Moving to a new country means learning more than a new language. You also discover new rhythms: when shops close, when schools take a break, when families travel, and when an entire city suddenly dresses up in costumes.

In Germany, public holidays are not the same everywhere. Some apply nationwide, while others depend on the federal state. This overview gives a broad perspective with a more intense focus on Saxony and introduces the typical traditions you will encounter here.

Summer Break

In Germany, the summer holidays are the longest break of the school year. They last six weeks and mark the end of the school year. For students this means: no classes, time to relax, travel or spend time with family and friends. For parents it is also time for childcare planning, holiday camps and family trips to be organized.

After the break, the new school year begins. For many students, this feels like a fresh start with new subjects, new teachers and new goals. For first graders, it is especially exciting: they will receive a “Zuckertüte” – a large cone filled with school supplies, sweets and small gifts. It is one of Germany’s sweetest school traditions; quite literally.

October 3: German Unity Day

October 3 is a nationwide public holiday and one of the most important political holidays in Germany. It celebrates reunification in 1990 after decades of division between East and West Germany.

They day is often marked by official ceremonies, speeches and public events. It is not usually a party holiday in the everyday sense, but rather a day to reflect on Germany’s modern history and the fact that it stands united today.

It is important to know that all shops, schools and offices are closed.

October 31^st: Reformation Day

This is Reformation Day (“Reformationstag”). It remembers the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. According to tradition, Martin Luther published his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg in 1517 – a moment that changed European history.

Wittenberg, by the way, is well worth a visit. It is not far from Saxony and gives you a real sense of history behind the holiday.

Today, many people also associate October 31 with Halloween. You may see decorations, costume parties or children celebrating Halloween-style. Still, in Saxony, Reformation Day remains an official public holiday. Schools, offices and shops are closed.

This holiday may surprise people: in most German federal states it is a normal working day, while in Saxony and some others it is a day off.

Fasching, Karneval or the so-called “Fifth Season”

Germany’s carnival season officially begins on November 11 at 11:11 a.m. This marks the start of the so-called “fifth season”. In everyday life, however, the biggest celebrations usually happen much later, in February or March, during the days before Ash Wednesday.

Carnival has Christian roots: it developed as a joyful celebration before Lent, the traditional fasting period before Easter. Today, it is mainly a time for costumes, music, humor and a break from normal routines.

In Saxony, you may find local Fasching parties, school celebrations and smaller parades. Children often dress up, and some clubs or communities organise colourful events.

The real carnival strongholds, however, are in western Germany: especially Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz. There, Karneval is huge. Streets fill with parades, marching bands, decorated floats and thousands of people in costumes. Sweets are thrown into the crowd, and the whole city seems to turn into one big celebration.

Important days include “Weiberfastnacht”, when street carnival begins, and “Rosenmontag”, famous for the biggest parades. If you want to experience Karneval in Cologne or Düsseldorf, plan early. Hotels sell out quickly, and the atmosphere is unlike anything else in Germany.

Fun fact: each region has its own carnival greeting. In Cologne people shout “Alaaf!”, while in Düsseldorf you will hear “Helau!” and yes, people take the difference seriously.

Buß- und Bettag

This is a Protestant day for reflection, prayer and personal responsibility. It takes place every year on the last Wednesday before November 23.

Saxony is special here: it is the only federal state where BUß-und Bettag is still a full public holiday. That means schools, offices and shops are closed.

For many people today, the day is quiet rather than strongly religious. Some attend church services, while others use it as a calm pause in the busy weeks before Christmas. For internationals, the most important practical point is simple: in Saxony, it is a day off but in most other parts of Germany, it is not.

Christmas Season

Christmas is one of the most important and atmospheric times of the year in Germany. Even for people who do not celebrate it religiously, the season is closely connected with family, food, lights, markets and traditions.

In Saxony, Christmas markets are a major highlight. Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest and best-known Christmas markets in Germany. Mulled wine, roasted almonds, candles, wooden decorations and Christmas music all create the typical festive mood.

December 24, Christmas Eve, is the main celebration day for many German families. It is not a full public holiday, but many offices close early and shops are usually very busy in the morning. Families decorate the Christmas tree, prepare food and gather in the evening to exchange gifts.

In many homes, the „Weihnachtsmann” brings the presents. In some families, children sing a song, recite a poem or play a little piece of music before receiving their gifts. A surprisingly common Christmas Eve meal is potato salad with sausages. It may sound simple, but that is exactly the point: it is easy to prepare and leaves more time for family and gift-giving.

December 25 and 26 are official public holidays. Shops and most businesses are closed, and families often enjoy slower, festive meals such as roasted goose, duck or rabbit.

New Years

In Germany, New Year’s Eve (Silvester) is usually celebrated with family or friends. A popular tradition is eating raclette together, where everyone melts cheese and prepares small dishes at the table.

At midnight, people go outside to watch and light fireworks. The sky fills with colors, and everyone wishes each other “Frohes neues Jahr!”.

The next day, January 1st, is a public holiday, so people normally rest, spend time quietly, and recover from the celebrations. On that day, schools and most shops are closed.

Winter Vacation

Winter holidays in Saxony usually take place around February and last about two weeks. They mark the middle of the school year and give students a break after the first semester.

Some families use this time for skiing, sledding or winter trips, especially if there is enough snow. For students, it is also a moment to pause, look at their first-half results and prepare for the rest of the school year.

Easter

Easter is the most important Christian holiday, but it is also widely enjoyed as a spring break and family holiday.

Good Friday, or “Karfreitag”, is a quiet and reflective public holiday. Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus. In Germany, Good Friday is also considered a “silent holiday”, which means loud public entertainment may be restricted in some places.

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and is a joyful day in the Christian calendar. Many families attend church services, gather for meals or spend time together.

For children, Easter is often all about colourful eggs, chocolate and the Easter bunny. Painting eggs and organising Easter egg hunts are popular traditions. Some regions also have Easter bonfires, known as “Osterfeuer”.

Easter Monday is also a public holiday, giving families a long weekend. In Saxony, the school Easter holidays usually fall around this period, so many families use the time to travel, rest or enjoy the beginning of spring.

Ascension Day & Father’s Day

Ascension Day, or “Christi Himmelfahrt”, is a Christian holiday celebrated 40 days after Easter. It remembers the day Jesus ascended into heaven.

In Germany, the same day is also widely known as Father’s Day, or “Vatertag”. Traditions vary, but many people spend the day outdoors, going for walks, hikes or bike trips with friends and family.

A classic Father’s Day image in Germany is a group of men walking with a small handcart, called a “Bollerwagen”, often filled with drinks and snacks. Not everyone celebrates it this way, of course, but it is a tradition many notice quickly.

Pentecost

Pentecost or “Pfingsten” takes place ten days after Ascension Day. In the Christian tradition it celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost Monday is a public holiday in Saxony and across Germany, creating another long weekend. Today, many people use the time to relax, travel, visit family or enjoy the warmer weather.

May 1: Labor Day

May 1 is Labour Day, or “Tag der Arbeit”, and is a public holiday throughout Germany. Schools, offices and most shops are closed.

The day has political roots and is connected to workers’ rights and social movements. In some cities, you may see demonstrations, speeches or public events.

At the same time, May 1 is also linked to spring traditions. In many villages and towns, people raise a decorated maypole, called a “Maibaum”. This is often accompanied by music, dancing, food and small local festivals.

The evening before May 1 is also known as “Walpurgisnacht” or “Tanz in den Mai” — dancing into May. In many places, people celebrate the arrival of spring with parties and community events.

Good to Know

Public holidays in Germany can affect everyday life more than you might expect. Shops are usually closed, offices may be closed, and public transport may run on a reduced schedule. Restaurants, cafés and tourist attractions may still be open, but it is always worth checking in advance.

School holidays are different from public holidays. During school breaks, children have no classes, but shops and offices usually stay open as normal. Exact school holiday dates change every year and differ from state to state, so families should always check the official calendar for Saxony.

Once you understand the rhythm of holidays and school breaks, life in Germany becomes much easier to plan and much more fun to experience.