Boxing Day in Latvia
In Latvia, December 26 is part of the three-day Christmas holiday period, officially called Christmas (winter solstice) in the public-holiday law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes Christmas as a family celebration whose observances continue through Christmas Day and the day after.[1][2]
A Latvian Christmas public holiday
Latvia’s law lists December 24, 25 and 26 together as public holidays under the name Christmas (winter solstice). The date therefore belongs to the country’s Christmas observance; the law does not call it Boxing Day or Saint Stephen’s Day.[1]
The Labour Law says employees are not required to work on public holidays prescribed by law. It allows work when necessary to maintain continuity of a work process, with rest on another day or appropriate remuneration. This means December 26 is generally a day off for employees, while some work may continue under the law’s conditions.[3]
Christmas observances continue
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes Christmas as one of Latvia’s important festivities and as a family celebration in which people attend church services. It identifies decorating a Christmas tree and giving gifts on Christmas Eve, December 24, as essential traditions; it says celebrations continue on Christmas Day and the day after.[2]
That account places December 26 within a wider Christmas period rather than describing it as a separate Latvian festival. It does not specify a distinct ceremony, meal, or custom for that date. The official holiday list calls December 24–26 Christmas, while Latvia’s public holiday law gives the period the fuller name Christmas (winter solstice).[1][2]
Dates and substitute days
The holiday falls on December 26 each year. Latvia’s law provides a following-working-day holiday when May 4, the final day of the Nationwide Latvian Song and Dance Celebration, or November 18 falls on a Saturday or Sunday. December 26 is not included in that substitute-day rule, so the law does not provide an automatic replacement day when it falls on a weekend.[1]
Latvijas Banka also lists Christmas as December 24–26 among Latvia’s public holidays. Its page notes that holiday dates generally do not change apart from Easter.[4]
What to expect as a visitor
Because December 26 is a public holiday, employee work schedules may differ from ordinary working days. Check opening hours with any office, bank or shop before you go, and check the timetable with the relevant transport operator.[1][3][4]
Frequently asked questions
Is December 26 a public holiday in Latvia?
Is the Latvian holiday officially called Boxing Day?
Is there a substitute day if December 26 falls on a weekend?
The law’s next-working-day provision names May 4, the final day of the Nationwide Latvian Song and Dance Celebration, and November 18; it does not include Christmas. It therefore gives no automatic substitute day for December 26.[1]
Are shops, banks, and public transport open?
Check with individual shops, banks and transport operators before travelling, as opening hours and schedules can vary.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Latvia:
- On Public Holidays, Commemoration Days, and Celebration Days- Likumi.lv; Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia
- 11. National Hollidays and Remembrance Days- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
- Labour Law- Likumi.lv; Republic of Latvia
- Public holidays in Latvia- Latvijas Banka