BERLIN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN 2026
Berlin may not win the prize for most public holidays (see this list of public holidays in Germany), but with 30 vacation days a year, most people here still get plenty of time to rest, travel, or just do nothing at all.
Plan your 2026 vacation planning and use this list of Berlin public holidays in 2026. Plus, don’t miss out on my pro tips about how to maximize your well-earned time off from work.
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WHAT ARE THE BERLIN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN 2026?
Berliners have 10 public holidays in 2026. Unfortunately, three of the public holidays occur on weekends, so we really only have seven public holidays. We’ve been severely ripped off in 2026, as Women’s Day falls on a Sunday, Unity Day on a Saturday, and the second day of Christmas on a Saturday too. There’s also no bonus public holiday like last year when Berlin commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII.
We recommend using this list of Berlin public holidays in 2026 to book fun vacations abroad or even a staycation at home. Also, consider these amazing day trips from Berlin if you need inspiration for closer-to-home destinations.
Official List of Berlin Public Holidays in 2026
| Date | Public Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 (Thursday) ✅ | New Year’s Day/Neujahr |
| March 8, 2026 (Sunday) | Women’s Day/Frauentag |
| April 3, 2026 (Friday) | Good Friday/Karfreitag |
| April 6, 2026 (Monday) | Easter Monday/Ostermontag |
| May 1, 2026 (Friday) | Labour Day/Tag der Arbeit |
| May 14, 2026 (Thursday) | Ascension Day/Christi Himmelfahrt |
| May 25, 2026 (Monday) | Whit Monday/Pfingstmontag |
| October 3, 2026 (Saturday) | Day of German Unity/Tag der Deutschen Einheit |
| December 25, 2026 (Friday) | Christmas Day/Erster Weihnachtstag |
| December 26, 2026 (Saturday) | Second Day of Christmas/Zweiter Weihnachtstag |
* If you’re curious to learn more about a specific holiday, check out the links in the table above.
Ways to Maximize the Public Holidays in Berlin
Follow our tips to make the most of your time off in 2026:
⭐ Two of the holidays occur on a Thursday. Follow German tradition and take a Brückentag (bridge day) on Friday to enjoy a four-day long weekend. The bridge days will happen on Friday, January 2 and Friday, May 15.
⭐ Extend the four-day Easter long weekend by taking off time the week before or after. For example, if you take the whole two weeks off, you’d only use eight vacation days versus 10 vacation days.
⭐ Do the same for the Labour Day, Whit Monday and Christmas. If you book a week off (five days), you’ll only use four vacation days.
Some Shops and Supermarkets Will Still be Open
Expect most shops and supermarkets to be closed on public holidays. Often, you can usually still find supermarkets and shops like Rossman and DM open in major train stations in the city.
ℹ️ Read our Sunday shopping in Berlin guide for more details.
FAQ
Commonly asked questions about Berlin’s public holiday schedule in 2026.
How many public holidays will Berlin have in 2025?
Berlin will have 10 public holidays in 2025, but really only seven days due to three holidays occuring on weekends.
Are Berlin’s public holidays the same as the rest of Germany?
Nope. Berlin gets fewer public holidays than other German states, but it still offers a solid amount of days off, especially with 20-30 days of annual vacation time.
Do Berlin’s public holidays sometimes fall on weekends?
Yes, occasionally. In 2026, three public holidays lands on a weekend. But don’t worry, there are still seven mid-week holidays to ensure you get some well deserved time off.
Can I plan a long weekend around Berlin’s public holidays?
Absolutely. Keep an eye out for holidays that fall on a Thursday and plan to take Friday off. It’s a Berlin tradition known as a bridge day (Brückentag), giving you a mini vacation.
Will shops and supermarkets be open during public holidays?
Most shops and supermarkets close, but you can usually count on some staying open. Always double-check before heading out.
That’s our roundup of public holidays in Berlin for 2026. Enjoy your vacations to the fullest!
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Cheryl Howard, Founder @ The Berlin Life
Hi, I’m Cheryl. My mission is to help you move to Berlin and find work.
A Canadian in Berlin for 10+ years, I have the unique experience of moving to Berlin – not once, but twice. During my time in Berlin, I’ve had five different visas and worked as both a freelancer and a permanent employee for numerous Berlin companies. I even managed to find a new job during the pandemic and again in 2023, during Germany’s recession and massive layoffs in tech.
My day job has involved work as a hiring manager, overseeing the recruitment of countless people, as well as a team coach helping teams and individuals work better and find happiness in their careers. Through my side projects, I’ve also shared my personal experiences by publishing a series of helpful blog posts, creating a thriving community of job seekers, and hosting events to help people find work in Berlin. In 2021, I decided to put my coaching and recruiting talents to use by creating The Berlin Life, bringing my existing content and community together in one spot.
The combination of my personal and professional experience means I know exactly what it takes to move to Berlin and find work.