Disclaimer: Public holiday information is based on Danish government guidelines. Visit official sources for updates.

Denmark’s public holidays, known as helligdage (public holidays) and røde dage (red days), shape the country’s seasonal rhythm and cultural life. These days influence opening hours, travel patterns, and the atmosphere of cities and coastal towns. Understanding Denmark’s public holidays in 2026 helps visitors plan around closures, long weekends, and traditional celebrations.

Denmark Public Holidays 2026

Below is the official list of national helligdage for 2026, shown in both Danish and English.

These holidays form the core schedule of closures and reduced hours throughout the year.

Special Days Travelers Should Know

Several important cultural days affect daily life, even though they are not official helligdage.

Arbejdernes kampdag (Labour Day)

1 May, not a public holiday, but many workplaces close at noon. Shops and cafés usually remain open.

Grundlovsdag (Constitution Day)

5 June, not an official public holiday, yet most shops close, and public events take place across the country.

Juleaften (Christmas Eve)

24 December, not a public holiday, but almost everything closes early. This is Denmark’s main Christmas celebration.

Nytårsaften (New Year’s Eve)

31 December, shops and supermarkets close early. Cities prepare for evening festivities.

These days influence travel planning, especially for visitors relying on shops, groceries, and public services.

How Public Holidays Shape Travel in Denmark

During røde dage, Denmark slows down. Shops close, public transport runs on reduced schedules, and families gather in homes or summer houses. Easter marks the beginning of spring outings, while Whit Weekend opens the early summer season. Christmas brings quiet streets and warm traditions. For travelers, these shifts offer a calm and authentic look at Danish life.

Fastelavn

Fastelavn is one of Denmark’s most joyful traditions. Children dress in costumes, enjoy sweet fastelavnsboller, and play the barrel game slå katten af tønden. Though not a public holiday, Fastelavn brings color and excitement to February, marking the transition from winter to spring. It is a charming cultural moment for visitors.

Easter in Denmark

Easter, or påske, is an important holiday period. Many Danes travel to summer houses, enjoy shared meals, and take in early spring landscapes. Shops close on the major røde dage from Maundy Thursday through Easter Monday. Families gather for påskefrokost, a traditional Easter lunch. For travelers, this is a peaceful season with longer daylight and mild weather.

Constitution Day

Grundlovsdag on 5 June marks the signing of Denmark’s constitution. Although not a public holiday, most shops close and many workplaces shorten hours. Speeches, community events, and outdoor gatherings take place across the country. It is a pleasant day for visitors to explore parks, the waterfront, and civic traditions.

Sankt Hans Aften

On 23 June, Danes celebrate Sankt Hans Aften (Midsummer Eve) with bonfires along coasts, lakes, and beaches. The evening marks the height of summer and brings communities together. While not a public holiday, the atmosphere is warm and festive, making it an enjoyable experience for visitors.

Seasonal Travel Guide

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make spring ideal for city visits and coastal walks. Easter adds cultural depth to this season.

Summer

Long days, outdoor cafés, and seaside towns create a relaxed summer mood. Sankt Hans Aften bonfires are a highlight of the season.

Autumn

Autumn brings crisp air, golden leaves, and quieter streets. It is a comfortable season for food experiences, museums, and scenic photography.

Winter

Winter carries the Danish sense of hygge, a cosy atmosphere shaped by candlelight, warm interiors, and Christmas markets. Juleaften is the main celebration, followed by calm days leading into the new year.

Long Weekends in 2026

• Easter (9 to 13 April)
  A major holiday period with closures and family gatherings.
• Ascension (14 to 17 May)
  Many Danes take the Friday off, creating a long weekend.
• Whit Weekend (24 to 25 May)
  Early summer brightness encourages short trips and outdoor activities.
• Christmas (25 to 28 December)
  A peaceful holiday period marked by lights, traditions, and winter atmosphere.

What’s Open on Røde Dage

• Grocery stores usually close on major helligdage
• Most shops close on Grundlovsdag and Juleaften
• Museums may open with reduced hours
• Restaurants remain reliable in larger cities
• Public transport follows holiday timetables

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Plan shopping ahead of major helligdage
• Expect limited hours around Easter and Christmas
• Book accommodation early for long weekends
• Denmark is highly cashless, with digital payments common
• Coastal weather can change quickly

Staying Connected Across Denmark and Beyond

raveling through Denmark often means moving between very different landscapes in a single day. You might wander through Copenhagen’s historic streets in the morning, cross quiet fields by train in the afternoon and end your evening by the water in a small coastal town. Reliable mobile data helps these moments feel effortless. It lets you check ferry timetables when the weather shifts, follow a walking route through narrow lanes or share a photo of a harbour lit by soft evening light.

With an Eskimo Denmark eSIM, travelers can connect the moment they arrive, without searching for shops or handling physical SIM cards. Data can be shared with companions, making group travel easier, and unused data rolls over on future top ups. New users can try 500 MB of free global data, offering a simple and risk-free way to see how the connection fits into their trip.

For those exploring farther than Denmark, the Europe plan allows you to cross borders without reinstalling anything. And if your journey stretches beyond Europe, Global plans offer the same smooth experience across multiple regions. It keeps the focus on the places you are discovering, not the logistics behind staying connected.

FAQs

Is Grundlovsdag a public holiday?

No. Most shops close, but it is not an official public holiday.

Do shops close on røde dage?

Yes. Supermarkets and malls usually close on major helligdage such as Easter and Christmas.

What is Fastelavn?

A Danish carnival tradition with costumes, sweets, and the barrel game slå katten af tønden.

When is the best time to visit Denmark?

Summer for outdoor life, spring and autumn for mild weather, and winter for hygge and Christmas markets.

What is Sankt Hans Aften?

Midsummer Eve, celebrated with bonfires on 23 June.