Public holidays and shop closures in Denmark 2026-2027
In short. In Denmark, a public holiday, a day when the national bank is closed and a day when retail shops must close are not always the same thing. Constitution Day on 5 June and Christmas Eve on 24 December are examples of days with special rules, even though they are not ordinary public holidays. Check the date first, and then your own bank, shop, museum and journey.
Which holidays fall in 2026 and 2027?
Danmarks Nationalbank lists, among others, New Year's Day on 1 January 2026, Maundy Thursday on 2 April, Good Friday on 3 April, Easter Monday on 6 April, Ascension Day on 14 May, Whit Monday on 25 May, Christmas Day on 25 December and Boxing Day on 26 December. In 2027, Maundy Thursday is on 25 March, Good Friday on 26 March, Easter Monday on 29 March, Ascension Day on 6 May and Whit Monday on 17 May. Moving holidays fall on different dates each year because they follow Easter.
Source: Danmarks Nationalbank, bank holidays, checked 10 November 2026.
When do banks close?
The Nationalbank's calendar for 2026 lists 15 May and 31 December as closing days in addition to the holidays, and the Nationalbank is also closed on Constitution Day on 5 June and Christmas Eve on 24 December. In 2027, Friday 7 May, the day after Ascension Day, is a closing day too, and so is 31 December. The calendar applies to the Nationalbank. Payment cut-offs and opening hours at ordinary bank branches can differ, so check your own bank before sending a time-sensitive payment.
Our guide to bank accounts and payments explains more about CPR, MitID and NemKonto. You can also browse banks in Copenhagen in the directory.
Must all supermarkets close?
The Danish Retail Closing Act sets special rules for retail trade on public holidays, Constitution Day, Christmas Eve and after 3 pm on New Year's Eve. There are exemptions, including for certain smaller grocery shops, so it is wrong to say that all Danish supermarkets are always open or always closed. Check the opening hours of the specific shop.
From 1 January 2027 the Act changes so that shops in the town centre of towns with fewer than 16,850 inhabitants may open on closing days. The Danish Business Authority decides each year which towns are covered. Until then, the current rules apply.
Sources: Dansk Erhverv, new rules in the Retail Closing Act, 4 November 2026 and Nordic cooperation, public holidays in Denmark.
How do buses and trains operate?
Transport operators, among them DSB and DOT, can run special timetables on holidays. A normal weekday pattern does not necessarily apply on Good Friday, Christmas Day or New Year's Day. Check Rejseplanen for the exact date, and look at last trains, night buses and connections if you arrive from the airport.
Read more in how to use public transport at Christmas and New Year and our overview Transport in Denmark in 2026.
What about schools, museums and public offices?
School holidays can differ between municipalities and institutions. Museums and attractions set their own seasonal schedules and may be open when banks are closed. Check the website and book tickets if you visit around Easter and Christmas. Constitution Day is not an ordinary day off for every employee: whether you are free depends on your contract, staff handbook or collective agreement.
Browse museums in Copenhagen and government offices in Copenhagen in the directory.
Frequently asked questions
No, but special rules apply to shops, and the Nationalbank is closed on 5 June.
On 24 December 2026.
On 25 March 2027.
Some can, under the exemptions in the Retail Closing Act. Check the rules and opening hours for the specific shop.
No, there are exemptions, and from 1 January 2027 shops in the town centre of towns with fewer than 16,850 inhabitants may also open on closing days.
Not necessarily. Check Rejseplanen for the exact date.
No, each museum sets its own hours. Check the website.
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