#LifeInCzechia Updated for 2024! Every year, there is a couple of special days when we celebrate and commemorate historically or spiritually important events. These days are called public holidays and they differ in every country. On a public holiday, we usually don’t go to work or school and the stores are closed. However, on some days, the stores can be open. Do you want to know when? Keep reading and find out more!
Not all stores are closed on public holidays.
In Czechia, there are 13 public holidays officially recognized by the State according to Act No. 245/2000 Coll., on public holidays, other holidays, important days, and days of rest. In 2023, we have the following:
January 1 – New Year’s Day
March 29 – Good Friday
April 1 – Easter Monday
May 1 – May Day (or International Worker’s Day)
May 8 – Liberation Day
July 5 – St. Cyryl and St. Methodius Day
July 6 – Jan Hus Day
September 28 – Statehood Day
October 28 – Independence Day
November 17 – Freedom and Democracy Day
December 24 – Christmas Eve
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – 2nd Day of Christmas
The opening hours on public holidays are regulated by the Law on Retail and Wholesale Sales Hours, which came into force on 1 October 2016. According to this law, stores over 200 square meters must be closed during designated public holidays. In addition to stores, second-hand stores, pawnbrokers and similar shops must remain closed. The law also divides public holidays into two categories according to whether or not the stores are closed.
Public holidays when stores must be closed:
January 1 – New Year’s Day
April 1 – Easter Monday
May 8 – Liberation Day
September 28 – Statehood Day
October 28 – Independence Day
December 24 – Christmas Eve (after 12:00 pm)
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – 2nd Day of Christmas
Public holidays when stores can be open:
March 29 – Good Friday
May 1 – May Day (or International Worker’s Day)
July 5 – St. Cyryl and St. Methodius Day
July 6 – Jan Hus Day
November 17 – Freedom and Democracy Day
December 24 – Christmas Eve (until 12:00 pm)
Compliance with the law is controlled by the Czech Trade Inspectorate. In case of a breach of the law, the Inspectorate can issue a fine of up to one million Czech crowns. Stores under 200 square meters can be open during all the above-mentioned public holidays. These small stores include for example Žabka or Brňenka.
For more tips, check out our categories of “Living” and “Practical tips”. There, you will find useful information for your time in Czechia. Do you need assistance or city orientation tour? You know where to find us.
Sources: Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, e15, Seznam Zprávy,
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