National Holidays

Public holidays — what's open and traditions

Date	Holiday	Shops	Traditions
1. jan	New Year's Day	Closed	Fireworks, new year, family meal.
Variable (Mar–Apr)	Maundy Thursday	Half closed	Thursday before Easter — start of Easter break.
Variable	Good Friday	Closed	Solemn day, no entertainment before.
Variable	Easter Sunday	Closed	Easter eggs, lamb, family gatherings.
Variable	Easter Monday	Half closed	Holiday, many use to rest.
1. maí	Labour Day	Closed	May parades and meetings.
Variable (May)	Ascension Day	Half closed	Religious day, 39 days after Easter.
Variable (May–Jun)	Pentecost	Closed	Religious day, Holy Spirit.
Variable	Whit Monday	Half closed	Holiday.
17. jún	National Day	Closed / events	National day — independence (1944). Parades, dancing, flags.
First Monday in August	Commerce Day	Closed	Commerce weekend — biggest summer festival, people go to the countryside.
23. des	St. Thorlákur's Mass	Open (half)	Last shopping day before Christmas. Food: skate.
24. des	Christmas Eve	Closed from noon	Christmas Eve — family meal, gifts at 18:00.
25. des	Christmas Day	Closed	Christmas clothes, family gatherings.
26. des	Boxing Day	Closed	Second Christmas, visits.
31. des	New Year's Eve	Half closed	Fireworks 22:30–23:00, "New Year's Eve comedy" on TV.

What's open

On holidays, shops, banks and most public institutions are closed. Gas stations and some grocery stores (10-11, Olís) may be open.

Restaurants and cafes are usually open, but booking ahead is wise. Cinemas and pools are often open.