Public Holidays in Saxony (Sachsen) 2026

Saxony (Sachsen) is a federal state in eastern Germany with strong Protestant traditions.
In 2026, Saxony officially observes 11 public holidays, including Reformation Day and the unique Repentance and Prayer Day (Buß- und Bettag), which is not observed in most other German states.

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

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Official Public Holidays in Saxony – 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
October 3, 2026	German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit)	Nationwide
October 31, 2026	Reformation Day (Reformationstag)	State holiday (Saxony)
November 18, 2026	Repentance and Prayer Day (Buß- und Bettag)	Saxony only
December 25, 2026	Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag)	Nationwide
December 26, 2026	Second Day of Christmas (Zweiter Weihnachtstag)	Nationwide

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Saxony-Specific Public Holidays Explained

Reformation Day – October 31, 2026

Reformation Day commemorates Martin Luther’s 95 Theses in 1517.

• Official public holiday in Saxony
• Widely observed in eastern and northern Germany
• Not a public holiday in most Catholic-majority states

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Repentance and Prayer Day (Buß- und Bettag) – November 18, 2026

Buß- und Bettag is unique to Saxony.

• Observed on the Wednesday before November 23
• Schools and public institutions are closed
• Employees in Saxony contribute a slightly higher share to long-term care insurance as compensation

This holiday is not observed in any other German state.

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Public Holidays Not Observed in Saxony

Saxony does not observe the following holidays:

• Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige)
• Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam)
• Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt)
• All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen)
• International Women’s Day (March 8)

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

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How Public Holidays Affect Daily Life in Saxony

Businesses & Retail

• Most shops are closed on public holidays
• Limited exceptions include bakeries, petrol stations, and transport hubs

Public Transport

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

Schools & Childcare

• Public schools and kindergartens are closed
• Buß- und Bettag is a school holiday unique to Saxony

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 provide substitute weekdays when a holiday falls on a weekend.
However, Saxony offers several opportunities for long weekends:

• Reformation Day and Ascension Day are popular for bridge days
• With one day off, residents can often enjoy four consecutive days off

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Saxony Compared to Other German States

• Saxony: 11 public holidays
• Brandenburg: 11 public holidays
• Berlin: 10 public holidays

Saxony stands out due to Buß- und Bettag, which is unique nationwide.

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Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – By State

Public holidays in Germany vary by federal state.
Saxony’s calendar reflects its Protestant 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)