Public Holidays in Sweden 2026 – National & Public Holidays
Sweden observes a mix of Christian, national, and cultural public holidays that reflect its Protestant heritage and modern social values. These holidays commemorate religious feasts, patriotic milestones, and seasonal traditions throughout the year.
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Overview of Public Holidays in Sweden
Public holidays in Sweden are regulated by law and mainly include Christian observances such as Easter, Ascension Day, and Christmas, alongside civic holidays like May Day and the National Day of Sweden. While some seasonal celebrations are culturally important, not all are statutory public holidays.
List of Public Holidays in Sweden (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Nyårsdagen) | January 1 | Thursday | Marks the beginning of the new year. |
| Easter Sunday (Påskdagen) | April 5 | Sunday | Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
| Easter Monday (Annandag påsk) | April 6 | Monday | Continuation of Easter celebrations. |
| May Day (Första maj) | May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Ascension Day (Kristi himmelsfärds dag) | May 14 | Thursday | Commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ. |
| Pentecost / Whit Sunday (Pingstdagen) | May 24 | Sunday | Marks the descent of the Holy Spirit. |
| National Day of Sweden | June 6 | Saturday | Celebrates Swedish independence and nationhood. |
| All Saints’ Day (Alla helgons dag) | October 31 | Saturday | Honors saints and remembers the deceased. |
| Christmas Day (Juldagen) | December 25 | Friday | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. |
| Boxing Day / Annandag jul | December 26 | Saturday | Second day of Christmas observance. |
Many Swedes use long weekends and public holidays to travel domestically or abroad. Popular destinations and itineraries are listed under places to visit in Sweden, while accommodation options can be explored via best hotels in Sweden.
List of Public Holidays in Sweden (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Nyårsdagen) | January 1 | Wednesday | Beginning of the new year. |
| Easter Sunday (Påskdagen) | April 20 | Sunday | Resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
| Easter Monday (Annandag påsk) | April 21 | Monday | Continuation of Easter. |
| May Day (Första maj) | May 1 | Thursday | Workers’ rights and solidarity. |
| Ascension Day (Kristi himmelsfärds dag) | May 29 | Thursday | Ascension of Jesus Christ. |
| Pentecost / Whit Sunday (Pingstdagen) | June 8 | Sunday | Christian feast of Pentecost. |
| All Saints’ Day (Alla helgons dag) | November 1 | Saturday | Remembrance of the dead. |
| Christmas Day (Juldagen) | December 25 | Thursday | Christmas celebration. |
| Boxing Day / Annandag jul | December 26 | Friday | Second Christmas holiday. |
Note: Cultural celebrations such as Midsummer’s Eve and Walpurgis Night are widely observed but are not statutory public holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Sweden have in 2026?
Sweden observes around 10–11 official public holidays in 2026, depending on how weekends align.
Is Midsummer’s Eve a public holiday?
No. Although widely celebrated, Midsummer’s Eve is not an official public holiday under Swedish law.
Does Sweden observe both Christmas Day and Boxing Day?
Yes. Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Annandag jul) are both statutory public holidays.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Sweden for 2026 and 2025 reflect a balance of Christian heritage, civic values, and seasonal traditions. From Easter and Christmas to May Day and National Day, these holidays shape the rhythm of public life and provide opportunities for rest, reflection, and travel.
