New Year’s Day (Nyårsdagen, 1 January) marks the start of the year in Sweden. After the late-night celebrations, the country slows down: many people sleep in, visit family, take winter walks, and enjoy a calm reset. Most shops and public services are closed or run on reduced hours.

Epiphany (Trettondedag jul, 6 January) closes Sweden’s Christmas season. The day has Christian roots (the visit of the Magi), and in Sweden it’s often associated with quiet church services, winter concerts, and the last round of holiday gatherings before everyday life returns.

Good Friday (Långfredagen) is one of Sweden’s most reflective public holidays, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. The tone is traditionally calm and subdued, with many services held in churches. It’s also the start of the long Easter break, when travel and family time pick up across the country.

Easter Sunday (Påskdagen) is a major Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. In Sweden it’s also closely tied to spring traditions: families decorate with birch twigs and feathers (påskris), children may dress up as “Easter witches” (påskkärringar) for sweets, and shared meals are common.

Easter Monday (Annandag påsk) extends the Easter celebrations with a slower, more relaxed day off. Many Swedes use it for outings, visiting relatives, or simply enjoying the first real signs of spring before the work week resumes.

International Workers’ Day (Första maj, 1 May) is a nationwide public holiday focused on workers’ rights and social issues. In many cities you’ll see demonstrations, speeches, and union marches-alongside a very Swedish bonus: it often feels like the first “proper” spring day for picnics and outdoor time.

Ascension Day (Kristi himmelsfärdsdag) is observed 40 days after Easter and is a public holiday in Sweden. Many people treat it as a long-weekend opportunity for travel, hiking, or opening the summer cottage season, while churches mark the day with services.

Pentecost (Pingstdagen) commemorates the Christian belief in the descent of the Holy Spirit. It falls on a Sunday and is still an official public holiday in Sweden. Historically it was associated with confirmations and weddings; today, many simply enjoy a calm Sunday with family and the outdoors.

This is a public holiday in Sweden.

Midsummer Eve (Midsommarafton) is one of Sweden’s biggest celebrations, even though it is not an official public holiday. Many workplaces close early or take the day off, and the festivities-maypole dancing, flower crowns, summer food, and long bright evenings-often happen on Friday before Midsummer Day.

Midsummer Day (Midsommardagen) is one of Sweden’s most iconic celebrations and a public holiday. Observed on a Saturday between 20 and 26 June, it features maypoles (midsommarstång), flower crowns, traditional dancing, and classic foods like pickled herring, potatoes with dill, strawberries, and schnapps songs.

All Saints’ Day (Alla helgons dag) is a public holiday observed on a Saturday between 31 October and 6 November. It’s one of Sweden’s most moving traditions: people visit cemeteries and light candles for loved ones, creating a warm glow across autumn-dark evenings.

Christmas Eve (Julafton) is not an official public holiday, but it is culturally the main Christmas celebration in Sweden. Families gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and many watch classic Christmas TV traditions. Workplaces often close early, and the evening sets the tone for the whole season.

Christmas Day (Juldagen, 25 December) is a quiet, family-centered public holiday in Sweden. After the big celebrations on Christmas Eve, the 25th is typically calm-resting at home, visiting close relatives, and for some attending church. Many businesses remain closed.

St. Stephen’s Day (Annandag jul, 26 December) continues the Christmas holiday period. It’s often a relaxed day for visiting friends and family, enjoying winter walks, and watching holiday sports-while Sweden stays in “slow mode” before New Year’s.

New Year’s Eve (Nyårsafton) is not an official public holiday, but it is widely celebrated across Sweden. People gather for dinners and countdown parties, with fireworks at midnight in many places. Many restaurants and venues are busy, while public services may run on holiday schedules.