Planning a trip to Germany in 2026? Excellent idea! But to truly make the most of your stay, it’s best to be aware of the key dates that shape the country’s calendar. From national holidays and regional celebrations to school breaks, we’ve got all the information you need to plan like a pro and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
📅 National public holidays: the common core
Nine public holidays are celebrated across all sixteen German states. Here they are, with particular attention paid to potential long weekends:
- Thursday, January 1st New Year’s Day. The first of the year falls on a Thursday, which gives you an easy long weekend if you extend it into the weekend.
- Friday April 3 Good Friday. With Easter Monday following, it makes for a perfect four-day long weekend.
- Monday, April 6 Easter Monday. Perfect for a spring getaway.
- Friday, May 1st : Labour Day. A Friday, therefore an immediate long weekend.
- Thursday, May 14 Ascension Day. Ascension Thursday is a classic long weekend in Germany. Friday the 15th will be a public holiday in many companies.
- Monday, May 25 Whit Monday. Three additional days off.
- Saturday, October 3 German Unity Day. Falls on a Saturday in 2026, so no long weekend but a beautiful day of national celebration.
- Friday, December 25th : Christmas.
- Saturday, December 26 Saint-Étienne.
🎉 Regional public holidays: the soul of the Länder
Germany also boasts sixteen regional identities, each with its own traditions. These public holidays, specific to certain Länder, can transform a simple weekend into a unique experience:
- Sunday, March 8 International Women’s Day. Celebrated only in Berlin, it’s an opportunity to discover the capital in a militant and festive atmosphere.
- Thursday, June 4th Corpus Christi. Celebrated in German states with strong Catholic traditions: Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. Witness the colorful processions.
- Wednesday, August 19 Peace Day. Specific to Bavaria, it commemorates the end of the Thirty Years’ War. A date steeped in history.
- Sunday, September 20 World Children’s Day. Celebrated only in Thuringia, it is a joyous holiday focused on families.
- Sunday, November 1st All Saints’ Day. Observed in Catholic Länder, it is a time for reflection and visiting illuminated cemeteries.
- Wednesday, November 18 A day of prayer and repentance. A public holiday specific to Saxony, unique in its kind.
🏫 School holidays: the calendar by period
Holiday dates vary by state, but here are the main trends for 2026:
Winter holidays (Faschingsferien)
Rather short, they take place in February. Berlin schedules them from February 2nd to 7th, Bavaria from February 16th to 20th, and Baden-Württemberg from February 2nd to 6th.
February is also a good time for fans of hunting who wish to combine leisure and cultural discovery.
Easter holidays (Osterferien)
The main Easter holiday period runs from March 30th to April 10th for most German states. This is the ideal time to visit cities without the summer crowds, with the first signs of spring.
Pentecost holidays (Pfingstferien)
Rules vary greatly from region to region. Bavaria completely closes the city from May 26th to June 5th. In Berlin, only Tuesday, May 26th is a public holiday. Use these differences to your advantage to avoid the crowds.
Summer holidays (Sommerferien)
This is a wide range of dates. To avoid the crowds, choose a state whose dates are different from the others. Hesse ends its holidays as early as August 7th, while Bavaria doesn’t start until then. Berlin’s holidays run from July 9th to August 22nd, and Baden-Württemberg from July 30th to September 12th.
Autumn holidays (Herbstferien)
They usually take place in October. The exact dates vary depending on the Länder.
Christmas holidays (Weihnachtsferien)
From December 23 to January 2 for most regions, with slight variations.
✈️ Calendar highlights: long weekends and opportunities
2026 is a particularly generous year for long weekends. Here are the periods not to be missed:
- The Easter Bridge : With Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6), you get a four-day weekend without taking any time off work.
- The May 1st bridge May 1st falls on a Friday. Immediate long weekend, no effort required.
- The Ascension Day long weekend Thursday, May 14th is a public holiday. If you take Friday the 15th off, you’ll get a four-day weekend.
- The Pentecost Bridge : Monday, May 25th automatically offers a three-day weekend.
💡 Smart tips for your stay
Book smart
National holidays attract crowds. If you’re planning to travel over the Ascension or Easter weekend, book your accommodation and train tickets (Deutsche Bahn) in advance.
Play with the offsets
School holidays don’t fall at the same time everywhere. If you’re aiming for summer, choose a period when the largest number of students in the German states are in school. Check the “ferienfreie Zeiten” (holiday breaks) calendar for a more relaxed travel experience.
Taste the traditions
A public holiday is an opportunity to share a local moment. At Easter, don’t miss the Ostermärkte (Easter markets) and the decorated fountains in Bavaria. On All Saints’ Day, stroll through the cemeteries to admire the illuminated tombs, just as you might admire the tides of the Mont Saint-Michel In France.
Check the openings
While museums and shops may be closed on some public holidays, major street festivals are in full swing. Check the specific programs for each city.
Periods without vacation
For travellers without school constraints, here are the 2026 windows when no Land is on holiday: 11-29 January, 12-28 February, 13-22 March, 14 April-10 May, 15-21 May, 16-28 June, 17 September-2 October, 18 November-20 December.
In summaryGermany 2026 offers a fantastic playground, provided you choose your dates wisely. Whether you come for the Christmas markets, summer festivals, or cities illuminated by religious holidays, aligning your trip with the local rhythm guarantees you’ll experience the country like a true Germanophile.
