📅 Life calendar: public holidays, fellesferie and corporate julebord — stress-free and without mistakes

The local year follows a clear rhythm: ‘red days’ bring business life to a halt, collective holidays take people to the sea and the mountains, and in winter, offices are transformed into venues for julebord — warm corporate parties. If you are just getting settled in, this calendar may surprise you: shops close early before the holidays, cities empty out in the summer, and in December, restaurants are impossible to get into without a reservation. This article is a collection of practical tips rather than theory: which dates really mean that offices and services are closed, when fellesferie begins and how it might affect your plans, as well as a simple dress code and rules of conduct for julebord so that you don't get it wrong with your clothes or etiquette.

🚦 Which public holidays really ‘shut down’ work?

‘Red days’ are official holidays when banks, government agencies and most offices are closed, and transport runs on a Sunday schedule. The key ones are: 1 January, 1 May (Labour Day), 17 May (Constitution Day), Christmas (25–26 December). Easter days slow down life the most: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Monday after Easter; also the Ascension Day (Thursday) and the second day of Trinity Sunday (Monday). Important: Sunday is always a ‘red’ day; 24 and 31 December are unofficially short days — many places close early. Plan ahead: it is better to postpone bookings, shopping and trips to the nearest weekdays.

Moving on from one-off dates to seasonal breaks that change the rhythm of the week.

🏖 When does fellesferie start and how does the rhythm of cities change?

Fellesferie is a ‘general’ summer holiday, which peaks in July (often 3-4 weeks in a row). During this time, the rhythm of cities slows down noticeably: some offices switch to minimal staffing, contractors and workshops work shorter hours, and responses to emails are slower. Cafés and museums are open, but popular restaurants and campsites are booked weeks in advance. If you are planning projects, allow extra time; if you are planning a trip, book accommodation in advance and check opening hours. The advantages are obvious: less traffic, long light evenings, empty embankments and mountain trails — it's a great time for a local holiday.

Summer will fly by, and the calendar will bring us to December and corporate parties.

🎄What to wear and how to behave at a julebord?

Julebord is a corporate dinner/party in November–December. Dress code: ‘smart casual’. Smart casual or cocktail style is suitable for the office; classic for government agencies; neat everyday wear for manufacturing. Shoes should be practical, with a change of shoes available (the streets are slippery in winter). Arrive on time, follow the seating plan, and say ‘takk for maten’ (thank you for the food). Alcohol should be consumed in moderation: self-control and respect for colleagues are valued here; non-alcoholic options are the norm. It is best to choose topics such as travel, sports and holiday plans; avoid arguments, personal finances and office drama. Don't just disappear — thank the organisers and book a taxi in advance.

The local calendar is your guide: ‘red days’ tell you when to take a break, fellesferie reminds you of the long summer and empty streets, and julebord reminds you that work is also a community. If you learn to plan around these rhythms, life becomes calmer: less rushing, more time with loved ones and trips to the water or the forest. Come and experience this pace for yourself: morning coffee, empty July roads, flags in May and the lights of December restaurants — it all adds up to a habit of living without overload.

Share your experiences in the comments: which ‘red days’ surprised you, how you survived the July holiday season, and what outfit you would wear to the perfect julebord.