Last updated: 2026
Public holidays in Malta 2026 matter for one reason: they shape crowd levels, travel demand, nightlife intensity, and the best windows for long-weekend trips. Below you’ll find the official Malta public holiday dates for 2026, clearly listed with weekdays, national-holiday markers, and planning notes.
Malta public holidays 2026 at a glance
- Total public holidays (official): 14
- National holidays (official): 5 (marked as “National Holiday” below)
- Best long-weekend potential: Good Friday (Fri), Workers’ Day (Fri), Mnarja (Mon), Independence Day (Mon), Christmas Day (Fri)
- Weekend holidays: Sette Giugno (Sun), Assumption (Sat), Republic Day (Sun)
Official Malta public holidays 2026 (full list)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan 2026 | Thu | New Year’s Day | Public Holiday | High travel demand early January. |
| 10 Feb 2026 | Tue | Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck | Public Holiday | Midweek break; good for local-focused plans. |
| 19 Mar 2026 | Thu | Feast of St. Joseph | Public Holiday | Thursday: some visitors extend into weekend. |
| 31 Mar 2026 | Tue | Freedom Day | National Holiday | Midweek; stronger for local events and culture. |
| 03 Apr 2026 | Fri | Good Friday | Public Holiday | Friday = clear long-weekend opportunity. |
| 01 May 2026 | Fri | Workers’ Day | Public Holiday | Friday = long weekend; strong demand potential. |
| 07 Jun 2026 | Sun | Sette Giugno | National Holiday | Falls on Sunday in 2026. |
| 29 Jun 2026 | Mon | Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul (Mnarja) | Public Holiday | Monday = instant long-weekend effect. |
| 15 Aug 2026 | Sat | Feast of the Assumption (Santa Marija) | Public Holiday | Falls on Saturday in 2026. |
| 08 Sep 2026 | Tue | Victory Day (Our Lady of Victories) | National Holiday | Midweek; good for local peak nights. |
| 21 Sep 2026 | Mon | Independence Day | National Holiday | Monday = strong long-weekend travel window. |
| 08 Dec 2026 | Tue | Immaculate Conception | Public Holiday | Signals the start of peak festive season mood. |
| 13 Dec 2026 | Sun | Republic Day | National Holiday | Falls on Sunday in 2026. |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Fri | Christmas Day | Public Holiday | Friday = natural long-weekend effect. |
Long-weekend highlights (best dates to plan around)
- Fri, 03 Apr 2026: Good Friday
- Fri, 01 May 2026: Workers’ Day
- Mon, 29 Jun 2026: Mnarja (St. Peter & St. Paul)
- Mon, 21 Sep 2026: Independence Day
- Fri, 25 Dec 2026: Christmas Day
Important note: Easter Monday in Malta
Easter Monday (06 Apr 2026) is often treated as a bank holiday, but it is not listed as an official Malta public holiday. This matters if you are planning staffing, opening hours, or expecting closures. Always verify what applies to your situation.
Planning tips for Malta trips, nightlife & events in 2026
- Expect demand spikes on Friday/Monday holidays: flights, accommodation and nightlife demand typically rise around long-weekend windows.
- Use midweek holidays for locals + resident traffic: Tue/Thu holidays often create strong “local peak nights” without full weekend saturation.
- Festive season starts early in December: Dec 8 acts like a cultural signal that the island moves into holiday mode.
- Weekend holidays still matter: even when a holiday falls on Sat/Sun, the island’s mood and schedules can shift.
FAQ – Malta public holidays 2026
How many public holidays does Malta have in 2026?
There are 14 official public holidays in Malta in 2026.
Which holidays are national holidays in Malta in 2026?
The national holidays are Freedom Day, Sette Giugno, Victory Day, Independence Day, and Republic Day.
What are the best long-weekend opportunities in 2026?
Good Friday (Fri), Workers’ Day (Fri), Mnarja (Mon), Independence Day (Mon), and Christmas Day (Fri) offer the strongest long-weekend potential.
Do businesses close on public holidays in Malta?
Some do, some don’t. Malta can still feel active on public holidays, especially in nightlife and tourism areas. Always check specific venue schedules and opening hours around your target dates.