Public holidays help us enjoy more time to relax, spend with family, and dedicate ourselves to personal passions.

It's important to check at the beginning of the year to see what public holidays will be in 2025 and how many working days there will be in total.

That's why we've prepared the calendar of legal public holidays for this year, so you can plan your vacation and mini getaways, especially when holidays fall on Mondays or Fridays.

In 2025, employees in Bulgaria will have 16 legal public holidays. Out of these, 12 holidays fall on weekdays and 4 on the weekend.

According to the legislation, the legal days off in Bulgaria for 2025 when employees do not work are as follows:

January 1 (Wednesday) – New Year's Day

3 March (Monday) – Liberation Day

18 April (Friday) – Good Friday

19 April (Saturday) – Holy Saturday

20 April (Sunday) – Easter Sunday

21 April (Monday) – Easter Monday

1 May (Thursday) – Labor Day

6 May (Tuesday) – St. George's Day

24 May (Saturday) – Culture and Literacy Day

26 May (Monday) – Day off for Culture and Literacy Day

6 September (Saturday) – Unification Day

8 September (Monday) – Day off for Unification Day

22 September (Monday) – Independence Day

24 December (Wednesday) – Christmas Eve

25 December (Thursday) – Christmas Day

26 December (Friday) – Second day of Christmas

Long Weekends in Bulgaria in 2025

Bulgaria will have six long weekends in 2025:

- March 3 (Liberation Day – Bulgaria’s National Day) falls on a Monday.

- The Easter four-day break runs from April 18 to 21, with Easter Sunday coinciding for Orthodox, Protestant, and Roman Catholic believers.

- May 24 (Culture and Literacy Day – Saints Cyril and Methodius Day) is on a Saturday, making May 26 a special public holiday.

- September 6 (Unification Day) is also on a Saturday, so September 8 will be declared a special public holiday.

- September 22 (Independence Day) is on a Monday.

- For 2024, Christmas Eve is on a Wednesday, meaning there will be a five-day weekend from December 24 to 28.

7 advises how to take advantage of public holidays vacation in Bulgaria 2025

1. Plan Your Time Off Early

Checking the calendar of public holidays at the start of the year helps you identify long weekends and bridge days. By doing so, you can maximize your time away from work and secure better travel deals.

2. Combine Days Off and Paid Leave

If a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, consider taking a day of paid leave on the Monday or Friday to create an extended break. This method is especially useful for holidays such as March 3 and September 22.

3. Book Accommodations and Tickets in Advance

Since many people will want to travel during long weekends or on bridging days, it’s best to reserve flights, trains, and hotels well ahead of time. This ensures you get the best prices and fewer booking hassles.

4. Explore Bulgarian Cultural Events

Some public holidays, like Culture and Literacy Day (May 24), coincide with local celebrations. Take advantage of these times to attend festivals, visit museums, or immerse yourself in traditional Bulgarian activities.

5. Plan Mini Getaways

For four-day breaks such as Easter (April 18–21), consider shorter trips within Bulgaria or nearby countries. A quick city break or a nature escape can help you recharge without a lot of travel time.

6. Staycation for Rest and Hobbies

If traveling isn’t your priority, use these public holidays for personal projects or relaxation at home. Indulge in reading, gardening, cooking, or any other hobbies you might not have time for during regular workweeks.

7. Check for Last-Minute Changes

Legislation or public announcements can sometimes shift holiday dates. Stay updated on any official changes so you can adjust your plans accordingly and continue to make the most of public holidays in Bulgaria 2025.

In conclusion, these days, along with vacation time, help you recharge. In today's fast-paced life, these breaks are essential for maintaining high productivity and long-term satisfaction. So, don't forget to organize your free time in 2025 to take advantage of every opportunity to reconnect.