Public holidays

Germany · 2026

20 holidays including 9 national and 11 regional observances.

20
Total
9
National
11
Regional
20
Public

Guide to public holidays in Germany

Overview, context, and quick answers for 2026.

Holiday overview

Germany observes 20 public holidays throughout 2026, including 9 national and 11 regional. 20 are official public holidays with government recognition.

Use the monthly calendar below for exact dates. Planning in Germany means tracking both fixed-date holidays and variable dates set by calendar or decree.

Key context

  • Location: Germany (DE), Europe
  • Distribution: 45% national, 55% regional
  • Official public: 100% of listed holidays
  • Year: 2026 (Gregorian)

Why this calendar matters

Public holidays affect government hours, banking, and many businesses. Use this list to avoid conflicts and plan travel or operations in Germany.

FAQ in this guide

How many public holidays does Germany have in 2026?

Germany has 20 public holidays in 2026, including 9 national and 11 regional. 20 are official government-recognized public holidays.

What are the most important holidays in Germany?

Major holidays include national days, religious observances, and cultural events—often with closures for government offices, banks, and many businesses.

Do holidays in Germany affect business?

Yes. Many offices and banks close or reduce hours on public holidays; private businesses vary by sector and region.

Are there regional differences?

Yes. Germany has both nationwide holidays and regional observances in specific areas or communities.

Geographic & cultural context

Location
  • Country: Germany (DE)
  • Continent: Europe
  • Coordinates: 51.1657, 10.4515
  • Time zone: CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Holiday mix
  • National, regional, religious, and cultural
  • Gregorian calendar
  • Official days often close government offices
2026
Calendar year
100%
Free access
Updated
Maintained
Calendar

Holidays by month

All observances for 2026, grouped by month.

January 2025

2 holidays

Neujahr

National
Wednesday, January 1, 2025

New Year's Day marks the start of a new year in the Gregorian calendar. It is a day for celebration and reflection on the past year, with many making resolutions for the year ahead.

Heilige Drei Könige

Regional
Monday, January 6, 2025

Epiphany is a Christian feast day that commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. It is celebrated on January 6th and is also known as Three Kings' Day.

March 2025

1 holiday

Internationaler Frauentag

Regional
Saturday, March 8, 2025

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

April 2025

3 holidays

Karfreitag

National
Friday, April 18, 2025

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum.

Ostersonntag

Regional
Sunday, April 20, 2025

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary. It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, preceded by Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.

Ostermontag

National
Monday, April 21, 2025

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is a holiday in many countries. It is a Christian holiday that commemorates the events that occurred after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

May 2025

3 holidays

Tag der Arbeit

National
Thursday, May 1, 2025

Labour Day, also known as May Day, celebrates the achievements of workers. It has its origins in the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.

Tag der Befreiung

Regional
Thursday, May 8, 2025

Liberation Day commemorates the end of World War II and the liberation from Nazi occupation. It is a day to remember the sacrifices made and to celebrate freedom and peace.

Christi Himmelfahrt

National
Thursday, May 29, 2025

Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. It is celebrated 40 days after Easter.

June 2025

3 holidays

Pfingstsonntag

Regional
Sunday, June 8, 2025

Pentecost is a Christian holiday that celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on the Sunday 50 days after Easter.

Pfingstmontag

National
Monday, June 9, 2025

Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is the day after Pentecost. It is a Christian holiday celebrated as a public holiday in many countries.

Fronleichnam

Regional
Thursday, June 19, 2025

Corpus Christi is a Christian feast celebrating the Holy Eucharist. It emphasizes the belief in the body and blood of Jesus Christ's real presence.

August 2025

1 holiday

Mariä Himmelfahrt

Regional
Friday, August 15, 2025

Assumption Day is a Christian holiday commemorating the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is celebrated on August 15th.

September 2025

1 holiday

Weltkindertag

Regional
Saturday, September 20, 2025

World Children's Day is an international observance celebrated on various dates around the world; it promotes the welfare of children. It aims to raise awareness about children's rights and improve children's lives.

October 2025

2 holidays

Tag der Deutschen Einheit

National
Friday, October 3, 2025

German Unity Day commemorates the anniversary of German reunification in 1990. It is a celebration of the end of the division between East and West Germany.

Reformationstag

Regional
Friday, October 31, 2025

Reformation Day is a Protestant Christian religious holiday celebrated on October 31. It commemorates the start of the Reformation in 1517, when Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses.

November 2025

2 holidays

Allerheiligen

Regional
Saturday, November 1, 2025

All Saints' Day is a Christian festival honoring all known and unknown saints. It is celebrated on November 1st in the Western Christian tradition.

Buß- und Bettag

Regional
Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Repentance and Prayer Day is a Protestant holiday observed in Germany. It is a day for reflection, repentance, and prayer.

December 2025

2 holidays

Erster Weihnachtstag

National
Thursday, December 25, 2025

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25th and is a major cultural holiday around the world.

Zweiter Weihnachtstag

National
Friday, December 26, 2025

St. Stephen's Day, also known as Boxing Day, is a Christian holiday observed on December 26th. It commemorates Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Frequently asked questions

How many public holidays are there in Germany?

Germany has 20 public holidays in 2026, including 9 national and 11 regional observances.

Are all holidays in Germany national?

No. There are 9 national holidays and 11 regional holidays that apply only in certain areas.

Which are official public holidays?

20 holidays are marked as public; these are typically the most important for closures and time off.

When do holidays occur?

Dates are spread across the year—see the monthly calendar above for each exact date in 2026.

Do all businesses close?

Government offices usually close on official public holidays; private businesses vary by sector and region.

How do I stay updated?

Bookmark this page. We refresh data from official sources as schedules are published or amended.

Data summary

Structured overview for this country and year.

20
Total
Listed holidays
9
National
Country-wide
11
Regional
Local
20
Public
Official type

Dataset details

Geography
  • Country: Germany (DE)
  • Continent: Europe
  • Coordinates: 51.1657, 10.4515
  • Time zone: CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Time
  • Year: 2026
  • Calendar: Gregorian
  • Reference date: 2026-03-29

Germany · 2026

20 dates for planning operations, travel, and time off in Germany.

20
Total
9
National
11
Regional
20
Public

Bookmark this page for quick access all year.

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