Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – National, State & Christian Holidays
Germany is a federal country, and public holidays are determined both at the national (federal) level and by individual states (Länder). Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others apply only in specific states or regions depending on historical and religious traditions.
How Public Holidays Work in Germany
Only German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) on October 3 is mandated nationwide by federal law. All other public holidays are regulated by the states. Many holidays overlap across states, but some—such as Reformation Day or All Saints’ Day—vary by region. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is generally not moved to Monday.
National Public Holidays in Germany (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Neujahr) |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday (Karfreitag) |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday (Ostermontag) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday / Pentecost Monday (Pfingstmontag) |
| October 3 | Saturday | German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag) |
| December 26 | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas (Zweiter Weihnachtstag) |
These public holidays are observed in all German states.
Important Regional / State-Specific Holidays in Germany (2026)
| Date | Holiday | States / Regions Observing |
|---|---|---|
| January 6 | Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige) | Bavaria (BY), Baden-Württemberg (BW), Saxony-Anhalt (ST) |
| June 4 | Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) | BW, BY, Hesse (HE), North Rhine-Westphalia (NW), Rhineland-Palatinate (RP), Saarland (SL), Saxony (SN), Thuringia (TH) |
| August 15 | Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt) | Some municipalities in BY and SL (predominantly Catholic areas) |
| October 31 | Reformation Day (Reformationstag) | Most northern & eastern states |
| November 1 | All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) | BW, BY, NW, RP, SL |
| November 18 | Day of Repentance & Prayer (Buß- und Bettag) | Saxony (SN) only |
National Public Holidays in Germany (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day (Neujahr) |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday (Karfreitag) |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday (Ostermontag) |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) |
| May 29 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) |
| June 9 | Monday | Whit Monday / Pentecost Monday (Pfingstmontag) |
| October 3 | Friday | German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag) |
| December 26 | Friday | Second Day of Christmas (Zweiter Weihnachtstag) |
Important Regional / State-Specific Holidays in Germany (2025)
| Date | Holiday | States / Regions Observing |
|---|---|---|
| January 6 | Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige) | BY, BW, ST |
| June 19 | Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) | BW, BY, HE, NW, RP, SL, SN, TH |
| August 15 | Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt) | Some municipalities in BY and SL |
| October 31 | Reformation Day (Reformationstag) | Most states except BW & BY |
| November 1 | All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) | BW, BY, NW, RP, SL |
| November 19 | Day of Repentance & Prayer (Buß- und Bettag) | Saxony (SN) only |
Notes & Observations
- Aside from German Unity Day, all holidays are state-regulated.
- Buß- und Bettag is only a public holiday in Saxony.
- Public holidays are not shifted if they fall on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which holiday is observed nationwide by federal law?
German Unity Day (October 3) is the only holiday mandated nationwide.
Why do public holidays differ by state?
Each German state legislates its own public holidays, often based on regional religious or historical traditions.
Is Reformation Day a holiday everywhere in Germany?
No. Reformation Day is observed in many northern and eastern states, while others observe All Saints’ Day instead.
What is Buß- und Bettag?
Buß- und Bettag (Day of Repentance & Prayer) is a Protestant observance and is a public holiday only in Saxony.
Conclusion
Germany’s public holiday system reflects its federal structure and cultural diversity. While a core set of holidays is widely shared, regional observances vary by state. Always check the specific state calendar when planning work, travel, or official matters.
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