Christmas Day
Nationwide public holiday in Bulgaria · Рождество Христово
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 December | Friday | Nationwide |
| 2026 | 26 December | Saturday | Nationwide |
| 2026 | 28 December | Monday | Christmas Day (observed) Observed day off for Christmas Day (Sat 26 Dec) |
| 2027 | 25 December | Saturday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 26 December | Sunday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 27 December | Monday | Christmas Day (observed) Observed day off for Christmas Day (Sun 26 Dec) |
| 2027 | 28 December | Tuesday | Christmas Day (observed) Observed day off for Christmas Day (Sun 26 Dec) |
Observed days are days off given instead of, or as well as, the holiday's own date, for example when it falls on a weekend or the law moves it to a Monday.
Where it applies
Everywhere in Bulgaria.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Thu 24 Dec – Mon 28 Dec is a 5-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Sofia around 25 December: high 5°C (42°F), low -2°C (28°F), rain on 39% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Sofia. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Friday 25 December in Sofia: (MET Norway)
About Christmas Day
Christmas, Rozhdestvo Hristovo, is celebrated in Bulgaria on 25 December, as the Bulgarian Orthodox Church follows the Revised Julian calendar for fixed feasts. Both 25 and 26 December are public holidays. After the forty-day Christmas fast, the day is marked with church services and family meals that again include meat.
Traditions
A traditional custom is koleduvane, in which groups of young men called koledari visit homes during Christmas night and early morning, singing carols with wishes for health and a good harvest, and receive gifts such as ring-shaped breads. Christmas Day itself is spent with family, often with a meal centred on pork.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Bulgaria
Friday, 1 January 2027
Christmas Day in other countries
More for Bulgaria
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.