Norway


Holidays & Observances in Norway
Norway celebrates numerous holidays throughout the year, ranging from religious observances to festive local traditions. Norway is a Baltic country in Northeastern Europe. It is one of the richest countries in the world, and its people enjoy a high standard of living. Today, the population is mostly Christian, but before Christianity came to Norway the people adhered to ancient Norse mythology, which is no longer practiced, but has had a huge effect on Norway’s unique culture. Norwegians hold tightly to tradition, which can be seen especially in their celebrations of holidays and festivals.
Festivals are a large part of the Norwegian lifestyle, with a strong influence of food and jazz music celebrations. The Rakfisk Festival, which takes place on the first Saturday of each year in November in Fagernes, brings people together to appreciate the fine taste of fermented trout. Oslo, the capital of Norway, hosts several jazz festivals throughout the year, like Ultima or Dølajazz. These festivals attract attention from locals as well as tourists worldwide, uniting people through food and music. Traditional dance and music is often an important part of the holiday celebrations, and people wear a traditional costume known as a bunad which is reserved for special occasions.
Travelers visiting Norway in November can attend the popular Rakfisk Festival in Fagernes, or enjoy a jazz festival or two in Oslo. Aside from festivals, travelers may also experience traditional holidays by way of the locals, as Advent occasionally begins in November and celebrations are large and nationwide.
Upcoming Popular Holidays
Country Observances
Holiday Date | Country Holiday | Observance Type | Religion/Belief |
---|---|---|---|
Crown Prince Haakon's Day | Popular & Widely Observed, This Day Births | ||
St. Olaf’s Day (Olsok) | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Crown Princess Mette-Marit's Day | Popular & Widely Observed, This Day Births | ||
DST ends | Time Related | ||
Halloween | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Father's Day | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Advent - First Sunday | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Advent - Second Sunday | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Advent - Third Sunday | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Advent - Fourth Sunday | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Christmas Eve | Religious/Beliefs, Popular & Widely Observed | Christianity | |
Christmas | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Boxing Day | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
New Year's Eve | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
New Year’s Day (Første nyttårsdag) | Public, Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Princess Ingrid Alexandra's Day | Popular & Widely Observed, This Day Births | ||
The Saami People’s Day (Samefolkets dag) | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Mother's Day (Morsdag) | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Valentine’s Day (Valentinsdagen) | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Carnival | Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
King Harold V’s Day | Popular & Widely Observed, This Day Births | ||
International Women's Day | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Palm Sunday | Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Maundy Thursday | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Good Friday | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Holy Saturday | Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Easter | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Easter Monday | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Labour Day / May Day | Public, Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Labor Day | Public | ||
Liberation Day | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
May Constitution Day | Public | ||
Ascension Day | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Pentecost Eve | Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Whit Sunday | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Whit Monday | Public, Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
Dissolution of Union with Sweden | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Midsummer Eve | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
St. John's Day | Popular & Widely Observed | ||
Queen Sonja's Day | Popular & Widely Observed, This Day Births |