How Public Holidays Work in Germany
Germany has 9 nationwide public holidays. There are no substitute days: a holiday that falls on a weekend is simply lost.
States add up to 5 more, e.g. Epiphany (BW, BY, ST), Corpus Christi (mostly Catholic states), Reformation Day (northern and eastern states), and All Saints' Day (BW, BY, NW, RP, SL). Bavaria has the most.
All Germany Holidays in 1988
| Date | Holiday | About |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 1 | New Year's DayNeujahr | First day of the year, following Silvester fireworks. |
| Fri, Apr 1 | Good FridayKarfreitag | A "silent day" — dancing and loud public events are restricted in most states. |
| Mon, Apr 4 | Easter MondayOstermontag | The Monday after Easter Sunday. |
| Sun, May 1 | Labour DayTag der Arbeit | International Workers' Day, with union rallies and May festivals. |
| Thu, May 12 | Ascension DayChristi Himmelfahrt | Always a Thursday, 39 days after Easter; also celebrated as Father's Day (Vatertag). |
| Mon, May 23 | Whit MondayPfingstmontag | The Monday after Pentecost, 50 days after Easter. |
| Mon, Oct 3 | German Unity DayTag der Deutschen Einheit | Marks reunification on 3 October 1990; the only holiday set by federal law. |
| Sun, Dec 25 | Christmas Day1. Weihnachtstag | Gifts are traditionally exchanged the evening before, on Heiligabend. |
| Mon, Dec 26 | Second Day of Christmas2. Weihnachtstag | St Stephen's Day, usually spent visiting family. |
Click a date to see it on the monthly calendar.
Long Weekends in 1988
- New Year's Day Jan 1 – Jan 3 · 3 days
- Good Friday & Easter Monday Apr 1 – Apr 4 · 4 days
- Ascension Day bridge day: take Fri, May 13 offMay 12 – May 15 · 4 days
- Whit Monday May 21 – May 23 · 3 days
- German Unity Day Oct 1 – Oct 3 · 3 days
- Christmas Day & Second Day of Christmas Dec 24 – Dec 26 · 3 days
With 1 vacation day on the bridge days above you get 4 days off in total.2 holidays fall on a weekend without a substitute day this year.
Plan 1988 Around These Holidays
Add your vacation and bridge days to a calendar, then export it as a printable PDF. For the full year at a glance see the 1988 calendar.
Open Calendar Builder