Germany Public Holidays 2026 explained in detail: full federal and regional holiday calendar, traditions, closures, and planning tips.
Introduction: Why Germany Public Holidays Matter in 2026
Understanding Germany Public Holidays 2026 is essential for anyone living in, working with, or traveling to Germany. Public holidays in Germany are not just days off; they reflect centuries of religious tradition, regional identity, labor law, and cultural values. They directly affect business operations, school schedules, transportation, tourism, and personal planning.
Germany has one of Europe’s most structured labor systems. On public holidays, most shops close, offices shut down, and public services operate on reduced schedules. For businesses, missing a regional holiday can mean delays or missed opportunities. For travelers, a holiday can be a gift or a disruption depending on preparation.
Searchers looking for “Germany Public Holidays 2026” usually fall into several groups:
- Travelers planning trips, festivals, or sightseeing
- Employees & freelancers coordinating vacation days and long weekends
- Businesses & HR teams managing payroll, staffing, and compliance
- Students & parents tracking school closures
- International partners working with German companies
Germany’s holiday system is unique because not all holidays apply nationwide. While some dates are observed across the country, others depend on the federal state (Bundesland). In 2026, this regional structure once again creates different holiday calendars depending on location.
This guide provides a complete, accurate, and practical overview of public holidays in Germany in 2026, including official dates, regional differences, cultural background, and planning advice. Whether you are organizing your work calendar, planning a vacation, or running a business, this article is designed to be a reliable reference you can save and return to throughout the year.
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How Public Holidays Work in Germany
Public holidays in Germany are regulated at two levels:
Federal (Nationwide) Holidays
These are established under federal law and apply across all 16 German states. Most of Germany’s major holidays fall into this category.
State-Level (Regional) Holidays
Individual states (Bundesländer) can introduce additional public holidays based on:
- Religious tradition (Catholic vs Protestant regions)
- Historical events
- Cultural identity
That is why a holiday like Epiphany is observed in Bavaria but not in Berlin, and Reformation Day applies mainly in eastern and northern states.
Germany Public Holidays 2026: Official Calendar Table
| Date | Day | Holiday (English / German) | Regions Observed |
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day / Neujahr | Nationwide |
| Jan 6 | Tuesday | Epiphany / Heilige Drei Könige | BW, BY, ST |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday / Karfreitag | Nationwide |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday / Ostermontag | Nationwide |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day / Tag der Arbeit | Nationwide |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day / Christi Himmelfahrt | Nationwide |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday / Pfingstmontag | Nationwide |
| Jun 4 | Thursday | Corpus Christi / Fronleichnam | BW, BY, HE, NRW, RP, SL |
| Aug 15 | Saturday | Assumption Day / Mariä Himmelfahrt | SL, parts of BY |
| Oct 3 | Saturday | German Unity Day / Tag der Deutschen Einheit | Nationwide |
| Oct 31 | Saturday | Reformation Day / Reformationstag | Selected states |
| Nov 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day / Allerheiligen | BW, BY, NRW, RP, SL |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day / 1. Weihnachtstag | Nationwide |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | St. Stephen’s Day / 2. Weihnachtstag | Nationwide |
Detailed Breakdown of Major Public Holidays
New Year’s Day (Neujahr) – January 1
New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year and is universally observed. Celebrations include fireworks on New Year’s Eve (Silvester), family gatherings, and public events.
- Businesses: Closed
- Schools: Closed
- Transport: Reduced schedules
Good Friday (Karfreitag)
A solemn Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Traditions: Church services, quiet observance
- Legal status: Protected “day of silence”
- Entertainment: Public dancing events prohibited
Easter Monday (Ostermontag)
Easter Monday extends the Easter weekend, making it one of Germany’s most traveled holiday periods.
- Traditions: Family meals, egg hunts
- Impact: Heavy travel, closed retail
Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) – May 1
Labour Day has strong political and historical roots in workers’ rights.
- Traditions: Union demonstrations, rallies
- Businesses: Closed
- Tourism: Popular for city visits
Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt)
Always falls on a Thursday, making it ideal for long weekends.
- Also known as: Father’s Day (Vatertag)
- Traditions: Group outings, hiking, cycling
Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag)
Celebrates the Christian feast of Pentecost.
- Observed nationwide
- Popular for: Short vacations
German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) – October 3
Commemorates German reunification in 1990.
- National significance: Very high
- Events: Official ceremonies, concerts
- Businesses: Closed
Christmas Day & Second Christmas Day – December 25–26
Christmas is Germany’s most important family holiday.
- Traditions: Christmas markets, church services
- Closures: Nearly all businesses shut
UK public holidays in 2026 is essential for planning time off, organising travel, aligning business operations, or simply marking special cultural dates in your calendar.
Regional-Only Public Holidays (By Bundesland)
Common Regional Holidays
- Epiphany (Jan 6): Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt
- Corpus Christi: Catholic-majority states
- Assumption Day: Saarland, parts of Bavaria
- Reformation Day (Oct 31): Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Thuringia, Hamburg, Bremen, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein
These differences reflect Germany’s religious history and federal structure.
Practical Planning Tips for 2026
- Maximize long weekends: Many holidays fall on Thursdays or Mondays.
- Book early: Easter, May, and Christmas periods sell out fast.
- Check state calendars: Especially important for business operations.
- Expect closures: Shops are usually closed on public holidays.
- Public transport: Operates on holiday schedules.
FAQ: Germany Public Holidays 2026
How many public holidays are there in Germany in 2026?
Germany has 9 nationwide public holidays, with additional regional holidays depending on the federal state.
Are all German public holidays paid days off?
Yes. Employees are legally entitled to paid leave on public holidays observed in their state.
Which holidays are observed nationwide?
New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, German Unity Day, Christmas Day, and Second Christmas Day.
Do public holidays change every year?
Fixed-date holidays stay the same, while Christian holidays move annually based on Easter.
Are shops open on public holidays?
Most retail stores are closed, with exceptions for petrol stations, bakeries, and some tourist areas.
Is Reformation Day a national holiday?
No. It is observed only in selected states, mainly in northern and eastern Germany.
Conclusion
Germany Public Holidays 2026 reflect the country’s federal structure, cultural diversity, and historical traditions. While nine holidays are observed nationwide, regional variations mean no single calendar applies everywhere. For travelers, workers, and businesses alike, understanding these differences is essential for smooth planning.
By saving or bookmarking this holiday calendar, you can avoid disruptions, plan smarter vacations, and coordinate effectively with German partners throughout 2026. Whether you live in Germany or interact with it professionally, knowing the holiday landscape gives you a clear advantage.
Sources
- Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) – Official public holiday regulations
- German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)
- State government portals (Bavaria, NRW, Saxony, Baden-Württemberg)
- Deutsche Welle – Germany public holiday explanations
