Holidays in Jordan offer opportunities to discover the country’s religious traditions, national identity and family life. From gatherings during Eid to Independence Day celebrations, these occasions bring different rhythms to cities, towns and communities.
For visitors, holidays can also affect opening hours, transport and accommodation availability. Understanding the calendar helps you plan thoughtfully while appreciating the meaning of the occasion.
Explore activities and local experiences with Excursions Jordan when arranging your journey.
Understanding Jordan’s Holiday Calendar
Jordan observes both fixed-date national holidays and religious holidays linked to the Islamic lunar calendar.
Islamic holidays move through the Gregorian calendar each year. Their confirmed dates and official holiday periods should be checked through current government announcements.
Not every religious observance is a public holiday. Ramadan, for example, is a month of fasting and worship rather than a month-long closure of businesses and attractions.
Islamic New Year: The First Day of Muharram
The Islamic New Year falls on 1 Muharram, the first day of the Islamic calendar.
Muharram is the name of the entire month; the public holiday marks its beginning. It is generally an occasion for reflection rather than a celebration resembling Gregorian New Year festivities.
Visitors should check opening arrangements for offices, banks and any services they need that day.
Mawlid: The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
Mawlid al-Nabi commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is observed in Jordan on 12 Rabi al-Awwal.
Religious gatherings, readings, charitable activities and family occasions may form part of the observance. Practices vary, and visitors should avoid expecting a particular public programme everywhere.
As with other lunar-calendar holidays, its Gregorian date changes annually.
Ramadan: A Month of Fasting and Community
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims who observe the fast abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, with exemptions recognised for various circumstances.
Prayer, generosity and spending time with family and community are important parts of the month.
What Visitors Can Expect
Working hours, restaurant service and attraction schedules may change. Some businesses become busier in the evening after iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast.
During your visit:
Confirm daytime meal arrangements with your accommodation.
Be considerate by avoiding eating, drinking or smoking openly in public during fasting hours.
Check activity collection times and opening hours.
Allow flexibility around sunset.
Verify alcohol-service arrangements directly with individual venues.
If invited to an iftar, follow your host’s lead and enjoy the opportunity to share the occasion respectfully.
Eid al-Fitr: Celebrating the End of Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr begins on 1 Shawwal, following Ramadan.
The celebration centres on prayer, family visits, generosity and shared food. Children may receive gifts or money, and households welcome relatives and friends.
For travellers, the holiday period can bring increased demand for accommodation, restaurants and leisure activities. Some businesses close temporarily while others become particularly busy.
Book essential arrangements ahead and confirm meeting points and operating schedules.
Eid al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha, beginning on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. In Islamic tradition, God provided an animal in his place.
Prayer, family gatherings and charitable giving are central to the occasion. For those undertaking a ritual sacrifice, sharing meat with relatives and people in need is an important practice.
Participation and household traditions vary. Visitors should approach religious customs respectfully and ask permission before taking photographs.
As another major holiday period, Eid al-Adha can affect travel demand and business hours.
Independence Day: 25 May
Jordan celebrates Independence Day on 25 May, marking the country’s independence in 1946.
Flags, decorations and events may appear across the country, reflecting national pride and identity. Programmes vary by location and year.
Check confirmed event information before travelling specifically for a celebration, and allow additional time around busy venues.
Christmas in Jordan: 25 December
Christmas Day on 25 December is a public holiday in Jordan.
Jordan’s Christian communities celebrate through worship, family gatherings and festive traditions. Decorations and seasonal events may be found in participating churches, neighbourhoods, hotels and businesses.
If attending a church service, confirm visitor arrangements and respect worshippers’ privacy. Religious calendars and service dates can differ between Christian communities.
Other Fixed-Date Public Holidays
Two further dates to keep in mind are:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Gregorian New Year’s Day | 1 January |
| Labour Day | 1 May |
Official announcements determine any additional closure arrangements, so check the calendar for your actual travel year.
How Holidays Can Affect Your Trip
Accommodation and Activities
Popular holiday periods can bring higher demand. Reserve important stays and activities early, especially when travelling with a family or group.
Restaurants and Shops
Opening hours vary. A public holiday does not mean every restaurant or shop closes, but normal schedules should not be assumed.
Transport
Allow extra time for busy roads, family travel and event-related diversions. Reconfirm private collections and scheduled services.
Attractions and Offices
Museums, archaeological sites, banks and government offices may follow different holiday arrangements. Check directly if your plans depend on a particular service.
Browse Jordan experiences and confirm availability for your dates
Taking Part Respectfully
Holidays are personal and meaningful occasions, not simply visitor attractions.
Accept invitations only when you feel comfortable, ask before photographing people and avoid interrupting worship. A friendly greeting and interest in your host’s traditions can create a positive exchange.
During Eid, “Eid Mubarak” is a common greeting wishing someone a blessed holiday.
Discover Jordan with Excursions Jordan
A holiday visit can add another dimension to your understanding of Jordan, whether through an evening meal, a community gathering or the atmosphere of a decorated neighbourhood.
Excursions Jordan brings together activities from local providers across the country. Compare available experiences and confirm holiday schedules, transport and inclusions before booking.
Leave room in your itinerary to appreciate the occasion while respecting the people celebrating it.
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