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Germany Holidays 2025

Complete list of public holidays and observances

112 holidaysUpdated: 11/13/2025

About These Holidays

This list includes national holidays, public holidays, and observances for Germany in 2025. Some holidays may be regional or observed only in specific locations.

Filter by Type:
DateHolidayType
January
Wed
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
New Year's Day
New Year's Day, which is on January 1, or the first day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, is a public holiday in Germany.
National holiday
Mon
Monday, January 6, 2025
Epiphany
Epiphany on January 6 is a public holiday in 3 German states and commemorates the Bible story of the Magi's visit to baby Jesus.
Common local holiday
Mon
Monday, January 6, 2025
Epiphany
Epiphany on January 6 is a public holiday in 3 German states and commemorates the Bible story of the Magi's visit to baby Jesus.
Christian
Wed
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Franco-German Day
Franco-German Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Mon
Monday, January 27, 2025
Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism
Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism is a observance in Germany
Observance
February
Fri
Friday, February 14, 2025
Valentine's Day
February 14 is Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Feast. The day of love owes its origins to ancient Roman and European Christian traditions.
Observance
Sun
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Hizir Fast
Hizir Fast is a observance and Muslim holiday in Germany
Muslim
March
Mon
Monday, March 3, 2025
Shrove Monday
Carnival Monday is two days before Ash Wednesday and parades are held in many Catholic areas of Germany.
Christian
Tue
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Carnival Tuesday
Carnival has several long-standing traditions in Germany.
Observance
Wed
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Carnival / Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent in western Christian churches.
Silent Day
Sat
Saturday, March 8, 2025
International Women's Day
International Women's Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sat
Saturday, March 8, 2025
International Women's Day
International Women's Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sat
Saturday, March 8, 2025
International Women's Day
International Women's Day is a common local holiday in Germany
Common local holiday
Mon
Monday, March 17, 2025
St. Patrick's Day
St Patrick’s Day celebrates Irish culture and commemorates one of Ireland’s patron saints, St Patrick, on or around March 17.
Christian
Tue
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Anniversary of the March Revolution
Anniversary of the March Revolution is a observance in Germany
Observance
Thu
Thursday, March 20, 2025
March Equinox
March Equinox in Germany (Berlin)
Season
Fri
Friday, March 21, 2025
Alevitic New Year
Alevitic New Year is a observance and Muslim holiday in Germany
Muslim
Sun
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Daylight Saving Time starts
Daylight Saving Time starts in Germany
Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
Mon
Monday, March 31, 2025
Eid ul Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a holiday to mark the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during the hours of daylight.
Muslim
April
Sun
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is a Christian feast that commemorates Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. It is also the start of Holy Week.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, April 13, 2025
First Day of Passover
During Passover, the Jewish people remember the liberation of the Israelites from slavery, their exodus from Egypt, and that their first-born children were spared during the 10th plague, as told in the Haggadah.
Hebrew
Mon
Monday, April 14, 2025
Second Day of Passover
Second Day of Passover is a observance, Jewish holiday, and Jewish holiday in Germany
Hebrew
Thu
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is a Christian observance on the Thursday during Holy Week. It is the day before Good Friday.
Silent Day
Thu
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is a Christian observance on the Thursday during Holy Week. It is the day before Good Friday.
Christian
Fri
Friday, April 18, 2025
Good Friday
Many Christians in Germany observe the Good Friday public holiday to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Christian
Fri
Friday, April 18, 2025
Sixth Day of Passover
Sixth Day of Passover is a observance, Jewish holiday, and Jewish holiday in Germany
Hebrew
Sat
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday.
Silent Day
Sat
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Seventh Day of Passover
Seventh Day of Passover is a observance, Jewish holiday, and Jewish holiday in Germany
Hebrew
Sun
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is a holiday in Germany to celebrate the Jesus Christ's resurrection, according to the Christian Bible.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is a holiday in Germany to celebrate the Jesus Christ's resurrection, according to the Christian Bible.
Common local holiday
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Many people in Germany annually observe Easter Monday on the day after Easter Sunday. It is a public holiday in all states.
Christian
Wed
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
German Beer Day
German Beer Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Thu
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Girls' Day / Boys' Day
Girls' Day / Boys' Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Wed
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Walpurgis Night
Walpurgis Night is a observance in Germany
Observance
May
Thu
Thursday, May 1, 2025
May Day
May Day in Germany is a holiday to celebrate the start of spring and to campaign for workers' rights. It is always on May 1.
National holiday
Mon
Monday, May 5, 2025
Europe Day (Council of Europe)
Europe Day (Council of Europe) is a observance in Germany
Observance
Thu
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Anniversary of the End of World War II
Local holiday
Thu
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Anniversary of the End of World War II
Observance
Fri
Friday, May 9, 2025
Europe Day (European Union)
Europe Day (European Union) is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sun
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Mothers' Day
Mother’s Day celebrates the achievements and efforts of mothers and mother figures.
Observance
Fri
Friday, May 23, 2025
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Thu
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Fathers' Day
Father’s Day celebrates fatherhood and male parenting on different dates worldwide.
Observance
Thu
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Ascension Day
Ascension Day in Germany is on a Thursday 39 days after Easter Sunday.
Christian
June
Sun
Sunday, June 1, 2025
International Children's Day
International Children's Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Mon
Monday, June 2, 2025
First Day of Shavuot
Shavuot, sometimes known as the Festival of the Weeks, is a Jewish holiday to mark the end of the Counting of the Omer and the anniversary of the day when Jewish people received the Torah.
Hebrew
Tue
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
European Bicycle Day
European Bicycle Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Tue
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Second Day of Shavuot
Second Day of Shavuot is a observance, Jewish holiday, and Jewish holiday in Germany
Hebrew
Sat
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha (Id ul-Adha) is an Islamic festival falling on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja (Thou al-Hijja) to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son.
Muslim
Sun
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Whit Sunday
Pentecost is a Christian holiday to remember the Holy Spirit's descent onto Jesus' followers.
Common local holiday
Sun
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Whit Sunday
Pentecost is a Christian holiday to remember the Holy Spirit's descent onto Jesus' followers.
Christian
Mon
Monday, June 9, 2025
Whit Monday
The Second Day of Pentecost is, which is on the Monday after Pentecost (or Whitsunday), is a public holiday in Germany.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Car-free Sunday
Car-free Sunday is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sun
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Tue
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Remembrance of the Victims of SED Injustice
Remembrance of the Victims of SED Injustice is a observance in Germany
Observance
Tue
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Anniversary of the Popular Uprising in the GDR
Anniversary of the Popular Uprising in the GDR is a observance in Germany
Observance
Thu
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi celebrates the Eucharist and is public holiday in some parts of Germany.
Common local holiday
Sat
Saturday, June 21, 2025
June Solstice
June Solstice in Germany (Berlin)
Season
Tue
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
St. John’s Day
St. John’s Day is a observance and Christian holiday in Germany
Christian
Sat
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Architecture Day
Architecture Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sun
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a observance and Christian holiday in Germany
Christian
July
Sun
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Ashura
Ashura is a observance and Muslim holiday in Germany
Muslim
August
Fri
Friday, August 15, 2025
Assumption of Mary
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is an occasion for Catholics to honor the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary to heaven. It is a public holiday in some parts of Germany on August 15 each year.
Common local holiday
Fri
Friday, August 15, 2025
Assumption of Mary
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is an occasion for Catholics to honor the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary to heaven. It is a public holiday in some parts of Germany on August 15 each year.
Christian
September
Mon
Monday, September 1, 2025
Anti War Day
Anti War Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sat
Saturday, September 13, 2025
German Language Day
German Language Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sun
Sunday, September 14, 2025
European Heritage Days
European Heritage Days is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sat
Saturday, September 20, 2025
German World Children's Day
German World Children's Day is a common local holiday in Germany
Common local holiday
Sat
Saturday, September 20, 2025
German World Children's Day
German World Children's Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sat
Saturday, September 20, 2025
First day of Wiesn (Oktoberfest)
First day of Wiesn (Oktoberfest) is a observance in Germany
Observance
Mon
Monday, September 22, 2025
September Equinox
September Equinox in Germany (Berlin)
Season
Tue
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Rosh Hashana
Rosh Hashana, commonly known as the Jewish New Year, is the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month in the Hebrew calendar.
Hebrew
Wed
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Second Day of Rosh Hashana
Second Day of Rosh Hashana is a observance, Jewish holiday, and Jewish holiday in Germany
Hebrew
October
Thu
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is an important Jewish holiday that centers on the themes of atonement and repentance.
Hebrew
Fri
Friday, October 3, 2025
Day of German Unity
German Unity Day celebrates Germany's unification in 1990. It is on October 3 each year.
National holiday
Sun
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Harvest Festival
Harvest Festival is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sun
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Last day of Wiesn (Oktoberfest)
Last day of Wiesn (Oktoberfest) is a observance in Germany
Observance
Tue
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
First day of Sukkot
The first day of Sukkot marks the start of the Sukkot festival, celebrated among Jewish communities worldwide.
Hebrew
Wed
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Second Day of Sukkot
Second Day of Sukkot is a observance, Jewish holiday, and Jewish holiday in Germany
Hebrew
Sun
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Grandparents' Day
Grandparents' Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sun
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Sixth Day of Sukkot
Sixth Day of Sukkot is a observance, Jewish holiday, and Jewish holiday in Germany
Hebrew
Mon
Monday, October 13, 2025
Seventh Day of Sukkot
Seventh Day of Sukkot is a observance, Jewish holiday, and Jewish holiday in Germany
Hebrew
Tue
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Shemini Atzeret
Shemini Atzeret (or Shmini Atzeret) is a Jewish holiday dedicated to the love of God, while Simchat Torah (Simchas Torah or Simhat Torah) and celebrates the completion of the annual reading of the Torah.
Hebrew
Wed
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah is a Jewish holiday on which the yearly cycle of readings from the Torah ends and a new reading cycle begins.
Hebrew
Sun
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Daylight Saving Time ends
Daylight Saving Time ends in Germany
Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
Thu
Thursday, October 30, 2025
World Thrift Day
World Thrift Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Fri
Friday, October 31, 2025
Reformation Day
Reformation Day in Germany is annually observed on October 31 to remember the Reformation, a time of big religious change between 1517 CE and 1648 CE.
Christian
Fri
Friday, October 31, 2025
Reformation Day
Reformation Day in Germany is annually observed on October 31 to remember the Reformation, a time of big religious change between 1517 CE and 1648 CE.
Common local holiday
Fri
Friday, October 31, 2025
Halloween
Halloween is a festive occasion that is celebrated in many countries on October 31 each year.
Observance
November
Sat
Saturday, November 1, 2025
All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day is an annual public holiday in five German states to remember all Christian saints on November 1.
Silent Day, public holiday
Sat
Saturday, November 1, 2025
All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day is an annual public holiday in five German states to remember all Christian saints on November 1.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, November 2, 2025
All Souls' Day
All Souls’ Day falls on November 2 each year. It is a day of alms giving and prayers for the dead.
Silent Day
Sun
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Night of Broken Glass Remembrance Day
Night of Broken Glass Remembrance Day is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sun
Sunday, November 9, 2025
9th of November
9th of November is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sun
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Fall of the Berlin Wall
Fall of the Berlin Wall is a observance in Germany
Observance
Tue
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
St. Martin's Day
St. Martin's Day is celebrated in Germany every year on November 11.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, November 16, 2025
National Day of Mourning
On the National Day of Mourning (Volkstrauertag) many Germans commemorate all victims of war and tyranny.
Silent Day
Wed
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Repentance Day
The Day of Prayer and Repentance is a Protestant holiday and a public holiday in the state of Saxony (Sachsen) on the last Wednesday before November 23.
Silent Day
Wed
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Repentance Day
The Day of Prayer and Repentance is a Protestant holiday and a public holiday in the state of Saxony (Sachsen) on the last Wednesday before November 23.
Christian
Wed
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Repentance Day
The Day of Prayer and Repentance is a Protestant holiday and a public holiday in the state of Saxony (Sachsen) on the last Wednesday before November 23.
Common local holiday
Sun
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Sunday of the Dead
The Sunday of the Dead in Germany is an occasion to remember those who have passed away.
Silent Day
Sun
Sunday, November 30, 2025
First Advent Sunday
The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year.
Christian
December
Sat
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Saint Nicholas Day
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6 in many European countries, as well as areas across the world that boast a strong European influence.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Second Advent Sunday
Second Advent Sunday is a observance and Christian holiday in Germany
Christian
Mon
Monday, December 8, 2025
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Christian observance on December 8 each year.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Third Advent Sunday
Third Advent Sunday is a observance and Christian holiday in Germany
Christian
Fri
Friday, December 19, 2025
Remembrance Day for Roma and Sinti killed by Genocide
Remembrance Day for Roma and Sinti killed by Genocide is a observance in Germany
Observance
Sun
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Fourth Advent Sunday
Fourth Advent Sunday is a observance and Christian holiday in Germany
Christian
Sun
Sunday, December 21, 2025
December Solstice
December Solstice in Germany (Berlin)
Season
Wed
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and the start of the Christmas celebration. It always falls on December 24 in Germany.
Silent Day
Thu
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Christmas Day
Christmas Day marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a public holiday in Germany. It is on December 25 each year.
Christian
Fri
Friday, December 26, 2025
Boxing Day
The Second Day of Christmas is a public holiday in Germany. It always falls on December 26.
Christian
Wed
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve in Germany is annually celebrated on December 31. It is the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
Bank holiday

Understanding Germany Holidays 2025

Holiday Culture in Germany

Germany's federal structure means holidays vary significantly between its 16 states (Bundesländer). Catholic states (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) have more religious holidays than Protestant north (Berlin, Hamburg). German holidays blend Christian tradition with commemorations of reunification and post-WWII democracy. Efficiency-focused Germans strictly observe holiday closures.

Major Holidays & Celebrations

Christmas Markets Season & Christmas(Late November through December 25-26)

Significance: Germany invented the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) tradition. December is dedicated to festive preparation. Christmas Eve (Heiligabend) is more important than Christmas Day for gift-giving and celebration.

Traditions: Visiting Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets), drinking Glühwein (mulled wine), Adventskranz (advent wreath with 4 candles), St. Nicholas Day (Dec 6), Christmas tree decorating, midnight church services (Christmette), and family gatherings.

Traditional Foods: Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen (fruit bread), Glühwein, roasted almonds, sausages, roast goose or duck, red cabbage, potato dumplings, and Spekulatius cookies.

Business Impact: December 24-26 are holidays (some states get 27th too). Productivity drops after Dec 20. Markets close by 1 PM on Dec 24. Everything shut tight. Germans take serious vacation time through New Year.

Oktoberfest (Bavaria)(Mid-September through early October)

Significance: World's largest folk festival in Munich. While not an official holiday, Oktoberfest defines September-October in Bavaria. Started in 1810 as royal wedding celebration, now global beer-drinking phenomenon attracting 6 million visitors.

Traditions: Wearing dirndls (women) and lederhosen (men), drinking liter steins of beer, eating pretzels and sausages, carnival rides, brass band music, and celebrating Bavarian culture.

Traditional Foods: Hendl (roast chicken), Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Brezn (giant pretzels), sauerkraut, potato pancakes, Leberkäse, and of course, beer in massive quantities.

Business Impact: Not official holiday but Munich's productivity plummets. Hotels booked a year in advance. If doing business in Bavaria, avoid scheduling during Oktoberfest or accept joining the party.

Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit)(October 3)

Significance: Commemorates 1990 reunification of East and West Germany after the Berlin Wall fell. Only nationwide public holiday besides Christmas/Easter. Symbol of post-Cold War Germany and European integration.

Traditions: Official ceremonies in the capital, concerts, open government buildings, fireworks, and reflection on German identity. More serious than celebratory - Germans aren't big on nationalism post-WWII.

Traditional Foods: Not specific to this day. Traditional German foods enjoyed but no special unity day cuisine.

Business Impact: Federal holiday with everything closed. Creates long weekend if near weekend. Germans travel domestically or short trips to neighboring countries.

Easter (Ostern)(Varies (Good Friday through Easter Monday))

Significance: Most important religious holiday. Good Friday (Karfreitag) is solemn, Easter Sunday joyful. Easter Monday (Ostermontag) extends celebration. In Catholic regions, heavily observed with church attendance.

Traditions: Easter egg hunts (Ostereiersuche), Easter bunny (Osterhase) imagery, decorating eggs, Easter fires (Osterfeuer), church services, and spring celebrations.

Traditional Foods: Lamb dishes, eggs prepared various ways, Easter bread (Osterbrot), Osterzopf (braided bread), carrots, and chocolate eggs and rabbits.

Business Impact: Good Friday and Easter Monday are federal holidays creating 4-day weekend. Everything shuts down. Major travel period. Germans take week-long breaks.

Holiday Pattern & Statistics

Germany observes 9 nationwide holidays but up to 13 in Catholic Bavaria. Protestant states (Berlin, Brandenburg) have fewer. Regional variation is significant - Corpus Christi only in Catholic areas, Reformation Day only in Protestant. German efficiency means strict adherence - Sunday closing laws still enforced in many areas.

Business Travel & Coordination

Avoid Christmas season (after Dec 15), Easter week, and summer vacation (varies by state but generally July-August). Germans take holidays seriously and disconnect completely. Best business periods: January-March, May-June, September-October. German business culture values punctuality (be 5 minutes early), preparation, and directness. Meetings start and end on time. Lunch is 12-1 PM, quick. After-work socializing less common than UK/US.

Cultural Traditions & Insights

German culture emphasizes order (Ordnung), thoroughness (Gründlichkeit), and work-life separation. Sundays are sacred rest days - stores closed, noise restrictions enforced. Beer gardens are social centers in summer. Christmas markets are taken seriously with city rivalry over best one. Regional identities strong - Bavarians distinct from Prussians, Rhinelanders from Saxons. Football (soccer) is religion - Bundesliga fixtures command attention. Environmental consciousness affects all aspects including holiday travel (train over plane preferred).

Timezone Coordination Tips

Germany uses CET (UTC+1) in winter, CEST (UTC+2) in summer. Aligned with most of continental Europe. Business hours strictly 8/9 AM-5/6 PM. Calling outside business hours considered rude. Lunch break 12-1 PM is sacrosanct. When coordinating with US, afternoon Germany time works for morning US East Coast. Germans are punctual - conference calls start exactly on time. Efficiency and preparation valued over casual flexibility.

Why Check Germany Public Holidays?

  • Plan business meetings and avoid scheduling conflicts during bank closures
  • Coordinate with remote teams and international colleagues across time zones
  • Book travel and accommodations around peak holiday periods for better rates
  • Respect cultural and religious observances important to local communities
  • Optimize project timelines and deadlines accounting for reduced business days
  • Anticipate supply chain and logistics disruptions during major holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Perfectly Synchronized

Our holiday calendar for Germany is regularly updated to ensure accuracy. Use this information alongside our Germany timezone tools and meeting planner to coordinate seamlessly with Germany and stay perfectly synchronized with local schedules.