Boxing Day in Norway
In Norway, December 26 is called Andre juledag, or the second day of Christmas, and is a public holiday. The day’s church-calendar name is Stefanusdagen, and its Norwegian history connects it with Christmas observances that date back to the Middle Ages.[1][2]
A Norwegian public holiday
Norway’s Holidays and Public Holidays Act lists December 26 as a public holiday. The holiday’s Norwegian name, Andre juledag, reflects its place after Christmas Day; in the Church of Norway calendar it is also called Stefanusdagen, Saint Stephen’s Day.[1][2][4]
The day is generally a day off work, though that does not mean every worker is necessarily off. Norway’s Working Environment Act restricts work on Sundays and public holidays unless the nature of the work makes it necessary. The rule allows work that must continue, while giving the day a different status from an ordinary workday.[1][3]
Saint Stephen and Norwegian Christmas history
The Christian observance commemorates Stephen, regarded in Christian tradition as the first martyr. Norway’s medieval laws from the 11th and 12th centuries already mentioned celebrating Stephen on the second day of Christmas, and December 26 has been his official feast day since around 380.[2]
The day also formed part of the longer Norwegian Christmas season. Historical accounts describe Andre juledag as the start of a more festive period after the main tasks and religious observances of Christmas, with festivities continuing toward January 6. One older Scandinavian custom was the Stefanus ride, in which young men raced horses and later rode from farm to farm seeking food and drink; the custom has not continued into the present day.[2]
Church services and practical effects
Church services are held on both Christmas Day and the second day of Christmas, alongside other events during the holiday season. The Church of Norway describes Christmas as a period marked by worship services, concerts and other gatherings; people looking for a service can check the local congregation’s schedule.[4]
For shoppers, the key practical effect is that fixed retail outlets are generally required to close on public holidays. The rule has exceptions, including certain small grocery shops and kiosks, petrol stations, some tourist-area shops and food-service premises, so travelers should check individual opening hours.
Boxing Day in Norway: FAQs
Is December 26 a public holiday in Norway?
What does Andre juledag mean?
Are shops open on Boxing Day in Norway?
Most fixed retail outlets must close on public holidays, but the law allows exceptions for some small shops, petrol stations, tourist-area outlets and food-service premises. Check a specific business before traveling.[3]
Do all workers have the day off?
Are there church services on Andre juledag?
Yes. The Church of Norway says services are held on both Christmas Day and the second day of Christmas; schedules vary by congregation.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Norway:
- Lov om helligdager og helligdagsfred- Lovdata
- andre juledag- Store norske leksikon
- Natt- og alenearbeid i varehandelen- Government of Norway
- Derfor feirer vi jul- Church of Norway