Public holidays in Germany are a golden opportunity to score some extra long weekends if you live in Germany. With some smart planning, you can enjoy long weekends, and plan a city trip around these holidays. But bank holidays in Germany aren’t just for people who live in Germany; they’re also an amazing chance for travelers who look for a special experience and want to discover Germany’s festive spirit! These holidays are often combined with parades, local events, and celebrations that show the culture of the regions.
Whether you’re a local or visiting from abroad and you’re wondering what the public holidays in Germany are, this useful travel guide’s for you!
Types of bank holidays in Germany:
Germany has plenty of public holidays, where most shops and banks close so people can enjoy a day off. There are three types of holidays:
- 🇩🇪 National holidays: Nine holidays are celebrated everywhere, like New Year’s Day, German Unity Day, and Christmas.
- 🗺️ Regional holidays: Some holidays only happen in certain states since each state sets its own.
- 🎉 Other days: There are also unofficial holidays, like St. Nicholas’ Day (December 6), Carnival Monday, and Christmas Eve.
[A few bank holidays which fall on weekends aren’t mentioned in detail, but you can find them in the calendars included at the end of this article.]
Keep reading for a complete overview of Germany’s public holidays in 2026!
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2026: More holidays, more fun trips
📆 January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day (Thursday)
Start the year right
📍For locals: Kick off 2026 with extra time for relaxation. Take Thursday and Monday off, and you’ve got yourself a five-day break.
🧳 For travelers: Celebrate the new year in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and more, with New Year’s fireworks, concerts, and local parties.
📆 January 6, 2026 – Epiphany (Tuesday)
For history buffs
📍For locals: All of you in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, or Saxony-Anhalt, simply take the Monday off and enjoy a perfect 4-day weekend since this holiday falls on a Tuesday.
🧳 For travelers: These regions celebrate this day with parades and reenactments. Head to Bavaria to witness the Three Kings’ Procession, and enjoy cities like Heidelberg and Munich.
📆 April 3-6, 2026 – Easter Weekend (Friday to Monday)
Time for a spring escape
📍For locals: Good Friday to Easter Monday gives you four glorious days off to spend in another fantastic city in Germany.
🧳 For travelers: Enjoy Easter markets, egg hunts, traditional meals and more in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt which know how to celebrate.
📆 May 1, 2026 – Labor Day (Friday)
Calling all festival lovers
📍For locals: Labor Day on a Friday means… a three-day weekend! Time for a spring road trip, right?
🧳 For travelers: Labor Day in Germany is celebrated with parades, parties, and other special events. Especially Berlin, which goes all out with street festivals and cultural activities. Don’t miss out—book your stay at MEININGER Hotels in Berlin today.
📆 May 14, 2026 – Ascension Day (Thursday)
Best for outdoor adventurers
📍For locals: Another Thursday holiday, another long weekend! Taking Friday off is a no-brainer for an extra four-day break.
🧳 For travelers: Ascension Day is a holiday across Germany, celebrated with hiking trips, barbecues, and outdoor fun. Explore Germany’s nature trails or visit picturesque towns like Heidelberg, Dresden, Bremen or Leipzig.
📆 June 4, 2026 – Corpus Christi (Thursday)
For tradition fans
📍For locals: All of you, living in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and other southern states, can enjoy another long break by taking Friday, June 7, off.
🧳 For travelers: If you’re in southern Germany, visit places like Cologne, Leipzig, and Munich to discover local traditions.
📆 October 3, 2026 – German Unity Day (Saturday)
Perfect for everyone!
📍For locals: In 2026, October 3 falls on a Saturday, so a long weekend is not an option this year.
🧳 For travelers: Experience the German Unity Day celebrations in large cities or charming small towns.
📆 November 18, 2026 – Day of Repentance & Prayer (Wednesday)
For relaxing mini-breaks
📍For locals: All of you, living in Saxony, you can enjoy a five-day break if you take off Thursday and Friday.
🧳 For travelers: Visit cities like Dresden or Leipzig in Saxony to join local events.
MEININGER Hotel Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
📆 December 25-26, 2026 – Christmas (Friday and Saturday)
Calling all festive enthusiasts
📍For locals: Christmas falls at the end of the week in 2026, meaning a ready-made three-day weekend; the perfect gift for the new year, right?
🧳 For travelers: Visit Germany’s famous Christmas markets, from Cologne to Dresden, and feel the magic of the season.
From colorful parades to more low-key traditions, bank holidays in Germany offer you a chance to experience the local culture and festive vibes. Whether you’re a local maximizing your time off or a traveler visiting from outside Germany, these days are perfect for celebrating, chilling, or simply seeing something brand-new!
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Bank holidays Germany: your guide for 2026 FAQs
What are the types of bank holidays in Germany?
Germany has three types of bank holidays: national holidays, regional holidays, and unofficial holidays. National holidays, such as New Year’s Day and Christmas, are celebrated across the country. Regional holidays, like Reformation Day, are specific to certain states. Additionally, there are unofficial holidays, such as St. Nicholas’ Day and Carnival Monday, which may not result in closures but are still celebrated locally.
How do regional bank holidays in Germany work?
Regional bank holidays in Germany are specific to certain federal states. Each state can set its own holidays in addition to the national ones. For example, Reformation Day is observed in states like Brandenburg and Saxony, while All Saints’ Day is celebrated in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Be sure to check which holidays apply to your location if you’re traveling in Germany.
When is German Unity Day celebrated in 2026?
German Unity Day is celebrated on October 3rd each year. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday. This holiday is observed nationwide, and many cities host parades, fireworks, and concerts to commemorate the unification of East and West Germany.
What are the best German cities to visit during Christmas holidays?
German cities like Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Dresden are famous for their magical Christmas markets. Christmas in Germany is celebrated on December 25 and 26, and visitors can enjoy festive lights, mulled wine, and traditional foods. It’s a wonderful time to experience local customs and soak in the holiday spirit.
Are shops and banks open during bank holidays in Germany?
Most shops, banks, and public institutions close during national and regional holidays in Germany. However, tourist-friendly places, such as restaurants and hotels, often remain open. Be sure to plan ahead if you’re traveling during these times, as closures are common, especially on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
What are the main public holidays in Germany for 2026?
Key public holidays in Germany for 2026 include New Year’s Day (January 1), Easter Weekend (April 3-6), and Labor Day (May 1). These dates are ideal for planning trips or long weekends.
What events happen in Germany during Reformation Day?
Reformation Day, celebrated on October 31, is a regional holiday in states like Saxony and Brandenburg. Churches often hold special events to commemorate Martin Luther’s Reformation. If you’re visiting these regions, it’s a great opportunity to explore historical sites and attend cultural events.
Is Christmas Eve a public holiday in Germany?
While Christmas Eve (December 24) is not an official public holiday, it is widely observed. Many businesses close early in preparation for Christmas Day celebrations. If you’re traveling, it’s best to check local schedules and plan accordingly as many services may be limited.
How do locals and travelers in Germany celebrate Easter?
Easter is a major holiday in Germany, with Good Friday and Easter Monday being public holidays. Locals and travelers can enjoy Easter markets, egg hunts, and traditional meals. Cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich host special events, making Easter weekend (April 3-6, 2026) a perfect time to visit.
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