Christmas Day in Germany: Dates and Nationwide Holiday Rules
View the global Christmas Day guide
Christmas Day is an annual holiday celebrated on 25 December.
Christmas Day (Erster Weihnachtstag) is observed across Germany on 25 December. It is the first Christmas holiday after family celebrations on Christmas Eve. The Deutsche Bundesbank includes the applicable date among holidays observed throughout the Federal Republic.
Christmas Day
Holiday
Germany
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Friday
Day
Dec
25
December 25, 2026
Christmas Day Date in Germany
Date
December 25, 2026
Day
Friday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
Christmas Day Dates in Germany
Christmas Day 2026
- Confirmed
Christmas Day 2027
- Confirmed
Christmas Day 2028
- Confirmed
About Christmas Day
Christmas Day is one of the most widely observed holidays around the world. Traditions and public holiday arrangements vary by country.
History of Christmas Day
Erster Weihnachtstag on 25 December commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is nationwide and is a TARGET closing day.
Importance of Christmas Day
Germany’s Continued Remuneration Act requires normal pay when scheduled work is lost because of a legal holiday. That rule does not mean every operation closes, and state quiet-day laws can add separate restrictions.
How Christmas Day Is Celebrated in Germany
Church services and family gatherings are central to Christmas Day after the principal German Christmas Eve observance. Household and regional customs vary.
Office Impact
Federal, state and municipal offices normally close for Erster Weihnachtstag. Police, hospitals, transport and other essential services continue with holiday staffing.
Bank Impact
Branch access is limited, but payment processing depends on the specific system. Bundesbank distinguishes nationwide holidays, TARGET closures and additional bank non-business days, so settlement timing should be checked.
School Impact
Ordinary classes do not meet on this nationwide holiday. Longer Easter, Pentecost or Christmas breaks differ by Land because the Länder set most school-vacation dates.
Travel Information
25 December is both a nationwide holiday and TARGET closing day. Passenger services use dated Christmas timetables that should be checked directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Christmas Day in Germany?
It is observed on 25 December.
What is the German name?
The German term is Erster Weihnachtstag.
Is holiday pay protected?
Scheduled work lost because of a legal holiday is covered by section 2 of the Continued Remuneration Act, subject to its conditions.