SESweden · 2026

Observance

Marked on the Saturday between 31 October and 6 November with candles laid on graves — one of the most visually striking evenings of the Swedish year.

Business

Shops open; the preceding Friday is a de facto half day in many workplaces.

Transport

Normal services with extra runs to cemeteries at dusk.

Written for this country

Observance

Julafton is the real Christmas in Sweden: the meal, the presents and, for a large share of the country, Donald Duck on television at three in the afternoon.

Business

Not officially a public holiday, but everything closes by lunchtime and most people have the day off.

Transport

Very reduced services from midday; last trains out are packed.

Written for this country

Observance

The central Christian winter feast; in most countries the household gathering matters more than the church service.

Business

Near-total closure of retail, offices and banks. Expect the preceding afternoon to shut early too.

Transport

Skeleton or suspended services in many countries. Book intercity travel well ahead.

Observance

Officially recognised as a public holiday, so most people have the day off work.

Business

Expect offices, banks and the majority of shops to be closed.

Transport

Public transport usually runs a Sunday or holiday timetable.

General guidance based on this day's official classification, not country-specific reporting.