Moving Holidays: When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is typically observed as a holiday. Easter dates change annually based on the lunar calendar.
2025 Public Holidays
Holiday Calendar 2025
| Date | Holiday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Wednesday |
| February 21 | Robert Mugabe National Youth Day | Friday |
| April 18 | Good Friday | Friday |
| April 19 | Holy Saturday | Saturday |
| April 21 | Easter Monday | Monday |
| April 18 | Independence Day | Friday |
| May 1 | Workers’ Day | Thursday |
| May 25 | Africa Day | Sunday |
| May 26 | Africa Day (observed) | Monday |
| August 11 | Heroes’ Day | Monday |
| August 12 | Defence Forces Day | Tuesday |
| December 22 | National Unity Day | Monday |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Thursday |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | Friday |
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
Robert Mugabe National Youth Day - February 21
About:
Commemorates the birthday of Zimbabwe’s first prime minister and president. 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:
- 2025: April 18-21
- 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:
- 2025: August 11
- 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 Day - Day after Heroes’ Day
About:
Honors Zimbabwe’s military and defense forces. Follows Heroes’ Day, creating a two-day holiday period.Dates:
- 2025: August 12
- 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
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:
| Term | Approximate Dates | Holiday Period |
|---|---|---|
| First Term | January - April | April (varies with Easter) |
| Second Term | May - August | August |
| Third Term | September - December | December - January |
- 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:
| Period | Why It’s Busy |
|---|---|
| Easter Weekend | Long weekend, domestic travel |
| Independence Day Week | National celebration |
| Heroes’/Defence Forces Days | Two-day weekend |
| Christmas-New Year | Peak holiday season |
| School Holidays | Family travel periods |
- 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.
| Event | When | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) | April-May | Harare | Major arts festival |
| Vic Falls Carnival | December 29-31 | Victoria Falls | Music and celebration |
| Zimbabwe International Film Festival | Various | Harare | Film screenings |
| Agricultural Show | August | Harare | Large exhibition |
| Sanganai/Hlanganani Travel Expo | October | Bulawayo/Harare | Tourism trade show |
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)
- Independence Day (April 18)
- Heroes’ Day (August)
- Christmas (December 25)
- Easter
- Christmas/New Year
- School holidays
Last updated: January 2025 Dates are subject to official government announcements. Some holidays may be moved for observance when falling on weekends.