Iceland Public Holidays
Iceland Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Iceland? All public holidays in Iceland are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Iceland employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Iceland and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Iceland, located in the North Atlantic, has a unique blend of public holidays that reflect its rich cultural, historical, and religious traditions. From celebrations of Icelandic independence to religious observances and modern holidays, the public holidays in Iceland are deeply rooted in both local and global traditions. Below is a comprehensive list and description of the key public holidays in Iceland, categorized by type and observance.
1. New Year’s Day (Nýársdagur) – January 1
Description
New Year’s Day in Iceland marks the beginning of the new year and is celebrated with both local and modern traditions. Icelanders traditionally celebrate the evening before New Year’s Day, with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. The Icelandic New Year’s celebration is famous for its spectacular fireworks displays, particularly in Reykjavik, where the sky lights up at midnight.
Observance
New Year’s Day is a public holiday throughout Iceland. It is a day for family and community celebrations, with many people spending time together. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed. Public transport is limited, and essential services operate with reduced hours. Icelandic families often gather for a traditional meal, and there are also many outdoor celebrations.
2. Thirteenth Day of Christmas (Þrettándinn) – January 6
Description
The Thirteenth Day of Christmas, or “Þrettándinn,” is the final day of the Icelandic Christmas celebration. It marks the end of the holiday season and is a day when people often enjoy the last of the Christmas feasts, engage in outdoor activities, and participate in various festive events. The day is tied to the Icelandic tradition of the Yule Lads (jólasveinar), mythological figures who visit children during the Christmas season.
Observance
The Thirteenth Day of Christmas is observed throughout Iceland, especially in rural areas where traditional customs are more deeply rooted. It is a public holiday, with many businesses and government offices closed. On this day, children often enjoy bonfires, and fireworks are set off in some regions. People mark the end of the Christmas season with family gatherings and celebrations.
3. Good Friday (Föstudagurinn langi) – Date Varies
Description
Good Friday is a solemn Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Iceland, it is observed as part of the Holy Week celebrations, which include Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Good Friday is a time for reflection, prayer, and church services for many Icelanders, particularly within the Christian community.
Observance
Good Friday is a public holiday in Iceland, and many businesses and government offices close for the day. Churches hold special services, and some people take part in fasting or other religious observances. It is a day of solemnity, with most activities being quiet and reflective. Public transport is available, but it operates on a limited schedule.
4. Easter Sunday (Páskadagur) – Date Varies
Description
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important Christian holidays in Iceland. It marks the end of Lent and the beginning of a joyful celebration for Christians. Icelanders celebrate Easter with church services, family gatherings, and traditional meals. The holiday is also associated with various Icelandic customs, such as Easter eggs and special foods.
Observance
Easter Sunday is a public holiday, and it is observed with religious services, family meals, and outdoor activities. Many people attend church services, and the day is often spent with close family members. Most businesses and government offices are closed, though essential services may remain operational. Public transport operates on a limited schedule.
5. First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti) – Date Varies
Description
The First Day of Summer is an Icelandic holiday celebrated on the first Thursday after April 18. The holiday is associated with the ancient Icelandic calendar, marking the start of summer in Iceland. This day celebrates the arrival of warmer weather, even though temperatures in Iceland can still be cold. It is a public holiday and a time for Icelanders to welcome the season of growth and renewal.
Observance
The First Day of Summer is observed across Iceland with public celebrations, including parades and outdoor activities. Many Icelanders participate in traditional events such as the “sumarhátíð” (summer festival) in various towns and cities. Schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed, and public transport operates on a reduced schedule.
6. Labour Day (Vinnuveitendadagur) – May 1
Description
Labour Day, or “Vinnuveitendadagur,” is an international holiday that honors the achievements of workers and labor movements. In Iceland, it is observed with rallies, parades, and speeches advocating for workers’ rights, better wages, and improved working conditions. Labour Day also serves as a day to reflect on the importance of the labor force in the economy.
Observance
Labour Day is a public holiday in Iceland, with various political and labor organizations organizing parades, demonstrations, and rallies. The day is marked by speeches from labor leaders and political figures, and it is a time for reflecting on workers’ rights. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed, though some services may remain open.
7. Ascension Day (Uppstigningardagur) – Date Varies
Description
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It occurs 40 days after Easter and is a time for reflection and prayer for many Icelandic Christians. While the holiday is not as widely observed as other Christian holidays, it remains an important religious observance.
Observance
Ascension Day is a public holiday, and many Icelanders attend church services. The day is generally quiet, with most businesses and government offices closed. It is a day for spiritual reflection, and many people spend the day in a more reserved manner. Public transport operates on a limited schedule, and many services are closed.
8. Whit Sunday (Hvítasunnudagur) – Date Varies
Description
Whit Sunday, or Pentecost, is a Christian holiday celebrated 50 days after Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and is a significant holiday for many Icelandic Christians. It is a day to celebrate the Christian faith and reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Observance
Whit Sunday is a public holiday, and many people attend church services to mark the occasion. The day is generally observed with quiet reflection and prayer, and most businesses and government offices are closed. The holiday is especially important to the Christian community in Iceland, but it is not as widely celebrated as other religious holidays like Christmas or Easter.
9. Icelandic National Day (Þjóðhátíðardagur) – June 17
Description
Icelandic National Day, or “Þjóðhátíðardagur,” celebrates Iceland’s independence from Denmark, which was achieved on June 17, 1944. The day is marked by patriotic events, including parades, speeches, concerts, and fireworks. Icelanders celebrate their national identity and the country’s sovereignty on this important day.
Observance
National Day is a major holiday in Iceland, and it is celebrated with festivities in cities and towns across the country. The capital, Reykjavik, hosts a large parade with marching bands, military displays, and speeches by political leaders. People gather in public squares, and the day is filled with music, food, and dancing. It is a public holiday, with schools, government offices, and most businesses closed.
10. Commerce Day (Verslunarmannahelgi) – First Monday in August
Description
Commerce Day, or “Verslunarmannahelgi,” is celebrated on the first Monday in August. This holiday is centered around commerce and trade, and it marks the end of the summer season for many Icelanders. The holiday is associated with a long weekend of relaxation, family outings, and outdoor activities.
Observance
Commerce Day is a public holiday in Iceland, and it is celebrated with picnics, barbecues, and festivals. Many people take the opportunity to visit family or go on short trips around the country. The holiday marks the end of the summer season, and it is often celebrated with concerts, fairs, and outdoor events. Schools and most businesses are closed, and public transport operates on a reduced schedule.
11. Christmas Eve (Aðfangadagur) – December 24
Description
Christmas Eve, or “Aðfangadagur,” is the evening before Christmas Day and is one of the most important celebrations in Iceland. Families gather for festive meals, and many Icelanders attend church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for reflection, family bonding, and preparation for the Christmas festivities.
Observance
Christmas Eve is a public holiday in Iceland, and it is the main day of celebration. Many businesses close early in the day, and people prepare for the evening’s celebrations, which often include a large family meal and the exchange of gifts. Public transport operates on a limited schedule, and many people attend church services to mark the occasion.
12. Christmas Day (Jóladagur) – December 25
Description
Christmas Day, or “Jóladagur,” is celebrated to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day for family gatherings, church services, and festive meals. Icelanders celebrate Christmas with a blend of religious observances and local traditions, including the famous Icelandic Christmas dishes such as hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and laufabrauð (leaf bread).
Observance
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Iceland, and it is celebrated with family and religious observances. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed on this day. The day is filled with family meals, church services, and relaxation. Public transport is limited, and people often spend the day with close family and friends.
13. Boxing Day (Annar Jóladagur) – December 26
Description
Boxing Day, or “Annar Jóladagur,” is the day after Christmas Day and is traditionally a time for relaxation and visiting extended family. In Iceland, Boxing Day is a time to enjoy the remaining holiday treats and continue the Christmas celebrations.
Observance
Boxing Day is a public holiday in Iceland, and it is marked by more family gatherings and relaxing after the busy Christmas celebrations. Many people use the day to visit relatives or enjoy outdoor activities. It is a quieter holiday than Christmas Day, with most businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Table: Public Holidays in Iceland and Observance
| Holiday | Date | Observed By | Public Sector | Private Sector | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Thirteenth Day of Christmas | January 6 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Good Friday | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Easter Sunday | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| First Day of Summer | Date Varies | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Ascension Day | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Whit Sunday | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Icelandic National Day | June 17 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Commerce Day | First Monday in August | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
