List of 16 public holidays in Vatican City for 2027, including Solemnity of Mary, Epiphany, Lateran Treaty Day and more.
As the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City's holiday culture is defined by the liturgical calendar, where religious solemnity meets grand spectacle. Major holidays transform the city-state into a vibrant hub of pilgrimage, featuring papal masses and the world-renowned 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing in St. Peter's Square.
Major religious holidays typically result in the closure of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. St. Peter's Basilica may also be closed to tourists during papal liturgies. Public transportation in the surrounding Roman districts becomes exceptionally crowded, and security checkpoints at the border of St. Peter's Square can see wait times of several hours during peak events.
Business and administrative offices within the Holy See are closed on all major Catholic feast days and significant Vatican anniversaries, such as the anniversary of the Pope's election. It is considered disrespectful to schedule meetings during Holy Week, and business travelers should strictly adhere to a formal dress code that covers shoulders and knees when entering any territory of the State.
To witness the full religious experience, visit during Holy Week (leading up to Easter) or in December for Christmas, but be prepared for extreme crowds and the need for tickets for papal events. To avoid crowds and ensure the museums are open, the best times to visit are mid-week in November or late January.
Common greetings include 'Buon Natale' for Christmas and 'Buona Pasqua' for Easter. In formal or religious settings, 'Auguri' is a versatile phrase for expressing well-wishes during any festive period.