Public Holidays in Berlin 2026
Berlin, the capital of Germany, observes a mix of nationwide public holidays and state-specific holidays. In 2026, Berlin officially recognizes 10 public holidays, including one holiday unique to the city.
This complete guide lists all official public holidays in Berlin for 2026, with exact dates, explanations, and important notes to help residents, workers, students, and visitors plan ahead.
Official Public Holidays in Berlin – 2026
| Date | Public Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day (Neujahr) | Nationwide |
| March 8, 2026 | International Women’s Day (Internationaler Frauentag) | Berlin only |
| April 3, 2026 | Good Friday (Karfreitag) | Nationwide |
| April 6, 2026 | Easter Monday (Ostermontag) | Nationwide |
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) | Nationwide |
| May 14, 2026 | Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) | Nationwide |
| May 25, 2026 | Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) | Nationwide |
| October 3, 2026 | German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) | Nationwide |
| December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag) | Nationwide |
| December 26, 2026 | Second Day of Christmas (Zweiter Weihnachtstag) | Nationwide |
Berlin-Specific Public Holiday Explained
International Women’s Day – March 8, 2026
Berlin is one of the very few German states that observe International Women’s Day as an official public holiday.
- Introduced in Berlin in 2019
- Applies to employees, schools, and public institutions
- Not a public holiday in most other German states
This makes Berlin unique compared to states like Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg, which observe different religious holidays instead.
Public Holidays Not Observed in Berlin
Unlike some southern and western German states, Berlin does not observe the following holidays:
- Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige)
- Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam)
- All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen)
- Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt)
These holidays apply only to specific states and are not valid public holidays in Berlin.
How Public Holidays Affect Daily Life in Berlin
Public holidays in Berlin impact several areas of daily life:
Businesses & Shops
- Most shops remain closed on nationwide holidays
- Exceptions include gas stations, bakeries, and shops at major train stations
Public Transport
- Buses and trains operate on Sunday or holiday schedules
- Reduced frequency during the day and evening
Schools & Childcare
- Schools and public childcare centers are closed
- Private institutions may follow different schedules
Government Offices
- Offices such as the Bürgeramt and immigration authorities are closed
- Appointments are not available on public holidays
Long Weekends & Bridge Days (Brückentage)
Germany does not provide substitute days if a holiday falls on a weekend.
However, Berlin residents often take advantage of Brückentage (bridge days):
- Taking Friday or Monday off to extend a holiday
- Common around Easter, Ascension Day, and Christmas
Planning early is highly recommended, especially in Berlin where demand for leave days is high.
Public Holidays in Berlin vs Other German States
Berlin has fewer public holidays than many other states. For example:
- Berlin: 10 holidays
- Bavaria: up to 13 holidays
- Baden-Württemberg: 12 holidays
This difference is mainly due to religious holidays, which Berlin does not observe.
Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – By State
Berlin’s holidays are part of the broader German public holiday system, where each federal state sets its own additional holidays.
👉 Back to main guide:
Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – Complete Guide by State
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is International Women’s Day a public holiday in Berlin in 2026?
Yes. March 8, 2026, is an official public holiday in Berlin and applies to employees, schools, and public institutions.
How many public holidays does Berlin have in 2026?
Berlin has 10 official public holidays in 2026.
Are shops open on public holidays in Berlin?
Most shops are closed. Exceptions include bakeries, petrol stations, pharmacies on duty, and shops at major transport hubs.
Does Berlin observe religious holidays like Corpus Christi?
No. Religious holidays such as Corpus Christi and All Saints’ Day are not public holidays in Berlin.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
There is no substitute weekday if a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.