Which days are shops closed in Denmark?
The closing days set by law.
Short answer
Under the shop closing act, shops must close on New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday and Monday, Constitution Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On New Year's Eve they must close at 15.00. That adds up to 12.5 closing days a year. Great Prayer Day stopped being a public holiday and a closing day from 2024.
Why
- The law names each closing day.
- New Year's Eve counts as half a day.
- Great Prayer Day was dropped from 2024.
Details
Small grocery shops below a yearly adjusted turnover limit, bakeries and several other shop types may open on closing days.
Tip
Do your big shop the day before Easter and Christmas, because many supermarkets close for two or three days in a row.
What may differ
From 1 January 2027 shops in the centre of towns with fewer than 16,850 inhabitants may open on closing days.
Common misconception
Many think shops still close on Great Prayer Day.
What actually happens
Great Prayer Day was abolished as a public holiday from 2024, so it is a normal shopping day.
People also ask
- Are shops open on Constitution Day in Denmark?
- Are shops open on Easter Monday in Denmark?
- Are shops open on Great Prayer Day?
Sources
- Retsinformation: Consolidated Act on retail sales from shops (LBK no. 515 of 30 April 2019)Checked at:
- Retsinformation: Bill on the consequences of abolishing Great Prayer Day as a public holidayChecked at:
- Retsinformation: Act no. 1754 of 29 December 2025 amending the Act on retail sales from shopsChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Opening hours, prices and services change, so check the official sources before you go.
Practical infoRelated questions
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What time do shops close on New Year's Eve in Denmark?
Under the Danish shop closing act, shops may not sell to customers after 15.00 on New Year's Eve (31 December).
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Are shops open on Christmas Eve in Denmark?
Christmas Eve (24 December) is a closing day under the Danish shop closing act, just like Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
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Which shops can open on public holidays in Denmark?
The shop closing act lets several types of shops open on public holidays and other closing days.
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Are shops open on Sundays in Denmark?
Yes, shops in Denmark may open on Sundays.