Public Holidays in Rhineland-Palatinate 2026
Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz) is a western German federal state with strong Catholic traditions.
In 2026, the state observes 11 official public holidays, combining nationwide German holidays with Catholic state-specific holidays.
This guide provides a complete and accurate list of public holidays in Rhineland-Palatinate for 2026, along with explanations and practical notes for residents, employees, and visitors.
Official Public Holidays in Rhineland-Palatinate – 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 |
| October 3, 2026 | German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) | Nationwide |
| November 1, 2026 | All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) | State holiday |
| December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag) | Nationwide |
| December 26, 2026 | Second Day of Christmas (Zweiter Weihnachtstag) | Nationwide |
State-Specific Public Holidays in Rhineland-Palatinate
Corpus Christi – June 4, 2026
Corpus Christi is a Catholic religious holiday officially observed in Rhineland-Palatinate.
- Schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed
- Widely observed in western and southern Germany
- Not a public holiday in Berlin or northern states
All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2026
All Saints’ Day is another state-specific public holiday in Rhineland-Palatinate.
- Dedicated to honoring saints and the deceased
- Cemeteries and churches are commonly visited
- Not observed in most eastern German states
Public Holidays Not Observed in Rhineland-Palatinate
Rhineland-Palatinate does not observe the following holidays:
- Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige)
- International Women’s Day (March 8)
- Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt)
- Reformation Day (October 31)
These holidays apply only to specific German states and are not valid public holidays in Rhineland-Palatinate.
How Public Holidays Affect Daily Life in Rhineland-Palatinate
Businesses & Retail
- Most shops are closed on public holidays
- Exceptions include bakeries, petrol stations, pharmacies on duty, and transport hubs
Public Transport
- Operates on Sunday or holiday schedules
- Reduced frequency compared to weekdays
Schools & Childcare
- Public schools and kindergartens are closed
- Private institutions may follow different schedules
Government Offices
- Authorities such as the Bürgeramt, courts, and tax offices are closed
Long Weekends & Bridge Days (Brückentage)
Germany does not offer substitute weekdays if a holiday falls on a weekend.
However, Rhineland-Palatinate offers good opportunities for long weekends, especially:
- Around Corpus Christi
- Around Ascension Day
Taking one bridge day can often result in four consecutive days off.
Rhineland-Palatinate Compared to Other German States
- Rhineland-Palatinate: 11 public holidays
- Hesse: 10 public holidays
- Bavaria: 13 public holidays
The higher number compared to Hesse is due to Catholic religious holidays.
Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – By State
Public holidays in Germany vary by federal state.
Rhineland-Palatinate’s calendar reflects its religious heritage and regional autonomy.
👉 Back to main guide:
Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – Complete Guide by State
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many public holidays does Rhineland-Palatinate have in 2026?
Rhineland-Palatinate has 11 official public holidays in 2026.
Is Corpus Christi a public holiday in Rhineland-Palatinate?
Yes. Corpus Christi (June 4, 2026) is a state-specific public holiday.
Is All Saints’ Day a public holiday in Rhineland-Palatinate?
Yes. November 1 is an official public holiday in the state.
Are shops open on public holidays in Rhineland-Palatinate?
Most shops are closed, with limited exceptions for bakeries, pharmacies on duty, and petrol stations.
Does the state observe International Women’s Day?
No. March 8 is not a public holiday in Rhineland-Palatinate.