Zambia
Zambia public holidays and festivals: dates and closures
Travelers should note Zambia’s public holidays—New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Independence Day (24 Oct), and others—because government offices, banks and many attractions close; plan trips around major festivals like the Kuomboka (July) for cultural experiences, but verify dates each year as they can shift.
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Key facts
- New Year’s Day
- 1 Jan – closures: banks, courts, most shops
- Heroes’ Day
- First Monday of July – closures: public offices, schools
- Unity Day
- 24 Oct – closures: government services, many businesses
- Christmas Day
- 25 Dec – closures: most services, hotels often full
- Boxing Day
- 26 Dec – closures: similar to Christmas
- Kuomboka Festival
- Late July (date varies) – cultural ceremony on the Zambezi floodplain
- Lwiindi (Lunda harvest)
- August (date varies) – traditional celebrations in Western Province
Public holidays in Zambia (2026)
The calendar includes fixed dates and movable holidays. Fixed dates are reliable; movable holidays (e.g., Heroes’ Day) follow the first Monday of the month and should be confirmed each year.
| Holiday | Date 2026 | Typical closures |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 Jan | Banks, courts, most shops |
| International Women’s Day | 8 Mar | Government offices |
| Good Friday | 29 Mar | Public sector, schools |
| Easter Monday | 1 Apr | Public sector, schools |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Banks, offices |
| Heroes’ Day | 6 Jul (first Monday) | Government, schools |
| Unity Day | 24 Oct | All public services |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec | Most businesses |
| Boxing Day | 26 Dec | Most businesses |
Dates for movable holidays are based on the 2026 calendar; verify each year (check).
Key festivals worth planning around
Kuomboka – the Lozi king’s ceremonial move from the floodplain to higher ground, usually in late July; attracts tourists to Western Province.
Lwiindi – a harvest festival of the Lunda people in August, featuring traditional dances and cattle displays.
Zambia International Trade Fair – held in Lusaka each May, showcasing local crafts and business opportunities.
- Check exact dates each year as they shift with the lunar calendar or local decisions.
- Expect road traffic and higher accommodation demand around major festivals.
What closes on public holidays
Government offices, courts, and most banks are closed on all public holidays.
Schools and universities observe holidays, so expect reduced public transport in some areas.
Many private shops and restaurants remain open, especially in tourist hubs like Livingstone and Lusaka, but may have limited staff.
National parks generally stay open, but park offices may have reduced hours; book tours in advance.
- Plan banking or visa paperwork for non‑holiday days.
- Book accommodation early for festivals, as hotels fill quickly.
- Carry cash; ATMs may be out of service on holidays.
Questions people ask
What are the public holidays in Zambia?
Zambia observes New Year’s Day (1 Jan), International Women’s Day (8 Mar), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (1 May), Heroes’ Day (first Monday of July), Unity Day (24 Oct), Christmas (25 Dec) and Boxing Day (26 Dec); dates for movable holidays should be checked each year.
Which festivals are worth planning a trip around in Zambia?
The Kuomboka ceremony (late July) and Lwiindi harvest festival (August) offer cultural immersion; the Zambia International Trade Fair in May is also popular with visitors.
What closes on public holidays in Zambia?
Government offices, courts, banks, schools and many public services close; most private shops stay open but may have limited staff, and park offices may run on reduced hours.
Do national parks close on public holidays?
National parks generally stay open, but park offices may have reduced hours; book tours in advance to avoid disruption.
Are ATMs and banks available on public holidays?
Banks are closed on public holidays, and ATMs may be out of service or run out of cash; carry enough local currency in advance.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Zambia guide
Ask about Zambia
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