Public Holidays in Berlin: A Complete Guide for 2025
Berlin is not only Germany’s capital of culture, history, and politics—it’s also home to some of the country’s most distinctive public holidays. Understanding how these holidays affect daily life is essential for expats, international students, and tourists alike.
From full business closures to transport limitations and vibrant street events, public holidays shape the city’s rhythm. This guide outlines Berlin’s 2025 holiday calendar, explains what to expect, and offers practical ideas for making the most of each occasion.
Berlin officially observes 11 public holidays, including both nationwide German holidays and a few that are unique to the city.
Public Holidays in Berlin 2025
Below is a list of public holidays in Berlin for the year 2025. Holidays are highlighted for easy reference.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day (Neujahrstag) |
| March 8 | Saturday | International Women’s Day (Internationaler Frauentag) |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday (Karfreitag) |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday (Ostermontag) |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) |
| May 8 | Thursday | 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II (80. Jahrestag des Endes des Zweiten Weltkriegs) |
| May 29 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) |
| June 9 | Monday | Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) |
| October 3 | Friday | German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag) |
| December 26 | Friday | Boxing Day (Zweiter Weihnachtstag) |
What to Expect on Public Holidays in Berlin
Closures and Reduced Services
- Shops and supermarkets: Mostly closed, except some stores in major train stations or tourist areas.
- Banks and post offices: Closed for the entire day.
- Public transport: Operates on a Sunday or holiday schedule.
- Cultural institutions: Museums and galleries may open, but hours vary.
Major Berlin Public Holidays and How to Experience Them
New Year’s Day (Neujahrstag) – January 1
New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year and follows Berlin’s famously lively New Year’s Eve celebrations (Silvester). The city is notably quiet on January 1.
Tip: Skip the busy tourist areas and take a peaceful stroll through Schlosspark Charlottenburg or visit the Berlin Planetarium to start the year in a calm, reflective atmosphere.
International Women’s Day (Internationaler Frauentag) – March 8
Unique to Berlin, this holiday honors women’s contributions and gender equality. It was first recognized as a public holiday in 2019.
Tip: Join one of the many rallies or attend special exhibitions at the Berlinische Galerie. Book cafes like Literaturhaus Berlin also host discussions and themed events.
Good Friday (Karfreitag) – April 18
Observed nationwide, Good Friday is a quiet day of religious significance in Germany. Public entertainment is restricted by law, and most commercial activity pauses.
Tip: For a respectful experience, attend a church service at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church or walk through Treptower Park to visit the solemn Soviet War Memorial.
Easter Monday (Ostermontag) – April 21
This day concludes the Easter weekend and is often used for family gatherings and outdoor leisure.
Tip: Explore the Easter-themed activities at Britzer Garten, where egg hunts, craft stalls, and spring flower displays make for a relaxing day.
Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) – May 1
Labour Day is both a public holiday and a day of political activism in Berlin, especially known for demonstrations in Kreuzberg.
Tip: Observe the protests from a distance unless you’re experienced with such environments. For a safer option, enjoy street food and performances at Görlitzer Park.
80th Anniversary of the End of World War II – May 8
This is a special public holiday for 2025, marking eight decades since the end of World War II. While not celebrated every year, its recognition in 2025 holds national importance.
Tip: Visit memorial sites such as the German-Russian Museum in Karlshorst or the Topography of Terror to gain deeper insights into Berlin’s complex history.
Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) – May 29
This Christian holiday is also recognized as Father’s Day in Germany. It’s customary for men to gather in groups for outings and barbecues.
Tip: Join locals at Grunewald Forest or cycle to Schlachtensee Lake with a picnic. Public parks will be busy with families and groups celebrating.
Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) – June 9
Celebrated on the day after Pentecost, Whit Monday is a quieter holiday that often coincides with the Carnival of Cultures.
Tip: If the Carnival is happening, enjoy multicultural performances and street food in Kreuzberg. Otherwise, visit the Botanical Garden for a tranquil day surrounded by blooming plants.
German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) – October 3
This national holiday celebrates the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. As Berlin was the center of reunification, the city hosts large-scale celebrations.
Tip: Head to Brandenburg Gate early to enjoy concerts and speeches. For a reflective experience, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day – December 25 and 26
Both days are official public holidays in Germany. Christmas is celebrated in a more family-focused and subdued manner compared to other countries.
Tip: Spend time in the weeks leading up to Christmas visiting markets at Gendarmenmarkt or Charlottenburg Palace. On the holidays themselves, relax at home or enjoy a walk through quiet, decorated streets.
Practical Banking Tips for Berlin Public Holidays
Public holidays in Berlin don’t just affect shopping and transport—they directly impact your access to financial services. If you’re planning to handle banking tasks like rent payments, money transfers, or opening a bank account, it’s important to know which days are non-banking days and how to work around them.
Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate banking during Berlin’s public holidays.
When Are Banks Closed in Berlin?
All major retail banks in Berlin, including Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Sparkasse, N26 (in-person partners), and Postbank, are closed on public holidays. Even online-first banks like Vivid Money and Tomorrow Bank do not provide customer service on these dates, although app services remain functional.
Note: March 8 (International Women’s Day) is a public holiday only in Berlin, so banks in other federal states may remain open.
Are There Any Public Holidays When Banks Remain Open?
No. In Berlin, banks do not operate on any official public holiday. If the date is a recognized public holiday in the Berlin calendar, banks will be closed. Even self-service areas inside bank branches may be inaccessible.
Additionally, Sundays are always non-banking days in Germany. If a public holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, it results in a long weekend, meaning banking access is interrupted for several consecutive days.
What You Should Do Before a Public Holiday: Smart Financial Planning
To avoid inconvenience, especially for time-sensitive tasks like rent payments, deposits, or transfers, here are some practical actions you should take before each public holiday in Berlin:
1. Withdraw Cash in Advance
ATMs (especially those at supermarkets and transit stations) tend to run low during long weekends or major holidays like Christmas and New Year.
- Do this 1–2 days before the holiday to avoid queues or empty machines.
- Aim for ATMs inside large shopping centers, which are restocked more frequently.
2. Schedule Payments in Advance
Use your online banking platform (e.g. N26, Vivid, Deutsche Bank) to schedule transactions.
- Set SEPA transfers at least one business day in advance.
- Payments scheduled on non-banking days will be processed on the next working day, which may result in late fees if you’re paying rent or bills.
3. Avoid Opening Accounts or Sending Wire Transfers on Holidays
Identity verification for opening accounts, especially at traditional banks or hybrid platforms (like Commerzbank or DKB), requires staff availability, which isn’t possible on holidays.
- Schedule appointments before long weekends.
- If you’re using an online bank, complete video ID verification at least 48 hours prior to a holiday.
4. Use Online Banking Apps for Emergency Transfers
Even if customer service is offline, you can still:
- Send internal transfers (between your own accounts)
- Check balances
- Block your card if needed
Recommended banks with 24/7 online access:
- N26: All services available in English; supports mobile SEPA transfers
- Vivid Money: User-friendly for international users, supports Google Pay and Apple Pay
- Tomorrow Bank: Sustainable banking, 100% digital, English-language interface
Special Considerations for Expats and Newcomers
If you’re a newcomer in Berlin and unfamiliar with how German banking works on public holidays, keep these additional points in mind:
- No banking or postal service means delays in receiving international transfers or important documents.
- Employer payments or government benefits due on a holiday will usually arrive the previous working day.
- Utility bills, rent, and tax payments falling on a public holiday will be debited on the next working day—this is legally acceptable and not considered late.
What to Remember About Non- Banking Days in Berlin
| Action | When to Do It |
|---|---|
| Withdraw cash | 1–2 days before the holiday |
| Schedule rent or transfers | At least 1 business day before the holiday |
| Open or verify new accounts | Not possible on holidays or weekends |
| Use mobile banking apps | Available anytime; full functionality on most |
| Expect delays in SEPA transfers | If initiated during non-banking days |
By planning your banking activities in advance, you can enjoy Berlin’s public holidays without unnecessary stress. Whether you’re an expat paying rent, a student waiting for a stipend, or a traveler managing foreign transactions, these small actions will make a big difference.
FAQ:
How many public holidays are there in Berlin?
Berlin observes 9 public holidays annually, including New Year’s Day, International Women’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labor Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, German Unity Day, and Christmas Day.
Are shops open in Berlin on public holidays?
Most shops and supermarkets in Berlin are closed on public holidays. However, some convenience stores, gas stations, and select restaurants, especially in tourist areas, may remain open.
What day is everything closed in Berlin?
In Berlin, most businesses and shops are closed on public holidays and Sundays. Exceptions include restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and some stores in tourist areas.
Are public holidays in Germany paid?
Yes, public holidays in Germany are paid days off for employees, provided they meet the requirements of their employment status.
Why is everything closed on Sunday in Berlin?
The “Ladenschlussgesetz” (shop closing law) mandates shop closures on Sundays to promote work-life balance and family time. Exceptions include bakeries and stores in tourist areas.
What closes in Berlin on Sunday?
On Sundays in Berlin, shops, supermarkets, and retail outlets are closed, but restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues typically stay open.
How many full working days are there in Berlin?
Berlin typically has 251 working days per year, accounting for weekends and 9 public holidays. This number may vary slightly depending on how public holidays fall.
