Germany Public & National Holidays (2026)

As one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the world, Germany boasts of a rich historical and cultural background. Today, Germany is considered to be a developed country and a great world power with a strong economy and a long-standing tradition of providing quality higher education.

Public holidays in Germany consist of both national and religious holidays observed across the country or regionally within the 16 constituent states. According to the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, Sundays and public holidays are days of rest and spiritual growth.

When are public holidays in Germany?

Which are the public holidays in Germany?

New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is observed on January 1st in celebration of the beginning of a new year.

Three Kings’ Day
This is a regional public holiday observed in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt. Three Kings’ Day, also known as Epiphany, is celebrated on January 6th to mark the three wise men’s visit when Jesus was born.

International Women’s Day
Women’s Day is observed on March 8th in celebration and recognition of women and their contributions to society.

Good Friday
Good Friday is celebrated on the Friday before Easter to mark the crucifixion of Jesus. On this day, Christians mourn and meditate about the suffering and death of Jesus, and how this affects their faith.

Easter Monday
Easter Monday is observed after Easter Sunday in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus. The dates for Good Friday vary but usually fall between March and April.

Labor Day
Labor Day, also known as May Day or International Workers’ Day, is observed on May 1st in celebration of the achievements of the labor movement.

Ascension Day
Ascension Day is observed on the 40th day after Easter to mark the ascent of Jesus into heaven after His resurrection 39 days prior.

Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also referred to as Pentecost Monday, is celebrated on the Monday after Whit Sunday. This day falls precisely fifty days after Easter in celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit in the manifestation of flames on Jesus’ apostles.

Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a regional public holiday observed in Baden-Württemberg, Saarland, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate on the second Thursday after Whitsun. The Feast of the Body of Christ (Corpus Christi) is a religious holiday observed in honor of the elements of the Eucharist, Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper.

Assumption Day
Assumption Day is a regional public holiday observed in Saarland and Bavaria on August 15th. This day commemorates the Virgin Mary’s departure and assumption of her body into heaven.

German Unity Day
German Unification Day is observed on October 3rd in celebration of the anniversary of the 1990 German reunification.

Reformation Day
Reformation Day is a regional public holiday observed on October 31st in commemoration of the German monk Martin Luther who marched to the church in Wittenberg and nailed his propositions to the church door.

All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day is a regional public holiday observed in Saarland, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg on November 1st in celebration of all the Christian Saints.

Christmas Day
Christmas Day is observed on December 25th to mark the nativity of Jesus.

St. Stephen’s Day
St. Stephen’s Day is observed on December 26th in remembrance of the first Christian martyr. This day is also referred to as the Second Day of Christmas or Boxing Day.