When is Second Christmas Day?
In 2026, Second Christmas Day falls on Saturday, December 26, 2026. It is classified here as a Norwegian public holiday.
History of Second Christmas Day
Second Christmas Day, Andre juledag, is the final date in Norway’s two-day statutory Christmas holiday. In Christian calendars it is also St Stephen’s Day, but everyday Norwegian usage usually emphasises its role as the second day of Christmas.
The holiday gives families room to divide visits between households, enjoy leftover meals or head outdoors. Its unhurried character also makes it a popular day for cinemas, winter sports and relaxed social plans where services are open on holiday schedules.
December 26 is independently listed as a holy day rather than functioning as a substitute for Christmas Day. Norway does not add a compensating weekday when it falls on a weekend, so the statutory break can vary in practical length between years. General holiday restrictions apply to ordinary shop opening and work, with legal exemptions and sector-specific rosters. Public transport, ski destinations and hospitality businesses may therefore operate even while offices, schools and much retail remain closed.
How Second Christmas Day is observed
A statutory public holiday throughout Norway on December 26. Schools and public offices close; business and transport hours vary.
Traditions of Second Christmas Day
Second family visit
Families often use the extra day to see relatives they did not meet on Christmas Eve or Day.
Winter recreation
Skiing, skating, walks and films are popular during the extended break. Participation varies by household, locality, weather and the schedules of the Norwegian organisations involved.
Leftover meals
Households share festive leftovers in a more informal setting after Christmas dinner. Participation varies by household, locality, weather and the schedules of the Norwegian organisations involved.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Norwegian government and labour-law guidance. Employer, school and local-service schedules can differ from the statutory public-holiday calendar.
History sources: Lovdata: Act relating to public holidays and the peace of public holidays, Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority: Working Environment Act, Lovdata: Sunday and public-holiday shop-closing rules.
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