Zambia Public Holidays 2026

View the complete list of public holidays and bank holidays in Zambia for 2026. Plan your year ahead with official dates, weekdays, and observances.

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                        About Public Holidays in Zambia

                        Public holidays in Zambia are official observances that may affect government offices, schools, banks, businesses, and public services. These holidays often include national celebrations, religious observances, and important civic dates.

                        This calendar helps residents, travelers, employers, and families plan vacations, work schedules, school breaks, and business closures around official holiday dates.

                        Working Days and Business Closures

                        On major public holidays, many government offices, banks, schools, and private businesses may close or operate with reduced hours. Opening times for shops, restaurants, transport, and local services can vary.

                        Always check with local authorities, employers, or service providers for exact opening hours during public holidays.

                        All Public Holidays in Zambia 2026

                        DateDayHolidayType
                        January 1, 2026ThursdayNew Year's DayPublic Holiday
                        March 9, 2026MondayWomen’s DayPublic Holiday
                        March 12, 2026ThursdayYouth DayPublic Holiday
                        April 3, 2026FridayGood FridayPublic Holiday
                        April 6, 2026MondayEaster MondayPublic Holiday
                        April 28, 2026TuesdayKenneth Kaunda DayPublic Holiday
                        May 1, 2026FridayLabour DayPublic Holiday
                        May 25, 2026MondayAfrican Freedom DayPublic Holiday
                        July 6, 2026MondayHeroes' DayPublic Holiday
                        July 7, 2026TuesdayUnity DayPublic Holiday
                        August 3, 2026MondayFarmers' DayPublic Holiday
                        October 18, 2026SundayNational Day of PrayersPublic Holiday
                        October 19, 2026MondayNational Day of Prayers (substitute day)Public Holiday
                        October 24, 2026SaturdayIndependence DayPublic Holiday
                        December 25, 2026FridayChristmas DayPublic Holiday
                        Show 2027 public holidays

                        All Public Holidays in Zambia 2027

                        DateDayHolidayType
                        January 1, 2027FridayNew Year's DayPublic Holiday
                        March 9, 2027TuesdayWomen’s DayPublic Holiday
                        March 12, 2027FridayYouth DayPublic Holiday
                        March 26, 2027FridayGood FridayPublic Holiday
                        March 29, 2027MondayEaster MondayPublic Holiday
                        April 28, 2027WednesdayKenneth Kaunda DayPublic Holiday
                        May 1, 2027SaturdayLabour DayPublic Holiday
                        May 25, 2027TuesdayAfrican Freedom DayPublic Holiday
                        July 5, 2027MondayHeroes' DayPublic Holiday
                        July 6, 2027TuesdayUnity DayPublic Holiday
                        August 2, 2027MondayFarmers' DayPublic Holiday
                        October 18, 2027MondayNational Day of PrayersPublic Holiday
                        October 24, 2027SundayIndependence DayPublic Holiday
                        October 25, 2027MondayIndependence Day (substitute day)Public Holiday
                        December 25, 2027SaturdayChristmas DayPublic Holiday

                        Frequently Asked Questions

                        How many public holidays are there in Zambia?

                        The number of public holidays in Zambia can vary by year depending on official calendars, weekends, and local observances.

                        Do businesses close on public holidays in Zambia?

                        Many government offices, banks, schools, and businesses close on major public holidays, although private businesses may follow different schedules.

                        Are public holidays the same every year?

                        Some holidays fall on fixed dates every year, while others change because they are based on weekends, religious calendars, or official yearly announcements.

                        How can I take fewer PTO days but get more time off in Zambia?

                        Use the "Best Time to Take PTO / Vacation" section on this page. It automatically finds the public holidays in Zambia that fall closest to a weekend and tells you exactly how many PTO or vacation days to book to turn them into the longest possible consecutive break.

                        What is the "Smart Time Off" feature?

                        Smart Time Off highlights the single best upcoming opportunity to bridge a public holiday in Zambia with a weekend using the fewest PTO or vacation days, so you can plan ahead for the biggest break with the least time taken off work.

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