Public holiday in Norway
Christmas Day in Norway
Friday, December 25, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Christmas Day is a nationwide public holiday in Norway on 25 December. It marks the main Christmas feast day and is one of the quietest days in the Norwegian holiday period.
About Christmas Day in Norway
In Norway, Christmas Day is the central day of the Christmas season and a nationwide public holiday. It follows the much more widely used Christmas Eve for family gatherings and gift-giving, so 25 December is often a quieter, more reflective day focused on home life and time with close family. Because it sits in the middle of the Christmas period, it is also closely connected with the days around it, especially the run-up on 24 December and the holiday atmosphere that continues afterward.
Traditions
Norwegian Christmas observance often centers on a festive meal, time with family, and a slower pace than on Christmas Eve. Traditional foods commonly associated with the season include ribbe, pinnekjøtt and lutefisk, though actual choices vary by region and household. Many families also use the day for visiting, resting and enjoying the remainder of the holiday period.
How Christmas Day is celebrated in Norway
Christmas Day is commonly spent at home, with family visits or a calm meal rather than large public events. Many Norwegians treat it as a day for rest after the main Christmas Eve celebrations, and the public-holiday setting gives the day a notably subdued atmosphere in everyday life.
Interesting facts
In Norway, Christmas Eve is generally the main celebration day, which makes Christmas Day feel different from the more gift-focused evening before it. The Norwegian Christmas period extends beyond 25 December, with several additional public holidays in the following days.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 Dec 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.