Christmas Eve to Become a Public Holiday in Hungary

For many families, 24 December has traditionally still been a day for last-minute shopping and final preparations. Under the approved amendment, however, most shops will close on Christmas Eve from 2026, while employees covered by the new rules will not have to spend the day at work.

Unanimous vote in Parliament

We Love Budapest wrote that MPs approved the amendment during Parliament’s plenary sitting on 3 November. The proposal, submitted by MPs from the TISZA party, received 193 votes in favour, with no votes against and no abstentions.

Under the amendment, 24, 25 and 26 December will be public holidays every year. The change is set to apply from Christmas 2026. The day off on 24 December will not have to be worked on another date, meaning Saturday, 12 December will remain a rest day, according to the source.

Most shops will close, with some exceptions

As a general rule, shops will have to remain closed on 24 December. Restaurants, other hospitality businesses and accommodation providers may open, along with florists, confectionery shops and petrol stations.

Shops inside public railway and bus terminals, airports and petrol stations may also operate. Being allowed to open does not, however, mean that every business in these categories will do so.

The rule will apply nationwide, including Budapest’s District VII. Anyone planning to buy food or gifts for Christmas Eve will need to complete most of their shopping before 24 December.

Source: We Love Budapest