Sankthansaften (Midsummer’s Eve in Denmark) is a beloved Danish summer solstice celebration, held on the evening of June 23rd to honor both pagan traditions and the feast of St. John the Baptist. Across the country, communities gather outdoors for bonfires, where effigies of witches are burned to ward off evil spirits, accompanied by folk songs, music, and festive speeches. Families enjoy picnics by the beach, lakes, and parks, with food, drink, and a warm communal atmosphere. Blending ancient rituals, Christian symbolism, and the joy of the longest day of the year, Sankthansaften is one of Denmark’s most atmospheric and unifying traditions.

DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 23 June 2026 (Tuesday).
• Annual pattern: Always held on 23 June (Saint John’s Eve) across Denmark.
• Programme: Exact timetable publishes annually—see the city programme for locations and times: Programme.

LOCATION
• Typical Copenhagen spot: Islands Brygge harbourfront (events by Kulturhuset Islands Brygge). Open in Google Maps.
• Other cities: Community bonfires in Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg and coastal towns; check local tourism for the nearest gathering: City tourism.

TICKETS & ENTRY
• Mostly free: Public beach/park gatherings are generally free; if an event is inside a venue, follow the venue’s admission rules via the city listing: Ticket info.

GOOD TO KNOW
• Getting around: Use Denmark’s official journey planner for real‑time buses, metro and trains: Journey planner & national rail: DSB trains.
• Bonfire safety: Bonfires are weather‑dependent and can be cancelled if local fire bans apply; check municipal updates and the programme page on the day: Copenhagen updates.

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