Public Holidays in Denmark (2025)
Denmark’s holidays mix tradition with long, cozy breaks. Here’s what’s officially a day off in 2025, what’s open/closed, and how locals celebrate—plus key tips for newcomers.
Overview: What to expect on Danish holidays
🗓️ Fixed vs. movable
Christmas and New Year’s Day are fixed; Easter-based days (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Ascension, Whit Monday) move each year.
🏪 What’s open?
Most offices, banks, and many shops close on public holidays. Expect Sunday-style or reduced transit services.
🇩🇰 Flag days
You’ll see Danish flags on buses, buildings, and balconies on many holidays and national days.
Main Danish public holidays in 2025
🎆 New Year’s Day
1 January 2025 (Wed) — Most places closed; public transport on limited schedule.
✝️ Maundy Thursday
17 April 2025 — Start of the long Easter weekend.
✝️ Good Friday
18 April 2025 — Very quiet day; most businesses closed.
🐣 Easter Monday
21 April 2025 — Final day of the Easter break.
☁️ Ascension Day
29 May 2025 (Thu) — Many take a long weekend (schools often closed Fri).
🕊️ Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)
9 June 2025 — Picnics and spring events are common.
🎄 Christmas Day
25 December 2025 — Family time; everything’s shut. (24 Dec is not an official holiday, but most places close early.)
🕯️ Boxing Day (2. Juledag)
26 December 2025 — Second day of Christmas; shops closed or limited hours.
Traditions & customs
👨👩👧👦 Family gatherings
Holidays are for family dinners and visiting relatives; expect quiet streets and closed shops.
🍽️ Festive food
Roast pork/duck at Christmas; Easter lunches with herring and snaps; summer barbecues at Ascension and Whit.
🔥 Bonfires & fireworks
Midsummer (23 June) has bonfires and community singing; fireworks are reserved for New Year’s Eve period.
Practical tips for newcomers
🛒 Stock up early
Groceries can be crowded before holidays and close early on the eve—plan meals in advance.
🚆 Check timetables
DSB/Metro/buses switch to Sunday or reduced schedules—verify times before you travel.
🎡 Join in
Municipalities host Sankthans bonfires, Christmas markets, and Easter events—great for meeting locals.
Useful links
🌐 Holidays overview
📅 2025 dates
🎆 Midsummer
Related guides on exploringdenmark.com
🧭 Cultural etiquette
🎊 Festivals & events
🏡 Life in Denmark
🥗 Food & diet
Frequently asked questions
🛍️ Are shops open on holidays?
Usually closed on major holidays (Easter, Christmas, New Year’s Day). Some kiosks/7-Eleven may open with limited hours.
📜 Is Constitution Day a public holiday?
No—Grundlovsdag (5 June) isn’t a full public holiday, but many workplaces/schools close or offer a half-day.
🕯️ What about Great Prayer Day?
From 2024 it’s abolished as a public holiday. Traditions (like wheat buns) continue, but it’s a normal workday.
🚆 Can I travel during holidays?
Yes—book early and check reduced timetables. Easter, Ascension, and Christmas are peak travel periods.
👨👩👧👦 Are holidays family-focused?
Very much so. Expect quiet cities and long meals at home—join friends or local events if you’re staying in town.
🎆 Fireworks rules?
Consumer fireworks are only legal around New Year’s Eve—follow local safety rules and sale/use periods.
This page is informational and not legal advice. Always check official sources or your employer/municipality for exact closures.