Shops in the Balearics will be allowed to open on December 26 in 2026. The decision follows a meeting between representatives of small businesses, major retailers, supermarkets, and trade unions, and keeps a pre-summer agreement in place for three December public holidays with shops open: 6, 20, and 26 December.
The proposal was led by local trade groups AFEDECO and PIMECO, with backing from the supermarket association ASEDA. Large retailers, represented by ANGED, also supported the calendar despite preferring more opening days in December, arguing that the Balearics currently have fewer than most other regions, where four or five days are allowed.
AFEDECO president Joana Manresa welcomed the decision, noting that the 2026 calendar will include ten public holidays with openings: 4 and 18 January, 8 March, 2 April, 15 August, 6 September, 29 November, 6, 20, and 26 December. Two days, 15 August and 6 September, may be swapped for other dates by local councils. “Reaching agreements benefits everyone,” she said.
UGT supported the calendar, while CCOO opposed it. Carmen Carmona of CCOO said they had hoped to move the 26th to the 27th so workers could enjoy two consecutive days off on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. She also argued for a fairer spread of opening days across the year, with no month exceeding two.
For context, December 2025 will also see three public holiday openings: 6, 21, and 28 December. The 2026 calendar maintains continuity while ensuring shops can meet demand during the festive period.
The approved list for 2026:
- 4 January: Sunday before Epiphany (Three Kings Day), a period of high consumer demand linked to sales and gifts.
- 18 January: ordinary Sunday.
- 8 March: Sunday, now notable as it coincides with International Women’s Day.
- 2 April: Maundy Thursday, a holiday with deep religious and social significance.
- 15 August: Saturday, Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
- 6 September: Sunday before the start of the school year, important for last-minute school supply shopping.
- 29 November: Sunday following Black Friday, a key time to take advantage of commercial offers.
- 6 December: coinciding with Spanish Constitution Day, a national holiday.
- 20 December: Sunday in the midst of the Christmas period, a time of high footfall in shops.
- 26 December: Saturday, Boxing Day (Second Christmas Day), officially recognised as a public holiday in the Balearic Islands due to its significant social and commercial impact.