Germany is a country where public holidays are deeply rooted in history, religion, and cultural traditions. Understanding when holidays occur is crucial for both residents and travelers — not only because government offices, banks, and many shops close, but also because these days offer unique opportunities to experience German festivities and traditions firsthand.

In 2025, Germany’s holiday calendar includes a mix of national and regional holidays, giving rise to multiple long weekends that are ideal for trips, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Full List of Official Public Holidays in Germany in 2025

Germany’s public holiday schedule varies between the federal and state (Bundesländer) levels. Here’s a full list of the major holidays recognized in 2025:

• New Year’s Day (Neujahrstag) — January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
  Marked with fireworks, parties, and public festivities, especially in Berlin and other major cities.

• Good Friday (Karfreitag) — April 18, 2025 (Friday)
  A solemn day of reflection commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

• Easter Monday (Ostermontag) — April 21, 2025 (Monday)
  Celebrated with family gatherings, Easter egg hunts, and outdoor activities.

• Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) — May 1, 2025 (Thursday)
  Recognized with political rallies, street festivals, and parades in cities like Berlin and Hamburg.

• Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) — May 29, 2025 (Thursday)
  Also celebrated as Father’s Day (Vatertag) with traditional hikes and beer outings.

• Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) — June 9, 2025 (Monday)
  Part of the Pentecost celebrations, often associated with local festivals.

• Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) — June 19, 2025 (Thursday)
  Observed mainly in Catholic regions like Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia with colorful processions.

• German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) — October 3, 2025 (Friday)
  National day celebrating German reunification in 1990, featuring major festivities.

• Reformation Day (Reformationstag) — October 31, 2025 (Friday)
  A public holiday in Protestant states, commemorating Martin Luther’s 95 Theses.

• All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) — November 1, 2025 (Saturday)
  Observed in Catholic regions, a day to honor the memory of saints and loved ones.

• Christmas Eve (Heiligabend) — December 24, 2025 (Wednesday)
  While not a full public holiday nationwide, most businesses close early in preparation for Christmas.

• Christmas Day (1. Weihnachtstag) — December 25, 2025 (Thursday)
  Celebrated with family meals, gift exchanges, and attending church services.

• Boxing Day (2. Weihnachtstag) — December 26, 2025 (Friday)
  A continuation of Christmas festivities, traditionally spent visiting family and friends.

How Public Holidays Work in Germany

• Federal vs. Regional Holidays: While some holidays like New Year’s Day and German Unity Day are observed nationwide, others like Corpus Christi and Reformation Day are regional. Always check the specific state’s holiday calendar if traveling domestically within Germany.

• Long Weekends: With several holidays falling on Thursdays or Fridays in 2025, Germany offers great opportunities for extended weekends. Expect busy highways, crowded airports, and packed tourist destinations during these times.

• Bridge Days ("Brückentage"): Germans often take a day off between a public holiday and a weekend to create a longer vacation. For example, many will take Friday, May 2nd off following Labour Day on Thursday.

• Impact on Businesses: On public holidays, banks, post offices, and many stores — especially outside of big cities — are closed. Restaurants and museums might operate on a special schedule.

Traditional German Holiday Celebrations

German public holidays are rich in traditions and customs, varying from religious ceremonies to vibrant street parties:

• Easter Traditions
  Families participate in Easter egg hunts, bake "Osterlamm" cakes, and light Easter bonfires ("Osterfeuer") across towns and villages.

• Ascension Day / Father's Day (Vatertag)
  In many parts of Germany, Ascension Day doubles as Father’s Day, celebrated with group hikes and beer wagons — a tradition known as "Herrentag."

• Oktoberfest and Unity Day
  Although Oktoberfest officially ends in early October, festivities often overlap with German Unity Day. Cities like Munich and Berlin host parades, fireworks, and open-air concerts.

• Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte)
  From late November to Christmas Eve, Germany transforms into a winter wonderland with famous Christmas markets in cities like Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne.

• New Year’s Eve (Silvester)
  New Year’s Eve is celebrated with grand fireworks displays, public parties, and the traditional pouring of molten lead ("Bleigießen") to predict fortunes for the coming year.

Travel Tips for Germany in 2025

Planning a trip to Germany during holidays requires some attention to detail:

• Best Times to Visit
  Easter, Pentecost, German Unity Day, and the Christmas season are some of the most atmospheric times to experience German culture.

• Closures and Special Events
  On public holidays, expect most shops and services to be closed. However, museums and tourist attractions may host special exhibitions or events.

• Public Transportation
  Trains, buses, and trams typically run on a reduced or weekend schedule during holidays. Plan accordingly if you have tight travel itineraries.

• Accommodation and Flights
  Book early for popular times like Easter, Oktoberfest, and Christmas. Hotel rates can surge, especially in tourist hubs such as Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt.

Conclusion

Germany’s public holidays in 2025 offer not only days off but also a window into the country's rich culture, traditions, and communal spirit. Whether you’re planning to visit for business, study, or leisure, understanding the holiday calendar can make your trip more enjoyable, helping you catch unique events and avoid unexpected closures.

Planning around German public holidays gives you a deeper connection to the country and a chance to experience its most cherished traditions up close.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many public holidays are there in Germany in 2025?
Germany has 13 major public holidays, but the exact number can vary by state due to regional observances.

2. Are all holidays observed nationwide?
No, some holidays like Corpus Christi and Reformation Day are regional and not celebrated in every German state.

3. What is a "Brückentag" in Germany?
A "Brückentag" (bridge day) is when people take an extra vacation day between a public holiday and a weekend to create a long weekend.

4. Is everything closed on public holidays in Germany?
Yes, most shops, banks, and government offices are closed, although restaurants, some tourist attractions, and gas stations usually remain open.

5. When is the best time to visit Germany in 2025 for festive experiences?
The Christmas season (late November–December) and Easter are particularly festive and culturally rich times to visit.

6. What should I expect during German Unity Day celebrations?
Major cities host parades, open-air concerts, speeches, and fireworks to commemorate national reunification.

7. Are Christmas markets open during the Christmas holidays?
Yes, Christmas markets usually run from late November until December 24. Some cities extend festivities slightly beyond Christmas Day.