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The change could take effect as early as Christmas Eve 2026.
The proposal, submitted by István Hantosi, Kinga Kalázdi-Kerekes and Zoltán Molnár, aims to promote work-life balance and allow more people, including retail workers, to spend the holiday with their families and communities.
The bill describes Dec. 24 as a shared day of togetherness, peace, love and consideration for others, regardless of religious belief, while recognizing Christmas’s Christian origins and its particular significance for believers.
Under the proposed amendment to the trade law, stores would generally be required to remain closed throughout Christmas Eve, subject to existing statutory exceptions.
Restaurants and other catering establishments, accommodation providers, flower and confectionery shops, and gas stations would still be allowed to open. Shops within public railway stations, bus terminals, airports and gas stations would also retain their exemptions.
The bill’s explanatory memorandum indicates that Dec. 24 could become a public holiday this year, subject to Parliament’s approval.
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