New Year's Day 2025
Date: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
Country: Germany Public Holidays
Description
New Year Day in Germany is called Neujahr. It falls on January 1st every year. It marks the beginning of the new calendar year for everyone in the country.
This day is a public holiday across Germany. Most businesses, banks, and public offices are closed. Schools and many workplaces also give people the day off.
For Germans the day is an important moment to start fresh. It is a time to think about the year ahead and make plans. People often use the day to rest and reflect.
The holiday also has official meaning. As a national public holiday it is part of the countrys calendar of legal rest days. Employers and institutions observe rules about paid leave on this date.
Overall New Year Day is both a peaceful day of rest and a symbolic new beginning. It helps mark the change from one year to the next for individuals and the whole nation.
Traditions
On New Year people in Germany party with friends and family. They play music, dance, and count down to midnight. At midnight everyone toasts with Sekt, the German sparkling wine, and sets off bright fireworks and firecrackers.
Many families eat Raclette or Fondue. These meals are fun because everyone cooks and shares little bites at the table. Sweet jelly doughnuts called Berliner are also popular, often eaten on New Year morning with coffee.
People do small rituals for good luck. They melt wax or old lead into cold water to read shapes. They give lucky charms like little pigs or chimney sweep figures. Watching the comedy sketch Dinner for One on TV is a quirky German tradition.
Travel Tips
Shops, many restaurants, and government offices are often closed on New Year s Day. Public transport may run on a Sunday or holiday timetable with fewer services. Book trains and flights early and check schedules for delays.
Stay safe near fireworks by keeping distance and watching children. Join organized public events for less risk and clearer rules. Bring warm clothes, a charged phone, and cash since some places do not accept cards. Plan meeting points in case phones lose signal.