Jordan Public Holidays and Festivals 2026: A Complete Calendar Guide

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Planning a trip to Jordan? Running a business? Or simply curious about cultural celebrations in the Hashemite Kingdom? This comprehensive 2026 Jordan holidays guide includes Islamic holidays (based on lunar sightings), Christian festivals, national days, and weekend structure—all optimized for travelers, expats, and locals.

Table of Contents

📅 Jordan Weekend Schedule (2026)

Jordan observes a Friday–Saturday weekend, unlike much of the Western world. Most government offices, schools, and many private businesses are closed Friday and Saturday.

Official Public Holidays in Jordan 2026

1. New Year’s Day

Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Type: National secular holiday
Notes: Celebrated modestly; banks and government offices closed.

2. Eid al-Fitr 2026 (End of Ramadan)

Expected Dates: March 30 – April 2, 2026 (Tentative – based on moon sighting)
Duration: 3–4 days (varies by royal decree)
Significance: Marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan with communal prayers, family gatherings, and charity (Zakat al-Fitr).
Travel Tip: Many businesses close; book flights and hotels early.
Ramadan 2026 in Jordan:
- Expected to begin around February 28, 2026
- Daily fasting from dawn to sunset; restaurants may have limited daytime hours.

🔗 Learn more about Ramadan in Jordan

3. Labour Day

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Type: National holiday
Notes: Honors workers; most institutions closed.

4. Easter 2026 in Jordan

Jordan has a significant Christian minority (mainly Greek Orthodox). Both Western (Catholic/Protestant) and Eastern (Orthodox) Easter are observed.

Western Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026
Orthodox Easter Sunday: April 19, 2026
Public Holiday: Orthodox Good Friday (April 17, 2026) and Orthodox Easter Monday (April 20, 2026) are official holidays in Jordan.
Celebrations: Especially vibrant in Madaba, Fuheis, and Amman.

🔗 Explore Christian heritage sites in Jordan

5. Independence Day

Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2026
Type: National holiday
Significance: Commemorates Jordan’s independence from British rule in 1946.
Events: Military parades, fireworks, and national pride displays—especially in Amman.

6. Eid al-Adha 2026 (Feast of Sacrifice)

Expected Dates: June 26 – June 29, 2026 (Tentative – based on Hajj dates)
Duration: 4 days (subject to official announcement)
Significance: Honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son; involves animal sacrifice and sharing meat with the needy.
Travel Impact: One of the busiest travel periods in Jordan. Borders may be congested.

🔗 Official Hajj & Eid announcements: Jordan Islamic Affairs Ministry

7. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year 1448)

Expected Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
Type: Religious observance
Notes: A quiet day of reflection; some businesses may close.

8. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)

Expected Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Type: Religious holiday
Celebrations: Mosques decorated; charity events; recitations of poetry.

9. Christmas Day

Date: Friday, December 25, 2026
Type: Public holiday (celebrated by Christian communities)
Observance: Official holiday nationwide. Churches in Amman, Madaba, and Karak hold festive services.

🗓️ Summary Table: Jordan Holidays 2026 (At a Glance)

Holiday	Expected Date(s) 2026	Type
New Year’s Day	Jan 1	National
Eid al-Fitr	Mar 30 – Apr 2 (est.)	Religious
Labour Day	May 1	National
Orthodox Good Friday	Apr 17	Religious
Orthodox Easter Monday	Apr 20	Religious
Independence Day	May 25	National
Eid al-Adha	Jun 26 – Jun 29 (est.)	Religious
Islamic New Year	Jul 20 (est.)	Religious
Prophet’s Birthday	Sep 11 (est.)	Religious
Christmas Day	Dec 25	Religious

⚠️ Note: Islamic holidays depend on the lunar Hijri calendar and moon sightings. Dates may shift by ±1 day based on the Royal Hashemite Court’s official announcement.

🧭 Tips for Travelers & Expats in Jordan (2026)

Ramadan Etiquette: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Holiday Closures: Banks, government offices, and many shops close during Eid and national holidays.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) or Autumn (September–November) for mild weather and cultural festivals.
Transport: Book flights and rental cars well in advance for Eid periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Jordan Holidays 2026

1. What are the public holidays in Jordan in 2026?

Jordan observes a mix of national, Islamic, and Christian holidays in 2026, including:

New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
Eid al-Fitr (late March–early April, tentative)
Orthodox Good Friday & Easter Monday (Apr 17 & 20)
Labour Day (May 1)
Independence Day (May 25)
Eid al-Adha (late June, tentative)
Islamic New Year (July, tentative)
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (September, tentative)
Christmas Day (Dec 25)

Note: Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings and may shift by ±1 day.

2. When is Eid al-Fitr 2026 in Jordan?

Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected to begin on Sunday, March 30, 2026, and last 3–4 days. However, the exact date depends on the sighting of the Shawwal moon, as confirmed by Jordan’s Royal Court. Official announcements are typically made 1–2 days before.

🔗 Check official updates via Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf

3. When does Ramadan start in Jordan in 2026?

Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on Saturday, February 28, 2026, and end around March 29, 2026, pending moon sighting. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and business hours are adjusted nationwide.

4. Is Easter a public holiday in Jordan?

Yes! Jordan recognizes Orthodox Easter (not Western Easter) as a public holiday. In 2026:

Orthodox Good Friday: April 17
Orthodox Easter Monday: April 20
These are official non-working days. Western Easter (April 5) is not a public holiday.

5. When is Eid al-Adha 2026 in Jordan?

Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to start on Thursday, June 26, 2026, and continue for 4 days. It coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage and is one of Jordan’s most significant religious holidays.

6. What is the weekend in Jordan?

Jordan’s official weekend is Friday and Saturday. Most government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed on these days. Sunday is a regular workday.

7. Is tomorrow a public holiday in Jordan?

As of Saturday, December 20, 2025, tomorrow (Sunday, December 21, 2025) is not a public holiday—it’s a regular workday (part of the Sunday–Thursday workweek). For real-time updates, check the Jordan Ministry of Interior.

8. Are shops and restaurants open during Ramadan in Jordan?

Yes—but with modified hours. Most restaurants close during daylight hours out of respect for fasting, but hotels, malls, and delivery services remain operational. After iftar (sunset meal), cities become lively with open cafes and markets.

9. Do Christian holidays count as public holidays in Jordan?

Yes. Despite being a Muslim-majority country, Jordan officially recognizes Christmas Day (Dec 25) and Orthodox Easter holidays as public holidays, reflecting its commitment to religious coexistence.

10. How accurate are 2026 holiday dates for Islamic festivals?

Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar, so 2026 dates are estimates only. The Jordanian government confirms exact dates via moon-sighting committees a day or two in advance. Always verify closer to the date.

11. Can tourists travel freely during Eid in Jordan?

Yes—but expect heavy traffic, crowded attractions, and limited public transport during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Book accommodations and intercity transport (e.g., buses to Petra or Aqaba) weeks in advance.

12. Where can I find the official Jordan holiday calendar for 2026?

Official announcements are issued by:

Ministry of Interior (MOI)
Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
Royal Hashemite Court (for royal decrees on holiday duration)

13. Is Independence Day celebrated nationwide?

Yes! May 25 is a major national holiday marked by flag displays, school events, military parades (in Amman), and patriotic broadcasts. Government offices and most businesses are closed.

14. What should I avoid doing during Ramadan in Jordan?

As a sign of respect:

Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours.
Avoid loud music or public displays of affection.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or rural areas.

15. Are banks closed on public holidays in Jordan?

Yes. All banks in Jordan are closed on official public holidays and during the weekend (Friday–Saturday). ATMs remain accessible.

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