Finland Public Holidays
Finland Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Finland? All public holidays in Finland are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Finland employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Finland and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Finland, a Nordic country known for its stunning landscapes, modern cities, and rich cultural history, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays range from religious observances to national celebrations and commemorate significant historical events in the country’s journey towards independence. Finland has a rich tradition of observing public holidays, many of which reflect the strong Christian influences on the country’s culture, particularly within the Lutheran faith. Other holidays celebrate Finland’s independence, labor rights, and cultural heritage, offering opportunities for both national reflection and celebration.
National Holidays in Finland
1. New Year’s Day (Uudenvuodenpäivä) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day is a national holiday in Finland that marks the beginning of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar. The day is a time for people to reflect on the past year and celebrate the start of a new one. In Finland, New Year’s Eve is traditionally marked with fireworks, parties, and gatherings, and many people attend the famous presidential New Year’s reception. On January 1, Finns enjoy a relaxed day, with many spending time with family or recovering from the New Year’s festivities. Most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Epiphany (Loppiainen) – January 6
Date: January 6
Description: Epiphany marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men to visit the baby Jesus. In Finland, this holiday is celebrated with church services and family gatherings. While it is primarily a religious observance, many Finns enjoy a day of rest, with some attending Mass and others partaking in winter activities such as skiing or spending time outdoors. In the past, Epiphany was also associated with the end of the Christmas season, and many Finnish homes would take down their Christmas decorations on this day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Easter (Pääsiäinen) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Easter in Finland is a major Christian holiday, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Easter weekend spans Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Sunday, and it is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and various customs. Finnish families often enjoy a traditional Easter meal, including lamb, potatoes, and pastries. On Good Friday, many attend church services to observe the Passion of Christ, while Easter Sunday is a day of joy, celebrating the resurrection.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 3 (Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Sunday)
4. Labour Day (Vappu) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day, known as Vappu in Finland, is a celebration of workers’ rights and is one of the most vibrant public holidays in the country. It is a time when people gather for parades, street parties, and picnics. Vappu has its roots in the labor movement, and it is particularly popular among students, who celebrate the day with their friends and family, wearing traditional student caps and enjoying outdoor activities. The day is marked by speeches, marches, and celebrations, and it is a public holiday for workers and students alike.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Ascension Day (Helatorstai) – Varies (May/June)
Date: Varies (May/June)
Description: Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. In Finland, the day is observed by attending church services, where people reflect on the significance of Christ’s ascension. While the day is not as widely celebrated as other holidays, it is still an important religious observance for many Finns. Ascension Day is a public holiday, and many people enjoy a day of rest, often spending time in nature or with family.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
6. Midsummer (Juhannus) – Varies (June)
Date: Varies (June)
Description: Midsummer is one of the most beloved holidays in Finland, marking the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. The holiday is celebrated by gathering at summer cottages, enjoying nature, and participating in traditional Finnish customs such as sauna bathing and lighting bonfires. Midsummer is associated with Finnish folklore, and many people enjoy traditional foods like grilled sausages, fish, and new potatoes. The holiday is a time for relaxation and enjoyment, and it is celebrated across Finland with various festivals, concerts, and outdoor activities.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
7. Finnish Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä) – December 6
Date: December 6
Description: Finnish Independence Day commemorates the day in 1917 when Finland declared its independence from Russia. It is one of the most important national holidays in Finland, marked by a solemn reflection on the sacrifices made for Finland’s freedom. Independence Day is celebrated with official ceremonies, including a presidential address and the lighting of candles in homes across the country. The evening is highlighted by a grand presidential ball, which is attended by Finnish dignitaries.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
8. Christmas Day (Joulupäivä) – December 25
Date: December 25
Description: Christmas Day in Finland is celebrated as a religious and cultural holiday, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for family gatherings, attending church services, and enjoying traditional Finnish Christmas foods such as ham, casseroles, and desserts like joulutortut (Christmas tarts). In Finland, Christmas is typically a quiet, peaceful holiday, with many families spending time in the sauna or visiting relatives. Christmas Day is a public holiday, and most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
9. Boxing Day (Tapaninpäivä) – December 26
Date: December 26
Description: Boxing Day, or St. Stephen’s Day, is celebrated in Finland as a continuation of Christmas. It is a time for spending time with family and friends and enjoying the Christmas leftovers. Many Finns also visit relatives or take part in outdoor activities like skiing or ice fishing. While not as widely celebrated as Christmas Day itself, Boxing Day is an official public holiday and a time for relaxation.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Finland
1. All Saints’ Day (All Saints’ Day) – Varies (October/November)
Date: Varies (October/November)
Description: All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday that honors all the saints, both known and unknown. In Finland, the day is marked by church services, prayers, and visits to cemeteries where families honor deceased loved ones. All Saints’ Day is a solemn occasion, and many Finns attend church to reflect on the lives of saints and the importance of faith in everyday life. The day is a public holiday, and most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Ascension Day (Helatorstai) – Varies (May/June)
Date: Varies (May/June)
Description: Ascension Day is a Christian feast day celebrating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a public holiday in Finland, marked by attending church services, prayers, and reflections on the significance of the event in Christian faith. Although Ascension Day is not celebrated as widely as other Christian holidays, it remains an important day for the Lutheran community in Finland.
Observance: Nationally, particularly among Christians
Days Off: 1
3. St. Stephen’s Day (Tapaninpäivä) – December 26
Date: December 26
Description: St. Stephen’s Day, or Boxing Day, is a Christian holiday in Finland. It celebrates St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The day is marked by church services and family gatherings. It is also a time for many to relax and continue the Christmas celebrations, often enjoying time with family or spending the day outdoors.
Observance: Nationally, particularly among Christians
Days Off: 1
Cultural Holidays in Finland
1. Vappu (May Day) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Vappu, also known as May Day, is a traditional Finnish holiday that celebrates both the working class and students. It is one of the largest celebrations in Finland, with people taking part in outdoor picnics, parades, and gatherings. The day is especially popular among students, who wear their student caps and take part in various festivities. The holiday marks the arrival of spring and is characterized by cheerful gatherings, with Finns enjoying food, drinks, and music.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Midsummer (Juhannus) – Varies (June)
Date: Varies (June)
Description: Midsummer is one of the most significant holidays in Finland, celebrating the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. It is a time for Finns to retreat to their summer cottages and enjoy nature. The holiday is marked by traditional bonfires, saunas, music, and dancing. Finns celebrate Midsummer with family and friends, often enjoying traditional foods like new potatoes and herring. The holiday has strong connections to Finnish folklore and is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
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 (Uudenvuodenpäivä) | January 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Epiphany (Loppiainen) | January 6 | 1 | Nationally |
| Easter (Pääsiäinen) | Varies (March/April) | 3 | Nationally, Christian communities |
| Labour Day (Labour Day) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Ascension Day (Helatorstai) | Varies (May/June) | 1 | Nationally, Christian communities |
| Midsummer (Juhannus) | Varies (June) | 1 | Nationally |
| Finnish Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä) | December 6 | 1 | Nationally |
| Christmas Day (Joulupäivä) | December 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| Boxing Day (Tapaninpäivä) | December 26 | 1 | Nationally |
| All Saints’ Day (All Saints’ Day) | Varies (October/November) | 1 | Nationally, Christian communities |
| St. Stephen’s Day (Tapaninpäivä) | December 26 | 1 | Nationally, Christian communities |
| Vappu (May Day) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally, students |
