Vanuatu holiday calendar
Public holidays in Vanuatu 2026
Calendar compilation last reviewed
Plan the year with every Vanuatu public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.
- Public holidays
- 14
- Regional dates
- 1
- Observances
- 1
- Substitute dates
- 0
How public holidays work in Vanuatu
The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Vanuatu calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.
No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. April, May, July, December are the busiest months, with 2 listed dates.
Vanuatu holiday dates in 2026
The table lists 16 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Observed day |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's DayVanuatu’s first national public holiday of the civil year, observed on Thursday, January 1 in 2026. | Public holiday | — | |
| Father Lini DayA national public holiday remembering independence leader and first prime minister Father Walter Hadye Lini. | Public holiday | — | |
| Custom Chiefs' DayA national public holiday honouring customary chiefs, kastom knowledge and the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs. | Public holiday | — | |
| Good FridayA nationwide Christian public holiday observed on Friday, April 3 in Vanuatu in 2026. | Public holiday | — | |
| Easter MondayThe Monday national public holiday that concludes Vanuatu’s statutory Easter weekend each year. | Public holiday | — | |
| Labour DayVanuatu’s May 1 national holiday recognising workers, employment rights and contributions across the islands. | Public holiday | — | |
| Ascension DayA movable Christian national public holiday occurring 39 days after Easter Sunday each year. | Public holiday | — | |
| Provincial DaysSix province-specific public holidays whose dates and legal reach differ from Vanuatu’s nationwide holiday calendar. | Regional public holiday | — | |
| Children's DayA national public holiday on July 24 centred on children, family responsibility and community wellbeing. | Public holiday | — | |
| Independence DayVanuatu’s principal national anniversary, commemorating independence from Britain and France on July 30, 1980. | Public holiday | — | |
| Assumption DayA national Christian public holiday on August 15 associated especially with Vanuatu’s Catholic communities. | Public holiday | — | |
| Kastom HeritageA non-statutory guide to locally governed kastom festivals and cultural events, whose dates and access rules vary by community. | Cultural observance | — | |
| Constitution DayA national public holiday on October 5 examining Vanuatu’s Constitution, institutions, rights and customary foundations. | Public holiday | — | |
| National Unity DayA November 29 national holiday affirming shared citizenship across Vanuatu’s islands, languages and kastom communities. | Public holiday | — | |
| Christmas DayA nationwide Christian and family public holiday celebrated during Vanuatu’s warm December season. | Public holiday | — | |
| Family DayThe December 26 national holiday extending Christmas time for family care, visits and rest. | Public holiday | — |
Sources for Vanuatu holidays
Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.
- pmo.gov.vuPrimary calendar source
- dla.gov.vuPrimary calendar source