Norway Public Holidays
Norway Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Norway? All public holidays in Norway are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Norway employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Norway and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day in Norway is celebrated on January 1st, marking the beginning of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and setting goals for the coming year. The holiday is widely celebrated, though in a more subdued manner compared to other festive occasions. While many Norwegians enjoy fireworks and outdoor activities, the focus is on spending time with family and friends, often with traditional meals and gatherings.
People in Norway may also attend church services, marking the beginning of the year with a spiritual reflection. It is a day for relaxation, and most businesses, government offices, and schools remain closed.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, and most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Norway.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses are closed, though essential services remain open.
Easter Sunday (Variable Date, March or April)
Description
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a cornerstone of Christian faith. In Norway, Easter is widely observed with church services, family gatherings, and special meals. The holiday falls on a Sunday, but it is part of a larger Easter observance that includes Good Friday and Easter Monday.
The holiday is a time for Norwegians to reflect on the significance of the resurrection, and many attend church services in the morning. It is also a time for family meals, and traditional Norwegian foods such as lamb, eggs, and sweets are often enjoyed. For many, Easter is also an occasion for travel, with people taking the long weekend to visit family, relax, or enjoy outdoor activities like skiing or hiking.
Duration
Easter Sunday is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Norway.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses are closed, though essential services remain operational.
Labour Day (May 1)
Description
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a public holiday observed to honor workers’ rights and the labor movement. In Norway, it is a day of solidarity for workers, marked by marches, parades, and speeches advocating for labor rights, better working conditions, and fair wages. The day is part of a global observance that highlights the struggles of workers and the progress made through labor movements.
The celebration typically includes gatherings organized by trade unions and political groups, and in larger cities like Oslo, there are parades featuring workers from various industries. For many, Labour Day is also a time to reflect on the importance of equality, justice, and improving the welfare of workers.
Duration
Labour Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly workers and union members.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Constitution Day (May 17)
Description
Constitution Day, celebrated on May 17th, is Norway’s National Day, marking the adoption of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814. The day is an important national holiday and is celebrated with pride and patriotic enthusiasm. It is a day to honor the democratic principles of the constitution, which established Norway as an independent nation, and to celebrate Norwegian culture, heritage, and history.
The holiday is marked by a variety of festivities, including parades, concerts, and public speeches. The most notable event is the children’s parade, where thousands of children march through the streets, singing national songs and waving flags. It is a day of celebration for all Norwegians, where people come together to reflect on their country’s values and achievements.
Duration
Constitution Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Norway.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses are closed for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Ascension Day (Variable Date, May or June)
Description
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday observed 40 days after Easter, commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. In Norway, the day is observed with church services and quiet reflection. It is a public holiday, although it is less widely celebrated than Easter or Christmas. Many Norwegians attend Mass or engage in private prayer on Ascension Day, and some use the day to enjoy outdoor activities, as the weather is often favorable in the spring.
While the day is primarily religious in nature, it is also a public holiday, meaning that most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed for the day.
Duration
Ascension Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Whit Monday (Variable Date, May or June)
Description
Whit Monday, the day after Pentecost, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ disciples. It is observed 50 days after Easter and is a significant day in the Christian liturgical calendar. In Norway, Whit Monday is a public holiday marked by church services, processions, and gatherings.
The holiday provides an opportunity for rest and reflection, and many Norwegians use the long weekend to enjoy leisure activities such as hiking or spending time with family. While the religious significance is important, the day is also a time for people to relax and enjoy the onset of summer.
Duration
Whit Monday is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Midsummer Day (June 24)
Description
Midsummer Day, celebrated on June 24th, marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. This holiday is associated with the celebration of the natural world and the coming of summer. In Norway, Midsummer Day is a day to celebrate the beauty of nature, with bonfires, outdoor parties, and festivals taking place in many parts of the country.
Midsummer celebrations are especially popular in rural areas, where communities gather to enjoy traditional foods, dance around bonfires, and celebrate the light-filled night. The holiday is not a public holiday in all of Norway, but it is widely observed in many regions.
Duration
Midsummer Day is a one-day holiday, although it is more widely celebrated in certain regions. In some areas, businesses and schools may close for the day, while others remain open.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially those in rural areas.
- Government Employees: Given the day off in some areas.
- Private Sector: Many businesses close for the day in certain regions.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most significant holidays in Norway. It is a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and religious observance. The holiday season begins with Advent and culminates in the celebration of Christmas, which is marked by church services, family meals, and the exchange of gifts.
In Norway, Christmas is celebrated with traditional meals such as roast pork, lamb, or turkey, accompanied by vegetables, potatoes, and pastries like riskrem (rice pudding). Many Norwegians also observe Christmas Eve on December 24th, with family dinners, gift-giving, and attending Mass. Christmas Day is a continuation of the celebrations, with a focus on spending time with family and reflecting on the religious significance of the holiday.
Duration
Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Description
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is traditionally a time for giving to the less fortunate, but it also provides a chance for relaxation and enjoyment after Christmas. In Norway, the day is observed with family gatherings, extended meals, and relaxation. Many Norwegians take advantage of the holiday to spend time with loved ones, enjoy leftovers from Christmas Day, and participate in outdoor activities like skiing or hiking.
While it is not as widely celebrated as Christmas Day, Boxing Day is a public holiday in Norway, and many businesses, government offices, and schools are closed. It is a time for Norwegians to rest and enjoy the festive season with family and friends.
Duration
Boxing Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially those continuing the Christmas celebrations.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Norway
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Easter Sunday | Variable (March/April) | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Constitution Day | May 17 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Ascension Day | Variable (May/June) | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Whit Monday | Variable (May/June) | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Midsummer Day | June 24 | 1 day | General Public, especially in rural areas |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | General Public, Christians |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | 1 day | General Public |
