Public Holidays in Denmark 2026

Kristian Ole Rørbye

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Updated July 22, 2026

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The List of Public Holidays in Denmark

Below is a practical list of the main public holidays you will encounter. For the movable Christian holidays (Easter, Ascension, Whitsun, Store bededag) the date changes each year because they are calculated from the date of Easter.

Tip: Use an up-to-date calendar for 2026 (official municipal or transport sites) to confirm the exact dates for movable holidays.

A Deeper Dive into Selected Holidays

Some holidays come with customs that affect how you plan your day and what people expect of you. Below are the ones expats ask about most.

Easter (Påske)

Påske in Denmark blends solemn church services with lighter, home-based traditions. The period includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

• Traditions: Families gather for meals-lamb and fish are common. Chocolate eggs and small gifts are popular. Children make and send gækkebreve (teaser letters) with paper cutouts and a rhyme; if the recipient can’t guess the sender, they owe an egg.
• What you should do: Expect shops to close for parts of the long weekend. If you want to dine out, reserve early in cities like Copenhagen or Aarhus.
• Local tip: Many Danes use Easter to take short trips-see our guide to the best time to visit Denmark for seasonal ideas and quieter windows to travel.

General Prayer Day (Store bededag)

Store bededag is uniquely Danish: created in the 17th-18th century to combine several minor holy days into one general day of prayer and rest.

• Food tradition: The evening before is known for eating varme hveder-soft wheat rolls-often bought fresh and eaten at home.
• Practical effect: It’s usually a day off for many workers; shops and services are commonly closed or on limited hours.

Constitution Day (Grundlovsdag)

Grundlovsdag marks the signing of Denmark’s constitution in 1849 and is an important civic day.

• How it looks: Political speeches, public meetings and flag ceremonies take place-especially in town squares and outside municipal buildings.
• Work impact: Unlike many other holidays, Grundlovsdag isn’t automatically a paid day off across all employment contracts; some shops and workplaces stay open.

Christmas (Jul)

Jul is the most widely celebrated holiday and is centered on Christmas Eve (Juleaften) rather than Christmas morning.

• Key customs: A festive evening meal-roast pork, duck or goose-followed by risalamande (rice pudding) with a hidden almond; the finder gets a small prize.
• Social life: December is packed with julefrokost (Christmas lunches) at workplaces and among friends. Expect many businesses to close between Christmas and New Year.

Public Holidays and Work

If you’re employed in Denmark-or hiring someone-knowing how holidays interact with labour rules and workplace culture prevents misunderstandings.

The Legal Implications

There is no single rule that covers every job. Whether you get the day off and how you are paid depends on your contract, collective agreement (overenskomst) and sector.

• Time off: Many employees have public holidays off by agreement; essential services (healthcare, police, emergency) keep working.
• Pay and compensatory time: If you must work on a holiday you may be entitled to additional pay or time off in lieu-this is usually set out in your employment contract or the relevant overenskomst.

Public Sector vs. Private Sector

Public sector workplaces (municipal offices, schools, many clinics) generally close on public holidays. In the private sector, practice varies widely: larger companies and shops in city centres may close, while supermarkets in bigger towns sometimes open reduced hours.

Cultural Considerations

Danes value predictability around holidays: meetings are rarely scheduled on major public holidays, and many colleagues plan extended breaks. If you work in Denmark, it’s good practice to:

• Plan projects around known holiday periods.
• Ask HR about holiday pay and rules when you start a job.
• Be mindful that Christmas and summer holiday seasons can mean many people are away at the same time.

Impact on Daily Life

Holidays change how services run. A little planning makes life easier.

Shopping and Retail

In smaller towns and outside Copenhagen, you may find fewer options open. In larger cities the tourist areas will have more open venues.

Public Transport

Public transport usually runs on a reduced timetable (often a Sunday schedule) on public holidays. If you’re flying or catching a long-distance train, check schedules in advance-airports and major train routes may still operate but with altered frequency. If you need to travel, confirm connections on the carrier’s site and allow extra time for transfers; see practical info on Denmark airports if you’re planning flights around holidays.

Restaurants and Entertainment

Some restaurants close for major family-focused days like Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday; however, restaurants in central Copenhagen, Aarhus and tourist areas often open with special menus. If you plan to dine out on a holiday, reserve ahead.

Cultural and Recreational Activities

Museums and attractions sometimes run special holiday programs or reduced hours. Holidays are a great time for outdoor activities-Denmark’s coastlines, parks and campsites can be popular; see our tips for camping in Denmark if you’re planning an outdoor break. If you’re timing a visit, our best time to visit Denmark guide helps you pick seasons that match holiday crowds and weather.

Experiencing Public Holidays as a Foreigner

Holidays are one of the quickest ways to understand local rhythms and make connections.

Immerse Yourself in Traditions

Join in small traditions-learn a few local words and greetings to show goodwill. Even a simple Danish greeting makes a difference; see quick phrases to say hi in Danish and break the ice at gatherings.

Attend Public Celebrations

Attend market stalls, flag ceremonies or local concerts-Constitution Day speeches and Christmas markets are public and accessible ways to experience Danish civic life.

Respect the Significance

Some holidays are solemn (Good Friday), others are festive (Jul). Match the tone: lower-volume behaviour for reflective days, more casual and social on festive days.

Connect with Others

If you’re away from family, invite neighbours or colleagues to a shared meal, or join expat meetups-holidays are great for deepening friendships and building new traditions.