Public Holidays in Denmark 2026 — Complete Calendar & Guide

Public Holidays in Denmark 2026

Updated By exploringdenmark

Denmark has approximately 9–10 public holidays per year. On these days, most businesses, government offices, and shops close. Public holidays are in addition to your 5–6 weeks of annual vacation.

2026 Jan 1Apr 2–6May 14May 24–25Jun 4Dec 25–26 New YearEasterAscensionWhitsunConstitutionChristmas 11 public holidays + Store Bededag Most shops closed on public holidays Plan groceries ahead

2026 Public Holidays

  • 1 January — New Year’s Day (Nytårsdag)
  • 2 April — Maundy Thursday (Skærtorsdag)
  • 3 April — Good Friday (Langfredag)
  • 5 April — Easter Sunday (Påskedag)
  • 6 April — Easter Monday (2. påskedag)
  • 14 May — Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelfartsdag) — Thursday; many take Friday off too (bridge day)
  • 24 May — Whit Sunday (Pinsedag)
  • 25 May — Whit Monday (2. pinsedag)
  • 24 December — Christmas Eve (Juleaften) — not an official holiday but treated as one; most close from noon
  • 25 December — Christmas Day (Juledag)
  • 26 December — Second Christmas Day (2. juledag)

Store Bededag was removed. The Great Prayer Day (Store Bededag), traditionally a Friday in April/May, was abolished as a public holiday in 2024. It is now a normal working day.

About Danish holidays

Most Danish holidays are Christian (Easter, Christmas, Ascension, Whitsun) reflecting Denmark’s Lutheran heritage. They are public holidays regardless of your personal religion. Public holidays are paid days off for employees — you do not use vacation days.

What’s open and closed

  • Government offices: Closed on all public holidays.
  • Banks: Closed.
  • Supermarkets: Most large supermarkets close on public holidays. Some smaller shops (kiosks, bakeries) may open with reduced hours. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, virtually everything closes.
  • Restaurants: Many close, especially on Christmas. Popular restaurants may be open on other holidays — book ahead.
  • Public transport: Runs on a Sunday/holiday schedule with reduced frequency. Metro still runs 24/7.
  • Pharmacies: Duty pharmacies (vagtapotek) stay open. Check sundhed.dk for locations.

Half-day and bridge days

Constitution Day (5 June) — Grundlovsdag. Not an official public holiday, but many workplaces close at noon. Check with your employer.

Bridge days (klemmedag) — When a holiday falls on Thursday (like Ascension), many Danes take Friday off too, creating a 4-day weekend. Your employer may require you to use a vacation day for this.

Questions and answers

Do I get paid for public holidays?

Yes. Public holidays are paid days off. They do not reduce your vacation entitlement.

What if a holiday falls on a weekend?

No compensation — you simply lose it. Denmark does not shift holidays to the nearest weekday.

Do I have to work on public holidays if asked?

Depends on your industry and contract. Healthcare, hospitality, and retail workers may be required to work on holidays, usually with overtime pay. Check your collective agreement.