Last reviewed: 21 October 2026 against the Government of Zimbabwe’s General Notice 1361 of 2025 (Public Holidays in 2026), Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 (Munhumutapa Day) and the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act. The government had not yet gazetted the 2027 list when we checked, so 2027 dates are worked out from the Act. Check before you travel.
Sunday rule: under the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act, when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday. When 26 December falls on a Monday, the Tuesday after is also a holiday. The President can declare extra public holidays at any time, sometimes at short notice. Easter dates change every year.
2026 public holidays
Holiday Calendar 2026
2027 public holidays
Holiday Calendar 2027
These dates follow the Act, Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 and the Sunday rule. The government gazettes each year’s official list in advance, so check the 2027 notice before you travel.
Holidays added in recent years
- Munhumutapa Day (15 September) was declared an annual public holiday by Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026. It was first observed on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The date is also President Mnangagwa’s birthday.
- National Youth Day (21 February) was declared a public holiday in 2017. It is sometimes called Robert Mugabe National Youth Day; the 2026 government notice lists it as National Youth Day.
Holiday Descriptions
New Year’s Day - January 1
What to Expect:
- Most businesses closed
- Tourist attractions open (may have reduced hours)
- Hotels and lodges operate normally
- Some restaurants open (book ahead)
- Limited public transport
- Celebrations in major cities
- Hotels often host gala dinners
- Victoria Falls has various events
- Book restaurants and activities in advance
National Youth Day - February 21
About:
Falls on the birthday of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s first prime minister and later president, and is also known as Robert Mugabe National Youth Day. A national youth day with events celebrating young people.What to Expect:
- Government offices closed
- Banks closed
- Most shops open (may have reduced hours)
- Tourist activities operate normally
- Some civic events and youth gatherings
Easter (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Monday)
Dates Vary Each Year:
- 2026: April 3-6
- 2027: March 26-29
- Long weekend—many Zimbabweans travel
- Domestic travel busy (especially to Victoria Falls)
- Book accommodation and transport well in advance
- Some shops closed Friday, limited hours Saturday
- Most tourist activities operate
- Church services well-attended
- Most businesses closed
- Solemn religious observance
- Some activities may not operate
- Family day—many at home
- Tourist attractions operate
- Some restaurants may be closed
Independence Day - April 18
Zimbabwe's Independence
About:
Celebrates Zimbabwe’s independence from British colonial rule on April 18, 1980. One of the most significant national holidays.What to Expect:
- National celebrations and parades (main event in Harare)
- Government offices, banks, most businesses closed
- Patriotic events and gatherings
- Tourist attractions generally open
- Festive atmosphere
- Main national ceremony at National Sports Stadium, Harare
- Military parades
- Cultural performances
- Fireworks in some locations
Workers’ Day - May 1
About:
International Labor Day, celebrating workers’ rights and contributions.What to Expect:
- Most businesses closed
- Some shops in tourist areas open
- May be worker gatherings or marches
- Tourist activities operate normally
- Good day for visiting attractions (locals may be at events)
Africa Day - May 25
About:
Celebrates African unity and the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now African Union) on May 25, 1963.What to Expect:
- Government offices closed
- Many businesses closed
- Cultural events celebrating African heritage
- Tourist facilities operate normally
- May be concerts or cultural festivals
Heroes’ Day - Second Monday of August
National Heroes' Day
About:
Honors those who fought for Zimbabwe’s independence and those declared national heroes. An important day of remembrance.Dates: the second Monday in August.
- 2026: August 10
- 2027: August 9
- Main ceremony at National Heroes’ Acre, Harare
- Government offices, banks, most businesses closed
- Solemn observance
- Tourist facilities operate
- May be ceremonies at provincial heroes’ acres
Defence Forces National Day - Day after Heroes’ Day
About:
Honors Zimbabwe’s military and defense forces. Follows Heroes’ Day, creating a two-day holiday period.Dates:
- 2026: August 11
- 2027: August 10
- Military parades and displays
- Government offices, banks closed
- Most businesses closed (two-day break)
- Tourist facilities open
- May be air shows or military demonstrations
Munhumutapa Day - September 15
New in 2026
About:
Zimbabwe’s newest public holiday, declared by Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 and observed every year on 15 September. It is named after the Munhumutapa (Mutapa) kingdom of pre-colonial Zimbabwe. The date is also President Mnangagwa’s birthday.What to Expect:
- Government offices and banks closed
- Tourist facilities operate
- As a new holiday, events and closures may vary, so check locally
- 2026: Tuesday, September 15
- 2027: Wednesday, September 15
National Unity Day - December 22
About:
Commemorates the 1987 Unity Accord between ZANU and ZAPU, which ended conflict in Matabeleland and brought political unity.What to Expect:
- Government offices, banks closed
- Many businesses closed (pre-Christmas)
- Unity celebrations, especially in Bulawayo
- Tourist facilities operate
- Beginning of Christmas holiday period
Christmas Day - December 25
Christmas
What to Expect:
- Most businesses closed (except essential services)
- Hotels and lodges operate (often special meals)
- Tourist attractions may have limited hours
- Church services (Christianity is majority religion)
- Family day—expect quieter streets
- Safari lodges often have special Christmas meals
- Victoria Falls activities largely operate
- Some restaurants open (book ahead)
- Festive decorations in major cities
Boxing Day - December 26
What to Expect:
- Public holiday
- Some shops reopen (sales common)
- Tourist activities operate normally
- Continued holiday atmosphere
- Many still with family
School Holidays
School Calendar
Zimbabwe’s school year typically follows this pattern:
Impact on Travel:
- School holidays = more domestic travel
- Victoria Falls busier during school breaks
- Book ahead for April, August, December periods
- Family-friendly activities may be busier
What’s Open on Holidays
Typically Open
Open on Most Holidays:
- Hotels and lodges
- Safari camps
- Victoria Falls (the attraction)
- Major tourist attractions
- Some restaurants (especially in tourist areas)
- Airports
- Some petrol stations
- Emergency services
- Tourist activities
- Restaurants
- Shopping centers (in tourist towns)
Typically Closed
Closed on Most Holidays:
- Government offices
- Banks
- Post offices
- Most shops (especially non-tourist areas)
- Offices and businesses
- Schools
- Public transport (reduced schedules)
- Some restaurants
- Some attractions
Planning Around Holidays
Busy Periods
Peak Travel Times
Book Well in Advance For:
Tips:
- Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead for peak periods
- Reserve rental cars early
- Book domestic flights in advance
- Confirm restaurant reservations
- Pre-book activities
Quiet Times
Less Crowded Travel:
- Regular weekdays outside holiday periods
- February (after New Year, before Easter)
- Late January
- May (between Easter and August)
- Early November
- Easier bookings
- Potentially better rates
- Fewer crowds at attractions
- More availability
Regional Variations
Victoria Falls
- Most tourist-focused—holidays have less impact
- Restaurants and activities largely operate
- May be busier with domestic tourists on holidays
- Some shops may close
Harare
- Business city—holidays more noticeable
- Government offices and banks closed
- Shopping centers may have limited hours
- Restaurants—check ahead
- Main holiday ceremonies held here
Bulawayo
- Unity Day particularly significant here
- Heroes’ Acre ceremonies
- Most businesses closed on holidays
- Tourist facilities operate
Safari Areas
- Lodges operate normally through holidays
- May have special events (Christmas dinner, etc.)
- Game drives and activities unaffected
- Some offer holiday-themed experiences
Special Events Calendar
Major Annual Events
Beyond public holidays, these events may affect your travel:
Note: Check specific dates as these can vary year to year.
Holiday Tips for Travelers
Holiday Etiquette
As a Visitor:
- Respect solemn holidays (Heroes’ Day) with appropriate behavior
- Don’t schedule important business on holidays
- Join celebrations respectfully if invited
- Understand that service may be slower
- Tip generously—staff working holidays
- Dress appropriately for ceremonies
- Follow local customs
- Ask permission before photographing
- Be respectful during national anthem or flag ceremonies
Quick Reference
At a Glance
Longest Holiday Periods:
- Christmas/New Year (Dec 22 - Jan 2)
- Easter (4 days)
- Heroes’/Defence Forces (2 days)
- Munhumutapa Day (September 15, from 2026)
- Independence Day (April 18)
- Heroes’ Day (August)
- Christmas (December 25)
- Easter
- Christmas/New Year
- School holidays
Dates are subject to official government announcements. The President can declare extra public holidays, and a holiday that falls on a Sunday moves to the Monday.
Sources
- Government of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage — General Notice 1361 of 2025: Public Holidays in 2026 (via Veritas Zimbabwe), gazetted 18 July 2025, accessed 21 October 2026
- Government of Zimbabwe — Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026: Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business (Declaration of Public Holiday) Notice, 2026 (via Veritas Zimbabwe), accessed 21 October 2026
- Zimbabwe Legal Information Institute (ZimLII) — Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act [Chapter 10:21], accessed 21 October 2026
- Veritas Zimbabwe — Public holidays notices index, accessed 21 October 2026 (no 2027 notice listed)