North Rhine-Westphalia has 11 statutory public holidays in 2027. This page is your complete reference for every official holiday in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NW), including exact dates, days of the week, holiday descriptions and practical annual leave planning tips.
ℹ️ Germany’s most populous state has 11 public holidays in 2027. Its strong Catholic tradition in the Rhineland is reflected by Corpus Christi (May 27) and All Saints’ Day (Nov 1).
📌 Back to overview: All Public Holidays in Germany 2027
Table of Contents
- Public Holidays Table – North Rhine-Westphalia 2027
- Holiday Descriptions
- Bridge Days & Annual Leave Tips
- FAQ – Public Holidays North Rhine-Westphalia 2027
- Neighbouring States
Public Holidays Table – North Rhine-Westphalia 2027
The table below lists all 11 statutory public holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia for the year 2027, sorted chronologically.
| Date | Day | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2027 | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| Mar 26, 2027 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Mar 29, 2027 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1, 2027 | Saturday | Labour Day |
| May 6, 2027 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| May 17, 2027 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| May 27, 2027 | Thursday | Corpus Christi |
| Oct 3, 2027 | Sunday | German Unity Day |
| Nov 1, 2027 | Monday | All Saints’ Day |
| Dec 25, 2027 | Saturday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26, 2027 | Sunday | Second Day of Christmas |
Holiday Descriptions
New Year’s Day – Jan 1, 2027 (Friday)
New Year’s Day on January 1 is a nationwide public holiday in Germany. In 2027 it falls on a Friday, creating an automatic long weekend from January 1–3.
Good Friday – Mar 26, 2027 (Friday)
Good Friday (Karfreitag) commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and is a nationwide public holiday. German law prohibits public dancing events and loud music on this day. In 2027 it falls on March 26.
Easter Monday – Mar 29, 2027 (Monday)
Easter Monday (Ostermontag) concludes the Easter holidays and is a nationwide public holiday. Typical traditions include Easter egg hunts and family gatherings. In 2027 it falls on March 29.
Labour Day – May 1, 2027 (Saturday)
May 1 honours the international labour movement and its achievements. It has been a public holiday in Germany since 1933. In 2027 it falls on a Saturday, offering no additional day off for employees with a standard five-day week.
Ascension Day – May 6, 2027 (Thursday)
Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) always falls on a Thursday, 39 days after Easter Sunday. In Germany it is also known informally as Father’s Day (Vatertag). In 2027 it falls on May 6 — an ideal occasion for a Friday bridge day.
Whit Monday – May 17, 2027 (Monday)
Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) falls 50 days after Easter Sunday and celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit. In 2027 it is May 17, creating a long Whitsun weekend from May 15–17.
Corpus Christi – May 27, 2027 (Thursday)
Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) falls on the Thursday 60 days after Easter Sunday. Famous for colourful street processions, it is observed in Germany’s predominantly Catholic states. In 2027 it falls on May 27 — a classic opportunity for a Friday bridge day.
German Unity Day – Oct 3, 2027 (Sunday)
Germany’s National Day on October 3 commemorates the reunification of West and East Germany on October 3, 1990. In 2027 it falls on a Sunday — no substitute day off is provided by German law.
All Saints’ Day – Nov 1, 2027 (Monday)
All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) on November 1 is a Catholic day of remembrance for all saints and the deceased. It is observed in five predominantly Catholic German states. In 2027 it falls on a Monday, creating a long weekend.
Christmas Day – Dec 25, 2027 (Saturday)
Christmas Day (1. Weihnachtstag) on December 25 celebrates the birth of Jesus and is a nationwide public holiday. In 2027 it falls on a Saturday.
Second Day of Christmas – Dec 26, 2027 (Sunday)
Germany’s Second Day of Christmas (2. Weihnachtstag) on December 26 continues the Christmas celebrations and is a nationwide public holiday. In 2027 it falls on a Sunday.
Bridge Days & Annual Leave Tips for North Rhine-Westphalia 2027
🌟 Optimal Bridge Day Strategy in North Rhine-Westphalia 2027
Easter (March 26–29): Good Friday and Easter Monday are both nationwide public holidays — giving you an automatic 4-day break with no annual leave required.
Ascension Day (Thursday, May 6): Taking one day of leave on Friday, May 7 produces a 4-day long weekend (Thursday through Sunday) at very low cost.
Christmas 2027: Both Christmas holidays fall on the weekend (Dec 25 Sat, Dec 26 Sun). Consider booking leave from December 24 to enjoy an extended festive break into New Year.
FAQ – Public Holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia 2027
How many public holidays does North Rhine-Westphalia have in 2027?
North Rhine-Westphalia has 11 statutory public holidays in 2027 — comprising the 9 nationwide German public holidays plus North Rhine-Westphalia-specific additions.
When is Ascension Day 2027 in North Rhine-Westphalia?
Ascension Day 2027 falls on Thursday, May 6, 2027 and is a public holiday in North Rhine-Westphalia.
When is Easter 2027?
Easter Sunday 2027 is March 28. Good Friday (March 26) and Easter Monday (March 29) are both statutory public holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Is Reformation Day a public holiday in North Rhine-Westphalia?
No, Reformation Day is not a public holiday in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Is International Women’s Day a public holiday in North Rhine-Westphalia?
No, International Women’s Day is not a public holiday in North Rhine-Westphalia.
When is Christmas in 2027?
Christmas Day (December 25, 2027) is a Saturday and Second Day of Christmas (December 26, 2027) is a Sunday — both are public holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Public Holidays in Neighbouring States
Compare North Rhine-Westphalia’s holiday calendar with its neighbouring federal states:
- Hesse – Public Holidays 2027
- Rhineland-Palatinate – Public Holidays 2027
- Lower Saxony – Public Holidays 2027
📌 Return to overview: All Public Holidays in Germany 2027
All information provided without warranty — the authoritative source is the North Rhine-Westphalia Public Holidays Act (Feiertagsgesetz NW).
