Discover the complete list of public holidays in Finland 2026, including official national holidays and widely observed de facto days like Christmas Eve and Midsummer Eve. Finland observes 12 official public holidays each year, most rooted in Christian traditions with secular celebrations like May Day and Independence Day. These bank holidays provide paid days off for employees, while de facto holidays often see businesses close early or fully.
Plan your travel, long weekends, or cultural experiences with this detailed Finland holiday calendar for 2026 – perfect for expats, tourists, and anyone interested in Finnish observances and traditions.
| Date | English Name | Finnish Name | Type | Description / Traditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/1/2026 | New Year’s Day | Uudenvuodenaatto | Public holiday | Fireworks, parties, and reflections on the new year. |
| 1/6/2026 | Epiphany | Loppiainen | Public holiday | Ends the Christmas season; traditionally commemorates the Three Wise Men. |
| 4/3/2026 | Good Friday | Pitkäperjantai | Public holiday | Somber church services. |
| 4/6/2026 | Second Day of Easter | 2. pääsiäispäivä | Public holiday | Family time; often includes Easter egg hunts and mämmi (rye pudding). |
| 5/1/2026 | May Day | Vappu | Public holiday | Labor Day celebrations with picnics, balloons, and student festivities. |
| 5/14/2026 | Ascension Day | Helatorstai | Public holiday | 40 days after Easter; church services and family outings. |
| 6/19/2026 | Midsummer Eve | Juhannusaatto | De facto | Friday before Midsummer Day – Bonfires (kokko), saunas, and lake activities. |
| 6/20/2026 | Midsummer Day | Juhannuspäivä | Public holiday | Saturday between June 20–26; celebrates summer solstice with cottage retreats, saunas, and bonfires. |
| 10/31/2026 | All Saints’ Day | Pyhäinpäivä | Public holiday | Saturday between Oct 31–Nov 6; visiting graves and lighting candles. |
| 12/6/2026 | Independence Day | Itsenäisyyspäivä | Public holiday | Commemorates independence from Russia (1917); flag-raising, torch processions, and presidential reception on TV. |
| 12/25/2026 | Christmas Day | Joulupäivä | Public holiday | Family dinners with ham, casseroles, and gifts; Santa visits on Christmas Eve. |
| 12/26/2026 | Boxing Day | Tapaninpäivä | Public holiday | Relaxing with leftovers; traditional horse sleigh rides (tapaninajot). |
| 12/24/2026 | Christmas Eve | Jouluaatto | De facto | The main celebration day with Santa, dinner, and peace declaration. |
Long Weekends in Finland 2026
| Dates | Holiday | Days off | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 3–6, 2026 | Good Friday + Easter Monday | Fri–Mon (4 days) | Great for spring trips. |
| May 1–3, 2026 | May Day (Fri) | Fri–Sun (3 days) | Vappu celebrations. |
| May 14–17, 2026 | Ascension Day (Thu) | Thu–Sun (4 days) | Take Friday off for extra long weekend. |
| December 24–26, 2026 | Christmas Eve to Boxing Day | Thu–Sat | Extended winter break. |
Key Finnish Holiday Traditions
- Vappu (May Day): Picnics, balloons, and student parties welcoming spring.
- Juhannus (Midsummer): Cottage retreats, massive bonfires (kokko), and saunas by the lake.
- Independence Day: Candle-lit graves, torch processions, and watching the presidential ball on TV.
- Christmas: Focus on Christmas Eve with Santa visits, family dinners, and sauna sessions.
Public Holidays in Finland 2026 – FAQ
Finland has 12 official public holidays in 2026. Additionally, de facto holidays like Christmas Eve (December 24) and Midsummer Eve (June 19) are widely observed, with most businesses closing or operating reduced hours.
Yes, all official public holidays are paid days off for most employees under Finnish labor laws. Employers must provide either the day off with full pay or compensation if work is required.
The biggest celebrations include Midsummer (Juhannus) – a summer solstice festival with bonfires and cottage retreats, Christmas Eve and Day – the main family holiday with Santa and traditional dinners, Vappu (May Day) – spring celebrations with picnics and student events, and Independence Day (December 6) – a patriotic day with flag-raising and the famous presidential reception broadcast.
Midsummer Eve falls on Friday, June 19, 2026 (de facto holiday), and Midsummer Day on Saturday, June 20, 2026 (official public holiday). This is one of the most popular times for Finns to head to summer cottages, light bonfires (kokko), and enjoy saunas.
No, Christmas Eve (December 24) is not an official public holiday, but it’s a de facto non-working day. Most workplaces close by early afternoon, and it’s considered the main day of Christmas celebration in Finland.
Suomenkielinen versio – Pyhäkalenteri.fi