2026 long weekend calendar: Best dates to take short vacations all year

As we close the chapter on 2025 and step into 2026, the upcoming year looks set to be every corporate traveller’s dream tenure, filled with multiple long weekends spread throughout the year.

The 2026 calendar has already caught the attention of early planners, giving us a glimpse of how festivals fall around holiday seasons and how one can strategically plan mini vacations.For those who wish to travel in 2026, it’s time to plan your travel windows, book accommodation and flights early, and avoid burning a hole in your pocket.JanuaryThe year starts with a break from January 1 to January 4, which is just a few days away.

As New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, one can take Friday off, making it a long weekend. In the same month, there is another window from January 23 to January 26, where Vasant Panchami on the 23rd aligns with the weekend, and Republic Day falling on a Monday gives you a four-day travel opportunity.

FebruaryIn February, the holy Mahashivratri falls on February 15. Later in the month, Holi preparations begin around February 28, offering another potential break for corporate travellers.

MarchThe month starts with Holi falling on March 3, creating a four-day stretch when paired with the weekend. In the same month, Eid al-Fitr falls between March 20 and 22. Later, there is another long window from March 26 to March 31, stretching from Ram Navami to Mahavir Jayanti, making it ideal for travel planning.AprilApril is relatively quiet, but one can get a breather during the Good Friday weekend from April 3 to April 5.MayMay brings a short travel opportunity around Buddha Purnima, allowing you to plan a quick getaway from May 1 to May 3.JuneJune is another quiet month, with just one travel window from June 26 to June 29, centred around Muharram.JulyIn July, there is a getaway opportunity from July 16 to July 19, during Rath Yatra, making it a good time to visit Odisha.AugustAugust is usually the richest month for holidays, and this year is no different.

There is a break window from August 25 to August 30, combining Milad-un-Nabi, Onam, and Raksha Bandhan with a weekend.

SeptemberSeptember has two shorter breaks. One can plan around Janmashtami from September 4 to September 6. In the same month, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on a Monday, offering another travel window from September 12 to September 14.OctoberOctober includes the Gandhi Jayanti weekend from October 2 to October 4, followed by the Dussehra holidays from October 17 to October 20.NovemberNovember begins with Diwali on November 8, allowing for a travel window from November 6 to November 10, which includes Bhai Dooj, Govardhan Puja, and more. The month ends with the Guru Nanak Jayanti break from November 21 to November 24.

DecemberFinally, wrap up the year with the Christmas weekend from December 25 to December 27 and get ready for your 2027 vision board.Overall, 2026 comes with multiple long weekends, offering plenty of travel possibilities, especially for corporate professionals. Whether you’re planning a short weekend escape or a longer holiday, it’s the perfect year to plan ahead and enjoy more affordable flights and accommodation for a stress-free vacation.