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 2025!
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!
