to honour Johor Darul Ta'zim's 12th football player (the fans) and to enable them to cheer for the JDT football club in the FA Cup final match. In December 2023, Johor State Secretary, Tan Sri Azmi Rohani, had similarly announced that Sunday, December 17, 2023, would be a one-off public holiday in Malaysia's state of Johor on account of the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) football team winning the Malaysia Cup the day before.
Johor Declares December 15 Public Holiday For FA Cup Victory Bernama News Agency (Johor Baru) The Government of the Malaysian state of Johor has declared tomorrow, Monday, December 15, 2025, as a one-off public holiday to celebrate tonight's victory of the Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) in the 2025 FA Cup. In an online announcement, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the declaration was made in compliance with the decree of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, as a mark of celebration for the team's outstanding achievement in continuing its dominance in Malaysian football. Recall that, earlier this week, the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the owner of the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) football club, had announced that he would declare an occasional (one-off) public holiday on Monday, December 15, 2025, if the JDT won against Sabah in the FA Cup final of Sunday, December14, 2025. Such declaration of one-off public holidays, on the day after a football club victory, are common in Johor. Last spring, the government of Johor declared Monday, April 28, 2025, as a public holiday to celebrate Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) reaching Saturday's Malaysia Cup final. In the summer of 2024, Johor State Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that, with the consent of the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the government of the State of Johor had declared Sunday, August 25, 2024, as a one-off public holiday to honour Johor Darul Ta'zim's 12th football player (the fans) and to enable them to cheer for the JDT football club in the FA Cup final match. In December 2023, Johor State Secretary, Tan Sri Azmi Rohani, had similarly announced that Sunday, December 17, 2023, would be a one-off public holiday in Malaysia's state of Johor on account of the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) football team winning the Malaysia Cup the day before.
