Boxing Day 2025

Description

Boxing Day in the Faroe Islands is the second day of Christmas. People call it Annar dagur jóla in Faroese. It comes right after Christmas Day and is part of the holiday season.

The date is December 26 each year. It is a public holiday across the islands. Schools, many offices, and official services are usually closed so people have time away from work.

The holiday has roots in the Christian calendar as St Stephens Day. It marks the continuation of the Christmas period and remembers early Christian traditions connected to care and community.

Boxing Day is significant because it helps keep the long holiday atmosphere going. It is a national day for slowing down, thinking about family and neighbors, and observing cultural identity tied to winter and faith.

Traditions

On Boxing Day in the Faroe Islands families stay close and visit relatives. People share big meals of fish and lamb, with boiled potatoes and rich sauces. Home baking includes sweet cakes and small fried pastries called kleinur.

Children sometimes get small gifts or treats. Neighbors help each other with chores and share food. Many families take long walks along the coast or in the hills to enjoy fresh air and talk together.

Communities hold informal concerts, choir singing and small gatherings in village halls. Evenings are for board games, storytelling and lighting candles. The day feels calm, warm and focused on being with people you care about.

Travel Tips

Many shops, banks and some museums are closed on Boxing Day. Public buses and ferries run on reduced schedules. Book tours, ferries and taxis early, and check timetables the day before. Bring warm waterproof clothing for sudden weather.

Torshavn and popular sites can be busy midday. Stay on marked paths and respect private land. Carry a charged phone and power bank. Look for cafes or restaurants that advertise they are open, or join a guided walk to enjoy the holiday safely and meaningfully. Emergency number 112.