19 German Holidays And Celebrations You Should Know

Publish date: 2024-04-19

Germany is rich in traditions and vibrant celebrations that are observed by millions of people throughout the year. The unique holidays observed here serve as a window into the values, traditions, and historical milestones that have shaped it into the diverse country it is today. 

The iconic celebration of Oktoberfest showcases the Bavarian culture and beer, the enchanting Christmas Markets offer a magical atmosphere, while the Carnival festival is characterized by colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and festive music. Holidays such as German Unity Day offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of the country so, here are some national German holidays you should learn about.

1. New Year's Day

The beginning of the new year is a time for joyous celebration and reflection in Germany like everywhere else. The streets come alive with parties, fireworks, and the traditional custom of bleigießen where people melt small lead shapes in a spoon and interpret the resulting forms as symbols of the future.

The common tradition in the country on New Year's Day day is to enjoy a leisurely brunch with family and friends. One of the most notable events includes watching the annual New Year's Concert from Vienna, performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

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2. Candlemas

This festival is locally known as Maria Lichtmess in Germany and it is celebrated on February 2nd each year. It is an important tradition that marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. 

It holds a great religious significance in Germany as the day when Christians commemorate the presentation of Jesus at the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary. To celebrate this solemn occasion, candles are blessed in churches, symbolizing the light of Christ illuminating the darkness of winter. 

3. Good Friday

A solemn and reflective day observed by Christians, Good Friday is the time to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Also known as Karfreitag, it is declared a public holiday which marked by church services, processions, and moments of prayer and contemplation.

In the country, Germans participate in religious activities, attending solemn liturgies that focus on the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. Furthermore, this day is also characterized by a sense of quiet and restraint, with some businesses and public spaces closing to honor the solemnity of the occasion. 

4. Easter Monday

This is the continuation of the Easter festivities, which are marked by various traditions and activities in Germany with the likes of Easter egg-rolling competitions. Germans consider this holiday as a time to relax and enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends. 

The egg rolling competition is the highlighted event of this day where decorated eggs are rolled down a hill, and the egg that travels the farthest without breaking is declared the winner. This day serves as an opportunity for more leisurely and community-centered celebrations.

5. Labour Day

Labour Day that is celebrated on May 1 all over the world, is called Tag der Arbeit in Germany, and it has a unique blend of tradition and activism. The day is dedicated to commemorating workers' rights and the struggle for better working conditions. 

It is a public holiday in the country that is marked by parades, rallies, and social gatherings when people participate in marches, carrying banners and flags to express solidarity with the labor movement. This day also serves as the platform for various labor unions and advocacy groups to address contemporary labor issues. 

6. Ascension Day

This festival which is known as Christi Himmelfahrt in Germany, is a Christian holiday celebrated 40 days after Easter. The Christians come together on this solemn day to commemorate the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.

This day is declared a public holiday in Germany and many people take advantage of the day off to participate in various outdoor activities. The most famous tradition is the Father's Day celebration where groups of men embark on hiking trips or bike rides, often pulling wagons filled with food and drinks. 

7. Mother’s Day

This is one of those special occasions celebrated with heartfelt appreciation for mothers and maternal figures in Germany. This day is typically observed on the second Sunday in May and it holds great significance.

Muttertag is the day when people honor and express gratitude to mothers for their love, care, and sacrifices which is usually celebrated by presenting flowers, cards, and thoughtful gifts to their mothers. Families come together for special meals or activities to make their reunion more memorable.

8. Whit Monday

Whit Monday is locally known as Pfingstmontag in Germany which is a Christian holiday celebrated on the day after Pentecost. This day holds a great religious significance as it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus Christ.

Traditionally, people get ready for church services, prayer, and reflection while some parts of Germany also see parades, festivals, and community events. Beyond its religious roots, this festival also marks the beginning of the warmer months and is often associated with various cultural and outdoor activities. 

9. Corpus Christi

Towns and villages in Germany adorn the procession route with flowers, greenery, and intricate tapestries to celebrate Corpus Christi which typically falls in late May or early June. This day commemorates the presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist.

The celebration of Fronleichnam involves colorful processions through the streets, where the Blessed Sacrament is carried in a ceremonial manner. The day holds great religious significance, emphasizing the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and it also serves as a communal expression of faith.

10. Assumption Day

Mariä Himmelfahrt is a Catholic feast day that is observed on August 15th in Germany each year to commemorate the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken bodily into heaven at the end of her earthly life. This day is a public holiday in certain regions in Germany.

This auspicious day is marked with religious processions, church services, and festive gatherings where Catholics attend Mass to honor the Virgin Mary and seek her intercession. Some communities have traditional customs such as floral decorations, parades, and special events. 

11. Oktoberfest

The list of important holidays in Germany is incomplete without the mention of the annual Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival and traveling funfair held in Munich. The celebration normally lasts for sixteen to eighteen days beginning in late September.

This celebration originated in Germany in 1810 as a royal wedding feast and has since evolved into a global phenomenon where people indulge in hearty cuisines like pretzels and sausages. The lively beer tents, traditional Bavarian music, colorful parades, and an abundance of delicious food are the distinctive features of this festival.

12. German Unity Day

The most important historical event in the history of Germany is the reunification of East and West Germany on 3 October 1990. German Unity Day marks the historic moment when the Berlin Wall fell, symbolizing the end of the Cold War division.

This day holds immense significance since it represents the culmination of peaceful protests and the desire for freedom that had been building up over decades. To celebrate the occasion, events, concerts, and festivities across the country are organized, fostering a sense of national unity and pride among Germans.

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13. Day of Reformation

The Day of Reformation commemorates Martin Luther's nailing of his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517. This special day is celebrated annually on October 31 in Germany.

This day holds great religious significance as it played a decisive role in shaping the religious landscape of Europe and influencing the development of Protestantism. The event is marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, challenging the doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholic Church.

14. All Saints’ Day

This is an important religious observance celebrated on the first day of November in Germany to honor all the saints who have attained heaven. Apart from the religious aspect, this day also holds cultural importance, marked by solemn church services and the remembrance of departed loved ones. 

Many Germans visit cemeteries to decorate the graves of their family members with candles and flowers and cherish their memories. There is an atmosphere of reflection and reverence on this day that fosters a sense of communal remembrance and connection with the spiritual realm.

15. Christmas Eve

This is an occasion that holds a special place in German holiday traditions as it is marked by a sense of anticipation and excitement as children eagerly await the arrival of Christkind. Families come together on this magical night to celebrate the festive season.

On the day of Heiligabend, many Germans attend a candlelit church service to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and cherish their togetherness and the celebration of shared traditions. The evening culminates in a festive feast featuring traditional dishes like roast goose, potato salad, and a variety of Christmas sweets.

16. Christmas Day

In Germany, Christmas is a magical blend of festive traditions and cozy celebrations when people enjoy more relaxed family activities and attend church services. The holiday season kicks off with the start of Advent, marked by the opening of the first door on Advent calendars.

On this day, the Germans take pride in their Christmas markets abuzz with charming stalls offering handcrafted ornaments, seasonal treats, and warm Glühwein or mulled wine. The emphasis on togetherness, heartfelt traditions, and the joyous spirit of giving makes Christmas a cherished and significant celebration in the country.

17. St. Stephen's Day

St. Stephen's Day is a day that holds cultural and religious significance in Germany and it is celebrated on the twenty-sixth day of December each year. The day is marked by various customs and a time for reflection and gratitude.

 St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr and this day serves as a continuation of the Christmas celebrations. Several regions see processions, parades, and festive gatherings which also provide an opportunity for families and friends to come together, enjoy meals, and exchange gifts. 

18. Carnival

This is a time when Germany glistens with a lively and colorful celebration that takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent. It is known as Karneval or Fasching in the country and the main events typically occur in regions like Rhineland and Cologne.

During Carnival, the streets of Germany come alive with parades, elaborate costumes, and exuberant festivities, providing an opportunity for people to let loose and revel in the spirit of community. Participants engage in spirited processions, masked balls, and social gatherings, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. 

19. New Year’s Eve

This festive day is known as Silvester in Germany which is celebrated with vibrant energy and unique traditions. The most iconic custom is the practice of Bleigießen, where people melt small lead or tin figures and interpret the shapes formed as a way to predict the future for the coming year. 

Fireworks light up the night sky across the country creating a breathtaking spectacle that bids farewell to the old year and embraces new beginnings. A cherished tradition of the day is the Dinner for One TV sketch which has become a staple for many Germans to watch on New Year's Eve.

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