Your shortcut to long weekends & local celebrations
Planning to spend your holidays in Hungary in 2025? Or just want to make the most out of your long weekends while living in Hungary? Whether you’re a traveler in the mood for traditional celebrations or a local wanting to plan ahead mini trips, here’s a compact guide to the country’s bank holidays!
Keep reading to discover all the bank holidays in Hungary for 2025
and start planning your celebrations, trips, and relaxing long weekends!
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📅 March
Saturday, March 15: 1848 Revolution Memorial Day
This day marks Hungary’s fight for independence. Expect parades, speeches, and plenty of national pride.
💡 Travel tip: Most attractions stay open, but keep in mind shops and businesses might close.
📅 April
Friday, April 18: Good Friday
Sunday, April 20: Easter Sunday
Monday, April 21: Easter Monday
Easter in Hungary is all about traditions like Easter egg hunts and a quirky local custom called sprinkling, where men and boys recite poems for women and girls and then “sprinkle” with water or perfume in exchange for painted eggs or chocolates!
💡 Travel tip: This is an amazing chance to visit countryside villages where traditions are still going strong or plan a city trip to Kraków or Milan.
📅 May
Thursday, May 1 – Labor Day
A day to celebrate workers, usually with outdoor concerts, fairs, and parades.
Friday, May 2 – Bridge holiday*
In Hungary, if a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the Monday or Friday in between becomes a bridge holiday (extra day off). To make up for it, a nearby Saturday becomes a working day instead.
* Make-up workday: Saturday, May 17
💡 Travel tip: This four-day weekend is the perfect excuse for a spring escape! Maybe Budapest, Lake Balaton, or even a trip to Vienna.
📅 June
Sunday, June 8: Pentecost Sunday
Monday, June 9: Whit Monday
Another built-in long weekend! Most Hungarians use this time for road trips, hiking, or lake days.
💡 Travel tip: If you’re in Budapest, take a quick getaway to Eger for wine or Lake Balaton for sunshine and relaxed vibes.
📅 August
Wednesday, August 20: State Foundation Day (St. Stephen’s Day)
Hungary’s biggest national holiday, celebrating the country’s first king, St. Stephen. Expect fireworks, concerts, and folk festivals.
💡 Also, if you’re a motorsport fan, Formula 1 hits Hungaroring (near Budapest) in early August!
📅 October
Thursday, October 23: 1956 Revolution Memorial Day
Friday, October 24: Bridge holiday*
This day honors Hungary’s 1956 revolution against Soviet rule, with ceremonies and exhibitions across the country.
*Make-up workday: Saturday, 18 October
💡 Travel tip: With another long weekend (Oct 23–26), it’s a great excuse to plan a quick getaway to Vienna, Munich, or to a cozy countryside spot.
November
📅 Saturday, November 1: All Saints’ Day ️
A day to honor loved ones who’ve passed. Families visit cemeteries, lighting candles in a peaceful tradition.
💡 Travel tip: If you’re in Budapest, an evening walk through Kerepesi Cemetery is truly beautiful and peaceful.
Make the most of your time in the city by exploring its highlights—check out our guide to One Day in Budapest for the best must-see spots!
📅 December
Wednesday, December 24: Rest day (also a public holiday)*
Thursday, December 25: Christmas Day
Friday, December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
*Make-up workday: Saturday December 13, 2025
💡 Travel tip: You get five days off in a row (Dec 24–28), woohoo! Visit the Christmas markets in Budapest, or plan a 5-day trip to Vienna, Kraków, Milan, Zurich or Munich. You’ll find MEININGER Hotels in all of these cities. 😉
Whether you want to visit Hungary during Christmas-market season, for a weekend, or to explore its countryside, stay with us and enjoy super central locations, comfort and a friendly team to make your trip unforgettable. See you in Budapest and beyond!
Thinking about traveling beyond Hungary? Check out the bank holidays in Germany to plan your next getaway across borders!
Bank holidays in Hungary 2025: FAQs
What are the bank holidays in Hungary in 2025?
Hungary has several national holidays in 2025, including major celebrations like the 1848 Revolution Memorial Day (March 15), Easter (April 18–21), Labor Day (May 1), St. Stephen’s Day (August 20), and Christmas (December 24–26). Some holidays create long weekends, perfect for short trips. Keep in mind that shops and businesses may close on these days.
How do bridge holidays work in Hungary?
In Hungary, if a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the Monday or Friday in between is often declared a bridge holiday—meaning an extra day off. However, to balance it out, a nearby Saturday becomes a mandatory workday. In 2025, for example, May 2 and October 24 are bridge holidays, with make-up workdays on May 17 and October 18.
What happens on Hungary’s 1848 Revolution Memorial Day?
March 15 marks Hungary’s fight for independence in 1848. The day is filled with patriotic events, including parades, speeches, and historical reenactments. While most attractions remain open, shops and businesses may close, so plan accordingly.
How is Easter celebrated in Hungary?
Easter in Hungary (April 18–21 in 2025) is filled with traditions like Easter egg hunts and “sprinkling,” where men and boys recite poems before playfully sprinkling water or perfume on women in exchange for painted eggs or chocolates. Many villages keep these customs alive, making Easter a great time to experience Hungarian culture.
What can I do in Hungary during the Pentecost long weekend?
Pentecost Sunday (June 8) and Whit Monday (June 9) create a built-in long weekend. Many Hungarians take this time to travel, go hiking, or relax by Lake Balaton. If you’re in Budapest, consider a short trip to Eger for wine tasting or exploring the countryside.
What is St. Stephen’s Day, and how is it celebrated?
St. Stephen’s Day (August 20) is Hungary’s biggest national holiday, celebrating the country’s first king and state foundation. Expect fireworks over the Danube, concerts, and folk festivals across the country. If you’re a motorsport fan, you can also catch the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix at Hungaroring in early August.
What should I know about the 1956 Revolution Memorial Day?
On October 23, Hungary honors the heroes of the 1956 uprising against Soviet rule. The day is marked by ceremonies, exhibitions, and historical reflections. In 2025, October 24 is also a bridge holiday, creating a four-day weekend—perfect for a quick getaway to Vienna or Munich.
How is All Saints’ Day observed in Hungary?
All Saints’ Day (November 1) is a time to honor loved ones who have passed away. Families visit cemeteries, lighting candles in a peaceful tradition. If you’re in Budapest, Kerepesi Cemetery is especially beautiful in the evening with its candlelit atmosphere.
What should I expect in Hungary during Christmas?
Christmas in Hungary is a magical time, with festive markets, holiday lights, and traditional celebrations. In 2025, December 24 is a rest day, followed by Christmas Day (December 25) and St. Stephen’s Day (December 26). Shops and businesses close early on December 24 and remain closed on the 25th and 26th, so plan ahead.
Where can I stay in Hungary during the holidays?
If you’re visiting Hungary during a holiday, stay with MEININGER Hotels for a comfortable, central, and budget-friendly experience. Our Budapest location puts you close to all major attractions, Christmas markets, and local celebrations. Plus, with our guest kitchen and game zones, you’ll feel right at home!
🛎️ Where to sleep in Hungary?
Make the most of your bank holidays in Hungary with a city break in Budapest! Stay at MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall, perfectly located for exploring the city’s top sights. Whether you’re traveling from abroad or another Hungarian region, enjoy a hassle-free stay with great amenities and a central location!
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Address: Csarnok tér 2, 1093 Budapest, Hungary
