Iceland Public Holidays 2025
Iceland has 16 public holidays and 12 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 6 Jan | Mon | Epiphany | observance |
| 24 Jan | Fri | Bóndadagur | observance |
| 18 Feb | Tue | Woman's Day | observance |
| 3 Mar | Mon | Bolludagur | observance |
| 4 Mar | Tue | Sprengidagur | observance |
| 5 Mar | Wed | Ash Wednesday | observance |
| 13 Apr | Sun | Palm Sunday | observance |
| 17 Apr | Thu | Maundy Thursday | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 24 Apr | Thu | First Day of Summer | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 11 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 1 Jun | Sun | The Seamen's Day | observance |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | public |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 17 Jun | Tue | Icelandic National Day | public |
| 4 Aug | Mon | Commerce Day | public |
| 25 Oct | Sat | First Day of Winter | observance |
| 16 Nov | Sun | Icelandic Language Day | observance |
| 23 Dec | Tue | St Þorlákur's Day | observance |
| 24 Dec | Wed | Christmas Eve | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
| 31 Dec | Wed | New Year's Eve | public |
About Iceland's Holidays
Icelandic holidays mix national pride, old traditions, and family time. People celebrate the National Day on June 17 with parades and speeches. Summer festivals and the first day of summer mark light and outdoor life after long winters.
Religious holidays like Christmas and Easter are big. Families gather, eat special food, and enjoy cozy home time. New Year is loud with fireworks and bonfires. Many public holidays close banks and shops so people rest, travel, or visit nature.
Cultural events honor history and folklore. Local festivals feature music, sagas, and community meals. Overall, holidays in Iceland balance modern civic life with strong ties to nature and old customs.
Holiday Traditions
Icelandic holidays mix old Norse customs and modern life. People often slow down, visit church, sing, and remember family stories. The mood is cozy and respectful, with many traditions passed down through generations.
Food plays a big role. Families share special dishes like smoked lamb hangikjot, thin fried laufabrauð bread, sweet kleinur pastries, and preserved fish. People cook together, exchange food, and neighbors bring treats when visiting. Meal time is warm and social, with long table talks and children playing nearby.
Public celebrations include small town parades, concerts, outdoor festivals, and big New Year fireworks. Communities gather in open spaces to sing, dance, and enjoy music, keeping both old traditions and lively modern culture alive.
Travel Tips
Iceland during the holiday season means many public offices and small shops close for several days. Tourist services like museums and restaurants often keep holiday hours, so always check opening times before you go.
Flights mostly run, but schedules are reduced on key holidays and some domestic buses do not operate. Roads can be icy and snow covered, so rent a suitable car and check road.is and safetravel.is for updates before driving.
Reykjavik and popular sites get busy around Christmas and New Year, and hotels book up fast. Expect crowds at thermal pools and northern lights tours on peak nights.
Plan and book early, pack warm layers, expect limited daylight, buy travel insurance, and monitor weather and transport updates.