January 2025
- 1st (Wed): New Year’s Day – National holiday
- 6th (Mon): Orthodox Christmas Eve – Optional holiday
- 7th (Tue): Orthodox Christmas Day – National holiday, Orthodox
- 19th (Sun): Epiphany (Orthodox) – Optional holiday
- 27th (Mon): St Sava’s Day – Optional holiday
February 2025
- 14th (Fri): Valentine’s Day – Observance
March 2025
- 1st (Sat): Ramadan Start (Tentative Date) – Observance
- 8th (Sat): Mothers’ Day/International Women’s Day – Observance
- 20th (Thu): March Equinox – Season
- 30th (Sun): Daylight Saving Time starts – Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
- 30th (Sun): Eid al-Fitr – National holiday
- 31st (Mon): Day off for Eid al-Fitr – National holiday
April 2025
- 8th (Tue): International Romani Day (for Romani community) – Optional holiday
- 18th (Fri): Good Friday (Orthodox) – Optional holiday
- 19th (Sat): Easter Saturday (Orthodox) – Observance, Orthodox
- 20th (Sun): Easter Sunday (Orthodox) – Observance, Orthodox
- 21st (Mon): Easter Monday (Orthodox) – National holiday, Orthodox
May 2025
- 1st (Thu): Labor Day – National holiday
- 23rd (Fri): Vlach’s National Day (for Vlach community) – Optional holiday
- 24th (Sat): Saints Cyril and Methodius’ Day – National holiday
June 2025
- 6th (Fri): Friday before Pentecost – Optional holiday
- 7th (Sat): Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) (Tentative Date) – Optional holiday
- 21st (Sat): June Solstice – Season
August 2025
- 2nd (Sat): Republic Day – National holiday
- 28th (Thu): Feast of the Assumption of Mary (Orthodox) – Optional holiday
September 2025
- 8th (Mon): Independence Day – National holiday
- 14th (Sun): Fathers’ Day – Observance
- 22nd (Mon): September Equinox – Season
- 28th (Sun): International Bosniaks’ Day (for Bosniak community) – Optional holiday
October 2025
- 2nd (Thu): First day of Yom Kippur (Jewish community) – Optional holiday
- 11th (Sat): Day of People’s Uprising – National holiday
- 23rd (Thu): Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle – National holiday
- 26th (Sun): Daylight Saving Time ends – Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
- 31st (Fri): Halloween – Observance
November 2025
- 1st (Sat): All Saints’ Day – Optional holiday
- 22nd (Sat): Albanian Alphabet Day (Albanian community) – Optional holiday
December 2025
- 8th (Mon): Saint Kliment Ohridski’s Day – National holiday
- 21st (Sun): Turkish Language Day (Turkish community) – Optional holiday
- 21st (Sun): December Solstice – Season
- 24th (Wed): Christmas Eve – Observance
- 25th (Thu): Christmas Day – Optional holiday
- 31st (Wed): New Year’s Eve – Observance
Note: Dates marked as “Tentative” are based on astronomical calculations and may vary depending on lunar observations.
Additional Information:
- Shops and Businesses: Most shops and businesses, including government offices and banks, are closed on national public holidays. Essential services, such as hospitals and certain restaurants, may remain open.
- Public Transportation: On public holidays, public transportation may operate on a reduced schedule, and certain routes might be affected. It’s advisable to check with local transport authorities or specific service providers for the most up-to-date information.
- Tourist Attractions: Generally, tourist attractions and historical sites in Skopje remain open on public holidays. However, it’s recommended to confirm the opening hours with each attraction in advance, as some may have special operating hours or closures.
- Restaurants and Cafes: Many restaurants and cafes in Skopje are open on public holidays. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to check with individual establishments beforehand, especially if you have specific dining preferences or plans.
- Traditional Customs: Each holiday in North Macedonia has its unique customs and traditions. For instance, on Orthodox Christmas Day, people attend church services and participate in festive family gatherings. During Epiphany (Vodici), a cross is thrown into a nearby body of water, and young men compete to retrieve it, symbolizing the baptism of Jesus.
- Special Events: Skopje often hosts various cultural events, festivals, and concerts during public holidays, especially on Independence Day and other significant national holidays. You can inquire with local tourist information centers for specific event schedules.
- Alcohol Availability: Alcohol is generally available for purchase and consumption in restaurants, bars, and licensed establishments during public holidays. However, some smaller shops might have restricted hours.
- Visiting Religious Sites: Yes, you can visit religious sites during public holidays. In fact, some religious sites might have special services or events on these occasions. Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites