Norway Guide
Public Holidays
Public holidays National public holidays are a noticeable feature of the Norwegian calendar and act as a unifying force in what remains an extremely homogeneous society. There are ten national public holidays per year, most of which are keenly observed, though the tourist industry carries on pretty much regardless. Some state-run museums adopt Sunday hours on the public holidays listed below, except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day (and often December 26) when they close. Otherwise most businesses and shops close on these days, and the public transport system operates a skeleton or Sunday service. Most Norwegians take their holidays in the summer season, between mid-June and mid-August. Public holidays are: New Year's Day; Maundy Thursday; Good Friday; Easter Monday; Labour Day (May 1); Ascension Day (mid-May); National Day (May 17); Whit Monday; Christmas Day; Boxing Day.