Finnish Public Holidays
Summary:The article provides an overview of public holidays in Finland, reflecting its unique cultural and historical heritage, noting that businesses may adjust operating hours or services during these holidays.
Overview
Finland observes a variety of public holidays that reflect its unique cultural and historical background. The country operates on a five-day workweek, with Saturdays and Sundays being the standard days off.
New Year's Day (January 1): The start of a new year is celebrated with parties,
fireworks, and gatherings with family and friends.
Epiphany (January 6): This Christian holiday commemorates the baptism of Jesus
Christ. Many Finns attend church services on this day.
Good Friday: Observed the Friday before Easter, this solemn day commemorates
the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Easter: Falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring, Easter
is a time for family gatherings, traditional Easter meals, and egg hunts.
Vappu (May 1): Also known as Labor Day, Vappu is a lively celebration marked by
students wearing white caps and participating in various festivities. It symbolizes the arrival
of spring.
Ascension Day: Celebrated 39 days after Easter, this holiday commemorates the
ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.
Pentecost: Occurring 49 days after Easter, Pentecost marks the descent of the
Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
Midsummer Eve and Midsummer Day: Typically falling on a Friday and Saturday
between June 19 and 26, Midsummer is Finland's most significant summer holiday, celebrated with
bonfires, dancing, and traditional food.
All Saints' Day: Observed on a Saturday between October 31 and November 6, All
Saints' Day is a time to remember the deceased.
Independence Day (December 6): This national holiday commemorates Finland's
declaration of independence from Russia in 1917.
Christmas (December 24-26): Christmas is the most important holiday in Finland.
Families gather on Christmas Eve for a festive dinner and gift exchange.
Special holidays in Finland
Midsummer (Juhannus)
Date: Typically celebrated on the last weekend of June.
Features: Midsummer is one of Finland's most important traditional
holidays. People gather at lakeside cottages or forest cabins, light bonfires, dance
traditional dances, and sing songs. Midsummer celebrates the summer solstice and is a time
for Finns to connect with nature.
Customs: Picking Midsummer flowers, weaving wreaths, and enjoying saunas.
Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä)
Date: December 6th every year.
Features: Commemorates Finland's declaration of independence in 1917. On
this day, Finns hold various celebrations, including a state banquet at the Parliament House
attended by the President.
Customs: Attending Independence Day balls, watching military parades, and
singing the national anthem.
May Day (Vappu)
Note: While May Day is celebrated in many countries, in Finland it's more of a student celebration. University students wear white student caps and participate in street processions.
Major Public Holidays in Finland in 2025
Fixed-Date Holidays
New Year's Day: January 1st, Tuesday
Epiphany: January 6th, Monday
Independence Day: December 6th, Friday
Christmas Day: December 25th, Wednesday
Boxing Day (or St. Stephen's Day): December 26th, Thursday
Variable-Date Holidays
These holidays are determined based on the date of Easter, which varies from year to year.
Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring.
Easter Sunday: April 20th, 2025, Sunday
Second Day of Easter: April 21st, 2025, Monday
Good Friday: April 18th, 2025, Friday
Ascension Day: May 29th, 2025, Thursday (39 days after Easter)
Pentecost: June 8th, 2025, Sunday (49 days after Easter)
Other Holidays
Vappu (University Students' Day): May 1st, Thursday
Midsummer: Celebrated on the Friday between June 19th and 26th. In 2025, it
will be celebrated on June 20th, Friday.
All Saints' Day: Celebrated on the Saturday between October 31st and
November 6th. In 2025, it will be celebrated on November 1st, Saturday.
Holiday Operations
During Finnish public holidays, businesses, including shipping companies, airlines, and logistics firms, may have adjusted operating hours or reduced services. It's advisable to confirm the operating hours of specific companies before scheduling shipments or travel.