Iceland Public Holidays
Iceland observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Iceland observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Iceland by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Iceland.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Apr 2 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| Apr 23 | Thursday | First Day of Summer |
| May 1 | Friday | May Day |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| May 24 | Sunday | Pentecost |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| Jun 17 | Wednesday | Icelandic National Day |
| Aug 3 | Monday | Commerce Day |
| Dec 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | St. Stephen's Day |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Iceland
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Iceland. Holidays are observed on fixed dates or on floating dates determined by religious calendars. Some holidays may have regional variations or observances.
For a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a public holiday, please refer to our definitions page. For a complete list of all observed holidays in Iceland for a specific year, visit the Iceland public holidays page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Iceland observes a number of significant public holidays. These include religious observances and national celebrations.
Other holidays observed in 2026 include New Year's Eve, Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Whit Monday, Commerce Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St. Stephen's Day. You can find the full list of dates on the Iceland public holidays 2026 page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- First Day of Summer — 23 April 2026. Celebrates the traditional beginning of summer.
- Icelandic National Day — 17 June 2026. Iceland's national day, commemorating the day in 1944 when Iceland became a republic.
- May Day — 1 May 2026. An international workers' day celebrated in Iceland.
Planning around holidays
Icelandic holidays often fall around significant religious dates or seasonal changes, influencing travel and business operations. Understanding these patterns can help with planning.
Winter Holidays: Many holidays cluster in late December and early January, including Christmas and New Year's.
Spring Holidays: The spring season sees a concentration of religious holidays like Easter, followed by the unique 'First Day of Summer'.
Summer Holidays: The summer solstice period is marked by the Icelandic National Day, a major national celebration.
Business Closures: While many businesses and public services close on major holidays, it's always advisable to check specific opening hours, especially around religious observances and national celebrations.
- Seasonal Patterns: Holidays are often tied to religious calendars and the changing seasons, with notable clusters in spring and winter.
- Fixed vs. Floating Dates: Some holidays, like New Year's Day and Icelandic National Day, are fixed, while others, such as Easter and its related observances, change annually.
- Extended Observances: Be aware that some holidays, like Christmas, may have extended observance periods, with Christmas Eve and St. Stephen's Day also being recognized.
- Summer Celebrations: The summer months feature significant national celebrations, including the First Day of Summer and Icelandic National Day.
Plan Your Year Around IS Holidays
View Iceland holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.