| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-03-08 | International Women's Day | National |
| 2026-03-09 | International Women's Day (observed) | Substitute |
| 2026-03-12 | Youth Day | National |
| 2026-04-03 | Good Friday | National |
| 2026-04-04 | Holy Saturday | National |
| 2026-04-05 | Easter Sunday | National |
| 2026-04-06 | Easter Monday | National |
| 2026-04-28 | Kenneth Kaunda Day | National |
| 2026-05-01 | Labour Day | National |
| 2026-05-25 | Africa Freedom Day | National |
| 2026-07-06 | Heroes' Day | National |
| 2026-07-07 | Unity Day | National |
| 2026-08-03 | Farmers' Day | National |
| 2026-08-13 | General Election Day | National |
| 2026-10-18 | National Prayer Day | National |
| 2026-10-19 | National Prayer Day (observed) | Substitute |
| 2026-10-24 | Independence Day | National |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
How many public holidays does Zambia have in 2026?
Zambia has 19 public holidays in 2026: 17 national holidays, 2 substitute days. The dates run from 1 January 2026 to 25 December 2026, and no public holiday falls in February, June, September, November. Observances and regional holidays are listed separately and are not counted.
Wondering how that stacks up globally? See how Zambia's public holiday count compares.
Long weekends in Zambia 2026
Zambia's public holidays create 8 long weekends in 2026 - runs of three or more consecutive days off, each built around a holiday that touches a weekend.
- Sat 7 - Mon 9 March: International Women's Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 7 March to Monday 9 March).
- Fri 3 - Mon 6 April: Good Friday (4-day weekend, Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April).
- Fri 1 - Sun 3 May: Labour Day (3-day weekend, Friday 1 May to Sunday 3 May).
- Sat 23 - Mon 25 May: Africa Freedom Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 23 May to Monday 25 May).
- Sat 4 - Tue 7 July: Heroes' Day (4-day weekend, Saturday 4 July to Tuesday 7 July).
- Sat 1 - Mon 3 August: Farmers' Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 1 August to Monday 3 August).
- Sat 17 - Mon 19 October: National Prayer Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 17 October to Monday 19 October).
- Fri 25 - Sun 27 December: Christmas Day (3-day weekend, Friday 25 December to Sunday 27 December).
Observed and substitute holidays in Zambia 2026
A substitute holiday is a day off moved to a nearby working weekday when a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. The legal date never changes - only the day most people actually get off.
- 9 March 2026 (Monday) - given as the day off for International Women's Day (observed), which falls on a weekend.
- 19 October 2026 (Monday) - given as the day off for National Prayer Day (observed), which falls on a weekend.
Regional variations are common; see public holidays across Africa for the wider picture.
Public holidays in Zambia: is your date a holiday in 2026?
Every date in the table above is a public holiday in Zambia in 2026. If the date you are checking appears there, it is a day off; if it does not, it is not a public holiday - however widely it may be marked.
For example, 1 January 2026 is New Year's Day, a public holiday in Zambia.
More to explore: browse public holidays by country.
About these holidays in Zambia (2026)
Our Zambia public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
International Women's Day
International Women's Day on 8 March celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and calls attention to gender equality. It grew out of labour movement campaigns in the early twentieth century and was adopted by the United Nations in 1975. In a number of countries, especially in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and parts of Africa, it is an official public holiday, and flowers are traditionally given to women.
Youth Day
Youth Day recognises the contribution of young people to society and draws attention to issues affecting them. South Africa observes it on 16 June, commemorating the 1976 Soweto uprising, while other countries including Turkey, Morocco and Brazil mark it on their own dates. In several nations it is a public holiday. Events typically include youth conferences, cultural performances and sporting activities.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a public holiday in most countries with Christian traditions, and businesses, banks and schools often close. Observance is typically solemn, with church services, processions and in some places Passion plays. The date moves each year because Easter is calculated from the first full moon following the March equinox.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, recalling the day Jesus lay in the tomb. It is a public holiday in several countries, particularly in Europe and Latin America, though in many places it is not a separate holiday because it falls on a weekend. The principal liturgy is the Easter Vigil held after nightfall, during which the Paschal candle is lit and the resurrection is first proclaimed.