Should you plan your shopping for the upcoming national holiday on November 1? This year, the rules governing store hours in Slovakia have changed, so the answer isn’t so obvious. Let’s take a look at what will be open on All Saints’ Day and other holidays.
The upcoming public holiday in Slovakia is November 1, All Saints’ Day (Sviatok všetkých svätých). This year, it falls on a Sunday, so most employees won’t get an extra day off. What has changed, however, are the rules governing store operations. Unlike in previous years, most stores will now be allowed to remain open.
New Rules: What Has Changed in 2026
Starting in 2026, the government amended the Labor Code as part of measures to stabilize public finances. One of the consequences was a reduction in the list of holidays on which large stores are required to close.
Now, retail stores must be closed on only six days a year:
- January 1 (New Year’s Day);
- Good Friday;
- Easter Sunday;
- December 24 (Christmas Eve)—after 12:00 p.m.;
- December 25 (Christmas Day);
- December 26 (Boxing Day).
On all other public holidays, including November 1, stores may operate as usual. This means you no longer have to plan major shopping trips in advance. You can check the full list and current status of all public holidays and weekends in our guide.
All Saints’ Day 2026: Business Hours and Traditions
So, on November 1, 2026, large retail chains and other stores are permitted to be open. But this is not a requirement—each chain decides for itself. Therefore, before heading to a store, it’s best to check the hours of operation on its official website.
For Slovaks, All Saints’ Day is first and foremost a time for reflection and remembering deceased relatives. On this day, it is customary to visit cemeteries, decorate graves with flowers, and light candles. The tradition continues the following day, November 2, which, although not a public holiday, is known as “Dušičky” (All Souls’ Day) and is also dedicated to the memory of ancestors.
Exceptions and Nuances
Even on days when there is a general ban on commerce, there are exceptions. The following may still operate:
- gas stations;
- pharmacies;
- stores at airports, train stations, and hospitals;
- souvenir shops;
- small shops where the owner works behind the counter.
The new rules give both shoppers and businesses more freedom. But there’s another side to this: for store employees, it means fewer guaranteed days off throughout the year.
