When doing business with foreign companies, it’s crucial to know their national holiday calendar. This way, not only will you express your respect toward their culture, but also avoid inconveniences that come with days off. It’s common for holidays to interfere with our business plan or create communication difficulties. To make this easier for you, we’ve prepared a list of holidays in Germany 2022.
Holidays in Germany 2022
New Year’s Day – January 1st
New Year’s Day is celebrated all around the world, including Germany. On this day, most businesses are closed; thus, it’s not a convenient time to contact your business partner. Most people enjoy their day off with their friends or family. They usually spend it resting after the night of the New Year’s celebrations. At night from December 31st to January 1st, people attend parties, various events and concerts, and fireworks show at midnight.
It’s worth noting that many people travel during this time, both Germans and foreign visitors. Therefore, accommodation and transportation prices might be higher.
Good Friday – April 15th
Good Friday, Karfreitag in German, is a public holiday marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Most businesses, banks, schools, or other institutions are closed. People dedicate this day to their participation in church services and processions organized in the open air. It’s also a time when Germans tend to travel for vacation, so the contact with them will be restricted. Moreover, it’s better not to conduct any business on Good Friday due to its mournful character. In Germany, Good Friday is also regarded as Quiet Friday.
Be aware that Good Friday is a moveable holiday, and its date changes every year. It’s necessary always to check what date it falls on.
Easter Monday – April 18th
Easter Monday is another day off-limits when it comes to doing business with German companies. It’s an annually celebrated public holiday meant to be spent with family members. This day is dedicated to honoring Jesus Christ’s resurrection, meaning that many Christians attend church services. Many people from the south participate in a parade called Emmausgang, held in the early morning before the church service. Some villages organize egg races – Eierlauf. Both children and young adults can enjoy themselves participating in such an event. Easter Monday is yet another holiday whose dates differ every year.
Labor Day – May 1st
Labor Day is a holiday celebrated worldwide, and Germany is no exception. Tag der Arbeit (Labor Day) was established in this country in 1933 and has been recognized ever since. It may come as a surprising fact for some, but in some parts of Germany, mainly rural areas, Labor Day or May Day is associated with old traditions, myths, and welcoming of the spring. For example, at night from April 30th to May 1st (Witches Night), people spend their time by bonfires, play pranks on their neighbors, and prepare maypoles during the day.
On the other hand, cities organize marches to campaign for workers’ rights, with the main one taking place in Berlin.
Ascension Day – May 26th
Christian Germans celebrate Ascension Day to commemorate Jesus Christ’s entering heaven. Many people attend church services on this day and dedicate it to spending time with their closest ones. Some citizens in rural areas still attend Himmelfahrt – special processions organized on this day. Participants are dressed in traditional costumes, and they usually hold religious banners and torches.
However, it’s worth noting that Ascension Day is a bonus day off for those who are not Christian or religious. Furthermore, because the holiday falls on Thursday, some people may take another day off on Friday to enjoy a long weekend and go on a vacation. There are also parts of Germany that consider Ascension Day as Father’s Day when male friends or relatives spend time together.
Whit Monday – June 6th
Whit Monday is a public holiday observed by Christians in Germany, marking the end of the Easter cycle. The holiday commemorates the Holy Ghost’s descent on Jesus Christ’s disciples. Many people participate in church services. In some parts of the country, the day is celebrated through various local customs. Like a few other holidays, Whit Monday is a moveable feast.
Day of German Unity – October 3rd
Day of German Unity is celebrated to commemorate Germany’s reunification in 1990. Each year one of the nominated cities hosts a large celebration. However, festivals, shows, and other activities are organized throughout the country, so it’s not necessary to travel to enjoy the perks of this holiday. People can attend various performances and eat delicious food.
Please note that the Day of German Unity is also a public holiday in Germany. Thus, most businesses, post offices, banks, and other places are closed.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day – December 25-26th
The celebrations of Christmas in Germany last two days – December 25th, Christmas Day, and December 26th called Boxing Day. On both days, all businesses are closed as people spend their time off with family and friends. Christmas is celebrated in Germany by Christians and many non-religious people. Many cities open Christmas markets during this time, where visitors can try delicatessen typical for Germany, e.g., Christmas stollen (a rich bread filled with dried fruit and a marzipan roll).
Keep in mind that Christmas is the time when lots of tourists visit Germany. Moreover, many Germans travel through the country to see their loved ones or go on a vacation. Therefore, delays in transportation and higher prices of accommodations are more likely to occur.
Holidays in Germany 2022 – Summary
As one may notice, some of the holidays celebrated in Germany are moveable, while others are not. Regardless, it’s always recommended to check the public holidays calendar to avoid inconveniences when conducting business. It’s worth mentioning that apart from the above-mentioned national holidays, there are also a few others recognized in different German Länder. Remember that public holidays usually mean that communication with your business partner will be restricted, transportation or production may also get delayed.
Make sure to check public holidays in other countries for 2022.
