December 24 will become an official public holiday in Hungary starting this year

December 24 will become an official public holiday in Hungary starting this year, after Parliament unanimously approved the Tisza Party’s bill on Tuesday, with 193 votes in favour.

According to the bill’s justification, December 24 is an integral part of the Christmas holiday season in Hungarian society. It is an especially important day for families to spend time together, prepare for the festivities, and observe community and religious traditions.

Declaring December 24 a public holiday will establish a predictable legal status that remains the same from year to year. It will also eliminate the need for the day to be designated as a day off each year through adjustments to the working calendar surrounding public holidays.