German public holidays in Berlin 2026
Take advantage of the public holidays and travel to Berlin
In 2026, many public holidays in Germany are once again scheduled in such a way that it pays to plan skilfully - we'll show you how. Here you will find suggestions on how to plan your bridging days and make the most of the public holidays: For a short trip to Berlin, of course.
Public holidays in March: International Women's Day (8 March)
In addition to Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern can also look forward to a public holiday this year on International Women's Day on 8 March. As the public holiday falls on a Sunday, there is no possibility of an extended weekend. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity to extend the weekend and take a short trip to springtime Berlin. This way, you can take a few days off to make your week individual and celebrate the start of spring.
Public holidays & bridging days in April: Easter
Spend the Easter holidays in Berlin: Good Friday is on 3 April and Easter Monday is on 6 April, so you have a whole four days to experience the capital in bloom in spring - even without taking any days off.
Our tip for all those who like to do the maths: you invest eight days' holiday from 7 to 16 April and get a total of 16 days off. So you can plan a longer trip to Berlin. It's worth immersing yourself in the Berlin lifestyle in the neighbourhoods and discovering Berlin with all its different facets.
Public holidays & bridge days in May: 1 May, Ascension Day and Whitsun
May 2026 is a particularly eventful month for public holidays and activities in Berlin. On 1 May, Labour Day, the public holiday falls on a Friday. Without a day off, you can enjoy a lovely weekend - perfect for a spring city trip to Berlin.
On 14 May, all federal states celebrate Ascension Day. How about taking a day off on Friday 15 May and planning a long weekend? Why not invite the fathers to the capital for a few wonderful days on Father's Day ?
Take a look at what's going on in May. For example, the open-air cinemas have been open since May and offer exciting entertainment under a starry sky. Whitsun also falls in May this year - there are a whole three days off in all federal states: Whit Monday on 25 May 2026 is a public holiday throughout Germany. Why not plan a short break by using Tuesday 26 May as an extra day off - perfect for a four-day city trip to Berlin and its summer highlights. Or you can take the whole week off with just four days, giving you eleven days to discover Berlin and its many green oases.
Tip: The popular Carnival of Cultures is taking place again this year at Whitsun - a celebration of joie de vivre and tolerance. Look forward to a colourful weekend from 22 to 25 May 2026.
Public holidays & bridge days in August: Assumption Day
The Assumption Day public holiday celebrated in Bavaria and Saarland on 15 August falls on a Saturday, but you can still spend a lovely weekend in Berlin. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the summer atmosphere of the capital, visit exciting museums or spend balmy evenings in one of the many open-air cinemas.
Public holidays & bridge days in September: World Children's Day
In 2026, World Children's Day in Thuringia, where it is celebrated as a public holiday, will fall on a Saturday on 20 September. Even though there is no long weekend this year, World Children's Day offers a good opportunity to do something fun together as a family. For example, the Herbstrummel, a funfair for the whole family, starts in Berlin on 19 September.
Public holidays & bridge days in October: German Unity Day and Reformation Day
In October, you can expect a long, glorious autumnal weekend right at the beginning of the month: German Unity Day is celebrated nationwide on 3 October - and it's a Saturday this year. This means you can make the most of the weekend to experience the celebrations in the capital and immerse yourself in the exciting history of German division and reunification. And with just five days of holiday, you could plan a long stay of nine days and get to know even more of the city's many facets.
Saturday 31 October is Reformation Day, a public holiday in many German states: Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia.
Public holidays & bridging days in November: All Saints' Day and the Day of Prayer and Repentance
All Saints' Day on Sunday 1 November is a public holiday in some federal states such as Baden- Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine- Westphalia, Rhineland- Palatinate and Saarland. Plan two days in Berlin: while the weather turns late autumn, museums, exhibitions and concert halls invite you to enjoy culture.
The people of Saxony can count themselves lucky, as the Day of Prayer and Repentance on 18 November is a public holiday in their state alone. As this day falls on a Wednesday in 2026, a varied five-day period can be spent in Berlin with two days off on 19 and 20 November. This is the perfect opportunity to discover Berlin's cultural landscape - it's always worth a visit!
Museums in Berlin
Public holidays & bridge days in December: Christmas and New Year's Eve
Christmas Eve is on a Thursday this year, so Christmas is celebrated on Friday and Saturday. If you want to celebrate the festive season in Berlin, you have a festive short trip of four days without a day's holiday. And if you want to stay even longer, you can take three days off and then stay until New Year's Eveon an eleven-day holidayand continue celebrating.
In December, the numerous Christmas markets spread a festive atmosphere throughout the city. From traditional to original, from small and romantic to large and colourful, each market offers a very special experience.
