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 5), 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 2024 and 2025!
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2024: Celebrate Germany’s public holidays
📆 October 3, 2024 – German Unity Day (Thursday)
Perfect for a last-minute trip
📍For locals: Here’s your chance to enjoy a four-day weekend, if you take Friday, October 4, off.
🧳 For travelers: This national holiday is celebrated throughout Germany, often with parades, fireworks, and open-air concerts in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Join the celebrations, and make your stay easy by booking at MEININGER Hotels—conveniently located in the heart of each city.
📆 October 31, 2024 – Reformation Day (Thursday)
Great for culture fans
📍For locals: If you’re in Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Saxony, or one of the lucky federal states that celebrate this holiday, just take Friday, November 1, off and enjoy a four-day weekend.
🧳 For travelers: Local churches frequently host special events to mark the anniversary of Martin Luther’s Reformation, so this is a good time to visit these regions.
📆 November 1, 2024 – All Saints’ Day (Friday)
Top for tradition enthusiasts
📍For locals: Live in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia or Saarland? You just got yourself a built-in three-day weekend, congrats!
🧳 For travelers: Churches in these regions plan special services, and cemeteries are beautifully decorated; it’s a great chance to experience local customs. Book your stay at MEININGER Hotels in Munich or Cologne, and discover the unique architecture and rich history, too.
📆 November 20, 2024 – Day of Repentance & Prayer (Wednesday)
For chill getaways
📍For locals: Saxony residents, this midweek holiday might not seem very exciting, BUT if you just take off Thursday and Friday or Monday and Tuesday, you’ll create a great four-day escape and enjoy a relaxing mid-November getaway.
🧳 For travelers: Saxony observes this holiday with church services and quiet reflection. Visit Dresden or Leipzig and experience the cultural vibes without the usual hustle and bustle.
📆 December 25-26, 2024 – Christmas (Wednesday and Thursday)
For festive adventurers
📍For locals: Christmas brings you an almost automatic five-day weekend if you take Friday, December 27, off. Plan a short winter break ASAP; you deserve it!
🧳 For travelers: Christmas in Germany is pure magic, with Christmas markets, festive decorations, and local food and drinks like mulled wine (Glühwein) and gingerbread. Whether you’re already in Germany or planning a holiday trip there, explore places like Berlin, Heidelberg, Dresden, Bremen, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Leipzig, Munich, or Cologne and check out their iconic Christmas markets. Make the most of your visit with a stay at MEININGER Hotels in these beautiful cities across Germany.
2025: More holidays, more fun trips
📆 January 1, 2025 – New Year’s Day (Wednesday)
Start the year right
📍For locals: Kick off 2025 with extra time for relaxation. Take Thursday and Friday 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, 2025 – Epiphany (Monday)
For history buffs
📍For locals: All of you in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, or Saxony-Anhalt, can enjoy a perfect three-day weekend since this holiday falls on a Monday.
🧳 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 18-21, 2025 – 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, 2025 – Labor Day (Thursday)
Calling all festival lovers
📍For locals: Labor Day on a Thursday means… you can easily take Friday, May 2, off to enjoy a four-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 29, 2025 – 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 19, 2025 – 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 20, off.
🧳 For travelers: If you’re in southern Germany, visit places like Cologne, Leipzig, and Munich to discover local traditions.
📆 October 3, 2025 – German Unity Day (Friday)
Perfect for everyone
📍For locals: In 2025, it falls on a Friday, so you can enjoy a three-day weekend. Ready to plan something fun?
🧳 For travelers: Visit big cities or small towns and experience special events just for the occasion.
📆 October 31, 2025 – Reformation Day (Friday)
For history & culture fans
📍For locals: Do you live in the northern and eastern states? That means a guaranteed three-day weekend for you. Feel the season’s vibes with a quick fall mini-escape.
🧳 For travelers: visiting Brandenburg or Saxony? Check out local festivities while staying at MEININGER Hotels in various cities.
📆 November 19, 2025 – 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.
📆 December 25-26, 2025 – Christmas (Thursday and Friday)
Calling all festive enthusiasts
📍For locals: Christmas falls at the end of the week in 2025, meaning a ready-made four-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!
Bank holidays Germany: your guide for 2024 & 2025 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 2024 and 2025?
German Unity Day is celebrated on October 3rd each year. In 2024, it falls on a Thursday, while in 2025, it falls on a Friday. 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.
How can I plan long weekends around German bank holidays in 2024?
Many German bank holidays in 2024 offer opportunities for long weekends. For example, by taking Friday, October 4, off after German Unity Day (Thursday, October 3), you can enjoy a four-day weekend. Similarly, by taking Friday off after Reformation Day (Thursday, October 31), you can extend your break.
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 2024 and 2025?
Key public holidays in Germany for 2024 include German Unity Day (October 3), Reformation Day (October 31), and Christmas (December 25-26). In 2025, major holidays include New Year’s Day (January 1), Easter Weekend (April 18-21), 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 18-21, 2025) a perfect time to visit.
