Easter traditions in Denmark

Take a look at our guide to those unfamiliar with Easter traditions in Denmark

Easter is a cozy tradition that welcomes the arrival of spring. Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and the days are getting longer as we approach the holidays in April.

It’s the perfect opportunity to dive into Danish culture and take part in beloved traditions. From festive Easter dinners to fun activities, let us guide you through some of Denmark’s most cherished Easter customs — and how you can celebrate the season right here in Kolding!

Find inspiration for outdoor Easter activities at oplevkolding.dk.

Festive activities leading up to Easter

In the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday, Danes embrace a variety of activities that make the wait for the big day even more enjoyable.

Easter Lunch (Påskefrokost)

One beloved tradition is the classic "påskefrokost", or Easter Lunch. These festivate gatherings are often a part of Easter Sunday, but they can also be hosted by workplaces, schools, and groups of friends throughout the spring season. The lunch features a cozy afternoon with classic Danish dishes and special beer.

Easter Letter (Gækkebreve)

One of Denmark’s unique Easter traditions is the gækkebrev, a special type of paper-cut Easter letter that involves mystery, creativity, and a little bit of fun.

The letter is beautifully cut, decorated, and often made from folded paper with intricate patterns. Inside, a short rhyming riddle is written, teasing the recipient about who sent it. Instead of signing their name, the sender includes a number of dots, each representing a letter in their name. The recipient must then guess who sent the letter. If they guess correctly, the sender owes them a chocolate Easter egg (Påskeæg). But if they fail to guess, they have to give the sender an Easter egg instead!

Decorating Easter Eggs

In Denmark, decorating Easter eggs is a popular tradition, especially for children. Eggs are either hard-boiled or made from paper, wood, or plastic and then decorated with paint, markers, stickers, or other creative materials. The Easter eggs can be used for decoration or gifts.

Easter week

Easter is a Christian tradition in Denmark that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It takes place over the course of a week, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Monday (Second Easter Day).

While Easter has deep religious roots, it has also become a broader cultural celebration in Denmark, welcoming the arrival of spring with both religious and secular traditions. Here’s an overview of the key days in Easter Week:

Palm Sunday (Palmesøndag): This day marks Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, where people welcomed him by waving palm branches.

Maundy Thursday (Skærtorsdag): The day of the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples.

Good Friday (Langfredag): The day Jesus was crucified and died.

Easter Sunday (Påskesøndag): The most important day in Christianity, celebrating Jesus' resurrection, which symbolizes hope and salvation.

Easter Monday (Second Easter Day): This day does not have any particular biblical significance, but Jesus' resurrection is still celebrated with church services in Danish parish churches.

Easter sunday

In Denmark, Easter is a time for gathering with family, enjoying traditional meals, and celebrating the changing season. Easter Sunday is the highlight of the season, bringing loved ones together for a festive meal and fun activities.

The day typically begins with a festive Easter Lunch (Påskefrokost), featuring classic Danish dishes such as rye-bread, hardboiled eggs, Danish meatballs (frikadeller), salmon, herrig, and some households even have roast lamb, chicken or beef. The lunch is typically accompanied by a special Easter beer (Påskebryg) and schnapps.

After lunch, the family gathers outside for one of the most anticipated tradition – the Easter Egg Hunt. The children of the family searches for eggs, which the Easter Bunny (Påskeharen) has left behind. In some households, an adult of the family dresses as the Easter Bunny and hides all the eggs. The eggs can be chocolate or small gifts hidden in various places, and some households have a prize for the person, who finds the most eggs.

Easter is a mix of cherished traditions, delicious food, and quality time with loved ones, making it a memorable celebration for all ages.

Public holidays during Easter in Denmark

In Denmark, Easter is marked by several public holidays. Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are official holidays, where most businesses, including shops, remain closed. Similarly, many shops and businesses close early on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Palm Sunday is not a public holiday.

In 2025, Maundy Thursday is on the 17th of April, Good Friday is on the 18th of April, Easter Sunday is on the 20th of April, and Easter Monday is on the 21st of April.

It’s a good idea to plan ahead for shopping and errands, as these closures can limit access to stores. However, some restaurants and entertainment venues remain open, offering ways to celebrate the season.