Planning a trip or doing business in Denmark? Knowing the Denmark bank holidays is your first step. Danes enjoy 11 official public holidays, but the calendar is rich with unique Danish traditions and observances. This guide covers all official holidays in Denmark, from New Year’s Day to Christmas Day, and explains key events like why Christmas Eve in Denmark closes most shops and the Great Prayer Day hot wheat tradition. Use our complete Danish holiday calendar for seamless holiday planning in Denmark.
Official Public Holidays in Denmark
These are the nationally recognized bank holidays in Denmark, when schools, banks, and most public offices are closed.
Denmark Bank Holidays for 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 Apr | Thursday | Maundy Thursday |
| 18 Apr | Friday | Good Friday |
| 20 Apr | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| 21 Apr | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 29 May | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 8 Jun | Sunday | Whit Sunday |
| 9 Jun | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 25 Dec | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Friday | Boxing Day (2nd Day of Christmas) |
Denmark Bank Holidays for 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 Apr | Thursday | Maundy Thursday |
| 3 Apr | Friday | Good Friday |
| 5 Apr | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| 6 Apr | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 14 May | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 24 May | Sunday | Whit Sunday |
| 25 May | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 25 Dec | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Saturday | Boxing Day (2nd Day of Christmas) |
Read More: Polish Bank Holidays
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Denmark Bank Holidays for 2027
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 25 Mar | Thursday | Maundy Thursday |
| 26 Mar | Friday | Good Friday |
| 28 Mar | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| 29 Mar | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 6 May | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| 16 May | Sunday | Whit Sunday |
| 17 May | Monday | Whit Monday |
| 25 Dec | Saturday | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Sunday | Boxing Day (2nd Day of Christmas) |
Source: National Bank of Denmark (nationalbanken.dk)
Monthly Breakdown of Holidays & Observances
The Danish year is punctuated by both public holidays and beloved observances.
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January: Kicks off with New Year’s Day.
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March/April: The Easter period includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.
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May: A busy month featuring Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, and the unique Great Prayer Day.
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June: Famous for Constitution Day (which doubles as Father’s Day), Sankt Hans (Midsummer’s Eve in Denmark), and the festive Studenterkørsel.
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December: Centered around Christmas, with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Understanding Danish Holidays: A Simple Guide
Not all special days are official time off. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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National Holiday: Official day off for most people (e.g., Ascension Day in Denmark, Christmas Day).
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Observance: A celebrated day, but not an automatic day off (e.g., Mother’s Day in Denmark, Valentine’s Day in Denmark).
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Restricted Trading Day: Although not a holiday, shops may have limited hours or be closed (e.g., Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve).
A common question is, “Is Constitution Day a bank holiday?” The answer is no. It’s an observance, so most people work, but it’s a day of national pride.
Danish Traditions and Celebrations
Danish culture shines through its unique celebrations.
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What is Common Prayer Day in Denmark? This public holiday was abolished in 2023, but the cozy tradition of Great Prayer Day hot wheat lives on. Families still eat “varme hveder,” a delicious hot wheat bun, keeping a centuries-old custom alive.
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What is Studenterkørsel? This joyful student carriage tradition sees high school graduates parade through towns in decorated trucks, celebrating their exams. It’s a heartwarming graduation celebration in Denmark that you might see in June.
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Sankt Hans Aften: On Midsummer’s Eve, Danish communities gather for bonfires and singing to celebrate the summer solstice.
Planning Your Trip Around Danish Holidays
To ensure a smooth visit, keep these holiday closures in Denmark in mind:
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On official public holidays, expect shops, banks, and public institutions to be closed. Public transport may run a reduced schedule.
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Are shops closed on Christmas Eve in Denmark? Yes, most close by early afternoon, making it a Restricted Trading Day. It’s a day for family, so plan accordingly.
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Always check the official holiday calendar for your specific travel dates to avoid surprises.
Also Read: England Bank Holidays
FAQs
Q1. How many bank holidays are there in Denmark?
There are 11 official annual public holidays in Denmark.
Q2. Are shops closed on Christmas Eve in Denmark?
Yes, most shops, supermarkets, and attractions close early in the afternoon, as it is a Restricted Trading Day for family celebrations.
Q3. What is the difference between Whit Sunday and Whit Monday?
Whit Sunday commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit, while Whit Monday is the following day; both are official public holidays in Denmark.
Q4. When is Great Prayer Day in 2026?
Great Prayer Day (Store Bededag) will be observed on May 1st in 2026, though it is no longer an official public holiday.
Understanding Denmark Bank Holidays and the rich tapestry of Danish traditions is key to appreciating life in Denmark, whether you’re visiting or settling in. From the solemnity of Good Friday to the joy of Studenterkørsel, each date tells a story. Use this guide to the Danish holiday calendar to plan your activities and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Check out the Wikipedia page for public holidays in Denmark.
