Berlin has 10 statutory public holidays in 2026. This page is your complete reference for every official holiday in Berlin (BE, capital: Berlin), including exact dates, days of the week, English and German holiday names, detailed descriptions and practical annual leave planning tips.
ℹ️ Berlin has 10 public holidays in 2026. Note: International Women’s Day (March 8) falls on a Sunday in 2026, so its practical impact as a day off is limited to those who would otherwise work Sundays.
📌 Back to overview: All Public Holidays in Germany 2026
Table of Contents
- Public Holidays Table – Berlin 2026
- Holiday Descriptions
- Bridge Days & Annual Leave Tips
- FAQ – Public Holidays Berlin 2026
- Neighbouring States
Public Holidays Table – Berlin 2026
The table below lists all 10 statutory public holidays in Berlin for 2026, sorted chronologically, with both English and German holiday names.
| Date | Day | Public Holiday | German Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Neujahr |
| Mar 8, 2026 | Sunday | International Women’s Day | Internationaler Frauentag |
| Apr 3, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Karfreitag |
| Apr 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 |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Saturday | German Unity Day | Tag der Deutschen Einheit |
| Dec 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | 1. Weihnachtstag |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas | 2. Weihnachtstag |
Holiday Descriptions
New Year’s Day – Neujahr – Jan 1, 2026 (Thursday)
New Year’s Day on January 1 is a nationwide public holiday throughout Germany. In 2026 it falls on a Thursday — taking one day of leave on Friday, January 2 creates a 4-day New Year break.
International Women’s Day – Internationaler Frauentag – Mar 8, 2026 (Sunday)
March 8 is observed as International Women’s Day in Berlin (since 2019) and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (since 2023). In 2026 it falls on a Sunday, meaning its practical impact as a compensatory day off is minimal for most employees.
Good Friday – Karfreitag – Apr 3, 2026 (Friday)
Good Friday (Karfreitag) commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and is a nationwide public holiday. Strict rules prohibit public dances and loud events on this day. In 2026 it falls on April 3 (Friday).
Easter Monday – Ostermontag – Apr 6, 2026 (Monday)
Easter Monday (Ostermontag) is a nationwide public holiday that closes the Easter weekend. Combined with Good Friday, it creates an automatic 4-day break with no annual leave needed — from Friday, April 3 to Monday, April 6.
Labour Day – Tag der Arbeit – May 1, 2026 (Friday)
International Workers’ Day on May 1 is a nationwide public holiday. In 2026 it falls on a Friday — creating an automatic long weekend from May 1–3, making it one of the best free long weekends of the year.
Ascension Day – Christi Himmelfahrt – May 14, 2026 (Thursday)
Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) always falls on a Thursday, 39 days after Easter Sunday. In 2026 it falls on May 14. Taking one day of leave on Friday, May 15 creates a 4-day long weekend (Thu–Sun). In Germany it is also informally known as Father’s Day (Vatertag).
Whit Monday – Pfingstmontag – May 25, 2026 (Monday)
Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) falls 50 days after Easter Sunday. In 2026 it is May 25 (Monday), closing a Whitsun long weekend from Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25.
German Unity Day – Tag der Deutschen Einheit – Oct 3, 2026 (Saturday)
Germany’s National Day commemorates the reunification of East and West Germany on October 3, 1990. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday — no substitute weekday is granted under German law.
Christmas Day – 1. Weihnachtstag – Dec 25, 2026 (Friday)
Christmas Day (1. Weihnachtstag) on December 25 celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a nationwide public holiday. In 2026 it falls on a Friday, creating an extended Christmas break from December 25 through Sunday, December 27.
Second Day of Christmas – 2. Weihnachtstag – Dec 26, 2026 (Saturday)
Germany’s Second Day of Christmas (2. Weihnachtstag) on December 26 continues the Christmas celebrations and is a nationwide public holiday. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday, meaning the festive period runs from Friday, December 25 through the weekend.
Bridge Days & Annual Leave Tips for Berlin 2026
🌟 Optimal Bridge Day Strategy in Berlin 2026
New Year’s Day (Thursday, Jan 1): Taking one day of leave on Friday, January 2 creates a 4-day New Year break — an excellent way to start the year.
Labour Day (Friday, May 1): Falls on a Friday — free 3-day long weekend (May 1–3) at zero leave cost.
Ascension Day (Thursday, May 14): One day of leave on Friday, May 15 = 4-day long weekend (Thu–Sun).
Christmas (Friday, Dec 25): Automatic 3-day festive break (Dec 25–27). Book leave from December 22 for a full 10-day Christmas and New Year break.
FAQ – Public Holidays in Berlin 2026
How many public holidays does Berlin have in 2026?
Berlin has 10 statutory public holidays in 2026 — comprising the 9 nationwide German holidays plus Berlin-specific additions.
When is Ascension Day 2026 in Berlin?
Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) 2026 falls on Thursday, May 14, 2026 and is a public holiday in Berlin.
When is Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday 2026 is April 5. Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6) are both statutory public holidays in Berlin, delivering a free 4-day Easter break.
Does Labour Day fall on a working day in Berlin in 2026?
Yes — Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) falls on Friday, May 1, 2026, automatically creating a free 3-day long weekend without any annual leave needed.
Is Reformation Day a public holiday in Berlin?
No, Reformation Day (Reformationstag) is not a public holiday in Berlin.
Is International Women’s Day a public holiday in Berlin?
Yes, International Women’s Day (Internationaler Frauentag, March 8, 2026 — a Sunday) is an official public holiday in Berlin. Note that in 2026 it falls on a Sunday, so the practical day-off impact is minimal.
When is Christmas in 2026?
Christmas Day (1. Weihnachtstag, December 25, 2026) falls on a Friday, and Second Day of Christmas (2. Weihnachtstag, December 26, 2026) on a Saturday — both are public holidays in Berlin.
Public Holidays in Neighbouring States
Compare Berlin’s 2026 holiday calendar with its neighbouring federal states:
📌 Return to overview: All Public Holidays in Germany 2026
All information provided without warranty — the authoritative source is the Berlin Public Holidays Act (Feiertagsgesetz BE).