Ascension Day 2025, 2026 and 2027 in Iceland
Ascension Day is a holiday in Iceland to commemorate Jesus Christ’s ascension to heaven as recorded in the Bible. It is observed on the fortieth day of Easter – 39 days after Easter Sunday – and always fall on a Thursday.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day |
| 2026 | 14 May | Thu | Ascension Day |
| 2027 | 6 May | Thu | Ascension Day |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | |||
Iceland’s schools shut down for Ascension Thursday as do many local businesses. However, you can still find some restaurants and other places of business open in the capital city of Reykjavik. And essential government services and banks continue as usual.
Most people in Iceland get the day off and choose to spend it with their family. There are usually some outdoor activities and some homemade food to munch on. Many also go to church on Ascension Day and may “snuff at” the Easter candle to make it move and rise up. This is to symbolise Christ’s ascension. Later that day, the Easter candle will be put out, having burned since Easter Sunday.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 May | Thu | Ascension Day |
| 2023 | 18 May | Thu | Ascension Day |