Public Holidays in Iceland 2026 – National & Public Holidays
Iceland observes a range of public holidays combining Christian observances, national commemorations, and unique seasonal traditions. These holidays are defined by Icelandic law. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are observed as half-day holidays, typically starting around midday.
Overview of Icelandic Public Holidays
Iceland’s public holidays include Christian holidays tied to Easter, seasonal observances such as the First Day of Summer, and national celebrations like National Day and Commerce Day. On full public holidays, banks, schools, and many businesses close nationwide.
List of Public Holidays in Iceland (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Nýársdagur) | Full public holiday |
| April 2 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday (Skírdagur) | Christian Holy Week observance |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday (Föstudagurinn langi) | Christian religious holiday |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Páskadagur) | Christian celebration |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday (Annar í páskum) | Public Easter holiday |
| April 23 | Thursday | First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti) | First Thursday after April 18 |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day (Verkalýðsdagurinn) | Workers’ holiday |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Uppstigningardagur) | 40 days after Easter |
| May 24 | Sunday | Whit Sunday / Pentecost (Hvítasunnudagur) | Christian holiday |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday (Annar í hvítasunnu) | Observed holiday |
| June 17 | Wednesday | National Day (Þjóðhátíðardagurinn) | Founding of the Republic (1944) |
| August 3 | Monday | Commerce Day (Frídagur verslunarmanna) | First Monday in August |
| December 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve (Aðfangadagur) | Half-day (from ~13:00) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day (Jóladagur) | Full public holiday |
| December 26 | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas (Annar í jólum) | Public holiday |
| December 31 | Thursday | New Year’s Eve (Gamlársdagur) | Half-day (from ~13:00) |
List of Public Holidays in Iceland (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day (Nýársdagur) | Full holiday |
| April 17 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday (Skírdagur) | Before Easter |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday (Föstudagurinn langi) | Religious holiday |
| April 20 | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Páskadagur) | Religious holiday |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday (Annar í páskum) | Religious holiday |
| April 24 | Thursday | First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti) | Seasonal holiday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day (Verkalýðsdagurinn) | Workers’ holiday |
| May 29 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Uppstigningardagur) | 40 days after Easter |
| June 8 | Sunday | Whit Sunday (Hvítasunnudagur) | Religious holiday |
| June 9 | Monday | Whit Monday (Annar í hvítasunnu) | Observed holiday |
| June 17 | Tuesday | National Day | Republic Day (1944) |
| August 4 | Monday | Commerce Day | First Monday in August |
| December 24 | Wednesday | Christmas Eve | Half-day |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Full holiday |
| December 26 | Friday | Second Day of Christmas | Public holiday |
| December 31 | Wednesday | New Year’s Eve | Half-day |
Practice & Business Closures
On full public holidays, banks, schools, government offices, and many businesses close nationwide. On half-day holidays (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve), operations usually end around midday.
Iceland generally does not move holidays that fall on weekends to a weekday.
Significance & Traditions
First Day of Summer is a unique Icelandic holiday celebrating the seasonal transition and longer daylight hours.
National Day (17 June) commemorates the establishment of the Republic of Iceland in 1944 and is marked by parades, speeches, and public festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Iceland observe each year?
Iceland typically observes 16 public holidays each year, including full, seasonal, and half-day observances.
Are Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve full public holidays?
No. Both are observed as half-day holidays, usually beginning around 13:00.
Does Iceland shift public holidays that fall on weekends?
No. Public holidays generally remain on their calendar date even if they fall on a Saturday or Sunday.
What is Commerce Day in Iceland?
Commerce Day (Frídagur verslunarmanna) is observed on the first Monday of August and is especially associated with retail and business sectors.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Iceland blend Christian tradition, seasonal rhythms, and national pride. From Easter and the First Day of Summer to National Day and year-end half-day holidays, these observances shape Iceland’s civic and cultural calendar.
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