Christmas Day in Egypt is celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Christian community and marks the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar. It is one of Egypt's most important religious holidays and a sign of the country's long Christian heritage and coexistence. Churches hold midnight liturgies, families gather for festive meals, and many neighborhoods visit churches and relatives. Public life slows down and government offices close, while some shops and services operate with limited hours. The day matters nationally because it recognizes the Coptic Church's historic role in Egyptian identity. If the date falls on a weekend, the government may move the day off to a nearby Thursday.

January 25 commemorates the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and also coincides with National Police Day. The holiday honors the protests that led to major political change and also recognizes the historical role of the police force. It is marked by official ceremonies, national media programming, and public remembrance across the country. As a public holiday, government offices and many businesses close or reduce hours. The day matters because it remains a key date in modern Egyptian civic memory. Public squares often display flags, and schools and media revisit the events and their impact. In some years, the government may reschedule the day off to a nearby Thursday if it falls on a weekend.

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan with morning prayers, family visits, and festive meals across Egypt. The holiday is set by the Hijri lunar calendar, so the date depends on moon sighting and may change by plus or minus one day. It is a nationwide public holiday, and many government offices and businesses close while transport and retail often run special schedules. The first day carries the most formal observances, with mosques hosting community prayers and streets filling with families. The holiday matters because it closes a month of fasting and charity and highlights social bonds across Egypt.

The second day of Eid al-Fitr continues celebrations with family gatherings, gift giving, and visits to relatives. It follows the Hijri calendar, so the date depends on moon sighting and may change by plus or minus one day. It remains a public holiday nationwide, and many workplaces stay closed while public spaces and markets are busy. The day matters as part of a multi day national celebration that emphasizes generosity and community, with many families sharing meals and sweets. Many households host guests and share traditional desserts. For planning, note that official confirmations can shift the date slightly, and services may operate on holiday hours.

The third Eid al-Fitr holiday extends the festive period with visits, meals, and public celebrations. The date is tied to the Hijri calendar and may change by plus or minus one day based on moon sighting. It is a public holiday in Egypt, and many services operate on holiday schedules or reduced hours. Parks, malls, and waterfronts are typically crowded as families spend time together. The day matters because it completes the national celebration of Ramadan's end and supports social ties across communities. Many neighborhoods host local gatherings and family visits. Travelers should expect increased domestic movement and limited government services.

Sham El-Nessim is Egypt’s spring festival with roots in ancient traditions. Families head to parks, gardens, and the Nile to enjoy outdoor meals, and it’s common to eat salted fish (feseekh), green onions, and eggs. It is a nationwide public holiday and marks the start of the spring season with a festive, family-focused atmosphere.

Sinai Liberation Day marks the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Sinai Peninsula in 1982 after the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. The day symbolizes the restoration of Egyptian sovereignty over Sinai and is an important milestone in the country's modern diplomatic history. Official celebrations, military tributes, and patriotic events are held nationwide, and schools often highlight the historical context. Many government services close, and businesses may operate on reduced schedules. It matters as a reminder of national unity and territorial integrity, and televised programs often emphasize Sinai's strategic role. If it falls on a weekend, authorities sometimes move the day off to a nearby Thursday.

Labour Day in Egypt celebrates the contributions of workers across all sectors of the economy. It is observed as a nationwide public holiday, with official speeches and events highlighting workers' rights, productivity, and social development. Public institutions and many businesses close or operate on reduced schedules. The day matters because labor and public service are central to Egypt's economic and social life, and unions often highlight workplace achievements. Many families use the day for rest and local outings. In some years, the government may shift the day off to a nearby Thursday if the holiday falls on a weekend, but the calendar date remains the official observance.

Arafat Day is one of the most important days in the Hajj pilgrimage and is widely observed in Egypt with fasting and prayer. The date follows the Hijri lunar calendar and depends on moon sighting, so it may change by plus or minus one day. It is a nationwide public holiday, and many institutions close or operate limited hours. The day matters because it is a sacred moment in Islamic tradition and shapes the rhythm of religious life in Egypt. Many families attend mosque programs or observe the day quietly at home, and public life slows noticeably across cities and towns.

Eid al-Adha commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim and is observed in Egypt with prayers, family gatherings, and charitable giving. The date is set by the Hijri calendar and depends on moon sighting, so it may shift by plus or minus one day. It is a public holiday with closures across government offices and many businesses. The first day is the most ceremonial, with mosque prayers and community gatherings. The holiday matters because it connects faith, sacrifice, and social solidarity, and it often brings increased domestic travel and busy public spaces. Many families plan visits across governorates and arrange shared meals.

The second day of Eid al-Adha continues family visits, shared meals, and holiday outings. It follows the Hijri calendar and may change by plus or minus one day depending on moon sighting. The day remains a public holiday across Egypt, and many services operate on reduced schedules while leisure venues are busy. It matters because the holiday is a key period for family ties and community generosity, with many people visiting elders and neighbors. Charitable visits and community meals remain common. Many families extend visits into the evening. Travelers should expect high demand for transport, and some government services may remain closed or limited.

The third day of Eid al-Adha keeps the holiday rhythm with social visits and community celebrations. The date depends on the Hijri calendar and can shift by plus or minus one day. It is a public holiday nationwide, with many workplaces closed or on limited hours. Public spaces stay lively as families continue celebrations and short trips. The day matters because the extended holiday is widely used for rest and visiting relatives, and it reinforces a sense of shared national observance. Many people also use the day for local travel and leisure. Planning should account for reduced government services and holiday schedules.

The fourth day of Eid al-Adha rounds out the holiday period with family gatherings and visits to friends and relatives. The date is tied to the Hijri calendar and may move by plus or minus one day based on moon sighting. It remains a public holiday in Egypt, and many institutions continue holiday schedules. The day matters because it completes a major national celebration and allows for longer travel and rest. Many families use this final day for visits and local outings, while services and offices may still be closed or on reduced hours. Some people also return from trips on this day.

Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and is observed in Egypt with quiet reflection and religious programming. The date depends on moon sighting and can change by plus or minus one day. It is a nationwide public holiday, though observances tend to be modest and family focused. Government offices and many businesses close or operate reduced hours. The day matters as a spiritual reset and a reminder of Islamic heritage in Egypt. Public events are limited compared to major feasts, but mosques often host special sermons and lessons and families may gather quietly at home. Many people listen to recitations and historical stories.

June 30 Revolution Day commemorates the mass protests of 2013 that led to significant political change in Egypt. The holiday reflects a pivotal moment in the country's recent history and is marked by official statements, national media coverage, and public observance. It is recognized as a nationwide public holiday, with many government offices closed and public services running on limited schedules. The day matters for national identity and contemporary politics, and it is distinct from the 1952 Revolution Day on July 23. The date is often discussed in public discourse and civic education. In some years, the day off may be rescheduled to a nearby Thursday.

Revolution Day celebrates the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, which ended the monarchy and led to the establishment of the modern republic. It is one of the most historically significant national holidays in Egypt and honors figures such as the Free Officers Movement. The day is observed nationwide with official ceremonies, patriotic media, and public events. It matters as a foundation of modern Egyptian statehood and is distinct from the 2011 Revolution Day on January 25. Museums and documentaries often revisit the era to explain its long term impact. As a public holiday, many offices close or reduce hours, and authorities may move the day off to a nearby Thursday in some years.

The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, known as Mawlid, is observed with prayers, sermons, and community gatherings across Egypt. The holiday follows the Hijri lunar calendar and depends on moon sighting, so the date may change by plus or minus one day. It is a public holiday, with closures in government offices and many institutions. The day matters because it honors the Prophet's life and teachings and is widely recognized across society. In many cities, sweets and traditional celebrations are common, and families visit mosques or attend public programs while services operate on holiday schedules. Markets often sell festive confections and decorations.

Armed Forces Day commemorates the start of the October War of 1973, when Egyptian forces crossed the Suez Canal during the conflict with Israel. The holiday honors the military and its role in defending national sovereignty and is a key date in modern Egyptian history. Military parades, official speeches, and commemorative events take place across the country, often alongside educational programming. It is a nationwide public holiday, with closures in government offices and reduced business hours. The day matters as a symbol of national pride and sacrifice, and the day off can be moved by government decision in some years. Veterans and families are often recognized in local ceremonies.