Public Holidays in Thuringia (Thüringen) 2026
Thuringia (Thüringen) is a federal state in central Germany with strong historical and Protestant traditions.
In 2026, Thuringia officially observes 11 public holidays, including Reformation Day, which reflects the state’s religious heritage.
This guide provides a complete and accurate list of public holidays in Thuringia for 2026, with explanations and practical notes for residents, employees, and visitors.
Official Public Holidays in Thuringia – 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 (Thuringia) |
| December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag) | Nationwide |
| December 26, 2026 | Second Day of Christmas (Zweiter Weihnachtstag) | Nationwide |
Thuringia-Specific Public Holiday Explained
Reformation Day – October 31, 2026
Reformation Day commemorates Martin Luther’s publication of the 95 Theses in 1517.
- Official public holiday in Thuringia
- Widely observed in eastern and northern Germany
- Not observed in most Catholic-majority states
Church services and cultural events are common throughout the state.
Public Holidays Not Observed in Thuringia
Thuringia 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)
- Repentance and Prayer Day (Buß- und Bettag)
These holidays apply only to specific German states and are not valid public holidays in Thuringia.
How Public Holidays Affect Daily Life in Thuringia
Businesses & Retail
- Most shops are closed on public holidays
- Exceptions may include bakeries, petrol stations, pharmacies on duty, and shops at major transport hubs
Public Transport
- Operates on Sunday or holiday schedules
- Reduced frequency compared to weekdays
Schools & Childcare
- Public schools and kindergartens are closed
- School holidays may vary slightly by district
Government Offices
- Authorities such as the Bürgeramt, courts, and tax offices are closed
Long Weekends & Bridge Days (Brückentage)
Germany does not offer substitute weekdays when a public holiday falls on a weekend.
However, Thuringia residents often benefit from bridge days, especially around:
- Reformation Day
- Ascension Day
Taking one additional day off can often result in four consecutive days off.
Thuringia Compared to Other German States
- Thuringia: 11 public holidays
- Saxony: 11 public holidays
- Berlin: 10 public holidays
Thuringia shares a similar holiday calendar with other eastern German states.
Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – By State
Public holidays in Germany vary by federal state.
Thuringia’s calendar reflects its Protestant heritage and regional traditions.
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Public Holidays in Germany 2026 – Complete Guide by State
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many public holidays does Thuringia have in 2026?
Thuringia has 11 official public holidays in 2026.
Is Reformation Day a public holiday in Thuringia?
Yes. October 31 is an official public holiday in Thuringia.
Are shops open on public holidays in Thuringia?
Most shops are closed. Limited exceptions apply to bakeries, petrol stations, and pharmacies on duty.
Does Thuringia observe Corpus Christi?
No. Corpus Christi is not a public holiday in Thuringia.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
There is no substitute weekday if a public holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday.