Christmas Day in Ireland
View the global Christmas Day guide
Christmas Day is an annual holiday celebrated on 25 December.
Christmas Day is an Irish statutory public holiday on 25 December. It is one of three fixed-date public holidays in the Christmas and New Year period, alongside St Stephen's Day and New Year's Day.
Christmas Day
Holiday
Ireland
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Friday
Day
Dec
25
December 25, 2026
Christmas Day Date in Ireland
Date
December 25, 2026
Day
Friday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
Christmas Day Dates in Ireland
Christmas Day 2026
- Confirmed
Christmas Day 2027
- Confirmed
Christmas Day 2028
- Confirmed
About Christmas Day
Christmas Day is one of the most widely observed holidays around the world. Traditions and public holiday arrangements vary by country.
History of Christmas Day
Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and has deep religious and family traditions in Ireland. The statutory schedule specifically names 25 December.
Importance of Christmas Day
The day is central to Christian worship and family life, and qualifying employees receive the applicable public-holiday benefit under Irish law.
How Christmas Day Is Celebrated in Ireland
Families gather for meals and gifts, while churches hold Christmas services. Community and charitable activity is also prominent during the season.
Office Impact
Government offices and most ordinary businesses close. Essential, transport, hospitality and care services may use special staffing.
Bank Impact
Branches close and many payment processes pause. Customers should plan for the sequence of Christmas and St Stephen's Day closures.
School Impact
Schools are closed within the standardized Christmas break, whose exact start and reopening dates are published for each school cycle.
Travel Information
Public transport is extremely limited or unavailable on Christmas Day. Confirm services well in advance and avoid relying on normal timetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Christmas Day in Ireland?
It is 25 December.
Is it a public holiday?
Yes. Christmas Day is named in Ireland's statutory schedule.
Does the public holiday move from a weekend?
The benefit remains, but there is no universal legal rule giving every worker the next weekday off.