‘Kristi himmelfartsdag' is a public holiday in Norway. Wondering what to expect? Here's what you need to know about the day known internationally as Ascension Day.
Ascension Day a christian-based holiday celebrated around the world. While Norway split church from state in 2017 after a five-year process, the country retains its faith-based public holidays.
Ascension Day one of those. In Norwegian, the day is known as Kristi himmelfartsdag.
For most Norwegians, Ascension Day is simply one of the several public holidays that means an additional day off work. The day is one of the non-fixed holidays, meaning it falls on a different date each year.
However, it is always celebrated on a Thursday. That means the majority of workers receive a paid Thursday off work.
When is Ascension Day in Norway?
Kristi himmelfartsdag is always held 40 days after Easter Saturday. In 2025, the day is Thursday 29 May. That's relatively late in the year, because of the late dates of Easter this year.
In 2026, the date will be Thursday 14 May. Given Constitution Day will be Sunday 17 May, I expect very few people to be at work on the Friday next year! In 2027, Ascension Day falls on Thursday 6 May.
Globally, some christian denominations observe the day on the following Sunday. In the US catholic church, the day varies by ecclesiastical province.
What is Ascension Day?
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates the belief that Jesus physically ascended into heaven in the presence of his disciples, 40 days after the resurrection.
It marks the conclusion of the Easter season and is seen as a pivotal moment in the Christian story, symbolising Jesus’ return to God and the beginning of the Church’s mission in the world.
The tradition of observing Ascension Day dates back many centuries. It was already being widely celebrated by the fourth century, and early Church leaders such as St. Augustine described it as a universal practice rooted in apostolic times.
Over time, the day became embedded in the liturgical calendars of many Christian denominations, particularly in Europe.
While practices vary, Ascension Day remains an important date in the Christian calendar and is still observed as a public holiday in several countries, including Norway.
What Happens on Ascension Day in Norway?
Aside from specific family traditions, most Norwegians don't celebrate the day in any special way. Of course, some christians will go to a church service. Beyond that, there aren't any specific traditions of note.
Read more: Faith in the Viking Age
As with other public holidays, the vast majority of shops are closed. Schools and many workplaces are likewise closed. Public transport still operates, although typically on a Sunday schedule or similar.
As the day is always a Thursday, some employees are encouraged to take the Friday off as paid leave. Those that do essentially receive a four-day holiday for the price of just one day of paid leave.
In organisations that don't actively encourage the practice, many employees take the day anyway. The Friday is therefore known as an inneklemt dag, which broadly translates to a squeezed or sandwiched day.
With so many Norwegians enjoying a four-day weekend, it's one of the earliest times of the year to enjoy a hiking trip.
Things are a little different this time around however. With Ascension Day falling the day after Constitution Day, many people will take the opportunity to use just one vacation day to earn a five-day weekend.
Ascension Day Around the World
While the religious meaning of Ascension Day remains constant, its visibility and significance in public life vary widely across the globe.
In Germany, Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) is both a public holiday and Father’s Day. It’s common to see groups of men out walking or cycling together, often pulling carts filled with food and drink.
In France, the day is a public holiday as well, and many families take the opportunity to enjoy a long weekend away. Some attend church services, but the occasion is more low-key and often marked by a short domestic holiday or family gathering.
In the Netherlands, Ascension Day is also a public holiday. While church attendance remains part of the tradition for some, many Dutch people spend the day outdoors. Early-morning birdwatching walks are popular, a nod to the day's symbolism of rising and lightness.
In Switzerland, particularly in Catholic regions, Ascension Day is observed with church services and sometimes local processions. Businesses and schools close for the day, and it’s often treated as a day of quiet reflection or rest.
In contrast, the United Kingdom and the United States do not treat Ascension Day as a public holiday. While some churches hold special services, it tends to pass with little notice outside religious communities.
In countries with strong Eastern Orthodox traditions, such as Greece or Serbia, Ascension Day (known as the Feast of the Ascension) is observed slightly later, following the Orthodox calendar. The day is marked by liturgies and sometimes festive gatherings.
What will you be doing on Ascension Day this year?
It would be brilliant if you could publish a list of when shops are open and closed and what time you can buy beer 🍺, the shops never let anyone know, thanks Paul