The change means that 24, 25 and 26 December will be three consecutive public holidays. Alongside working schedules, the new rule will directly affect shop opening hours.
A unanimous vote in Parliament
The proposal was submitted by the Tisza Party. According to Világgazdaság, 193 MPs voted in favour, with no votes against and no abstentions.
One stated purpose of the regulation is to allow more retail employees to spend 24 December resting or with their families. Shops will therefore be required to close as a general rule.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar commented on the vote on his Facebook page. He claimed that the Fidesz–KDNP alliance had previously voted against making 24 December a public holiday on 15 occasions.
Some businesses may still open
The closure rule does not cover every shop and service. Hospitality businesses and accommodation providers may remain open, meaning the regulation does not in itself prevent restaurants, cafés or hotels from operating.
Florists, confectionery shops and petrol stations are also exempt. Shops located inside railway stations, bus stations and airports may open as well.
In Budapest’s District VII, Erzsébetváros, residents should expect most ordinary shops to be closed on 24 December. Restaurants, cafés, hotels and other accommodation providers may fall within the exemptions, although individual businesses will set and publish their own opening hours.
In brief, 24, 25 and 26 December will be public holidays in 2026. Shops will generally be closed on Christmas Eve, while businesses covered by the listed exemptions may remain open.
Source: Világgazdaság
