Sweden Public Holidays
Sweden Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Sweden? All public holidays in Sweden are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Sweden employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Sweden and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
National Public Holidays in Sweden
Sweden has a rich tradition of celebrating public holidays that span both secular and religious observances, as well as national milestones. The Swedish public holidays reflect the nation’s cultural heritage, history, and faith-based practices. Below is a detailed list and description of key public holidays in Sweden, their significance, and which groups of people observe them.
New Year’s Day – January 1
Date: January 1
Observance: Nationwide
New Year’s Day marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated throughout Sweden with a variety of festivities. The holiday is often marked by fireworks, parties, and gatherings. Many Swedes enjoy a quiet day after the festivities on New Year’s Eve, with family and friends, and often spend time reflecting on the past year. Swedish towns and cities, particularly Stockholm, hold celebratory events and firework displays.
Significance:
New Year’s Day symbolizes renewal and the beginning of a fresh year. It is a time for reflection on the past year and an opportunity to make new resolutions for the future.
Day Off:
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Sweden, providing a day off for all citizens.
Epiphany – January 6
Date: January 6
Observance: Nationwide
Epiphany, or “Trettondedag Jul,” is a Christian holiday that commemorates the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles through the visit of the Three Wise Men. In Sweden, the holiday has both religious and cultural significance. Churches hold services, and some Swedish families observe the day by enjoying a festive meal together.
Significance:
Epiphany marks the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world and the Christian community’s recognition of him as the savior. The holiday has deep religious roots in Sweden, though it is often a quiet, reflective day.
Day Off:
Epiphany is a public holiday in Sweden, and it provides a day off for all citizens, particularly those of the Christian faith.
Easter Friday (Good Friday) – Varies (Christian Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (The Friday before Easter Sunday)
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
Good Friday is a key Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Sweden, it is observed with church services, reflecting on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. Some people also observe the holiday by attending processions, reading religious texts, and enjoying quiet time with family.
Significance:
Good Friday is a day of mourning and reflection for Christians, focusing on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity.
Day Off:
Good Friday is a public holiday in Sweden, and it provides a day off for all citizens, especially Christian citizens who observe religious practices.
Easter Sunday – Varies (Christian Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (First Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox)
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, marking the most important event in Christianity. The day is filled with church services, feasts, and celebrations. Many Swedes enjoy an Easter holiday with family, and children look forward to Easter egg hunts and other fun traditions. The holiday is widely observed with joy and reflection on the renewal of life.
Significance:
Easter Sunday represents the victory of life over death and is a cornerstone of Christian belief. It is a day of celebration, hope, and joy.
Day Off:
Easter Sunday is a public holiday in Sweden, providing a day off for all Christian citizens to participate in religious observances and celebrations.
Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton) – April 30
Date: April 30
Observance: Nationwide
Walpurgis Night is a popular secular holiday in Sweden that marks the arrival of spring. People gather in parks and public squares for bonfires, singing, and celebrations. It is a time to welcome the warmer weather and the end of the long winter months. Many students also participate in traditions such as wearing student caps and singing songs of celebration.
Significance:
Walpurgis Night is traditionally a celebration of the coming of spring, a time for Swedish people to gather in joy and welcome the longer, brighter days. It also has roots in ancient pagan traditions.
Day Off:
While not a national public holiday, Walpurgis Night is often a holiday for students and workers, with many enjoying a half-day off or taking part in celebrations in the evening.
Labour Day – May 1
Date: May 1
Observance: Nationwide
Labour Day in Sweden is a day to honor workers’ rights and the contributions of laborers to society. The day is observed with rallies, demonstrations, and speeches advocating for social equality, fair wages, and workers’ rights. Many political organizations and trade unions organize parades and events.
Significance:
Labour Day is a celebration of workers’ rights and is a time to advocate for improved working conditions, social justice, and equality in the workplace.
Day Off:
Labour Day is a public holiday in Sweden, providing a day off for all citizens, especially for those involved in labor rights and political activism.
Swedish National Day – June 6
Date: June 6
Observance: Nationwide
Swedish National Day celebrates the anniversary of the Swedish Constitution and the election of King Gustav Vasa in 1523, marking the founding of modern Sweden. The holiday is marked with various patriotic events, including flag-raising ceremonies, concerts, and cultural performances. Many Swedish families also enjoy spending time outdoors or visiting family and friends.
Significance:
National Day is a day of national pride and celebration of Sweden’s history, democracy, and cultural heritage. It symbolizes the unity and identity of the Swedish people.
Day Off:
Swedish National Day is a public holiday, providing a day off for all citizens to participate in national celebrations.
Midsummer – Varies (Late June)
Date: Varies annually (The Friday closest to June 24)
Observance: Nationwide
Midsummer is one of the most important holidays in Sweden, celebrated with a combination of pagan traditions and modern festivities. The holiday marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Swedes celebrate with outdoor parties, dancing around maypoles, singing traditional songs, and enjoying a festive meal that often includes pickled herring, potatoes, and strawberries.
Significance:
Midsummer is a celebration of nature, the summer season, and Swedish cultural traditions. It is a time to gather with family and friends, celebrate the abundance of the summer harvest, and enjoy the long summer days.
Day Off:
Midsummer is a public holiday in Sweden, and it provides a day off for all citizens to celebrate the season and participate in cultural activities.
All Saints’ Day – Varies (Christian Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (The Saturday closest to November 1)
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday observed to honor all saints, both known and unknown. It is a day for Christians to reflect on the lives of the saints and their examples of faith, charity, and sacrifice. In Sweden, people often visit the graves of their loved ones, light candles, and attend church services.
Significance:
All Saints’ Day is a day to honor the saints and reflect on their contributions to the Christian faith. It is a time for remembrance and prayer, focusing on the eternal life promised by God.
Day Off:
All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in Sweden, and it provides a day off for Christian citizens to observe the religious and cultural observances.
Christmas Day – December 25
Date: December 25
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
Christmas Day is the most widely celebrated holiday in Sweden, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The day is observed with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Swedes enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner, which may include roast meats, herring, and various sweets. Christmas Day is also a time for exchanging gifts and spending time with family.
Significance:
Christmas Day marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the foundation of the Christian faith. It is a day for Christians to celebrate the teachings of Christ and to reflect on the meaning of his birth.
Day Off:
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Sweden, providing a day off for all citizens, particularly for those who observe Christian practices.
Boxing Day – December 26
Date: December 26
Observance: Nationwide (Christian communities)
Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, is a time for continued celebrations, charitable giving, and visiting family and friends. In Sweden, it is a day for relaxing, enjoying leftovers from Christmas dinner, and engaging in leisure activities. Many Swedes take advantage of the day to spend time outdoors or to rest after the busy holiday period.
Significance:
Boxing Day emphasizes generosity and community. It is a time to reflect on the joy of the Christmas season and to share those blessings with others, especially through charitable acts.
Day Off:
Boxing Day is a public holiday in Sweden, providing a day off for all citizens to continue the Christmas celebrations and engage in charitable activities.
Table of Public Holidays in Sweden
Below is a table summarizing the public holidays in Sweden, the number of days off, and the groups of people who benefit from these holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| Epiphany | January 6 | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Good Friday | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Easter Sunday | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 | Nationwide (All workers) |
| Ascension Day | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Whit Monday | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Swedish National Day | June 6 | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| Midsummer | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| All Saints’ Day | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
