Public holiday in Sweden
Second Day of Christmas in Sweden
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Second Day of Christmas is a nationwide public holiday in Sweden on 26 December. It follows Christmas Day and is part of the country’s Christmas-season break.
About Second Day of Christmas in Sweden
In Sweden, Second Day of Christmas is the public holiday that immediately follows Christmas Day and extends the Christmas holiday period. Because it falls during the Christmas season, it is mainly relevant as a day off for many people and a continuation of family time after Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
History
The holiday is the Swedish observance of the Christian feast of Saint Stephen, known in Swedish as annandag jul. Its public-holiday status reflects Sweden’s long Christian calendar traditions, which later remained in the modern holiday calendar even as the country became more secular.
Traditions
The day is commonly associated with continued Christmas meals, left-over holiday food and quiet time at home. Since it comes right after Christmas Eve, many families use it for visiting relatives or relaxing after the main Christmas gatherings.
How Second Day of Christmas is celebrated in Sweden
Contemporary observance is generally low-key. Many people spend the day with family, rest after the main Christmas celebration or travel home from holiday gatherings. In towns and cities, the day is often experienced more as a quiet public holiday than as one centered on public events.
Interesting facts
The Swedish name annandag jul literally means “the second day of Christmas.” Because 26 December is a public holiday, it is one of the days that can make the Christmas period feel extended across several days in Sweden.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 Dec 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.