Germany is considered the “heart” of Europe, famous not only for its strong economy but also for its diverse and rich culture. With a long history, Germany retains unique customs and cultural symbols associated with national identity. When vocational training in Germany, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in vibrant festivals and discover the unique cultural beauty of the people here. Together SHD Academy discover German holidays that international students should know in the article below.
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List of German holidays 2025
In Germany, holidays are divided into two types: National holidays (National Public Holiday – N) and local holidays (Regional Public Holiday – R). Most German holidays celebrated in certain regions or states, only 9 holidays are celebrated nationwide.
| Holiday | Event date | Holiday type |
| New Year's Eve | January 1 | N |
| Heilige Drei Könige – Epiphany | January 6 | R |
| Fasching – Masquerade | March 4 | R |
| Internationaler Frauentag – International Women's Day | March 8 | R |
| Karfreitag – Good Friday | April 18 | N |
| Ostersonntag – Easter | April 20 | R |
| Ostermontag – Easter Monday | April 21 | N |
| Tag der Arbeit – International Labor Day | May 1 | N |
| Tag der Befreiung – Liberation Day | May 8 | R |
| Christi Himmelfahrt – Ascension Day | May 29 | N |
| Pfingstsonntag – Christmas Day | June 9 | R |
| Tag der Deutschen Einheit – German Unity Day | October 3 | N |
| Buß- und Bettag – Day of Repentance | November 19 | R |
| Erster Weihnachtstag – Christmas Day | December 25 | N |
| Zweiter Weihnachtstag – Stephen City Day | December 26 | N |
Summary of German holidays (Source: SHD Academy synthesis)
1. Neujahrstag – New Year's Day (January 1) (N)
New Year's Day is the first day of the year according to the modern Gregorian and Julian calendars, which falls on January 1. It is a national holiday in Germany, with businesses and schools closed on this day. On New Year's Day, Germans often hold cozy family parties, enjoy traditional dishes and watch spectacular fireworks displays.
2. Heilige Drei Könige – Epiphany (January 6) (R)
Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, is one of the major Christian holidays. It commemorates the visit of the three wise men from Bethlehem to the baby Jesus a few days after his birth and the giving of gifts to him. On this day, many businesses, banks, and shops in the German states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony-Anhalt are closed. On Epiphany Day, activities such as parades, costumes of the Three Wise Men, carols, and gift-giving are held.
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3. Fasching – Carnival (March 4)
Fasching in Germany takes place 40 days before Easter, this is an occasion for people to parade, dress up and dress up colorfully, and participate in organizing parties until night everywhere. Although Fasching is celebrated in many cities, it is not a national holiday in Germany.
4. Internationaler – International Women's Day (March 8) (R)
International Women's Day is one of the German holidays dedicated to women to honor their contributions to society. This holiday was first celebrated in 2019 in the capital Berlin, encouraging people to participate in events and discussions to promote gender equality and support women's empowerment. By 2024, the state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania will celebrate International Women's Day for the first time.
5. Karfreitag – Good Friday (April 18) (N)
Good Friday is a holiday celebrated in all states of Germany, which takes place on the Friday before Easter. It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. On this national holiday, in addition to solemn religious ceremonies, people also participate in many other non-religious activities to pray and remember Jesus Christ.
6. Ostersonntag – Easter (April 20) (N)
The list of German holidays cannot be complete without Easter, a national holiday marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter in Germany begins from Good Friday to Easter Monday, most shops and businesses are closed on these days. Depending on local customs, this festival can be celebrated with many unique activities such as singing, dancing, candlelight parades or egg hunts.
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7. Ostermontag – Easter Monday (April 21) (N)
Easter Monday is the holiday that marks the end of the Easter season in Germany. This holiday has a special meaning for German people, it is an opportunity for them to rest after hard working days, gather with family, and enjoy the colorful and meaningful festive atmosphere.
8. Tag der Arbeit – International Workers' Day (May 1) (N)
International Workers' Day has been an official national holiday in Germany since 1933, to celebrate and honor the great contribution of the working class to society. However, this holiday has been celebrated by German workers for many decades before that. On International Workers' Day, German people will participate in parades and organize artistic activities, creating a meaningful and joyful festive atmosphere.
9. Tag der Befreiung – Liberation Day (May 8)
In the former German Democratic Republic, from 1950 to 1966, May 8 was observed as Liberation Day or Victory in Europe Day. From 1967, this German holiday moved to May 9, and May 8 became an accompanying day off.
10. Christi Himmelfahrt – Ascension Day (May 29) (N)
Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, is a Christian holiday celebrated 40 days after Easter. Some branches of Christianity in Germany often hold solemn prayers and religious ceremonies on the following Sunday.
Additionally, in some German states, May 29 is also considered Father's Day. On this day, fathers will receive meaningful gifts and have fun picnics with their families. Note, Father's DayThe date in Germany is not fixed but changes every year, and will fall on Ascension Day.
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11. Pfingstsonntag – Nativity of Christ (June 9) (N)
Pfingstmontag, also known as the Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Spirit, is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter and is also the last day of this holiday season. On this holiday, German people often participate in many activities, from parades, fairs to solemn ceremonies at churches. The three typical and meaningful symbols of Pfingstmontag are peonies, doves and the fire burning above the heads of the lambs.
12. Tag der Deutschen Einheit – German Unity Day (October 3) (N)
One of the important German holidays of the year is the anniversary of the reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990, after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. This national holiday is celebrated with a big festival around the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of German unity and peace. When studying in Germany, international students should not forget to miss the opportunity to participate in the celebration on October 3 with many fun activities such as horse riding, music performances, fireworks, dice games, etc.
13. Buß- und Bettag – Day of Repentance (November 19) (R)
The Day of Prayer and Repentance is celebrated on the last Wednesday before November. From 1990 to 1994, it was a national holiday in Germany. However, it is now only celebrated in the German state of Saxony. On this day, Christians often participate in religious services, pray, self-examine and repent in order to find their way back to God.
14. Erster Weihnachtstag – Christmas Day (December 25) (N)
Like other countries, Christmas is a major holiday in Germany to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The official Christmas Day is December 25, but it is usually celebrated from the evening of December 24 because according to the Jewish calendar, the day begins at sunset, not at midnight.
After the evening mass on December 24, Germans usually spend time decorating the Christmas tree and preparing special dishes. On the morning of December 25, the whole family goes to church to attend mass and in the evening they exchange gifts and have a warm, happy party.
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15. Zweiter Weihnachtstag – St. Stephen's Day (December 26) (N)
According to German custom, St. Stephen's Day is celebrated on December 26. every year to commemorates St. Stephen – the first Christian martyr who was convicted of blasphemy against Christianity and Moses. On this day, religious services are held to remember St. Stephen, and it is also a good time for people to rest and relax after Christmas.
Special activities taking place during German holidays
Some of the special activities that take place during holidays in Germany include:
- Admire the spectacular fireworks: On holidays in Germany, big cities often organize beautiful fireworks displays along with music and other entertainment activities such as horse riding, music, dancing, etc.
- Explore art and culture: Museums and galleries are popular places for people, international students and tourists to admire and learn about Germany's unique art and culture.
- Picnic: Some people will enjoy the warm weather to visit famous landmarks or picnic in parks with family and friends during the holidays in Germany.
- Participate in religious activities: If you are Catholic or Orthodox, you can participate in religious activities with your religious community during their holidays.
Outside holidays in Germany In addition to the above, each state in Germany also has different holidays. If you have the opportunity to study vocational training in Germany, do not miss the opportunity to participate and explore the interesting cultural beauty to have memorable memories in the journey to conquer your dreams.