New Year’s Day (Nýársdagur, January 1) marks the beginning of the calendar year and is a nationwide public holiday in Iceland. The day is typically quiet, as most celebrations take place on New Year’s Eve. Many shops, offices, and public institutions remain closed, and people spend the day resting or enjoying time with family after the festive night before.

Maundy Thursday (Skírdagur, Thursday before Easter) commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and marks the beginning of the Easter holiday period. In Iceland, it is a public holiday, and many businesses, schools, and public services are closed. The day often has a calm atmosphere and is commonly used as the start of a long Easter break.

Good Friday (Föstudagurinn langi, Friday before Easter) commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is traditionally one of the most solemn days of the year in Iceland. Most shops, entertainment venues, and services are closed, and public events are limited. The day is typically quiet and reflective, forming a central part of the Easter holidays.

Easter Sunday (Páskadagur) celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important Christian holidays in Iceland. Families often gather for festive meals, and traditional Easter foods are common. As the holiday always falls on a Sunday, many businesses are already closed, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere.

Easter Monday (Annar í páskum, Monday after Easter) continues the Easter holiday celebrations and is observed as a public holiday throughout Iceland. Many people use the day to relax, travel within the country, or enjoy outdoor activities as spring approaches. Schools and most workplaces remain closed.

The First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti, late April) is a uniquely Icelandic holiday that celebrates the official start of summer according to the old Icelandic calendar. Despite often cold weather, the day is celebrated nationwide with parades, festivals, and outdoor events. It symbolizes optimism, renewal, and the anticipation of brighter days ahead.

May Day (Verkalýðsdagurinn, May 1), also known as International Workers’ Day, is a public holiday in Iceland dedicated to workers’ rights and labor movements. The day is marked by marches, speeches, and public gatherings organized by trade unions. Many businesses are closed, and the day also signals the transition into late spring.

Ascension Day (Uppstigningardagur, 40 days after Easter) commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. In Iceland, it is a public holiday and often creates a long weekend. While religious observance is modest for many, the day is frequently used for travel, leisure activities, or spending time outdoors.

Pentecost (Hvítasunnudagur, 50 days after Easter) marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and is observed as a public holiday in Iceland. The day always falls on a Sunday and is typically quiet, with limited commercial activity. It forms part of a long spring holiday period for many families.

Whit Monday (Annar í hvítasunnu, Monday after Pentecost) continues the Pentecost celebrations and is a public holiday in Iceland. It provides an additional day off, often used for relaxation, short trips, or spending time with family. Many businesses and schools remain closed.

Icelandic National Day (Þjóðhátíðardagurinn, June 17) commemorates the founding of the Republic of Iceland in 1944 and honors the country’s independence. Celebrations include parades, speeches, cultural events, and outdoor festivals across the country. It is one of Iceland’s most important national holidays and a major celebration of Icelandic identity and culture.

Commerce Day (Frídagur verslunarmanna, first Monday in August) is a public holiday originally established for retail and service workers. Today, it marks the beginning of a popular long summer weekend. Many Icelanders travel, attend festivals, or enjoy outdoor activities. Some of the country’s largest summer events take place during this period.

Christmas Eve (Aðfangadagur, December 24) is one of the most important holidays in Iceland and is observed as a public holiday. Families typically gather in the late afternoon or evening to share festive meals, exchange gifts, and attend church services. Most shops and businesses close early, and public transport operates on limited schedules.

Christmas Day (Jóladagur, December 25) celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a public holiday across Iceland. It is usually a calm and family-oriented day, with most businesses and public services closed. People spend the day relaxing, visiting relatives, and enjoying the Christmas season.

St. Stephen’s Day (Annar í jólum, December 26) follows Christmas Day and continues the holiday period. It is a public holiday often spent visiting friends and extended family or participating in winter activities. Some shops reopen, but many people remain on holiday.

New Year’s Eve (Gamlársdagur, December 31) is a public holiday in Iceland and one of the most festive days of the year. Celebrations are especially famous for large community bonfires and impressive fireworks displays organized by local volunteer groups. Most businesses close early, and the evening is dedicated to welcoming the New Year.