Germany Public Holidays 2025
Germany has 9 public holidays and 21 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 14 Feb | Fri | Valentine's Day | observance |
| 27 Feb | Thu | Women's Carnival Day | observance |
| 3 Mar | Mon | Shrove Monday | observance |
| 4 Mar | Tue | Shrove Tuesday | observance |
| 5 Mar | Wed | Ash Wednesday | observance |
| 17 Apr | Thu | Maundy Thursday | observance |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 11 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | observance |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 3 Oct | Fri | National Holiday | public |
| 1 Nov | Sat | All Saints' Day | observance |
| 2 Nov | Sun | All Souls' Day | observance |
| 11 Nov | Tue | Saint Martin | observance |
| 16 Nov | Sun | Memorial Day | observance |
| 19 Nov | Wed | Day of Prayer and Repentance | observance |
| 23 Nov | Sun | Totensonntag | observance |
| 30 Nov | Sun | 1. Advent | observance |
| 7 Dec | Sun | 2. Advent | observance |
| 14 Dec | Sun | 3. Advent | observance |
| 21 Dec | Sun | 4. Advent | observance |
| 24 Dec | Wed | Christmas Eve | bank |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
| 31 Dec | Wed | New Year's Eve | bank |
About Germany's Holidays
Germany has many national public holidays that most people get off work. These include New Year, Good Friday, Easter, Labor Day, Ascension, Pentecost, German Unity Day and Christmas. They mark religious and national events.
Some holidays vary by state. Reformation Day and All Saints are public in certain regions. Local traditions like Carnival in the Rhineland and Oktoberfest in Bavaria are huge cultural events even if not nationwide holidays.
Christmas time includes Advent markets, St Nicholas and family gatherings on December 24 and 25. Many celebrations blend church customs, local festivals and modern public life, so dates and practices can feel different from one part of Germany to another.
Holiday Traditions
In Germany many holidays mix family time and public life. Families decorate homes, light candles, and share special meals. Older people pass down customs while children sing songs or perform small plays at home or school.
Food is important. People enjoy seasonal dishes, baked goods, and treats tied to the holiday. Markets and town squares offer warm drinks and local snacks. Families gather around the table for long meals and to tell stories.
Public celebrations include parades, church services, concerts, and fireworks. Towns often host markets, fairs, and community events where people meet friends. Traditions vary by region, so customs change between north and south but feel familiar and communal.
Travel Tips
Holiday season means many shops and some attractions close or have shorter hours on public holidays. Supermarkets and stores often shut on major holidays, so plan food and shopping ahead. Museums may have special hours.
Trains, trams, and buses usually run, but schedules change and services can be very full. Long distance trains and flights are busiest before and after Christmas and New Year. Book tickets and seats early to avoid sold out journeys.
Markets and city centers get crowded, especially evenings and weekends. Expect lines at food stalls and attractions. Airports and train stations are busiest the week of holidays.
Carry some cash because small stalls may not take cards. Check local opening times and transport timetables before travel. Pack warm clothes and allow extra time for moving around.