Estonian Public Holidays & Flag Days 2026

Thursday, January 1

The first day of the new year. Estonians traditionally celebrate New Year's Eve with fireworks, champagne and the President's New Year address. Thousands gather in the squares of Tallinn's Old Town and other cities to wait for midnight. Many families watch the President's address together — a tradition since the restoration of independence. New Year is also a time for setting resolutions and reflecting on the past year.

Tuesday, February 24

The anniversary of the Republic of Estonia and the most important national holiday. On 24 February 1918, the Estonian Manifesto — "Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia" — was proclaimed at the Endla Theatre in Pärnu. It was read by the elder of the Estonian Provincial Assembly, Konstantin Päts. This was a historic moment — the first declaration of an independent Estonian state. Today the day is marked with a presidential reception at the Estonia Theatre, a defence forces parade and the hoisting of the flag on the Tall Hermann tower.

Friday, April 3

A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on Golgotha. Good Friday is the most sombre day in the church calendar. It is a moveable feast — the date depends on Easter, always falling on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It has been a public holiday in Estonia since 1992. Traditionally it is a quiet and contemplative day when many people attend church services.

Sunday, April 5

The greatest Christian holiday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Estonia, Easter is strongly tied to folk traditions — dyeing eggs with onion skins, egg-cracking contests and the celebration of spring. Children hunt for hidden eggs in the garden or at home. It is a moveable feast falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.

Friday, May 1

The celebration of spring and labour, known internationally as May Day or International Workers' Day. In Estonia it is more a celebration of the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature. Many families use the long weekend for their first spring outing, picnic or start of garden work. In Soviet times, 1 May was the day of large parades, but in restored Estonia it has become a peaceful family day.

Sunday, May 24

A Christian holiday marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles 49 days after Easter (from Greek "pentekoste" — fiftieth). It is one of the three major holidays of the church calendar alongside Christmas and Easter. In Estonia, Pentecost is a relatively quiet public holiday that many people use as a family day and for spending time in nature.

Tuesday, June 23

Commemorates the decisive victory of the Estonian War of Independence — the Battle of Võnnu (Cēsis) in 1919. On 23 June 1919, the Estonian 3rd Division and the Northern Latvian Brigade defeated the Landeswehr forces led by General Rüdiger von der Goltz near Võnnu (Cēsis). This victory secured the independence of both Estonia and Latvia. Victory Day is also the feast of the Estonian Defence Forces and a flag day. In the evening the President lights the Victory Fire, which is carried across Estonia on Midsummer Night.

Wednesday, June 24

Estonians' most beloved and emotional folk holiday. Midsummer Day is linked to the summer solstice — the longest day of the year. Traditionally people gather at the countryside, build a Midsummer bonfire, jump over the fire (believed to bring health and luck), look for the fern flower (which of course is never found), and sing and dance through the night. Midsummer is also the unofficial start of summer for Estonians. Many leave the city for the countryside already on the evening of 22 June.

Thursday, August 20

On 20 August 1991 the Supreme Soviet of Estonia restored the independence of the Republic of Estonia by its historic decision. The decision was taken during the Moscow August Coup while the Soviet Union was in chaos. Estonia used this historic moment and declared the restoration of independence. Iceland was the first to recognise Estonia's restored independence on the very same day. Other countries soon followed. This day marks Estonia's return to the international family after 51 years of occupation.

Thursday, December 24

Estonia's main and most emotional Christmas holiday. Unlike in many Western countries where the main celebration is on 25 December, the Estonian family gathers on the evening of 24 December. Traditionally they first listen to the President's Christmas message, then sit down to a festive Christmas dinner, and finally exchange gifts under the tree. Many families visit the cemetery on Christmas Eve afternoon and light candles on the graves of loved ones — one of Estonia's most beautiful traditions.

Friday, December 25

Christmas Day is a traditional day of rest after the celebrations of Christmas Eve. In the Christian tradition it marks the birth of Jesus Christ. In Estonia it is a quiet family day — spending time together, enjoying leftovers from the previous evening, playing with new gifts and visiting relatives. Many families watch Christmas films together or take a winter walk.

Saturday, December 26

Boxing Day is the last official day of the Christmas season. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday. Many families use the day to visit more distant relatives and friends. Some already begin taking down Christmas decorations, though traditionally decorations stay up until Epiphany (6 January). If the weather is wintry, sledding, skating and building snow forts are popular.

Tuesday, January 6

A church holiday celebrating the manifestation of Jesus Christ and marking the end of the Christmas season. The three Magi — Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar — brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn Jesus. In Estonia this is the day on which Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down.

Friday, January 30

Estonian Literature Day is celebrated on the birthday of Kristjan Jaak Peterson. In 1818, Peterson wrote the famous poem "If then the language of this land…", which became one of the symbols of Estonian identity. The day honours Estonian writers and highlights the role of literature in Estonian culture.

Monday, February 2

On 2 February 1920 the Republic of Estonia and Soviet Russia signed the Tartu Peace Treaty. It was the first international treaty to recognise Estonia's independence. The treaty established the border between the two states, and Soviet Russia recognised Estonia's independence "for all time". The Tartu Peace Treaty is one of the founding documents of Estonian statehood.

Saturday, March 14

Mother Tongue Day is celebrated on the birthday of Kristjan Jaak Peterson (14 March 1801). In his doctoral thesis, Peterson demonstrated that Estonian was suitable for poetry — at a time when German was considered the only language of culture. On Mother Tongue Day, language events, dictations and lectures are held across Estonia to celebrate the Estonian language.

Sunday, May 10

Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It is a family holiday honouring mothers. Mother's Day has been marked in Estonia since 1923. Traditionally, children give their mothers flowers, cards and organise home concerts. Many families enjoy a festive breakfast together.

Monday, June 1

International Children's Day draws attention to children's rights and well-being. In Estonia, events, concerts and festivals for children are organised across the country. The date dates back to 1950, when the Women's International Democratic Federation declared 1 June as International Children's Day.

Thursday, June 4

On 4 June 1884 the first blue-black-white flag — made by the Estonian Students' Society — was consecrated at Otepää church. From a student flag it grew into the national flag, symbolising Estonia's independence. The colours of the blue-black-white flag symbolise: blue — the sky, trust and loyalty; black — the soil of the homeland and hard times; white — the pursuit of education and light.

Sunday, June 14

On 14 June 1941 the first mass Soviet deportation from Estonia took place. In a single night, more than 10,000 people — men, women, children and the elderly — were deported to Siberia. Many of them perished. On the Day of Mourning, all deportees and victims of political terror are remembered. The Estonian flag is flown at half-mast as a mourning flag.

Sunday, August 23

On 23 August 1939 the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, which included a secret additional protocol dividing Europe into spheres of influence. This pact led to the Soviet occupation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. On this day the victims of both totalitarian regimes are remembered throughout Europe.

Sunday, September 13

Grandparents' Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of September. It is a family holiday honouring grandmothers and grandfathers and their role in families and society. Many families visit their grandparents on this day and spend quality time together.

Tuesday, September 22

On 22 September 1944 the Red Army lowered the blue-black-white Estonian flag from the Tall Hermann tower, beginning nearly 50 years of Soviet occupation. On this day all those who fought for Estonia's freedom against both Soviet and Nazi German occupations are remembered.

Thursday, October 1

Local Government Day recognises the role of towns and rural municipalities in Estonia's development and daily life. Local government is a cornerstone of democracy — decisions are made at the level closest to the people. The day highlights the work, history and current challenges of local authorities.

Saturday, October 17

Estonians belong to the Finno-Ugric family of peoples together with Finns, Hungarians, Mari, Udmurts, Komi and many others. Kindred Peoples' Day presents the shared cultural heritage, linguistic ties and the current situation of Finno-Ugric peoples. It is celebrated on the third Saturday of October.

Monday, November 2

All Souls' Day is a quiet day of remembrance for departed loved ones. In the Estonian folk calendar it falls within "the time of souls", marking the end of harvest and the transition to winter work. Many people visit cemeteries on this day and light candles on the graves.

Sunday, November 8

Father's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of November. It is a family holiday honouring fathers and their contribution to family and society. In Estonia, Father's Day is coordinated by the Defence Forces, linking the day to the will to defend the country.

Monday, November 16

On 16 November 1988 the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR adopted a Declaration of Sovereignty — the first official step towards the restoration of independence. It was a bold statement within the Soviet Union, declaring the primacy of Estonian laws over those of the USSR. The day marks the culmination of Estonia's Singing Revolution.

Thursday, January 1

Tuesday, February 24

Friday, April 3

Sunday, April 5

Friday, May 1

Sunday, May 24

Tuesday, June 23

Wednesday, June 24

Thursday, August 20

Thursday, December 24

Friday, December 25

Saturday, December 26