New Year’s Day (Nyttårsdag, 1 January) starts the year in Norway with a slow, quiet rhythm after the holiday season. Many people spend the day with family, recover from New Year’s Eve celebrations, and enjoy winter walks in snowy neighborhoods or forests. It’s a calm reset before schools and workplaces fully return.

Maundy Thursday (Skjærtorsdag, date varies) marks the beginning of Easter’s most important days in Norway. It is traditionally linked to church services and reflection, but for many Norwegians it also signals the start of the long Easter break. Families often travel to cabins (hytte), head to the mountains, and begin the famous Norwegian Easter holiday routines.

Good Friday (Langfredag, date varies) is one of Norway’s most solemn public holidays. Churches hold services focusing on the Passion story, and the day has a quieter tone than the rest of the Easter weekend. Even for non-religious families, it remains a day of rest, closed shops, and a slower pace across the country.

Easter Sunday (Første påskedag, date varies) is a major Christian holiday celebrating Easter. In Norway it is also a public holiday that often takes place during cabin trips, ski outings, and family meals. Many people associate Easter with spring snow, cross-country skiing, oranges, chocolate, and the traditional Easter crime stories (påskekrim).

Easter Monday (Andre påskedag, date varies) extends the long Easter weekend and is widely used for travel home, relaxed family time, and outdoor activities. For many, it’s the last day of the ‘Easter break feeling’-a final quiet day before normal routines resume.

Labour Day (Første mai, 1 May) celebrates workers’ rights and the labour movement in Norway. Cities host parades, speeches, and gatherings organized by unions and political groups. It is both a day of civic tradition and a springtime holiday when people enjoy the first warmer weeks of the year.

Ascension Day (Kristi himmelfartsdag, date varies) is observed 40 days after Easter and offers another nationwide day off in late spring. Some attend church services, while many use the holiday for hiking, travel, or spending time outdoors. It often creates a popular ‘long weekend’ and is seen as a gentle preview of summer.

Constitution Day (Syttende mai, 17 May) is Norway’s biggest national celebration, marking the signing of the constitution in 1814. Unlike many countries, the day is famous for children’s parades (barnetog), flags everywhere, marching bands, and community pride. People dress up-often in bunad, the national costume-and enjoy hot dogs, ice cream, and festive gatherings across the country.

Whit Monday (Andre pinsedag, date varies) continues the Pentecost holiday with a second day off. It’s a classic Norwegian ‘extra day’ for rest and outdoor time-often used for short trips, gardening, or simply taking advantage of longer daylight. For many families, it feels like a small break before the summer season begins in earnest.

Christmas Day (Første juledag, 25 December) is one of Norway’s most cherished holidays and is usually spent quietly with close family. After the big celebrations on Christmas Eve, the 25th is often calmer: traditional meals, church services for some, and time at home while winter darkness and candlelight set the mood.

St. Stephen’s Day (Andre juledag, 26 December) extends the Christmas season. Many Norwegians visit relatives and friends, enjoy leftovers, and take winter walks or ski trips. It’s a relaxed holiday focused on togetherness, marking the gentle continuation of Christmas before the New Year approaches.