Public Holidays in Saarland 2026

Saarland is a small federal state in southwestern Germany with a strong Catholic tradition.
In 2026, Saarland officially observes 12 public holidays, combining nationwide German holidays with Catholic state-specific holidays.

This guide provides a complete and accurate list of public holidays in Saarland for 2026, along with explanations and practical notes for residents, employees, and visitors.

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Official Public Holidays in Saarland – 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
August 15, 2026	Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt)	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

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State-Specific Public Holidays in Saarland

Corpus Christi – June 4, 2026

Corpus Christi is an important Catholic religious holiday officially observed in Saarland.

• Schools, public offices, and most businesses are closed
• Religious processions are common
• Not observed in northern or eastern German states

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Assumption Day – August 15, 2026

Assumption Day is a statewide public holiday in Saarland, unlike Bavaria where it applies only in certain municipalities.

• Dedicated to the Assumption of Mary
• Public institutions and schools are closed
• Not observed in most German states

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All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2026

All Saints’ Day is widely observed in Saarland.

• Cemeteries and churches are commonly visited
• Businesses and offices remain closed
• Not observed in most northern and eastern states

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Public Holidays Not Observed in Saarland

Saarland does not observe the following holidays:

• Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige)
• Reformation Day (October 31)
• International Women’s Day (March 8)
• Repentance and Prayer Day (Buß- und Bettag)

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

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How Public Holidays Affect Daily Life in Saarland

Businesses & Retail

• Most shops are closed on public holidays
• Limited exceptions apply to petrol stations, bakeries, 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
• School holiday calendars may vary slightly

Government Offices

• Authorities such as the Bürgeramt, courts, and tax offices are closed

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Long Weekends & Bridge Days (Brückentage)

Germany does not offer substitute weekdays when a public holiday falls on a weekend.
However, Saarland offers excellent opportunities for long weekends, especially around:

• Corpus Christi
• Assumption Day
• All Saints’ Day

Taking one additional day off can often result in four or even five consecutive days off.

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Saarland Compared to Other German States

• Saarland: 12 public holidays
• Baden-Württemberg: 12 public holidays
• Lower Saxony: 10 public holidays

Saarland has more public holidays than most northern German states due to its Catholic religious calendar.

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Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – By State

Public holidays in Germany vary by federal state.
Saarland’s calendar reflects its religious heritage and regional autonomy.

👉 Back to main guide:
Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – Complete Guide by State

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)