Public Holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia 2026

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is Germany’s most populous federal state and observes a combination of nationwide public holidays and state-specific religious holidays.
In 2026, NRW officially recognizes 11 public holidays.

This guide provides a complete and accurate list of public holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia for 2026, including dates, explanations, and practical notes for residents, employees, and visitors.

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Official Public Holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia – 2026

Date	Public Holiday	Notes
January 1, 2026	New Year’s Day (Neujahr)	Nationwide
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
June 4, 2026	Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam)	State holiday (NRW)
October 3, 2026	German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit)	Nationwide
November 1, 2026	All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen)	State holiday (NRW)
December 25, 2026	Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag)	Nationwide
December 26, 2026	Second Day of Christmas (Zweiter Weihnachtstag)	Nationwide

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State-Specific Public Holidays in NRW

Corpus Christi – June 4, 2026

Corpus Christi is a Catholic religious holiday observed in North Rhine-Westphalia and several other western and southern German states.

• Schools and public offices are closed
• Shops remain closed except for limited exceptions
• Not a public holiday in northern or eastern Germany

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All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2026

All Saints’ Day is another NRW-specific public holiday, primarily observed in Catholic regions.

• Commemorates saints and the deceased
• Cemeteries and churches are commonly visited
• Not observed in Berlin, Hamburg, or most eastern states

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Public Holidays Not Observed in North Rhine-Westphalia

NRW does not recognize the following holidays:

• Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige)
• Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt)
• International Women’s Day (March 8)

These holidays apply only to specific German states and are not valid public holidays in NRW.

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How Public Holidays Affect Daily Life in NRW

Businesses & Retail

• Most shops are closed on public holidays
• Bakeries, petrol stations, and shops at train stations may open with restrictions

Public Transport

• Operates on Sunday or holiday schedules
• Reduced frequency compared to weekdays

Schools & Childcare

• Public schools and kindergartens are closed
• Private institutions may set their own rules

Government Offices

• Offices such as the Bürgeramt, tax offices, and immigration authorities are closed

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Long Weekends & Bridge Days (Brückentage)

Germany does not offer replacement days if a holiday falls on a weekend.
However, NRW residents often use Brückentage to extend holidays:

• Popular around Corpus Christi and Ascension Day
• Taking Friday or Monday off can create long weekends

Early planning is especially important due to NRW’s large workforce.

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NRW Compared to Other German States

• North Rhine-Westphalia: 11 public holidays
• Berlin: 10 public holidays
• Bavaria: up to 13 public holidays

NRW has more holidays than Berlin due to Catholic religious observances, but fewer than Bavaria.

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Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – By State

Public holidays in Germany vary by federal state.
NRW’s calendar reflects its historical and religious background.

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Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – Complete Guide by State

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)