Boxing Day in Lithuania
In Lithuania, December 26 is part of the Christmas holiday: the Labour Code treats December 25 and 26 as Christmas days, and the State Labour Inspectorate says they are normally non-working days. The holiday is therefore best understood locally as the second day of Christmas, rather than as a separate holiday named Boxing Day.[1]
A public holiday in the Christmas period
Lithuanian law lists December 25 and 26 as Christmas days. The State Labour Inspectorate confirms that Christmas Eve on December 24 and both Christmas days are public holidays when work is normally not performed. This places December 26 within a three-day statutory Christmas period.[1]
The holiday’s meaning in Lithuania is tied to Christmas, rather than to the British Boxing Day name. The Lithuanian Bank refers to December 25 and 26 together as Christmas days, while the Labour Inspectorate calls December 26 the second Christmas day.[1][2]
Work and services
A public holiday does not mean every service stops. The Labour Inspectorate says work may take place in certain cases, including where the employee agrees, where holiday work is provided for in a collective agreement, or where aggregated working-time accounting applies. It also says work on a public holiday is paid at no less than twice the usual rate.[1]
The Lithuanian Bank lists December 25 and 26 among the holidays when it is closed, illustrating the effect on at least one public-facing financial service. The law’s usual non-working rule also applies to enterprises, offices and organizations, subject to permitted exceptions.[1][2]
Planning around December 26
Opening arrangements depend on the service and its operator. The Lithuanian Bank is closed on December 26. Travelers should check directly with the business or transport provider they plan to use.[1][2]
The date is fixed at December 26, but its weekday changes from year to year. Visitors should check the actual operating hours of the places and services they need.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is December 26 a public holiday in Lithuania?
Yes. It is one of the two Christmas days listed in the Labour Code and is normally a non-working public holiday.[1]
Is Boxing Day the official Lithuanian name?
Do all workers have the day off?
Work is normally not performed on public holidays, but the Labour Inspectorate describes exceptions, including employee agreement, collective agreements and aggregated working-time arrangements.[1]
Are banks open?
The Lithuanian Bank lists December 26 as a day when it is closed. Check with other banks for their own arrangements.[2]
Will shops and public transport be operating?
Check the hours or timetable with the specific shop or transport provider before travelling.
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Lithuania:
- Darbo laikas ir apmokėjimas šių metų šventiniu laikotarpiu: svarbiausia informacija- Valstybinė darbo inspekcija
- Lietuvos bankas nedirba šeštadieniais, sekmadieniais ir švenčių dienomis- Lietuvos bankas