As we look ahead to the year 2024, it’s essential for residents and travelers planning their schedules to be aware of Denmark’s public holidays and days off. These special days provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Danish culture, traditions, and festivities while enjoying some well-deserved time off. In this article, we’ll explore the public holidays in Denmark for the year 2024, along with additional day off, and offer insights into how they are celebrated.
1.New Year’s Day (Nytårsdag) – January 1, 2024
2.Maundy Thursday (Skærtorsdag) – April 11, 2024
3.Good Friday (Langfredag) – April 12, 2024
4.Easter Sunday (Påskedag) – April 14, 2024
5.Easter Monday (Anden påskedag) – April 15, 2024
6.Great Prayer Day (Store Bededag) – May 10, 2024
7.Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelfartsdag) – May 30, 2024
8.Whit Sunday (Pinsedag) – June 9, 2024
9.Whit Monday (Anden pinsedag) – June 10, 2024
10.Christmas Day (Juledag) – December 25, 2024
11.Second Day of Christmas (Anden juledag) – December 26, 2024
Public Holidays In Denmark In Details:
New Year’s Day (Nytårsdag) – January 1, 2024
The year kicks off with New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st. Danes often celebrate the night before with fireworks and gatherings, making it a festive start to the year. Many people also take the day off to recover from the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Maundy Thursday (Skærtorsdag) – April 11, 2024
Maundy Thursday falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. It’s a day for reflection and church services, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. Many Danes use this time to prepare for the long Easter weekend, and some may have the day off work.
Good Friday (Langfredag) – April 12, 2024
Good Friday, or Langfredag, is a Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is a day of quiet contemplation and religious services, and many businesses and shops are closed. It is also a day off for many employees.
Easter Sunday (Påskedag) – April 14, 2024
Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a significant Christian holiday. Families often gather for a festive meal and exchange Easter eggs, which are filled with candy or small gifts. Many also attend church services to celebrate the day. Easter Sunday is a day off for most people.
Easter Monday (Anden påskedag) – April 15, 2024
Easter Monday is another public holiday in Denmark, and it is a time when people continue to enjoy the extended Easter weekend with family and friends. Many choose to spend this day outdoors, enjoying nature or participating in various events and activities. It is also a day off for most employees.
Great Prayer Day (Store Bededag) – May 10, 2024
Great Prayer Day, or Store Bededag, is a unique Danish holiday. It is a day for reflection and prayer, historically observed to combine several prayer days into one. Bakeries typically offer a special pastry called “varm hvede,” which is enjoyed by many Danes on this day. It is a day off for many workers.
Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelfartsdag) – May 30, 2024
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the ascension of Jesus into heaven. Many people take advantage of the long weekend to spend time with family or go on a short getaway. It’s also common to attend church services on this day. Ascension Day is a day off for most employees.
Whit Sunday (Pinsedag) – June 9, 2024
Whit Sunday, or Pinsedag, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Danes often enjoy a relaxing day with family and friends, and some participate in church activities or processions. Whit Sunday is a day off for many workers.
Whit Monday (Anden pinsedag) – June 10, 2024
Whit Monday is the day after Whit Sunday and is also a public holiday. It’s a time when people continue their celebrations, and some may take advantage of the long weekend to travel or engage in outdoor activities. Whit Monday is a day off for most employees.
Christmas Day (Juledag) – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day is a cherished holiday in Denmark, where families come together to exchange gifts and enjoy a festive meal. Many Danes attend Christmas church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a time of warmth, tradition, and togetherness. Christmas Day is a day off for most people.
Second Day of Christmas (Anden juledag) – December 26, 2024
The Second Day of Christmas is another opportunity for families to extend their Christmas celebrations and spend time with loved ones. It’s common to continue the festive atmosphere and enjoy leftovers from the Christmas feast. The Second Day of Christmas is a day off for many workers.
Conclusion
public holidays in Denmark and days off in 2024 offer a unique glimpse into Danish culture and traditions. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these holidays provide a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local way of life, from enjoying festive meals to participating in religious services and cultural activities. Be sure to plan your trips and gatherings accordingly to make the most of these special days and enjoy some well-deserved time off in Denmark.