Israel Public Holidays 2026

Israel has 9 public holidays and 22 observances in 2026. Explore the full holiday calendar below.

About
Traditions
Travel Tips

All Holidays

List of Holidays in 2026
Date	Day	Name	Type
2 Feb	Mon	Tu Bishvat (Arbor Day)	observance
2 Mar	Mon	Fast of Esther	school
3 Mar	Tue	Purim	school
28 Mar	Sat	Aliyah Day	observance
2 Apr	Thu	Passover (Pesach)	public
3 Apr	Fri	Passover (intermediate days)	school
8 Apr	Wed	Mimouna, Seventh day of Passover	public
14 Apr	Tue	Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah)	observance
21 Apr	Tue	Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day (Yom HaZikaron)	observance
22 Apr	Wed	Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut)	public
27 Apr	Mon	Herzl Day	observance
5 May	Tue	Lag BaOmer	school
9 May	Sat	Victory in Europe Day	observance
15 May	Fri	Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim)	observance
22 May	Fri	Shavuot (Feast of Weeks)	public
2 Jul	Thu	Seventeenth of Tamuz, fast	observance
14 Jul	Tue	Jabotinsky Day	observance
23 Jul	Thu	Tisha B'Av, fast	observance
29 Jul	Wed	Tu B'Av (Fifteenth of Av)	observance
12 Sep	Sat	Rosh Hashanah (Yom Teruah)	public
13 Sep	Sun	Rosh Hashanah (Day 2)	public
14 Sep	Mon	Fast of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedalya)	observance
21 Sep	Mon	Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)	public
26 Sep	Sat	Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)	public
27 Sep	Sun	The week of Sukkot	school
3 Oct	Sat	Simchat Torah/ Shmini Atzeret	public
22 Oct	Thu	Rabin Day	observance
9 Nov	Mon	Sigd	observance
16 Nov	Mon	Ben-Gurion Day	observance
5 Dec	Sat	Hanukkah	school
20 Dec	Sun	Tenth of Tevet	observance

About Israel's Holidays

Israel follows the Jewish calendar, so major public life revolves around religious festivals and weekly Shabbat. Many holidays change dates each year. Schools, banks, and government offices close for the main holy days and on Shabbat evenings.

There are national days that shape public life, like remembrance days and Independence Day. These mark history and service and are observed with ceremonies, sirens, and public events. They are treated seriously and often involve the whole country.

Cultural festivals such as Purim and Hanukkah are lively and family oriented. They include parades, costumes and food. Together religious, national and cultural holidays create Israel s yearly rhythm of memory, celebration and rest.

Holiday Traditions

In Israel many holidays mix religion, history, and family. People go to synagogue or community events, sing, pray, and tell stories. Streets and homes are decorated, and flags or lights often show the holiday mood.

Food plays a big role. Families cook special meals with traditional dishes passed down through generations. People share food with neighbors and invite guests. Meals can be festive and long, with songs, blessings, and storytelling around the table.

Public life changes for holidays. Schools and businesses may close, and cities hold parades, concerts, and memorial ceremonies. Friends and relatives travel to be together, making the day feel both personal and national.

Travel Tips

Visiting Israel (IL) during the holiday season means many shops, banks, and public offices close or have short hours. Museums and some tourist sites can also close on major holidays, so check opening times before you go.

Public transport and trains often run reduced schedules, and buses may stop early for certain holidays. Taxis work but can be harder to find in busy times. Airports stay open but expect crowded security lines and busy check in counters.

Plan ahead by booking trains, tours, and accommodations early. Carry cash since some places do not accept cards when closed. Allow extra travel time, keep flexible plans, and enjoy the lively markets and holiday atmosphere.