Denmark’s Holidays

Denmark, with its deep-rooted traditions, celebrates a lot of holidays throughout the year. From ancient pagan rituals to modern-day festivities, each holiday offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Danish culture.
Explore Denmark's holiday calendar, spanning from January to December

1. Nytår - New Year's Day

The year begins with Nytår, or New Year's Day, celebrated on January 1st. Danes ring in the new year with fireworks, champagne toasts, and gatherings with family and friends. For many Danes it's a tradition to watch the Queen's, or since 2024: the King’s New Year's speech, which airs on television at 6 PM.

There’s public parties to go to with professional fireworks, that light up the sky all over the country, adding to the festive atmosphere and marking the beginning of a new year with joy and celebration.

If you ever plan to stay there, don’t be surprised to see Danes jump from chairs exactly at midnight. I
t’s an act, that symbolizes leaping into the new year with good luck and leaving behind any negative energies from the past year.

2. Fastelavn - The Danish Carnival:

Fastelavn, Denmark's version of Carnival, is celebrated on the Sunday or Monday before Lent begins. Traditionally, children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door, singing songs in exchange for candy, much like Halloween in other countries. One of the highlights of Fastelavn is the "slå katten af tønden" (beat the cat out of the barrel) tradition, where children take turns hitting a barrel filled with candy until it breaks open.

3. Påske - Easter:

Easter in Denmark is a time of both religious observance and festive celebration. Families gather for elaborate Easter lunches, which typically include dishes like boiled eggs, herring, and lamb. One of the most beloved Easter traditions is the decorating of Easter eggs, where children and adults alike paint and decorate eggs in vibrant colors and intricate designs.

4. Store Bededag - General Prayer Day:

Store Bededag, or General Prayer Day, falls on the fourth Friday after Easter Sunday. Originally a day of fasting and prayer, it is now celebrated with special pastries called "hveder" and leisure activities.

5. 1. Maj - Worker’s Day:

Worker’s Day, or "1. Maj," is celebrated on May 1st as a public holiday dedicated to labor rights and social justice. It is marked by parades, speeches, and gatherings in parks where people come together to honor workers' contributions and advocate for better working conditions. This day has a festive atmosphere, with music, food, and a strong sense of community solidarity.

6. Kristi Himmelfartsdag - Ascension Day:

Kristi Himmelfartsdag, or Ascension Day, commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven 40 days after Easter. It is observed on a Thursday, and many Danes take the opportunity for a long weekend getaway or outdoor activities.

7. Pinsedag - Pentecost:

Pinsedag, or Pentecost, marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus, 50 days after Easter. It is celebrated with church services and family gatherings.

8. Grundlovsdag - Constitution Day:

Grundlovsdag, or Constitution Day, is celebrated on June 5th to commemorate the signing of the Danish Constitution in 1849. While not a public holiday in the same sense as other holidays, it is still an important day in Danish culture. Many Danes use the day to reflect on the principles of democracy and attend political rallies or events.

9. Sankt Hans Aften - Midsummer's Eve:

Sankt Hans Aften, or Midsummer's Eve, is celebrated on the evening of June 23rd, marking the summer solstice. Bonfires are lit across the country, and communities gather to sing traditional songs and enjoy the longest day of the year. According to tradition, witches are said to fly to the Brocken mountain in Germany on this night, so effigies of witches are often burned on the bonfires, called Sankt-Hans bål.

10. Jul - Christmas:

Jul, or Christmas, is celebrated on December 24th to 26th with various traditions including decorating the Christmas tree, exchanging gifts, attending church services, and enjoying a festive meal with loved ones.

Cities are decorated in festive lights, you can find Christmas Markets in every bigger city or town with stalls selling traditional handicrafts, decorations and treats like æbleskiver (small apple pancakes), as well as gløgg (mulled wine with various spices).

Danish folklore includes tales of "nisser," mischievous elves who play tricks during the holiday season. Families often leave out bowls of rice pudding or porridge for the nisser to appease them and ensure good luck for the coming year. Parents sometimes make the nisser play tricks on their young kids, too.
Advent calendars, or "julekalender," are a popular tradition in Denmark, with children opening a door or window each day in December to reveal a small gift or treat.

The main celebration takes place on Christmas Eve, December 24th. Christmas Day and the Second Day of Christmas (December 25th and 26th) are holidays in Denmark, often spent in a more relaxed manner with family and friends, enjoying leftovers and extending the festive cheer.