Public Holidays in Iceland 2025 – National & Seasonal Calendar
Iceland has a variety of public holidays that combine religious observances, national commemorations, and traditional seasonal celebrations. The Icelandic Parliament legislates these holidays. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are observed as half-day holidays (from around noon onward).
Overview of Icelandic Public Holidays
Public holidays in Iceland include Christian holidays tied to Easter (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday), seasonal holidays like the First Day of Summer, and national days such as National Day (17 June) and Commerce Day (first Monday in August).
Major holidays generally shut down banks, schools, and many businesses. Some observances (Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve) are half-days.
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 (first Thursday after April 18) |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day (Verkalýðsdagurinn) | Workers’ holiday |
| May 29 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Uppstigningardagur) | 40 days after Easter |
| June 8 | Sunday | Whit Sunday / Pentecost (Hvítasunnudagur) | Religious holiday |
| June 9 | Monday | Whit Monday (Annar í hvítasunnu) | Observed holiday |
| June 17 | Tuesday | National Day / Republic Day (Þjóðhátíðardagurinn) | Commemorates founding of the republic (1944) |
| August 4 | Monday | Commerce Day (Frídagur verslunarmanna) | First Monday in August (retail holiday) |
| December 24 | Wednesday | Christmas Eve (Aðfangadagur) | Half-day (from ~13:00) |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day (Jóladagur) | Full holiday |
| December 26 | Friday | Second Day of Christmas (Annar í jólum) | Boxing Day equivalent |
| December 31 | Wednesday | New Year’s Eve (Gamlársdagur) | Half-day (from ~13:00) |
Practice & Business Closures
On full public holidays, banks, schools, government offices, and many businesses close. For half-day holidays (December 24, December 31), operations typically cease around midday.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, Iceland generally does not shift the observance to a weekday.
Significance & Traditions
The First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti) is a unique seasonal holiday, celebrating the return of longer daylight and warmer seasons.
National Day (17 June) marks the establishment of the Republic in 1944 and is a major patriotic celebration with parades, speeches, and public festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Iceland have in 2025?
Iceland typically recognizes 16 public holidays in 2025, including full, seasonal, and half-day holidays.
Are Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve full holidays?
No. In Iceland, Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year’s Eve (December 31) are observed as half-day holidays, generally from around 13:00 onward.
Does Iceland shift holidays when they fall on weekends?
No. Iceland generally does not move holidays to Monday if they fall on Saturday or Sunday.
What is Commerce Day in Iceland?
Commerce Day (Frídagur verslunarmanna) is observed on the first Monday in August and is a holiday particularly aimed at the retail and business sector.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Iceland reflect a tapestry of Christian heritage, Nordic seasonal tradition, and national pride. From Easter observances and First Day of Summer to National Day and half-day holidays, the Icelandic calendar weaves together nature and culture in its public life.
Also Explore: Public Holidays in Hungary
