Zimbabwe Public Holidays
Zimbabwe observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Browse Zimbabwe holidays by year
Choose a year to see the complete public holiday calendar and planning details.
2026 holidays
A quick look at public holidays in Zimbabwe.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Feb 21 | Saturday | Robert Mugabe National Youth Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 4 | Saturday | Holy Saturday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| Apr 18 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Worker's Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Africa Day |
| Aug 10 | Monday | Heroes' Day |
| Aug 11 | Tuesday | Defence Forces Day |
| Dec 22 | Tuesday | Unity Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | St. Stephen's Day |
About public holidays in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe 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.
Use the year pages above to see the full holiday calendar.
About public holidays in Zimbabwe
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Zimbabwe. Holidays are observed on fixed dates or on specific days of the week, and some may shift annually. For a comprehensive list of all holidays and their specific dates, please refer to the full holiday calendar for Zimbabwe.
Understanding these holidays is essential for planning travel, business, and personal events. For definitions of public holidays, please visit our public holidays explained page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Zimbabwe observes a number of significant public holidays. These dates mark important national events, religious observances, and cultural celebrations.
Many of these holidays are fixed, while others, like Easter, fall on different dates each year. You can find the complete list of holidays for 2026 and other years on the Zimbabwe holiday calendar.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Robert Mugabe National Youth Day — 21 February 2026. A day dedicated to the youth of Zimbabwe.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. A solemn observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Independence Day — 18 April 2026. Celebrates Zimbabwe's independence from British rule.
- Heroes' Day — 10 August 2026. Honors national heroes who contributed to the country's liberation.
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026. A widely celebrated Christian holiday.
Planning around holidays
When planning your activities in Zimbabwe, it's helpful to be aware of the public holidays. Many businesses and government offices may close or operate on reduced hours during these times. Some holidays fall close together, potentially creating longer periods of closure.
- Spring: The period around Easter often includes several consecutive holidays, which may affect services.
- Late Summer: August features two consecutive public holidays, creating a long weekend.
- Year-End: The end of December has multiple holidays clustered together, leading to extended closures.
- Variable Dates: Holidays tied to religious observances, such as Easter, will shift each year, requiring flexibility in planning.
- National Observances: Many holidays are fixed, making them predictable for advance planning.
Plan Your Year Around ZW Holidays
View Zimbabwe holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.