10 Public Holidays
Berlin Public Holidays
Use this Berlin public holidays 2026 guide to view International Women's Day, all 9 national holidays, and local rule notes for work, travel, and payroll planning.
1 Berlin-only Date
2 Weekend Holidays
Berlin Public Holidays 2026
Switch between the detailed list and month-by-month calendar view.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type | Local rule note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | - | |
| March 8, 2026 | Sunday | International Women's Day | Falls on Sunday in 2026. Germany does not declare a substitute weekday holiday. | |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | - | |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | - | |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | - | |
| May 14, 2026 | Thursday | Ascension Day | - | |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | Whit Monday | - | |
| October 3, 2026 | Saturday | German Unity Day | Falls on Saturday in 2026. No substitute holiday is declared. | |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | - | |
| December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas | Falls on Saturday in 2026. No substitute holiday is declared. |
Data from Nager.Date, Senatskanzlei Berlin Last updated June 16, 2026
January
- New Year's Day Thursday
February
No holidays this month.
March
- International Women's Day Sunday
April
- Good Friday Friday
- Easter Monday Monday
May
- Labour Day Friday
- Ascension Day Thursday
- Whit Monday Monday
June
No holidays this month.
July
No holidays this month.
August
No holidays this month.
September
No holidays this month.
October
- German Unity Day Saturday
November
No holidays this month.
December
- Christmas Day Friday
- Second Day of Christmas Saturday
Local public holiday notes
Use these notes to understand what makes Berlin different from the national Germany overview. View Germany overview
International Women's Day
Berlin public holidays 2026 include International Women's Day on March 8, which Berlin declared an official public holiday in 2019. In 2026 it falls on a Sunday, so it is observed on that day with no substitute weekday holiday declared.
No substitute days
Germany does not declare substitute weekday holidays when a public holiday falls on a weekend. In 2026, German Unity Day (Oct 3) and Second Christmas Day (Dec 26) both fall on Saturday, with no replacement.
National baseline
All 9 nationwide German public holidays apply in Berlin. The only state-specific addition is International Women's Day. For most Berlin public holidays 2026 planning, the city follows the national calendar with one extra date in March.
Understanding Berlin Holidays
State Holiday
Berlin public holidays 2026 include International Women's Day, making Berlin one of the few German states with a public holiday tied to gender equality. For employers in Berlin, this means one extra paid day off compared to states that only observe the 9 national holidays.
Weekend Treatment
Germany does not observe substitute weekday holidays. In Berlin in 2026, Women's Day falls on Sunday, German Unity Day falls on Saturday, and Second Christmas Day falls on Saturday. None of these generate a replacement weekday holiday.
Planning Use
Use this Berlin public holidays 2026 page for work rosters, payroll cutoffs, and business closure planning. For March 8, confirm that Women's Day applies to the relevant award, agreement, or contract before finalising leave arrangements.
FAQ
How many public holidays does Berlin have in 2026?
Berlin public holidays 2026 include 10 dates: the 9 nationwide German holidays plus International Women's Day on March 8.
Is International Women's Day a public holiday in all German states?
No. International Women's Day on March 8 is a public holiday in Berlin, but not in all German states. Berlin added this holiday in 2019.
Does Berlin have substitute holidays when they fall on weekends?
No. Germany does not declare substitute weekday holidays. In Berlin in 2026, International Women's Day (Mar 8), German Unity Day (Oct 3), and Second Christmas Day (Dec 26) all fall on weekends with no replacement.
Which Berlin public holidays 2026 fall on a weekend?
International Women's Day falls on Sunday March 8, German Unity Day falls on Saturday October 3, and Second Christmas Day falls on Saturday December 26. None have a substitute weekday holiday.
How does Berlin differ from other German states in 2026?
Berlin has one extra public holiday compared to states that observe only the 9 national holidays: International Women's Day on March 8. States like Bavaria have more additions based on Catholic tradition.
Are shops closed on Berlin public holidays in 2026?
On Berlin public holidays 2026, generally yes. German shop-closing laws mean most retail shops are closed on public holidays, including Women's Day in Berlin. Some pharmacies, petrol stations, and tourist-area exceptions apply.
Should employers in Berlin include Women's Day in payroll planning?
Yes. International Women's Day is an official public holiday in Berlin, so employers must treat it the same as any other public holiday for payroll, leave, and roster purposes. The relevant award or agreement should still be checked for any specific conditions.
Can I use this Berlin page for payroll planning in 2026?
Yes. This Berlin public holidays 2026 page covers the full state holiday list. For payroll, also check whether the relevant award or contract treats Women's Day and weekend-falling holidays consistently with other public holiday entitlements.