What are the public holidays in Finland?
The fixed and moving holidays and what they mean for opening hours.
Short answer
Info Norden lists Finland's public holidays: New Year's Day on 1 January, Epiphany on 6 January, Easter in March or April with Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, May Day on 1 May, Ascension Day 40 days after Easter Sunday, Midsummer, All Saints' Day, Independence Day on 6 December, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Holidays are usually days off for employees, but the only day off set by law is Independence Day. Others depend on collective agreements.
Why
- Info Norden gives the list of Finnish public holidays.
- Info Norden says Independence Day is the only day off based on law.
- Kaleva quotes the University Almanac Office on the same point.
Details
Info Norden notes that the law does not stop retail shops from opening on public holidays.
Tip
Check opening hours for Midsummer and Christmas in advance. Many places close or shorten hours.
What may differ
Midsummer Eve and Christmas Eve are not official holidays but are days off for most people.
Common misconception
Every public holiday is a legal day off in Finland.
What actually happens
Only Independence Day is set as a day off by law.
People also ask
- When is Easter in Finland in 2027?
- Are shops open on public holidays in Finland?
- How many weekday holidays does Finland have?
Sources
- Info Norden: Public holidays in FinlandChecked at:
- Kaleva: One weekday holiday fewer next yearChecked at:
- Taloustaito: Nine weekday holidays in 2026Checked at:
This answer is for reference only. Opening hours, prices and services change, so check the official sources before you go.
Useful tips for touristsRelated questions
-
How do you get rid of a Christmas tree in Helsinki?
The City of Helsinki says Christmas trees are collected free of charge from properties in the capital region and Kirkkonummi in a separate collection in January and February, starting after Epiphany on 7 January.
-
How much mixed waste do households in the Helsinki region throw away?
HSY studied the composition of household mixed waste in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen in 2024.
-
How do you sort household waste in Helsinki?
HSY, which runs household waste services in the Helsinki region, defines biowaste as food waste from cooking or serving, such as vegetable peels and leftovers, and inedible fruit, berries and food plants.
-
How many public holidays fall on weekdays in Finland each year?
Taloustaito says Finland's calendar has 7 to 10 days off that fall on weekdays each year, and nine in 2026.