Vanuatu Public Holidays
Vanuatu observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Vanuatu observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Vanuatu by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Vanuatu.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Feb 21 | Saturday | Father Lini Day |
| Mar 5 | Thursday | Custom Chiefs' Day |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | March Equinox |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
| Jul 24 | Friday | Children's Day |
| Jul 30 | Thursday | Independence Day |
| Aug 15 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Vanuatu
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Vanuatu. Our site organizes holidays by country, allowing you to easily find information on national observances, cultural celebrations, and religious festivals. For a detailed explanation of what constitutes a public holiday, please refer to our Public Holidays Explained page.
Explore the full list of Vanuatu's public holidays for 2026 on our dedicated Vanuatu Public Holidays 2026 page.
Major public holidays in 2026
Vanuatu observes a variety of public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural and historical significance. In 2026, key observances include:
Additional holidays in 2026 include the March Equinox, Ascension Day, the June Solstice, and Assumption of Mary. For a comprehensive listing, please visit the Vanuatu Public Holidays 2026 page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. The start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Father Lini Day — 21 February 2026. Commemorates the first Prime Minister of Vanuatu.
- Custom Chiefs' Day — 5 March 2026. A day to honor traditional leaders.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. A Christian observance.
- Easter Monday — 6 April 2026. Following Easter Sunday.
- Labor Day — 1 May 2026. Celebrates workers and their contributions.
- Children's Day — 24 July 2026. Dedicated to the youth of Vanuatu.
- Independence Day — 30 July 2026. Marks Vanuatu's independence from colonial rule.
Planning around holidays
Vanuatu's public holidays are spread throughout the year, with some clusters and some single observances. Planning your travel or business activities around these dates can help you make the most of your time. Keep in mind that some holidays may fall on weekdays or weekends, potentially creating longer breaks or requiring adjustments to schedules.
- Seasonal Pattern: Holidays are distributed across all months, with a notable concentration in March, April, May, and July.
- Weekday Impact: Observe whether holidays fall on weekdays, which may affect business operations and transportation schedules.
- Observance: Some holidays are religious or cultural, and their observance might vary in intensity across different regions or communities.
- Travel Considerations: Popular tourist destinations may experience increased visitor numbers around major holidays, so booking accommodations and tours in advance is often advisable.
- Check Specific Year: Always verify the specific dates for the year you are interested in, as some holidays, like Easter, change annually.
Plan Your Year Around VU Holidays
View Vanuatu holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.