Denmark Public Holidays
Denmark Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Denmark? All public holidays in Denmark are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Denmark employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Denmark and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Denmark, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and a deep sense of community, celebrates several public holidays that reflect the nation’s religious, cultural, and historical values. These holidays serve as opportunities for reflection, family gatherings, and national pride. From the observance of religious festivals such as Christmas and Easter to the commemoration of historical events like the Danish Constitution Day, the public holidays in Denmark offer a window into the country’s traditions and the significance of its cultural identity.
National Holidays in Denmark
1. New Year’s Day (Nytårsdag) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the new year in Denmark and is a public holiday observed with family gatherings, parties, and various festivities. Many Danes celebrate the evening before, with fireworks, champagne toasts, and dinners with friends and family. On January 1, the day is generally quiet, with most businesses, government offices, and public services closed. It is a time for rest, reflection, and planning for the year ahead.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Maundy Thursday (Skærtorsdag) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Maundy Thursday is observed as part of the Christian Holy Week, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, which includes Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. In Denmark, Maundy Thursday is primarily observed with church services, where the sacrament of the Eucharist is given, and people reflect on Christ’s teachings. It is not a nationwide public holiday in the same way as Good Friday, but many people take time off from work to participate in religious observances.
Observance: Nationally, particularly in Christian communities
Days Off: 1 (for religious observance)
3. Good Friday (Langfredag) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Good Friday is one of the most significant religious holidays in Denmark, as it marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. On this solemn day, Danes reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, with church services and processions. Good Friday is a public holiday, and most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. It is a day of remembrance and solemnity, with many people attending church to participate in religious ceremonies and observe the gravity of the day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Easter Sunday (Påskedag) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Easter Sunday is a major Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In Denmark, Easter Sunday is observed with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. It is common for families to have a special Easter breakfast or dinner, with dishes like eggs, lamb, and other traditional foods. The holiday is also associated with Easter eggs and springtime celebrations, marking the end of the Lenten season and the beginning of Eastertide.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Labour Day (Arbejdernes Kampdag) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, is a public holiday in Denmark that honors the achievements of workers and the labor movement. It is marked by parades, demonstrations, and speeches advocating for workers’ rights, social justice, and equality. Political parties, labor unions, and civil society groups often organize rallies in cities like Copenhagen. The day is a time for reflection on the rights of workers and the progress of the labor movement.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
6. Constitution Day (Grundlovsdag) – June 5
Date: June 5
Description: Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the Danish Constitution on June 5, 1849, which marked the transition of Denmark into a constitutional monarchy and a more democratic society. The day is marked by patriotic celebrations, speeches, and public events that reflect on the significance of Denmark’s constitution. It is an opportunity for the Danish people to reflect on their political freedoms, the rule of law, and the importance of democracy. Constitution Day is celebrated throughout the country with various activities, including political discussions, educational events, and cultural performances.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
7. Christmas Eve (Juleaften) – December 24
Date: December 24
Description: Christmas Eve is the primary day of celebration for Christmas in Denmark, as it is the day when Danish families gather for the traditional Christmas dinner. The evening includes opening of gifts, festive meals (including roast duck or goose, caramelized potatoes, and rice pudding), and attending church services in the evening. It is considered one of the most significant holidays for Danes, and most businesses and schools close for the day. The holiday is a time for family, togetherness, and celebration of the Christmas spirit.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
8. Christmas Day (Juledag) – December 25
Date: December 25
Description: Christmas Day follows Christmas Eve and is a public holiday in Denmark, though it is primarily a time for relaxing with family after the celebrations of the night before. Most Danes spend the day with loved ones, enjoying the leftovers from Christmas Eve dinners, watching TV, and resting. It is a quiet day, and most shops, businesses, and government offices are closed. Christmas Day is traditionally a day for family gatherings and reflecting on the religious significance of the holiday.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
9. Boxing Day (Anden Juledag) – December 26
Date: December 26
Description: Boxing Day, or Second Christmas Day, is observed in Denmark as a public holiday. Traditionally, it is a day for visiting friends and extended family or continuing the Christmas celebrations. It is a day for relaxation after the busy Christmas festivities, often with leftovers from Christmas meals. In some areas, it is a day for community events, concerts, and visits to local attractions.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Denmark
1. Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelfartsdag) – Varies (May/June)
Date: Varies (May/June)
Description: Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, forty days after his resurrection. In Denmark, the day is observed with church services and religious reflections. Although it is not a public holiday that results in widespread closures, many people take the day off to attend religious services and participate in spiritual activities.
Observance: Nationally, especially in Christian communities
Days Off: 1 (for religious observance)
2. Whit Sunday (Pinsedag) – Varies (May/June)
Date: Varies (May/June)
Description: Whit Sunday, also known as Pentecost, celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, which is considered the beginning of the Christian Church. In Denmark, it is marked by church services and religious celebrations. The day is significant for Christians and is often observed with gatherings, prayers, and family time. It is a public holiday, and most businesses and schools are closed for the day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. St. Hans Day (Sankt Hans Aften) – June 23
Date: June 23
Description: St. Hans Day is celebrated as the summer solstice and is one of Denmark’s most important traditional holidays. The day marks the celebration of the longest day of the year, and it is associated with bonfires, parties, and gatherings around the country. It is a pagan tradition that has been integrated into Danish culture, with the celebration of St. John the Baptist. Bonfires are lit in coastal towns and in rural areas to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. The holiday has both secular and religious elements and serves as a community celebration.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Other National Holidays and Observances
1. National Flag Day (Dannebrog) – June 15
Date: June 15
Description: National Flag Day is observed to honor the Danish flag, Dannebrog, which is considered the oldest continuously used national flag in the world. The holiday commemorates the legend of how the flag first appeared in the 13th century. While not a statutory public holiday resulting in nationwide closures, Danes often display the national flag in celebration of this day, reflecting national pride and patriotism.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: Not a public holiday, but widely observed
2. National Day for Denmark’s Abolition of the Monarchy (Danmarks Statsreform) – October 1
Date: October 1
Description: National Day for Denmark’s Abolition of the Monarchy commemorates the day in 1849 when the Danish people voted to abolish absolute monarchy and establish a constitutional monarchy. This day is a celebration of the establishment of Denmark’s modern political system. It is marked by speeches, public ceremonies, and gatherings.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: Not a public holiday
Public Holidays Observance and Work Schedule
The following table shows the public holidays, the number of days off, and which groups of people observe the holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Nytårsdag) | January 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Maundy Thursday (Skærtorsdag) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally (Christian communities) |
| Good Friday (Langfredag) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally |
| Easter Sunday (Påskedag) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally |
| Labour Day (Arbejdernes Kampdag) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Constitution Day (Grundlovsdag) | June 5 | 1 | Nationally |
| Christmas Eve (Juleaften) | December 24 | 1 | Nationally |
| Christmas Day (Juledag) | December 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| Boxing Day (Anden Juledag) | December 26 | 1 | Nationally |
| Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelfartsdag) | Varies (May/June) | 1 | Nationally (Christian communities) |
| Whit Sunday (Pinsedag) | Varies (May/June) | 1 | Nationally |
| St. Hans Day (Sankt Hans Aften) | June 23 | 1 | Nationally |
| National Flag Day (Dannebrog) | June 15 | 0 | Nationally |
| National Day for Denmark’s Abolition of the Monarchy | October 1 | 0 | Nationally |
