Public & National Holidays in Sweden
In addition to every Sunday and Saturday, the public and national holidays in Sweden can be divided into Christian and non-Christian holidays. There are also some days, like Saint Lucia Day, that are celebrated in almost every corner of the country but still people do not get an extra day off.
On the other hand, the day before a public or national holiday is declared a de facto holiday in most cases. Similarly, there are also some days that are treated as de facto half holidays. With this type of holiday, people take the remaining part of the day off and make it a complete holiday.
Instructions
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1
Holidays in January:
New Year’s Day
January 1
On this day, people celebrate and welcome the New Year according to Gregorian calendar.
Twelfth Night
January 5
It is the last day of Christmas festivities. Moreover, it is also the announcement of Epiphany. In Sweden, January 5th is a de facto half holiday.
Epiphany
January 6
It is a public holiday and all the institutions remain closed on this day. Christians celebrate this day in the memory of revelation of God as a human being in Jesus Christ. -
2
Holidays in April:
Walpurgis Night
April 30
It is a de facto half holiday as it is the night before the main celebration of the spring season. Moreover, it is also the King’s birthday. -
3
Holidays in May:
International Labour Day
May 1
Like the whole world, people of Sweden pay tribute to workers on this day. In addition to this, May 1 is also an official flag day because of Walpurgis Day. -
4
Holidays in June:
National Day of Sweden
June 6
On this day, the Swedish nation celebrates its freedom. This status was granted in 2005 and since then it has become a national holiday.
Midsummer's Day
June 20-26
Its date varies as it is celebrated on Saturday which comes during the period of June 20-26. -
5
Holidays in December:
Christmas Eve
December 24
It is a de facto half holiday which gives the Swedish people an opportunity to complete their Christmas preparations.
Christmas
December 25
The Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on this day.
Boxing Day
December 26
In parts of the British Commonwealth, the first day after Christmas is treated as a public holiday.
New Year’s Eve
December 31
It is a de fact half holiday in Sweden as almost everyone tries to be with their family to celebrate New Year's night. -
6
Variable Holidays:
There are also some holidays which cannot be predicted as they occur according to the lunar calendar.
Easter Sunday:
It is celebrated on the first Sunday after March 21.
Good Friday:
It is celebrated on Friday before Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday:
It is a public holiday on Monday after Easter Sunday.
Ascension Day:
It is celebrated on the sixth Thursday after Easter Sunday.
Pentecost:
People enjoy this holiday on seventh Sunday after Easter Sunday.
All Saints' Day:
It is celebrated on Saturday during the period of October 31 – November 6.
