There are 11 public holidays in the Cook Islands in 2026, two of which fall on weekends: ANZAC Day and Boxing Day.
Year's Day
New Year Holiday is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world. In the Cook Islands, the holiday was celebrated on January 1 and 2, 2026.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 3, 2026.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is observed on April 6, 2026.
ANZAC Day
The acronym ANZAC stands for "Australian and New Zealand Army Corps", and soldiers were known as Anzacs. ANZAC Day is one of the most important national occasions in Australia and New Zealand, and it commemorates all those who served and died in wars and peacekeeping operations. The holiday is observed on Apr 25, 2026.
Sovereign's Birthday
The Sovereign's Birthday, observed on June 1, 2026, was celebrated as Queen's Birthday before 2023 to celebrate the monarch's birthday. The holiday is an important recognition of the new monarch, King Charles III, who became the King of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms following the death of his mother, Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022.
Ui Ariki Day
Ra o te Ui Ariki is a holiday in the Cook Islands, observed on July 3, 2026. In 1965, the islands became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. In the same year, the House of Ariki, a parliamentary body, was suggested and built-in 1967. The House of Ariki comprises 24 Cook Islands high chiefs (Ariki). As a result, Ra o te Ui Ariki can be translated as "Day of the high chief council".
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is a holiday in the Cook Islands. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when the Constitution of the Cook Islands was promulgated in 1965. The holiday falls on August 4, 2026.
Gospel Day
Gospel Day is a public holiday in the Cook Islands. The holiday commemorates when Christianity was first brought to the islands in 1821. The holiday falls on October 26, 2026.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2026, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen's Day and is widely known as a shopping holiday in some countries. It falls on December 26, 2026.
The following is the list of public holidays in Cook Islands 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2026 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| New Year Holiday | Jan 02, 2026 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 03, 2026 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 06, 2026 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| ANZAC Day | Apr 25, 2026 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Sovereign's Birthday | Jun 01, 2026 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Ui Ariki Day | Jul 03, 2026 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Constitution Day | Aug 04, 2026 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Gospel Day | Oct 26, 2026 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2026 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2026 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in the Cook Islands in 2026.