🎉 Public Holidays in Finland 2026: Calendar, Traditions and Practical Tip

If you want to understand when everything slows down in Finland (and why it's better to book transport in advance on these days), as well as which holidays are actually celebrated, you've come to the right place. Below is the calendar for 2026, followed by a brief overview of each important day: its meaning, traditions, atmosphere, and practical details.

Let's be honest: in Finland, holidays are often about silence, family and candles, rather than mass celebrations. And that's where their special magic lies.

🧭 Which holidays in Finland are "statutory holidays" and which are simply traditions? 🧩

The Finnish calendar is easy to read in three layers:

1. Official holidays (pyhäpäivä) are days when the country really "slows down": government offices are closed, businesses operate on reduced hours, and transport often runs on a Sunday schedule.
2. Memorial/flag days are important cultural dates. Offices may operate as usual, but symbols, events, themed shop windows and flags on flagpoles appear around the city.
3. Traditional "unofficial" days are Christmas Eve, Midsummer's Eve, 30 April, and 31 December. They are tricky: legally, they are not "holidays," but they certainly feel like it. Many people leave town, close early, and change their plans.
   

The question that really helps is: do you want to "capture the atmosphere" or "not lose logistics"? Sometimes these are two different tasks.

🛍️ What is usually closed on holidays in Finland — and where do tourists most often miss out? 😅

In short: Finland does not like surprises — and it is better to "play it safe" than to run around the city in the evening looking for an open shop.

Here are some typical scenarios where people most often make mistakes:

● Alko (alcohol shops) and holidays: many visitors are surprised that "well, this is Europe, we'll just buy it now." No: plan ahead.

● Christmas Eve (24 December): even if you are in the capital, the city becomes very quiet after lunch.

● Juhannus: this is the weekend when Finland goes en masse to the mökki, and the "urban infrastructure" does not work as briskly as you might expect.

And one more thing: after the liberalisation of trading hours, many supermarkets can in principle operate on weekends, but the specific hours depend on the chain, location and year. Therefore, the golden rule is: don't argue with the calendar, check the hours for a specific location.

Travel tip: if you are arriving during a holiday, save 2-3 options near your accommodation in advance:

● the nearest supermarket,

● pharmacy,

● a café/cafeteria,

● and a "plan B" (kiosk/station).

🎄 What are the most important winter holidays in Finland and how can you enjoy them to the fullest? 🕯️

🎄 What holidays are there in Finland in December?

Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä) — 6 December

On 6 December, Finland celebrates the main "quiet" holiday of the year — Independence Day, which is an official public holiday.
People often light two candles in their windows — a simple gesture that looks very Finnish: calm and dignified.
In the evening, many people watch Linnan juhlat on TV — the presidential reception, which is then discussed as enthusiastically as the finale of a big show.
The day is meant to be about respect for history and the people who kept the country afloat during difficult times, rather than noisy celebrations.
Tourists should remember that some establishments operate on a reduced schedule, but the city is beautifully lit and has a rare "no-queue" atmosphere for holidays.

Jean Sibelius Day (Jean Sibeliuksen päivä) — 8 December

On 8 December, Finland commemorates Jean Sibelius, the composer who became part of the country's national "sound".
Formally, it is not a public holiday, but it is a notable day: themed concerts and events are held in cities.
The holiday is about culture and identity: music here is not just background noise, but the language through which Finland tells the world about itself.
If you love "Scandinavian" aesthetics, this is a good reason to go to the philharmonic or at least turn on Finlandia and take a walk through the winter city centre.
Schools and the media often explain why Sibelius became a symbol of the era when the country was learning to be independent.

Lucia Day (Lucian päivä) — 13 December

13 December marks Lucia Day, a tradition that is most noticeable in Swedish-speaking regions and large cities.
The holiday looks like "living light": processions, white clothes, candles and a very wintery idea — not to fight the darkness, but to light it from within.
For families and tourists, this is one of the most beautiful December scenes, especially if you are lucky enough to see a choir performance.
In cafés these days, you often want something "seasonal": a warm drink, pastries, a relaxed pace — everything comes together in the perfect winter scene.
There are usually no official restrictions on transport, but it is better to plan popular events in advance.

The Christmas season (Joulu) lasts throughout December, peaking on 24–26 December.

In Finland, the Christmas season begins long before 24 December: lights, markets, cards and 'cosy homes without ostentation'.
For many families, it is not the "party" that is most important, but the rituals: candles, simple food, sauna, silence and time together.
At the same time, there is a tradition of joulukortti — paper cards — and it really works: Finns continue to send them every year.
From a tourist's point of view, this means that accommodation prices in popular places (especially in Lapland) go up in December, and it's better to book tickets in advance.
If you are travelling specifically for the "Christmas feeling", it is better not to try to squeeze everything into one day and leave room for a leisurely stroll.

Christmas Eve (Jouluaatto) — 24 December

24 December in Finland is the culmination of Christmas rituals, although formally it is not always an 'official' holiday on paper.
By evening, the cities slow down noticeably: many shops close early, the streets become quieter, and the windows become brighter.
The family scenario often includes a sauna, a festive table and the feeling that "we are not rushing anywhere" — this is the local luxury.
It is important for travellers to sort out everyday matters (food, shopping, transport) in advance, because it can be more difficult to do so "spontaneously" on the 24th.
If you want a beautiful end to the day, a winter walk through the city centre or along the waterfront is better than any excursion.

Christmas (Joulupäivä) — 25 December

25 December is an official holiday and one of the quietest days of the year: Finland literally "goes home".
Most services operate on a limited basis, and city life looks like a rare mode of silence and clean air.
The day is meant to be about family, restoration and respect for tradition, even for those who are not religious.
Tourists should plan ahead: walks — yes, cafés — selectively, museums — according to the schedule of the specific place.
But it is on the 25th that you can experience Finland without the trappings: snow, light, empty streets and a very clear "no need to rush".

St. Stephen's Day (Tapaninpäivä) — 26 December

26 December is the second official Christmas holiday, and it is slightly more "social" than the 25th.
Many people visit relatives, go for walks, ski or just go out to "clear their heads".
In some families, this is a day of small traditions: leftover holiday food, films, board games, and long conversations.
For travellers, the 26th is more convenient than the 25th: some services and transport options are gradually returning.
If you are planning to travel on these dates, it is best to check schedules in advance, as Finnish timing changes during Christmas week.

New Year's Eve (Uudenvuodenaatto) — 31 December

On 31 December, Finland celebrates New Year's Eve with a balance of "a little noisy, but without hysteria": there are celebrations, but less pomp than in southern Europe.
The traditional Finnish ritual is sauna + warm food + midnight celebrations, and then everyone decides for themselves whether to go home or watch the fireworks.
In many places, people go outside closer to midnight and then quickly disperse — the cold is better at disciplining people than any time management technique.
If you plan to celebrate in the city, check in advance how the events are organised in a particular location and which areas are closed off.
From a budget perspective, the 31st is usually more expensive for accommodation and taxis, so having a "plan A and plan B" can really save you some stress.

❄️ What holidays are there in Finland in January?

New Year's Day (Uudenvuodenpäivä) — 1 January

1 January is an official holiday and a day when Finland seems particularly quiet, as if the whole world has been put on pause.
Many people spend it at home, without any mandatory "programme", which explains the local culture of relaxation.
It is important for tourists to remember that some establishments and services operate on a reduced schedule.
It is an ideal day for walks: the air is fresh, the streets are quiet, and the light is often "cinematic," especially if it has snowed.
If you are arriving/departing on 1 January, allow extra time for logistics and check schedules in advance.

Epiphany (Loppiainen) — 6 January

On 6 January, Finland celebrates Loppiainen, an official holiday that symbolically ends the Christmas season.
Many people take down their decorations after this day or gradually "close" the December fairy tale.
In terms of everyday life, this is another day with possible restrictions on shops and services, so it is better not to make plans on a wing and a prayer.
The atmosphere of Loppiainen is calmer than New Year's Eve: there is more light, less noise, and a feeling that winter is now "real".
If you come at the beginning of January, this holiday helps you see Finland in its true style — without the hustle and bustle.

🧁 What are the "winter" holidays in Finland in February and early March?

Runeberg Day (Runebergin päivä) — 5 February

5 February commemorates the poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg, a man who had a profound influence on Finnish culture and the country's self-image.
The most delicious symbol of the day is the runebergintorttu (Runeberg cake), which appears in shops and cafés in advance and then disappears just as quickly.
The holiday is not necessarily a day off, but it is very noticeable in the "little things" around town: shop windows, menus, school conversations.
The day is about language and culture and how literature can be part of the national foundation.
If you are in Finland in winter, try the cake during this period — it tastes better "in context" than just as a dessert.

Friendship Day (Ystävänpäivä) — 14 February

In Finland, 14 February is often seen as a day of friendship rather than just romance, which is a nice cultural difference.
Here, cards and small gifts are given not only to couples, but also to friends, colleagues and classmates.
The holiday is not an official day off, but it is very noticeable in school and office life.
The mood is one of gentle "anti-pathos": you don't have to prove anything, just remember your loved ones.
For tourists, the day may suggest an idea: instead of an expensive dinner, take a walk, drink cocoa and enjoy Finnish calm tenderness without any fuss.

Laskiainen: Shrove Sunday (Laskiaissunnuntai) — floating date (2025: 2 March; 2026: 15 February)

Laskiainen in Finland is not about bonfires and fairs, but a winter holiday with a very practical focus: sledging and eating well.
On this day, many people go sledding and "do winter" even if they are no longer ten years old.
Pea soup and laskiaispulla, a cream bun that Finns divide into "almond paste" and "jam" camps, often appear on the table.
It is not usually considered an official holiday, but in terms of activity, it feels like a small winter event.
If you want to experience everyday life in Finland, Laskiainen is one of the most authentic and non-touristy holidays.

Laskiäinen: Shrove Tuesday (Laskiaistiistai) — floating date (2025: 4 March; 2026: 17 February)

Shrove Tuesday complements Sunday: the tradition continues, but the mood is often more "everyday".
In schools and families, the theme is still alive: buns, winter games, conversations about how "we used to skate better."
The holiday is historically associated with the beginning of Lent in the Christian tradition, but in modern Finland, the seasonal ritual is more important.
This is convenient for tourists: you can soak up the atmosphere without the crowds, especially if you don't go on the weekend.
A couple of hours on the hill + the right bun give you the feeling that you have lived a little Finnish episode, not just "been there".

Kalevala Day (Kalevalan päivä) — 28 February

28 February marks Kalevala Day, a celebration of the national epic and cultural memory.
The day is not about mass celebrations, but about symbols: exhibitions, school projects, conversations about roots and language.
Kalevala is important as a "big story" that helped to shape identity when Finland was forming itself as a country.
If you want to understand Finland more deeply, this is a good reason to visit a museum, library or simply read a couple of retold legends.
The holiday reminds us that Finnish culture is not only about design and saunas, but also has a long mythology with a very northern feel.

🌱 What holidays are there in Finland in spring?

Minna Canthin Day (Minna Canthin päivä) — 19 March

On 19 March, Finland commemorates Minna Canth, a writer and public figure associated with the themes of equality and women's rights.
The atmosphere of the day is more "intellectual" than festive: discussions, cultural events, notable publications in the media.
The holiday is not necessarily a day off, but it clearly shows how Finland approaches social change — calmly and consistently.
If you live in the country, this day often feels like a marker of values: respect for education, discussion, human rights.
For tourists, it can suggest where to go for "meaning": museums, lectures and urban spaces where contemporary Finland is heard.

Good Friday (Pitkäperjantai) — floating date (2025: 18 April; 2026: 3 April)

Good Friday is an official religious holiday, and on this day, Finland slows down noticeably.
Many services operate differently, and the mood in the city becomes quieter than on a normal Friday.
Even without the religious context, the day feels like a "pause" before the Easter weekend.
It is important for travellers to plan their shopping and travel in advance, because spontaneity on such days is more expensive.
If you want a quiet itinerary, choose walks, nature and a minimalist plan without rushing around museums.

Easter (Pääsiäinen) — floating date (2025: 20 April; 2026: 5 April)

Easter in Finland combines church tradition and very everyday spring rituals, when people breathe a sigh of relief after the dark winter.
Mämmi, a dessert that tourists are initially afraid of but then either love or honestly don't understand, often appears on the table.
In some regions, you may see children dressed in "Easter witch" costumes (virvonta) as they go around greeting people and receiving sweets.
When travelling, it is important to remember that public holidays affect shop and transport schedules, especially in smaller towns.
Easter week is nice because there is already more light, and there is a feeling of summer in the air.

Easter Monday (the second day of Easter, toinen pääsiäispäivä) is a floating date (2025: 21 April; 2026: 6 April).

Easter Monday is an official holiday, which many people use for a 'slow day'.
City life often seems half-empty, but parks, embankments and trails can be livelier.
Families often spend the day doing simple things: finishing off the Easter food, going to the sauna, taking a walk, or visiting loved ones.
For tourists, this is a day for planning outdoor activities, as some of the city's infrastructure is operating on a limited basis.
If you are planning a trip to Finland in the spring, it is best to consider this Monday as a day with more limited services.

Mikael Agricola Day / Finnish Language Day (Mikael Agricolan päivä / Suomen kielen päivä) — 9 April

On 9 April, Finland celebrates Mikael Agricola Day, honouring a man considered to be a key figure in the history of the written Finnish language.
The day may not seem like a typical holiday, but it is very Finnish in essence: respect for language, knowledge and education.
Schools and the media often remind us how language shapes independence and cultural stability.
If you are learning Finnish, this is a pleasant occasion to note your progress and remember that Finnish grammar is a marathon, not a sprint.
For travellers, this day helps to better understand the country: here, language is an important part of identity, not just a means of communication.

Veterans' Day (Kansallinen veteraanipäivä) — 27 April

27 April in Finland is dedicated to veterans, and it is a day of respect without loud slogans.
It is associated with the memory of the difficult pages of 20th-century history and the people who survived the war.
Ceremonies and wreath-laying may take place in cities, and personal stories and interviews may be featured in the media.
It is important for tourists to be tactful: this is not an 'entertainment date' but a day of remembrance.
If you live in Finland, this holiday helps you feel how seriously people here take history and human experience.

Vappu Eve (Vappuaatto) — 30 April

On 30 April, Finland switches to Vappu mode: there is more laughter, white student caps and a feeling that spring has finally won.
The evening is often spent in the city: meeting friends, having the first picnics (sometimes heroically on the cold ground) and "let's go out because we can."
The holiday has a strong student element: in Helsinki and Tampere, the ceremonies and traditions of university culture are particularly noticeable.
The magic of Vappuaatto is that it brings people together on the streets, but remains friendly and almost family-like in atmosphere.
Tourists should take logistics into account: transport and the city centre can be overloaded, and reservations at popular venues are snapped up in advance.

May Day / Vappu — 1 May

1 May is an official holiday and one of Finland's most beloved celebrations because it is simultaneously about spring, students and Labour Day.
During the day, people go on picnics, most often with sima (homemade lemonade), tippaleipä (airy sweets) and a very serious attitude of "we're going to sit outside anyway".
The holiday resembles a carnival, but in the Finnish way: without aggression, with respect for personal space and with warm irony.
If you are in the country for the first time, Vappu helps you quickly understand the local culture: Finns know how to relax, they just do it their own way.
Plan your clothing as if for a mild winter: spring can be beautiful, but cold winds on 1 May are a classic.

Europe Day (Eurooppa-päivä) — 9 May

On 9 May, Finland celebrates Europe Day, which is most often felt as a "civil date" rather than a major public holiday.
Cities may host events, lectures and activities, especially if you are close to a university environment.
The day is about belonging to the European context and how Finland sees its place in Europe.
For tourists, the date can be useful as a hint: sometimes it is on such days that free or open public events take place.
It is not always a public holiday, so shops and transport usually operate as normal.

Snellman Day / Finnish Identity Day (Snellmanin päivä) — 12 May

12 May is dedicated to Juhani Vilhelm Snellman, a thinker who greatly influenced the formation of the Finnish state and national identity.
The holiday does not seem "loud," but it is important as a cultural marker: a reminder of the role of language, education, and institutions.
Schools and the media often discuss what "Finnish identity" means without resorting to clichés and myths.
If you have moved to Finland, this day helps you understand the local approach: values are formed not by slogans, but by long work.
It may seem unremarkable to a tourist, but this is a case where "quiet" means "important."

Mother's Day (Äitienpäivä) — second Sunday in May (2025: 11 May; 2026: 10 May)

On the second Sunday in May, Finland celebrates Mother's Day, and on this day there is noticeably more tenderness in the country than usual.
Many families prepare breakfast for their mothers, give them flowers and try to make the day as "task-free" as possible.
Restaurants and brunches become more popular, so it's a good idea to make a reservation if you plan to celebrate outside the home.
In essence, this is not a noisy event, but a very personal family occasion with an emphasis on care and respect.
For tourists, the day can set the mood: Sunday becomes a little more "homely," and services in some places operate differently.

Ascension Day (Helatorstai) — floating date (2025: 29 May; 2026: 14 May)

Ascension Day in Finland is an official holiday and one of those holidays that often turns into a long weekend.
Many people use it as their first big spring break and plan short trips, cottage stays or nature outings.
Not everyone is familiar with the religious significance, but the practical effect of the holiday is clear: schedules and logistics change.
If you are travelling around the country, it is best to check transport timetables and shop opening hours in advance.
The atmosphere of Helatorstai already smells like summer, but the Finnish weather sometimes reminds us that it is not worth putting away your warm jacket too early.

Trinity Sunday/Pentecost (Helluntai) — floating date (2025: 8 June; 2026: 24 May)

Pentecost is an official church holiday, which in everyday life feels like just another quiet day off.
Many people spend it without any "mandatory programme": walking, family, dacha, sauna, relaxation.
For travellers, this means one simple thing: some services may be limited, especially outside of large cities.
If you like the calm "slow Finland", Helluntai is the perfect time for nature and leisurely routes.
In a sense, the day helps you feel the Finnish rhythm: relaxation here often looks like silence rather than entertainment.

☀️ What holidays are there in Finland in the summer?

Defence Forces Flag Day (Puolustusvoimain lippujuhlan päivä) — 4 June

4 June in Finland is a day associated with the Defence Forces, and it is marked officially with ceremonies and symbols.
Some cities hold parades and events, but the overall tone remains respectful and restrained.
The meaning of this date is about state institutions and security, without aggressive militarisation.
Tourists may encounter road closures or events in the city centre if they happen to be in a city where there is a ceremonial programme.
If you live in Finland, the day is a good reflection of the local culture: order, respect and a minimum of unnecessary noise.

Juhannus, Eve (Juhannusaatto) — floating date (2025: 20 June; 2026: 19 June)

The eve of Juhannus is the day when Finland "leaves the cities" en masse for the water, the forest and the cottages.
The work rhythm breaks down in advance: many finish work early and leave during the day, so transport hubs are often overloaded.
The meaning of the holiday lies in simple things: sauna, bonfire (kokko), white nights and the feeling that summer is finally here.
It is important for tourists to plan ahead: some city services may close early, and prices for accommodation by the water increase.
If you want to experience Juhannus "like the locals," it is better to choose lake areas and small towns rather than the city centre.

Juhannus, the midsummer holiday (Juhannuspäivä) — floating date (2025: 21 June; 2026: 20 June)

Juhannus Day is an official holiday and one of the key summer markers in Finland.
The main magic is light: even late in the evening, there is no real darkness, and this changes the perception of time.
The holiday is associated with ancient summer traditions and the calendar peak of the season, but today it is most often celebrated as a "trip to nature."
Cities may be empty because most people leave, and this is important to consider when planning.
Juhannus explains the country well: Finns don't need much decoration when they have water, forests and long days.

Eino Leino Day / Poetry and Summer Day (Eino Leinon päivä) — 6 July

6 July is Eino Leino Day, named after the poet, and the holiday is often called Poetry and Summer Day.
Unlike the 'big weekend', this is a more cultural date: themed events, readings, media coverage.
The day is about the Finnish language and the mood of summer, when even serious topics sound softer.
It may be almost invisible to tourists, but for "inner Finland" it is an important cultural highlight.
If you are planning a trip around the country as a collection of meanings, this holiday adds depth without unnecessary formality.

Finnish Nature Day (Suomen luonnon päivä) — last Saturday in August (2025: 30 August; 2026: 29 August)

The last Saturday in August in Finland is dedicated to nature, which seems very logical for a country of lakes and forests.
People go hiking, visit islands and national parks, or simply organise a 'nature day' close to home.
The holiday does not necessarily give you a day off, but it sets the mood: summer ends beautifully without drama.
For travellers, it's a great date to plan an active day outdoors without feeling like "the only tourist in the forest".
The meaning of the day is simple: in Finland, nature is not a backdrop, but part of everyday culture.

🍂 What holidays are there in Finland in autumn?

UN Day (YK‑päivä) — 24 October

24 October is UN Day, and in Finland it is often marked by educational and community initiatives.
The date does not seem like a major holiday, but it is noticeable in schools, organisations and the media agenda.
The day is about international cooperation and the values that Finland usually supports: education, humanism, and social sustainability.
For tourists, it is more important in context than in practice: city schedules do not usually change dramatically.
If you want to "read" the country more deeply, such dates show what Finland is proud of and what it considers normal.

All Saints' Day (Pyhäinpäivä) — floating date (2025: 1 November; 2026: 31 October)

All Saints' Day in Finland is a public holiday with a very strong visual tradition: candles in cemeteries.
In the evening, cemeteries look like a sea of lights, and this is one of the most touching autumn scenes, but it is important to behave respectfully.
The day is meant to be a day of remembrance and connection between generations, without spectacle or unnecessary words.
Travellers should bear in mind that some services operate on a holiday schedule, especially in smaller towns.
If you happen to be in Finland on these dates, it is better not to plan any noisy activities and leave room for a quiet walk.

Swedish Day / Swedish Language Day (Svenska dagen) — 6 November

6 November marks Svenska dagen, the day of the Swedish language and Swedish-language culture in Finland.
The holiday is not always a day off, but it is important as a reminder that Finland is officially a bilingual country.
Some cities hold events, concerts and celebrations, especially those where Swedish is spoken on a daily basis.
The meaning of the day is to respect cultural diversity within one country, without conflict rhetoric.
For tourists, the date may suggest an interesting itinerary: Swedish-speaking areas often differ in their architecture, maritime vibe and "different" pace.

Father's Day (Isänpäivä) — second Sunday in November (2025: 9 November; 2026: 8 November)

On the second Sunday in November, Finland celebrates Father's Day, and the day turns out to be very family-oriented and warm.
A common scenario is breakfast, small gifts and a desire to make Dad feel "normal, without fuss".
Restaurants and cafés may be more popular than usual, so booking in advance is a good idea.
In spirit, the holiday is similar to Mother's Day: less publicity, more personal respect and care.
If you are travelling on these dates, you will notice that the city is a little quieter and family places are a little livelier.

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✨ Summary: how to "read" Finnish holidays so that they become part of your trip

Finland celebrates not with noise, but with meaning: here, a candle in the window is more important than fireworks, and time spent together is more important than a "12-point plan". If you are travelling in winter, you will almost certainly catch the December season with Independence Day (6 December) and Christmas (24-26 December), so it is worth checking the opening hours of transport and shops in advance (and simply accepting that the country likes to "close down" completely). In spring, you will be greeted by Vappu on 30 April–1 May and the feeling that people are celebrating the arrival of light as if they had survived a long northern night. In summer, Finland dissolves into nature on Juhannus (Midsummer's Eve and holiday at the end of June), and in autumn it becomes quieter and deeper — especially on Pyhäinpäivä (All Saints' Day, a floating date at the end of October — beginning of November).

If you remember one thing, it's that Finnish holidays work best when you make room for them in your schedule. Don't try to "do everything," but rather try to feel everything — the light, the air, the water, the silence, and that northern rhythm.