Epiphany in Sweden 2027: what is open on 6 January?

Epiphany is celebrated on 6 January in Sweden. In 2027 it falls on a Wednesday and is a public holiday. Check museums, shops and transport separately: there is no single set of hours for every place. Do not confuse it with St Knut's Day on 13 January. Choose an open place to visit and check your journey back. Checked 04.11.2026.
What does Sweden celebrate on Epiphany?
Trettondagen, also called trettondedag jul, is linked to the Christian account of the wise men visiting the infant Jesus. Its English name is Epiphany. This is how Svenska kyrkan explains the holiday. Checked 04.11.2026.
For visitors, the day has two aspects: its cultural meaning and the opening hours of the places they choose. Attending a church service is not a required part of a city visit. The winter holiday calendar provides broader seasonal context.
When is Epiphany in 2027 and how do nearby dates differ?
Three January dates need different checks.
| Date | Day or venue | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 5 January 2027 | Epiphany Eve | The eve is separate from the public holiday |
| 6 January 2027 | Epiphany | Public holiday |
| 13 January | St Knut's Day | A separate tradition marking the end of Christmas |
| 6 January 2027 | Moderna Museet Stockholm | Advertised opening 10:00-18:00 |
| 6 January 2027 | Polismuseet | Closed |
| 6 January 2027 | Public transport | Search for the actual date and time |
Sources: The Public Holidays Act; Nordiska museet on St Knut's Day; Moderna Museet holiday hours; Polismuseet special opening hours; SL journey information. Checked: 2026-11-04.
Trettondagsafton means Epiphany Eve, 5 January. The name does not make it a nationwide public holiday under the law. Check working hours with the particular organisation. For other dates, see the guide to public holidays and bridge days.
Is everything closed on 6 January?
A public holiday does not give every venue the same hours.
The law identifies public holidays. Check the museum, shop, visitor centre or service's own hours for the correct year. Ordinary Wednesday hours do not override a specific notice for 6 January 2027.
Sources: The Public Holidays Act; Moderna Museet holiday hours; Polismuseet special opening hours. Checked: 2026-11-04.
Moderna Museet in Stockholm has published opening hours of 10:00-18:00 for 6 January 2027, while Polismuseet is closed that day. Checked 04.11.2026. These examples show different decisions by two individual venues, not a rule for all Swedish museums.
If your day centres on an exhibition, confirm that it is accessible before planning the journey. An open building does not necessarily mean access to every gallery or separate event. Check the specific branch when visiting a shop. The guide to shops during the holidays offers general advice.
How do you check opening hours and tickets for the right year?
Check the venue, date and admission conditions together.
- Open the venue's official visitor page.
- Find the 2027 holiday hours and the entry for 6 January.
- Check tickets, age conditions and last admission if specified.
- Search both outward and return travel for the same date.
Save the dated page and your chosen ticket. If a website only shows a normal weekly timetable, look for holiday exceptions. When travelling with children, choose the main activity in advance and allow for a shorter walk.
How will public transport run?
Search with SL in Stockholm, Västtrafik in Gothenburg and the surrounding region, or Skånetrafiken in Skåne. Enter 6 January 2027 and the time you need, then check the return journey. Official starting points checked 04.11.2026.
Do not assume that a departure found for an ordinary Wednesday also runs on the holiday. Update your return route if you change museum or departure time. The guide to urban transport in Sweden explains the general options.
Can you attend a church service, concert or family event?
Choose a specific listing in the parish or organiser's calendar. Check the year, venue, starting time, language, entry conditions and whether a separate ticket is needed. A cultural description of Epiphany does not itself confirm a public programme.
A service and a concert in the same building may have different admission conditions. Attend your chosen event and follow its rules. Do not assume that ordinary church visiting hours replace a ticket or invitation.
How can you plan a relaxed day in the city?
One confirmed visit leaves room for a break.
For a relaxed day, choose one open venue, a short walk and a break to warm up. This is an independent planning example, not an event programme. Add a service or concert once its time, admission and journey back are clear.
If you are spending the day in the capital, use the Stockholm guide to choose an area. Match clothing and breaks to the weather for a January walk. The guide to winter in Sweden can help.
How does Epiphany differ from St Knut's Day?
Epiphany falls on 6 January and St Knut's Day on 13 January. Nordiska museet links Knut to the traditional end of Christmas and julgransplundring, a celebration to say goodbye to the Christmas tree. This is a cultural tradition, not a requirement for every family to remove decorations on the same day. The museum's explanation, checked 04.11.2026.
See the guide to St Knut's Day on 13 January for that separate date and its customs. The name 'thirteenth day of Christmas' does not mean that Epiphany falls on 13 January.
What should you save before heading out?
Save the holiday hours and your return journey.
Check the holiday name and year, the venue's address, holiday hours, tickets and return travel. Keep an indoor alternative. See also practical questions for your city visit.
Updated: 04.11.2026.
Questions and answers
Wednesday 6 January. The date is set by law, and the weekday appears in Moderna Museet's holiday hours for 2027. Checked 04.11.2026.
Yes, trettondedag jul is included among allmänna helgdagar. Source: Sveriges riksdag, checked 04.11.2026.
Epiphany Eve is not listed in the law as a separate public holiday. Check individual venues' hours separately. Source: Sveriges riksdag, checked 04.11.2026.
Yes, Epiphany is the English name for 6 January in the Swedish calendar. Sources: Svenska kyrkan and Visit Sweden, checked 04.11.2026.
The name relates to counting the days of Christmas, and the holiday falls on 6 January. Source: Svenska kyrkan, checked 04.11.2026.
No: they fall on 6 January and 13 January respectively. Source: Nordiska museet, checked 04.11.2026.
No. For example, Moderna Museet Stockholm has announced 10:00-18:00 on 6 January 2027, while Polismuseet is closed. Sources: the museums' websites, checked 04.11.2026.
First check the holiday exception for the relevant year. A venue's hours may differ from an ordinary Wednesday.
It depends on the event. Check its listing for tickets, registration and admission times.
Search with your transport operator for the exact date and time, including your return journey. There is no universal timetable for all cities.
There is no compulsory rule for families. Nordiska museet describes the separate Knut tradition on 13 January; families do not all follow the same custom. Checked 04.11.2026.
Yes. Choose an accessible indoor activity and a walk with a break. Check the venue's hours and entry conditions.
Sources
Checked 04.11.2026.
- Sveriges riksdag: Public Holidays Act (1989:253)
- Svenska kyrkan, Sävare: Epiphany
- Institutet för språk och folkminnen: Epiphany
- Nordiska museet: St Knut's Day
- Moderna Museet Stockholm: visiting and holiday hours
- Polismuseet: visiting and special opening hours for 2027
- Visit Sweden: Public holidays in Sweden 2026 and 2027
- SL: public transport in Stockholm County
- Västtrafik: journey planner
- Skånetrafiken: journey search








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