Lisbon Public Holidays & City Rhythms — 2026
Complete guide to dates, atmospheres and local uses
Public holidays in Portugal and Lisbon in 2026 are more than just dates on a calendar. In Lisbon, they reshape the city’s rhythm: some moments feel calm and family-oriented, others festive, and others especially practical for planning a trip or time off.
This guide brings together the official dates, their weekdays, and what they change in everyday Lisbon life.
Public Holidays in Portugal — 2026 Calendar
- Thursday, January 1 — New Year’s Day
- Friday, April 3 — Good Friday
- Sunday, April 5 — Easter
- Saturday, April 25 — Freedom Day (Carnation Revolution)
- Friday, May 1 — Labour Day
- Thursday, June 4 — Corpus Christi
- Wednesday, June 10 — Portugal Day
- Saturday, August 15 — Assumption Day
- Monday, October 5 — Republic Day
- Sunday, November 1 — All Saints’ Day
- Tuesday, December 1 — Restoration of Independence
- Tuesday, December 8 — Immaculate Conception
- Friday, December 25 — Christmas Day
Note
- Carnival (Tuesday, February 17, 2026): widely observed, but not a mandatory national public holiday. Some businesses and services close, others remain open.
How Lisbon Changes on Public Holidays
Spring — Calm, Family Rhythm
April 3 (Friday) & April 5 (Sunday)
Easter weekend is generally quiet. Many Lisbon residents spend time with family. Neighborhoods outside tourist areas feel noticeably calmer.
Use: walks, viewpoints, riverfront, museums. A good moment for those looking for a breathable, slower city.
April 25 — History & Local Life
Saturday, April 25 — Freedom Day
A major national date. Ceremonies, parades, concerts and public events take place across the city.
Use: civic and popular atmosphere. A strong day to see Lisbon “from the inside.”
May — Efficient Long Weekend Format
Friday, May 1 — Labour Day
A natural three-day break. Activity focuses mainly outdoors.
Use: city-break.
Good to know: some museums and monuments may be closed, while cafés and public spaces remain lively.
June — Festive Month in Lisbon
Thursday, June 4 — Corpus Christi
Bridge possible. More active evenings, visible nightlife in central neighborhoods.
Wednesday, June 10 — Portugal Day
Official ceremonies and cultural events.
Saturday, June 13 — Santo António (Municipal Holiday in Lisbon)
All-night celebrations in many districts. Street parties, music, grilled sardines and popular dances.
Use: festive immersion.
Good to know: historic neighborhoods become very animated. Transport and streets are busier in the evening.
Summer — A More Fluid City
Saturday, August 15 — Assumption Day
Many residents leave the city.
Use: beaches, riverfront, easier movement through the city center.
Autumn — Discreet, Well-Timed Escapes
Monday, October 5 — Republic Day
Three days without taking time off.
Use: short getaway, gastronomy, urban culture.
Sunday, November 1 — All Saints’ Day
Soft, quiet atmosphere. Slower pace.
Use: museums, galleries, restaurants.
December — Urban, Mild Winter
Tuesday, December 1 & Tuesday, December 8
Two practical windows for off-season escapes.
Friday, December 25 — Christmas Day
Quiet city, winter light, many restaurants open.
Good to know: some shops and services close.
Planning Public Holidays in Lisbon — 2026
Natural Long Weekends
- May 1 (Friday)
- October 5 (Monday)
Very Lively Periods
- April 25
- June 13 (Santo António)
Calm Periods
- Easter weekend
- Mid-August
- Early November
Practical Tips
- Book in advance, especially in June, around April 25 and during Easter weekend.
- Check museum and monument schedules on May 1, Christmas and some religious holidays.
- Expect heavier transport during popular street festivals.
Custom Programs — Lisbon 2026
If you already know your travel period, we offer programs adapted to the city’s rhythm:
historic neighborhoods, private experiences, river, gastronomy and cultural moments, organized according to public holidays and local atmospheres.👉 Request a personalized program
(dates, number of people, travel intention)
Lisbon, Month by Month
Find our monthly readings of the city in the News section and by subscribing to our newsletter.
Lisbon and Municipal Holidays
In Lisbon, only June 13 (Santo António) is a municipal public holiday. Its impact goes far beyond a single official day: several nights of celebrations settle into the city’s popular neighborhoods.
FAQ — Public Holidays in Portugal 2026
Which public holidays create long weekends in 2026?
- May 1 (Friday)
- October 5 (Monday)
- December 25 (Friday)
Is Carnival a public holiday in Portugal?
No. Carnival is culturally very important, but it is not a mandatory national public holiday
Which public holiday matters most in Lisbon?
- April 25 for its national historical significance.
- June 13 (Santo António) for its direct impact on city life.
When is Lisbon the calmest?
- Easter weekend
- Mid-August
- Early November
Conclusion
Understanding Lisbon’s public holidays means understanding the city’s rhythm. Some dates favor celebration, others quiet discovery, and others practical trip planning.
👉 Find our ideas for experiences, neighborhoods and activities for every period on Where to Go Out in Lisbon.
