Guide To Icelandic National Holidays
Iceland is a wonderful place to visit with a rich and thriving culture that many travelers enjoy experiencing. If you are planning a trip, it can be helpful to know which national holidays are observed in Iceland and how they might affect your visit. Around certain holidays there are also additional events, festivals, and cultural activities taking place across the country.
Like most Western countries, Iceland celebrates familiar holidays such as Christmas and Easter, along with several traditional Icelandic celebrations. The country also observes a number of public bank holidays throughout the year. On these days many workers, students, and schools have time off, which means some businesses and attractions may operate with limited hours.
If your trip to Iceland happens to fall on one of these holidays, it is useful to know what to expect. Below are some of the most important Icelandic national holidays.
New Year's Day
Like most of the world, Iceland celebrates the start of the new year on January 1st. In Icelandic, the holiday is called Nýársdagur. The celebrations actually begin on New Year's Eve, when large bonfires are lit throughout towns and cities across the country.
At midnight the sky fills with fireworks as locals gather outside to welcome the new year. Parties, celebrations, and social gatherings often continue well into the night. While many businesses remain closed on New Year's Day, restaurants and bars are usually open.
One unusual Icelandic tradition is the annual sea swim in Reykjavík. Brave locals take part in a freezing dip at Nauthólsvík beach before warming up in geothermal hot pools, sometimes even under the Northern Lights.
Easter
Although Iceland today is fairly secular, Easter remains one of the longer holiday periods in the country. The celebrations create a five day holiday weekend that includes several important days.
Maundy Thursday – This marks the beginning of the long Easter weekend. Schools and many offices close, although some shops, bars, and restaurants remain open.
Good Friday – Many businesses close on this day. It is a good opportunity to explore Iceland’s natural landscapes such as visiting a black sand beach or looking for Icelandic wildlife.
Easter Sunday – Traditionally a religious day, most businesses remain closed. Today many Icelandic families celebrate with chocolate eggs, gatherings, and meals together.
Easter Monday – Shops and supermarkets typically reopen, and many people enjoy the final day of the long weekend before returning to work or school.
May Day
In Iceland, May 1st is known as International Workers’ Day. Unlike some countries where May Day focuses on spring celebrations, the day in Iceland is often marked by rallies and demonstrations organised by workers' unions.
Reykjavík usually hosts the largest gatherings. If you are visiting the city on May Day, be aware that protests or marches may temporarily affect traffic or local activities.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day takes place 40 days after Easter and commemorates the ascension of Jesus into heaven. In Iceland it is also a public holiday. Many locals use the day off to spend time outdoors with family and friends, especially as the weather begins to improve in late spring.
Whit Sunday
Whit Sunday occurs ten days after Ascension Day and provides another long weekend in Iceland. Many people travel to summer houses or spend time exploring nature. Shops and restaurants may operate reduced hours, but most tourism services remain open.
Independence Day
One of Iceland’s most important national holidays is Independence Day, celebrated on June 17th each year. The day commemorates Iceland becoming an independent republic in 1944 and honors national leader Jón Sigurðsson.
Celebrations take place across the country, with the largest festivities in Reykjavík. Parades, concerts, performances, and family-friendly events fill the city center throughout the day.
Commerce Day
Commerce Day, also known as the Merchants’ Holiday or Verslunarmannahelgi, takes place during the first weekend of August. It originally recognized shop workers, giving them a rare day off.
Today the long weekend is associated with large outdoor festivals, concerts, and camping trips around Iceland. Many locals travel outside the city to enjoy time in nature.
Christmas
Christmas Eve – Christmas celebrations in Iceland begin on December 24th. At noon many businesses close and families begin preparing for the evening festivities. At 6pm the official Christmas celebrations begin, when families gather for dinner and gift giving.
Christmas Day – After the excitement of Christmas Eve, the following day is usually quieter. Families spend time relaxing, enjoying leftovers, and visiting relatives.
Boxing Day / Saint Stephen’s Day – December 26th marks the final holiday in the Christmas period. Some shops and restaurants reopen, although many people still treat the day as part of the festive break.
If you are visiting during any of these holidays, planning ahead can make your trip easier. Many travelers choose to explore the country at their own pace by car, allowing them to visit natural attractions, festivals, and towns even when some businesses are closed. You can find more travel inspiration in our Explore Iceland guides.