
Bank holidays in Denmark are a great way to experience the country's unique culture and traditions. Denmark has six official bank holidays, which are New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and Christmas Day.
These holidays are not just days off, but also an opportunity to participate in traditional Danish celebrations. For example, on New Year's Eve, Danes often gather with friends and family to sing traditional songs and eat festive food.
On these days, many businesses, including banks, shops, and restaurants, are closed. So, it's essential to plan ahead and check the opening hours of any place you want to visit.
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Public Holidays in Denmark
In Denmark, public holidays are a bit more complicated than you might expect. You're not automatically entitled to a day off on December 24th and 31st, so you may need to use your holiday days to take time off.
You are entitled to take time off on both Christmas Days, December 25th and 26th, without using your holiday days. Your employer will likely notify you of any holiday closures between Christmas and New Year's with a month's notice.
Keep in mind that you can view all public holidays for a given year on ugenr.dk, so it's a good idea to check there for the most up-to-date information.
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Holiday Season

Christmas and New Year's can be a bit tricky in Denmark, as 24 December and 31 December are not public holidays. You're not entitled to a day off on these dates, so you might need to use your holiday days to take time off.
You're in luck if you're off on 1st and 2nd Christmas Day, though - 25 and 26 December are public holidays, and you don't need to use your holiday days to take time off. Just remember to check your personnel handbook or talk to your union representative to see if you have any agreements that cover time off during the holidays.
Your employer has the right to notify you of a holiday closure between Christmas and New Year with a month's notice, so keep an eye out for that. If it happens, make sure you have enough holiday days saved up to cover the period.
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Public Holidays in Europe Compared
In Denmark, you'll find a total of 14 public holidays, but the number of holidays varies across Europe. The UK has 8 public holidays, while Germany has 10.
Christmas Day is a public holiday in many European countries, including Denmark, Germany, and the UK. Easter Monday is also a widely observed holiday.
In Denmark, the holiday season starts on Christmas Eve and lasts for several days, but in other European countries, the holiday season is shorter.
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Public Holidays and Economic Growth
Public holidays in Denmark can have a significant impact on the country's economy.
In Denmark, public holidays like Easter Monday and Christmas Eve are known to boost retail sales, with a 20-30% increase in sales compared to regular days.
These holidays also lead to a surge in tourism, with many visitors flocking to popular destinations like Tivoli Gardens.
According to a study, the Danish economy benefits from an estimated 1.5 billion DKK in additional revenue during Easter week alone.
The longer holidays also give people more time to travel, resulting in a 25% increase in domestic travel and a 15% increase in international travel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denmark on holiday today?
No, Denmark is not on holiday today. Check the holiday filter for different types or local time in Copenhagen for accurate information.
What is bank day holiday?
A bank holiday is a day when financial institutions close their physical branches, but online banking services may still be available. This affects in-person transactions, but not online banking.
Sources
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/16/denmark-coalition-government-bank-holiday-defence-spending
- https://english.ida.dk/time-off-on-public-holidays
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Denmark
- https://www.thelocal.dk/20210525/dk-which-public-holidays-do-different-european-countries-have
- https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/018/2023/053/article-A001-en.xml
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