There are 14 public holidays in Iceland in 2023, four of which fall on weekends.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world. The holiday lasts two days including New Year's Eve.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter, and it is an important Christian holiday that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles and the Washing of the Feet. It falls on April 6, 2023.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 7, 2023.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is an important Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday is a public holiday in many countries. In 2023, it falls on April 9.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is observed on April 10, 2023.
First Day of Summer
The holiday, observed on April 20, 2023, celebrates the start of the first summer month of the old Icelandic calendar, which has 12 months: 6 months of short days and 6 months of nightless days.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Ascension Day
Also known as the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, Ascension Day commemorates the Christian belief in the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It falls on May 18, 2023.
Whit Sunday
Whit Sunday, also known as Pentecost, is an important Christian festival commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. It is celebrated on the seventh Sunday or 49 days after Easter Sunday. It falls on May 28, 2023.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is an important religious festival Christians celebrate. It falls on the day after Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter Sunday. In 2023, the holiday falls on May 29.
Icelandic National Day
Icelandic National Day is a public holiday in Iceland, and it is observed on June 17, 2023. The holiday commemorates the foundation of the Republic of Iceland in 1944.
Commerce Day
Commerce Day, observed on August 7, 2023, is also called the "Holiday of the Merchants", and it is a day off for shopkeepers and traders. The celebration of Commerce Day started in Reykjavik in 1894 with the influence of Denmark. However, the current celebration date was set in 1931.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends. The holiday lasts three days.
The following is the list of public holidays in Iceland 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Maundy Thursday | Apr 06, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 09, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| First Day of Summer | Apr 20, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Ascension Day | May 18, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Whit Sunday | May 28, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Whit Monday | May 29, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Icelandic National Day | Jun 17, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Commerce Day | Aug 07, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Eve | Dec 24, 2023 | Sunday | Afternoon |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Second Day of Christmas | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| New Year's Eve | Dec 31, 2023 | Sunday | Afternoon |
Please also check the working days in Iceland in 2023.
