Sweden celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural and historical significance. In 2025, there are several Public Holidays in Sweden in 2025 that offer opportunities for relaxation, reflection, and celebration. These holidays range from religious observances like Easter and Christmas to national events like Midsummer and Sweden’s National Day. Many public holidays in Sweden are tied to the seasons, with some marking the return of spring or the peak of summer. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, understanding the Public Holidays in Sweden in 2025 will help you plan your year and experience Swedish traditions.
Public Holidays in Sweden in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Sweden in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Epiphany | Jan 06, 2025 | Monday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| May Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Ascension Day | May 29, 2025 | Thursday |
| National day | Jun 06, 2025 | Friday |
| Whit Sunday | Jun 08, 2025 | Sunday |
| Midsummer Day | Jun 21, 2025 | Saturday |
| All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
| Also Read: Public Holidays in Suriname in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the start of a new calendar year in Sweden. It’s a time for new beginnings and resolutions. Many people spend the day with family or friends, reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the future. There are often fireworks at midnight, and in some cities, public celebrations are held. While it is a time for joy and celebration, many people also use the holiday to rest after the festive season and prepare for the year ahead.
Epiphany
The Christian tradition commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to infant Jesus on Epiphany, which is observed on January 6th. In Sweden, it marks the end of the Christmas season. Though it’s a religious holiday, many Swedes see it as a day to relax after the holidays. It’s not widely celebrated with large events, but for Christians, it holds spiritual significance, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the world. Some families attend church services, and it’s a time for reflection before ordinary routines begin again.
Good Friday
Good Friday, known as “Långfredagen” in Sweden, is part of the Easter celebrations and falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many people use the day to reflect on the sacrifices made by Christ. Traditionally, it was a solemn day, but today. At the same time, some attend church services, while others see it as the beginning of the Easter weekend, spending time with family or preparing for Easter celebrations. Shops and businesses are usually closed, giving people a chance to rest and reflect.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday, or “Påskdagen” in Sweden, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, making it one of the most important Christian holidays. For Swedes, it’s also a time for family gatherings and feasts, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Traditional foods like eggs, lamb, and special breads are served. Children may dress up as Easter witches and go door-to-door for treats, a unique Swedish tradition. The holiday combines religious significance with cheerful springtime festivities, symbolizing renewal and new beginnings as winter ends and warmer days begin.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday, or “Annandag Påsk,” is the day after Easter Sunday and a continuation of the Easter celebrations. In Sweden, it’s a public holiday where families and friends often gather to relax and enjoy the spring weather. The peaceful nature of this day is sure to make the audience feel relaxed. Traditionally, it was a day for reflection on the Easter story, but now it’s more about spending time outdoors or engaging in leisure activities after the big Easter feast. For many Swedes, it’s a peaceful day off before the workweek resumes.
May Day
May Day, or “Första maj,” is celebrated on May 1st and is a significant day for workers’ rights in Sweden. It’s known as International Workers’ Day and is often marked by parades, speeches, and demonstrations advocating for labor rights and social justice. This historical significance invokes a sense of respect for the past. Unions and political groups organize events, and many people participate to show solidarity with the working class. It’s a public holiday where Swedes also enjoy time outdoors as spring is in full bloom. While it has historical political roots, it’s also seen as a general celebration of spring.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day, or “Kristi himmelsfärdsdag,” is a Christian holiday observed 40 days after Easter. It commemorates Jesus’ ascension into heaven. In Sweden, it’s a public holiday and traditionally, church services are held to mark the occasion. For many Swedes, it’s also a day off from work and a chance to spend time in nature as the weather starts to improve. Ascension Day often coincides with outdoor activities like hiking or picnics, as it falls during the pleasant spring season.
National Day
On June 6, Sweden observes its National Day, a significant day marking two pivotal events: the election of King Gustav Vasa in 1523 and the enactment of a new constitution in 1809. This day, which became a public holiday in 2005, is a testament to Swedish history and culture, fostering a sense of patriotism and pride. Swedes celebrate with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural events. In Stockholm, the royal family usually takes part in official events. For many, it’s a day to enjoy the outdoors, attend concerts, or gather with friends and family in celebration of Swedish history and culture.
Whit Sunday
Whit Sunday, also known as “Pingstdagen,” is a Christian observance occurring 50 days post-Easter, marking the descending of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. In Sweden, it used to be a major religious holiday, but today its significance has diminished. However, it remains a public holiday, offering a long weekend for many Swedes. People often use this time for rest or outdoor activities, especially as it falls during the pleasant late spring season. Some may still attend church services, but it’s largely a time for family and relaxation.
Midsummer Day
Midsummer Day, celebrated on the Saturday between June 20th and 26th, is one of Sweden’s most beloved holidays. It signifies the summer solstice, the day with the greatest duration of daylight. Swedes convene with family and friends for al fresco banquets, engage in maypole dancing, and savor traditional delicacies such as pickled herring and strawberries. It’s a celebration of light, nature, and Swedish culture. Midsummer is also seen as a time of renewal and joy, as it symbolizes the peak of summer and the beauty of the Swedish countryside.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day, observed on the first Saturday in November, is a time for Swedes to remember loved ones who have passed away. Many visit cemeteries to light candles and place flowers on graves. The holiday has a solemn and reflective tone, offering a chance to honor the deceased. While its origins are religious, it’s now widely observed by people of all faiths as a day of remembrance and reflection. The soft glow of thousands of candles in cemeteries creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere across the country.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, known as “Juldagen” in Sweden, is observed on December 25th and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day for family gatherings, attending church services, and enjoying festive meals. While Christmas Eve is the main day of celebration in Sweden, Christmas Day is often quieter, with families relaxing at home after the big feast. It’s a time for reflection on the spiritual significance of the holiday, as well as enjoying the warmth and comfort of home during the winter season.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day, known as “Annandag Jul” in Sweden, falls on December 26th and is a public holiday for relaxing after the Christmas festivities. Many Swedes spend the day visiting family and friends or enjoying outdoor activities like skiing or walking in nature. While its origins lie in giving gifts to the less fortunate, today, it’s more of a leisure day. Some may attend church services, but for most, it’s a chance to unwind and extend the Christmas celebrations before the new year approaches.