Latvia Public Holidays 2025
Latvia has 14 public holidays and 1 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | New Year's Day | public | |
| Fri | Good Friday | public | |
| Sun | Easter Sunday | public | |
| Mon | Easter Monday | public | |
| Thu | Labour Day | public | |
| Sun | Restoration of Independence day | public | |
| Mon | Restoration of Independence day (substitute day) | public | |
| Sun | Mother's Day | observance | |
| Mon | Midsummer Eve | public | |
| Tue | Midsummer | public | |
| Tue | Republic Day | public | |
| Wed | Christmas Eve | public | |
| Thu | Christmas Day | public | |
| Fri | Boxing Day | public | |
| Wed | New Year's Eve | public |
About Latvia's Holidays
Latvia’s holidays mix national pride, seasonal traditions, and church dates. Big national days mark independence and statehood, while public holidays follow the Christian calendar and international observances like New Year and Labour Day. People treat these as days off and celebration time.
Cultural celebrations are very important. The midsummer Jāņi festival in late June is the biggest. Families sing, make wreaths, light bonfires, and stay up through the night. Folk music, dances, and food are central to Latvian identity and bring communities together.
Public life slows around major dates. Schools and shops close on key holidays, and official events, parades, or concerts mark national anniversaries. Traditional customs often blend with modern ceremonies, keeping history and culture alive.
Holiday Traditions
Latvian holidays mix old folk customs with modern life. People wear traditional clothes or flower wreaths, sing folk songs, and dance in groups. Bonfires and nature rituals are common when celebrating seasonal events around fields and rivers.
Family time is very important. Families gather to share hearty food like rye bread, cheeses, smoked meats, and homemade cakes. Drinks such as kvass and beer are common. Baking and cooking together keeps recipes alive through generations and children learn from elders.
Public celebrations are lively. Towns hold concerts, markets, and open air singing and dancing. Community crafts, folk choirs, and parades bring people together, keeping culture visible and making holidays fun for all ages.
Travel Tips
Visiting Latvia during the holiday season means some shops, banks, and government offices close or have short hours. Supermarkets in cities may stay open more, but small shops and services often shut on big holidays. Plan for limited services.
Public transport runs, but schedules change. Trains and buses may be less frequent on holidays and timetables can be different on Christmas Eve and New Year. Book long trips and airport transfers early. Expect more taxis and rideshare demand around big celebrations.
Holiday markets and city centers get busy and festive. Bring warm clothes for cold weather. Carry some cash for small vendors and check opening hours for attractions. Confirm bookings ahead and expect crowds at popular spots.