Public holidays hold a special place in Norway’s culture and traditions, offering moments of reflection, celebration, and connection. Known for its stunning fjords, modern society, and deep rooted heritage, Norway celebrates each public holiday with a balance of festivity and respect for its history.
Norwegian holidays reflect the nation’s values family, equality, community, and work life balance. These occasions give people the chance to rest, enjoy nature, and take part in customs that have been passed down for generations.
In this guide, we’ll explore the public holidays in Norway for 2026, their meanings, traditions, and how Norwegians celebrate along with the days off they provide.
Public Holidays in Norway – 2026
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New Year’s Day (Første nyttårsdag) – Thursday, January 1
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Maundy Thursday (Skjærtorsdag) – Thursday, April 2
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Good Friday (Langfredag) – Friday, April 3
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Easter Monday (Andre påskedag) – Monday, April 6
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Labour Day (Første mai) – Friday, May 1
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Constitution Day (Grunnlovsdagen) – Sunday, May 17
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Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelfartsdag) – Thursday, May 14
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Whit Monday (Andre pinsedag) – Monday, June 1
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Christmas Day (Første juledag) – Friday, December 25
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St. Stephen’s Day (Andre juledag) – Saturday, December 26
New Year’s Day (Første nyttårsdag) – January 1, 2026
Norway welcomes the new year with joy, fireworks, and togetherness. Families and friends gather for festive meals, traditional desserts like kransekake (almond ring cake), and late night celebrations. The first day of the year is a public holiday, giving everyone a well deserved rest after ringing in 2026.
Easter (Påske) – April 2–6, 2026
Easter in Norway is one of the most beloved times of the year, combining faith, family, and nature. With Maundy Thursday (April 2), Good Friday (April 3), and Easter Monday (April 6) all as public holidays, Norwegians enjoy a five day long break.
Traditions include skiing trips to the mountains, reading påskekrim (Easter crime novels), decorating eggs, and enjoying Kvikk Lunsj chocolate. For many, it’s also a peaceful time to relax in cabins (hytter) surrounded by spring landscapes.
Labour Day (Første mai) – May 1, 2026
Labour Day celebrates workers’ rights and social justice. The day features parades, speeches, and community events across Norway’s cities. While it’s an important day for advocacy, it also marks the start of spring with families enjoying picnics and outdoor activities. It’s a national holiday, providing workers with a well earned day off.
Constitution Day (Grunnlovsdagen) – May 17, 2026
Constitution Day is Norway’s most cherished holiday, marking the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814. The entire nation celebrates with parades, flags, traditional clothing (bunad), music, and joyful gatherings.
Children’s processions fill the streets, and families indulge in ice cream, hot dogs, and national pride. Although it falls on a Sunday in 2026, it remains a public holiday a day when every Norwegian takes part in celebrating their freedom and unity.
Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelfartsdag) – May 14, 2026
Observed 40 days after Easter, Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. Falling on a Thursday, it often creates a four-day weekend when paired with a Friday off. Norwegians use this time for short getaways, hikes, or quiet reflection in nature.
Whit Monday (Andre pinsedag) – June 1, 2026
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, marks the descent of the Holy Spirit and the end of the Easter season. It’s a public holiday, and many Norwegians take advantage of the early summer weather for outdoor adventures, fishing, or visiting family cabins.
Christmas (Jul) – December 25, 2026
Christmas in Norway is filled with warmth and tradition. Homes are decorated with candles, stars, and evergreen trees. Families gather for festive meals, enjoy the julebord (Christmas buffet), and attend church services.
Children eagerly await Julenissen (Father Christmas), who brings gifts on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day (December 25) is a public holiday, reserved for family, rest, and gratitude.
St. Stephen’s Day (Andre juledag) – December 26, 2026
The day after Christmas, known as Andre juledag, is a time to unwind, visit relatives, or enjoy Norway’s winter beauty. Many take walks in snowy forests, continue the celebrations, or attend post Christmas gatherings. It’s also a public holiday, allowing Norwegians to extend their festive season.
Conclusion
Norway’s public holidays in 2026 beautifully balance celebration, rest, and cultural heritage. They reflect the country’s dedication to work life balance, family values, and appreciation for both tradition and modern life.
As technology brings people closer, many Norwegians now use tools like Zoom or social apps to connect with loved ones during the holidays whether sharing a Christmas toast from afar or joining family Easter brunch virtually.
Each public holiday is more than just a day off it’s a reminder of Norway’s collective spirit, respect for history, and love for togetherness in every season.