New Year's Day in Germany: Dates and Nationwide Holiday Rules
View the global New Year's Day guide
New Year's Day (Neujahr) is observed across Germany on 1 January. It starts the calendar year after Silvester celebrations. The Deutsche Bundesbank includes the applicable date among holidays observed throughout the Federal Republic.
New Year's Day
Holiday
Germany
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Thursday
Day
Jan
01
January 1, 2026
New Year's Day Date in Germany
Date
January 1, 2026
Day
Thursday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
New Year's Day Dates in Germany
New Year's Day 2026
- Confirmed
New Year's Day 2027
- Confirmed
New Year's Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of New Year's Day
Neujahr is the nationwide 1 January holiday that begins Germany’s civil calendar year. Deutsche Bundesbank lists it both as a Germany-wide holiday and a TARGET closing day.
Importance of New Year's 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 New Year's Day Is Celebrated in Germany
New Year’s Day follows Silvester celebrations and is generally quieter, with greetings, family time and church services among the ways the new year is marked.
Office Impact
Federal, state and municipal offices normally close for Neujahr. 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
1 January is a nationwide holiday and TARGET closing day, but transport frequency remains operator-specific. Check the dated New Year timetable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is New Year's Day in Germany?
It is observed on 1 January.
What is the German name?
The German term is Neujahr.
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.