What Are Iceland’s “Red Days”?

When you spot “red days” — Iceland’s public holidays — on the calendar, it’s good to know they mark moments when daily life slows down. In 2026, Iceland celebrates 16 official holidays, including a few special half-day observances. The guide below will help you find your rhythm if your travels overlap with any of them.

Where the Term Comes From

A Tradition Printed in Red Ink

The name "red days" comes from traditional Icelandic calendars where public holidays were literally printed in red and regular days in black. Long before smartphones took over, this simple color cue showed which days were meant for rest, celebration, or religious tradition.

A Name That Stuck

Even today, Icelanders still use the phrase rauður dagur. It simply means a public holiday — a day when businesses wind down, families gather, and the country collectively takes a breath.

What to Expect on Red Days

Limited Services

On "red days", shops, banks, and public offices are often closed or running on reduced hours.
If you’re traveling in Iceland, check in with your tour operator or accommodation provider to see if your plans might be affected.

Half-Day Holidays

A couple of holidays, like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, are considered half-days, with most services closing in the early afternoon.

Why These Days Matter for Travelers

Peak Travel Weekends

Many locals use red days to enjoy long weekends away from the city, which can make these dates peak travel periods. Explore the calendar — and the Key to Iceland website — to discover events, festivals, and offers happening around the country.

A Chance to Slow Down

If your trip overlaps a red day, embrace the slower pace:

• wander through Reykjavík
• take a scenic drive
• join local celebrations
• or simply enjoy the festive, laid-back atmosphere.

Red days are designed for pausing — and for enjoying Iceland at its most relaxed.

Red Days at a Glance

To help you plan your travels, we’ve gathered all of Iceland’s official public holidays for 2026 in one place. This list shows the date and holiday name in English.

Use it as a quick reference when mapping out activities, booking accommodation, or checking tour availability.

Icelandic public holidays 2026

January 1 - New Years Day

April 2 - Maundy Thursday

April 3 - Good Friday

April 5 - Easter Sunday

April 6 - Easter Monday

April 23 - First day of Summer

May 1 - May Day

May 14 - Ascension Day

May 24 - Whit Sunday

May 25 - Whit Monday

June 17 - Independence Day

August 3 - Commerce Day

December 24 - Christmas Eve

December 25 - Christmas Day

December 26 - Boxing Day

December 31 - New Years Eve