Public Holidays in Germany 2025 – National & Regional Days
Germany is a federal country, and public holidays are decided both at the national (federal) level and by each state (Land). Some holidays apply throughout all states; others apply only in specific states or regions. (Wikipedia)
How Public Holidays Work in Germany
Only German Unity Day (October 3) is mandated nationwide by federal law. All other public holidays are declared by state governments. Many states share many holidays. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is generally not moved to Monday. (PublicHolidays.de)
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) |
These holidays are observed in all states.
Important Regional / State-Specific Holidays in 2025
| Date | Holiday | States / Regions Observing |
|---|---|---|
| January 6 | Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige) | Bavaria (BY), Baden-Württemberg (BW), Saxony-Anhalt (ST) |
| June 19 | 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 states except those that instead observe All Saints’ Day |
| 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
- Not every state observes the regional holidays above. For example, Reformation Day is not a holiday in Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg.
- Buß- und Bettag is only a public holiday in Saxony nowadays.
- Holidays are observed on their calendar date even if they fall on a weekend—no general Monday substitution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which holiday is observed nationwide only by federal law?
German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) on October 3 is the only holiday mandated by federal law across all German states.
Why do some holidays only apply to specific states?
Aside from Unity Day, public holidays are legislated by each state (Land), so states may add local religious or historic holidays.
Is Reformation Day a holiday in all of Germany?
No. Reformation Day (October 31) is observed in many states but not all. Some states instead observe All Saints’ Day.
What is Buß- und Bettag and where is it observed?
Buß- und Bettag (Day of Repentance & Prayer) is a Protestant holiday and is currently a public holiday only in Saxony.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Germany combine national unifiers and regional traditions. While several holidays are observed everywhere, many depend on the state—especially religious ones like Corpus Christi or All Saints’ Day. Always check the relevant state before planning travel or business.
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