Denmark is a country with a strong work-life balance. When we work, we do so seriously, diligently, and efficiently, but we also place high importance on our vacations and leisure time. It's essential to maintain a balance between the two. For this reason, there are several fixed vacation periods in Denmark that apply to most people. The same is true for public holidays, which we will review in this article.
The fixed Danish holiday periods
In Denmark, there are generally four fixed holiday periods that apply to most people. These are the summer break, winter break, autumn break, and Christmas break. However, not everyone necessarily takes time off during these periods—it depends on the type of job, agreements, etc. But for most Danes, these are times when they take a break from work.
Summer vacation
In Denmark, the traditional summer vacation weeks, during which the majority of people take time off, are weeks 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32. Most Danes take between one to six weeks of vacation during these weeks each summer. However, some choose to vacation in the weeks before or after this period. The peak season is particularly in July and early August (weeks 28 to 31).
Summer holidays in Denmark are scheduled during these weeks due to the school break, which lasts from the end of June to the beginning of August, and due to the industrial holiday, typically held in weeks 29, 30, and 31.
Winter break
In Denmark, the winter holiday falls in week 7, which is in mid-February, and it's one of the vacations many families take, especially those with children in primary school. Primary schools also close for the winter break, allowing families to vacation together. A popular activity that many Danes enjoy is going on a ski trip during the winter holiday.
In some municipalities in Denmark, however, the winter break isn't observed until week 8.
Autumn break
The autumn break falls in week 42, that is, in mid-October, and like the winter holiday, is one many Danes take, though not everyone does. The autumn break is a popular travel week where many Danes head to southern destinations or spend time at a summer house.
Christmas vacation
The Christmas holiday, much like the summer holiday, is one that the vast majority of Danes observe.
The Christmas holiday in Denmark is somewhat unique, as most workplaces shut down between Christmas and New Year, even though the days from the 27th to the 30th of December are not official public holidays. Additionally, many people choose to take extra time off before and slightly after this period to extend their holiday break in December. Most often, they start their Christmas vacation around December 22nd and continue until January 2nd or 3rd.
The Danish Public Holidays
In Denmark, we have a total of 10 official public holidays, following the removal of Store Bededag as a public holiday. Most of these fall during Easter and Christmas. The Danish public holidays are:
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- (Skærtorsdag) Maundy Thursday - the Thursday before Easter
- (Langfredag) Good Friday - the Friday before Easter
- (Påskedag) Easter Sunday
- (2. Påskedag) Easter Monday - the Monday after Easter
- (Kristi Himmelfartsdag) Ascension Day - 40 days after Easter, always on a Thursday
- (Pinsedag) Whit Sunday - the seventh Sunday after Easter
- (2. Pinsedag) 2nd Day of Pentecost (Monday after Pentecost)
- (1. Juledag) Christmas Day (December 25)
- (2. Juledag) December 26, Boxing Day
Additionally, there are several days that are not public holidays, yet many people take the day off anyway. These include Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year's Eve (December 31). Additionally, there's Constitution Day on June 5 and International Workers' Day on May 1, though not everyone takes these days off. Whether you get these days off typically depends on your employment contract.