Germany bank holidays 2021 contain the list of bank holidays that is observed across the country of Germany. Whenever a new year comes knocking at our door, we are not only filled with hope of a wonderful year, but also want to know about the holidays that can be spent enjoying with family and friends.
Might it be bank employees or any professional, everybody needs to get a break and relax for a while. The holidays help you do that. The team at 123NewYear has worked hard to get the list ready for you. Plan the year, so that you can go on vacations or even a log weekend getaway. As per the state legislation, banks remain closed on public holidays and these holidays are known as bank holidays. The employees get a day off to relax or enjoy, basically they get to do what they wish.
The German constitution says specifically that post offices and banks are supposed to stay closed on Sundays and these bank holidays. The list offers the dates of the holidays along with some insight into the culture and traditions behind the holiday or how they are celebrated.
Here is the list of bank holidays for the year 2021 that the people of Germany observe.
National and Local holidays
New Year's Day
| Friday - 1st of January 2021 | National holiday |
All states
New Year's Day, which is on January 1, or the first day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, is a public holiday in Germany.
In Germany, this day is also called “Neujahr” or “Neujahrstag”. This day is the main day of the Georgian Calendar. Many individuals commend the beginning of a radical new year by visiting bars and parties as the clock strikes twelve, on the previous night.
The vast majority of these gatherings last till the early hours of the first day of the New Year. Many individuals like to spend whatever remains of the day unwinding with their family at home which is typically trailed by lunch or night supper. The festivals on the last day of the previous year include shows like firecrackers and so much more.
International Women's Day
| Monday - 8th of March 2021 | Common local holiday |
Berlin
International Women's Day is a common local holiday in Germany
Good Friday
| Friday - 2nd of April 2021 | National holiday |
All states
Many Christians in Germany observe the Good Friday public holiday to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Good Friday signifies the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and is known in Germany as “Karfreitag”. This is the Friday that falls prior to Easter Sunday. People spend this day grieving. Individuals go to church and attend special held for God Friday.
Plays portraying the story of Jesus Christ’s life are organized at various institutions. Fish is the more popular option for meals on this day, rather than meat. It is additionally the start of a long weekend. Numerous individuals accept this occasion to go on little excursions.
Easter Monday
| Monday - 5th of April 2021 | National holiday |
All states
Many people in Germany annually observe Easter Monday on the day after Easter Sunday. It is a public holiday in all states.
"Ostermontag" is another public holiday of Germany, which is known as Easter Monday in the rest of the world. Right after Easter Sunday, Easter Monday falls on the next Monday. This day denotes the resurrection or revival of Jesus Christ.
Individuals partake in flame lit parades, early in the morning, which is trailed by chapel services. The grieving time frame reaches an end with the celebrations. Tremendous dinners are organized. Eating Easter bunnies and Easter eggs made out of chocolate is a traditional custom.
May Day
| Saturday - 1st of May 2021 | National holiday |
All states
May Day in Germany is a holiday to celebrate the start of spring and to campaign for workers' rights. It is always on May 1.
In Germany, Labor Day is also called “Tag der Arbeit”. This day commends the rights of workers. Labor Day concurs with the occasion of May Day in Germany. Celebrations incorporate getting ready of Maypoles that are basically branches, which are enclosed in ribbons.
Different merriments incorporate bonfires and other festivities. Individuals additionally partake in encourages to battle for laborer’s rights.
Ascension Day
| Thursday - 13th of May 2021 | National holiday |
All states
Ascension Day in Germany is on a Thursday 39 days after Easter Sunday.
“Christi Himmelfahrt” is known as Ascension Day in the country of Germany. Ascension Day symbolizes the day when Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven. It is observed 39 days post Easter Sunday.
Individuals attend church services that are specially held for on Ascension Day and individuals might participate in religious parades as well. “International Charlemagne Prize” is presented on this day, in Aachen, to somebody who had made a huge commitment towards mankind and world peace. This day corresponds with the Father’s Day.
Whit Monday
| Monday - 24th of May 2021 | National holiday |
All states
The Second Day of Pentecost is, which is on the Monday after Pentecost (or Whitsunday), is a public holiday in Germany.
Whit Monday is the Monday after Whit Sunday, which takes place 2 days post Pentecost. In Germany, it is known as “Pfingstmontag”. According to Bible, it recognizes the descent of the Holy Spirit on the pupils of Jesus Christ. Customarily festivities occur in chapel consistently. On this day young fellows place branches of the birch tree on the walls of that young lady’s home, whom they desire to get married to.
Peace Festival in Augsburg
| Sunday - 8th of August 2021 | Local holiday |
Bavaria
The Augsburg Peace Festival in Germany celebrates the implementation of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 CE. It is on August 8 each year.
German World Children's Day
| Monday - 20th of September 2021 | Common local holiday |
Thuringia
German World Children's Day is a common local holiday in Germany
Day of German Unity
| Sunday - 3rd of October 2021 | National holiday |
All states
German Unity Day celebrates Germany's unification in 1990. It is on October 3 each year.
“Tag der Deutschen Einheit” is the name by which Germans know this day. It is held every year to mark the day, when Germany was unified. On this day the Federal Republic of Germany and the Democratic Republic of Germany were united to form Federal Germany on the 3rd of October in the year 1990. The celebrations incorporate shows, which include firecracker as well as scrumptious meals.
Reformation Day
| Sunday - 31st of October 2021 | Common local holiday |
Brandenburg Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Thuringia Schleswig-Holstein Hamburg Lower Saxony Bremen
Reformation Day in Germany is annually observed on October 31 to remember the Reformation, a time of big religious change between 1517 CE and 1648 CE.
“Reformationstag” is the name for Day of Reformation in Germany. It denotes the religious reformations, which occurred all over the entire of Europe. In 1517, on this very day Marin Luther, the German scholar and priest, had nailed a rundown of his proposition on the doors of churches. This occasion denoted the start of religious and social changes in Europe.
Christmas Eve
| Friday - 24th of December 2021 | Half-day holiday |
All states
Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and the start of the Christmas celebration. It always falls on December 24 in Germany.
“Weihnachtstag” is the name for Christmas in Germany and is a public holiday all over the country and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. This day is loaded with a lot of merriment and joy. The entire family meets up for a huge feast and the tables are set with customary luxuries which incorporate Roasted duck or goose with stuffing, mashed potatoes, dumplings and numerous more dishes.
People adorn their houses with beautiful Christmas pyramids, Christmas trees and nut crackers. Individuals go to chapel benefits and sing Christmas songs.
Christmas Day
| Saturday - 25th of December 2021 | National holiday |
All states
Christmas Day marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a public holiday in Germany. It is on December 25 each year.
Boxing Day
| Sunday - 26th of December 2021 | National holiday |
All states
The Second Day of Christmas is a public holiday in Germany. It always falls on December 26.
St. Stephen’s Day is also known as “Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag”. It is a day when the first Christian martyr, St Stephen is remembered by devout Christians. Individuals as a rule spend this day unwinding at home with loved ones. A few people might also go to extraordinary church services.
New Year's Eve
| Friday - 31st of December 2021 | Half-day holiday |
All states
New Year's Eve in Germany is annually celebrated on December 31. It is the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
Other important days
Epiphany
| Wednesday - 6th of January 2021 | Christian |
Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Saxony-Anhalt
Epiphany on January 6 is a public holiday in 3 German states and commemorates the Bible story of the Magi's visit to baby Jesus.
“Epiphanias” and “Erscheinung des Herrn” are the names of the public holiday Epiphany, which are popular in Germany. Three wise men also known as Magi, had gone to Jesus Christ, after he was born, on this day. Individuals go to chapel to attend special services.
The patios of houses are enriched with icons and other decorations to depict the scene. Youngsters dressed as Magi’s visit houses and sing hymns to gather cash for charitable reasons. Individuals likewise drink a German beer on this day known as bockbier.
Franco-German Day
| Friday - 22nd of January 2021 | Observance |
All states
Franco-German Day is a observance in Germany
Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism
| Wednesday - 27th of January 2021 | Observance |
All states
Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism is a observance in Germany
European Privacy Day
| Thursday - 28th of January 2021 | Observance |
All states
European Privacy Day is a observance in Germany
Children's Hospice Day
| Wednesday - 10th of February 2021 | Observance |
All states
Children's Hospice Day is a observance in Germany
Valentine's Day
| Sunday - 14th of February 2021 | Observance |
All states
Valentine’s Day is a special time to celebrate love, romance and friendship.
Shrove Monday
| Monday - 15th of February 2021 | Observance |
All states
Carnival Monday is two days before Ash Wednesday and parades are held in many Catholic areas of Germany.
Carnival / Shrove Tuesday
| Tuesday - 16th of February 2021 | Observance |
All states
Shrove Tuesday is a religious holiday that is on the day before Ash Wednesday. It is also known as the Tuesday of Carnival, which is a festive occasion among many cultures.
Carnival / Ash Wednesday
| Wednesday - 17th of February 2021 | Observance |
All states
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent in western Christian churches.
International Women's Day
| Monday - 8th of March 2021 | Observance |
Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Brandenburg Bremen Hamburg Hesse Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Lower Saxony North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein Thuringia
International Women's Day is a observance in Germany
International Women's Day
| Monday - 8th of March 2021 | Observance |
All states
International Women's Day is a observance in Germany
St. Patrick's Day
| Wednesday - 17th of March 2021 | Observance |
All states
St Patrick’s Day celebrates Irish culture and commemorates one of Ireland’s patron saints, St Patrick, on or around March 17.
March Equinox
| Saturday - 20th of March 2021 | Season |
All states
March Equinox in Germany (Berlin)
Daylight Saving Time starts
| Sunday - 28th of March 2021 | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
All states
Daylight Saving Time starts in Germany
Palm Sunday
| Sunday - 28th of March 2021 | Observance |
All states
Palm Sunday is a Christian feast that commemorates Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. It is also the start of Holy Week.
Maundy Thursday
| Thursday - 1st of April 2021 | Observance |
All states
Maundy Thursday is a Christian observance on the Thursday during Holy Week. It is the day before Good Friday.
Easter Sunday
| Sunday - 4th of April 2021 | Christian |
Brandenburg
Easter Sunday is a holiday in Germany to celebrate the Jesus Christ's resurrection, according to the Christian Bible.
Easter Sunday
| Sunday - 4th of April 2021 | Observance |
Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Berlin Bremen Hamburg Hesse Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Lower Saxony North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein Thuringia
Easter Sunday is a holiday in Germany to celebrate the Jesus Christ's resurrection, according to the Christian Bible.
Girls' Day - Career Information Day
| Thursday - 22nd of April 2021 | Observance |
All states
Girls' Day - Career Information Day is a observance in Germany
German Beer Day
| Friday - 23rd of April 2021 | Observance |
All states
German Beer Day is a observance in Germany
Walpurgis Night
| Friday - 30th of April 2021 | Observance |
All states
Walpurgis Night is a observance in Germany
Europe Day (Council of Europe)
| Wednesday - 5th of May 2021 | Observance |
All states
Europe Day (Council of Europe) is a observance in Germany
Anniversary of the End of World War II
| Saturday - 8th of May 2021 | Observance |
All states
Mother's Day
| Sunday - 9th of May 2021 | Observance |
All states
Mother’s Day celebrates the achievements and efforts of mothers and mother figures.
In the year 1933, Mother’s Day was declared as a public holiday. “Tag der Mutter” is the name of this day in Germany. It is commended to recognize the unlimited and selfless endeavors of moms and mother figures.
It is generally celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Be that as it may if Pentecost happens to be around the same time, it gets preponed to the first Sunday. Individuals for the most part either do something special for their mothers or present them with gifts like chocolates, flowers, and sweet little gifts.
Europe Day (European Union)
| Sunday - 9th of May 2021 | Observance |
All states
Europe Day (European Union) is a observance in Germany
Father's Day
| Thursday - 13th of May 2021 | Observance |
All states
Father’s Day celebrates fatherhood and male parenting on different dates worldwide.
“Vatertag” is the German name for Father’s Day. On this day, celebrations are organized to pay tribute to fathers or father figures. Individuals present their fathers with different types of gifts like chocolates, watches, books and wine bottles to name some. These gifts are just to say thank you for all the support that they received from their Father/father figures.
Whit Sunday
| Sunday - 23rd of May 2021 | Observance |
Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Berlin Bremen Hamburg Hesse Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Lower Saxony North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein Thuringia
Pentecost is a Christian holiday to remember the Holy Spirit's descent onto Jesus' followers.
Whit Sunday
| Sunday - 23rd of May 2021 | Christian |
Brandenburg
Pentecost is a Christian holiday to remember the Holy Spirit's descent onto Jesus' followers.
Constitution Day
| Sunday - 23rd of May 2021 | Observance |
All states
Constitution Day is a observance in Germany
International Childrens' Day
| Tuesday - 1st of June 2021 | Observance |
Berlin Brandenburg Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Thuringia
International Childrens' Day is a observance in Germany
Corpus Christi
| Thursday - 3rd of June 2021 | Christian |
Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Hesse North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland Saxony Thuringia
Corpus Christi celebrates the Eucharist and is public holiday in some parts of Germany.
“Fronleichnam” is the German name for Corpus Christi, which is celebrated to pay tribute to the Eucharist. This day is observed around sixty days post Easter Sunday. Numerous individuals go to attend unique church services.
From that point onward, honored holy observance which comprises of wafers or breads is paraded outside. On this day, another tradition is “Muelheimer Gottestracht”, which is basically a procession of ships that occur on the Rhine stream in Cologne, since 1435. Individuals can also take a ride on a couple of boats in this parade.
European Bicycle Day
| Thursday - 3rd of June 2021 | Observance |
All states
European Bicycle Day is a observance in Germany
Visually Impaired People Day
| Sunday - 6th of June 2021 | Observance |
All states
Visually Impaired People Day is a observance in Germany
Car-free Sunday
| Sunday - 20th of June 2021 | Observance |
All states
Car-free Sunday is a observance in Germany
June Solstice
| Monday - 21st of June 2021 | Season |
All states
June Solstice in Germany (Berlin)
Architecture Day
| Saturday - 26th of June 2021 | Observance |
All states
Architecture Day is a observance in Germany
Assumption of Mary
| Sunday - 15th of August 2021 | Christian |
Saarland Bavaria
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is an occasion for Catholics to honor the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary to heaven. It is a public holiday in some parts of Germany on August 15 each year.
Assumption day is a Christian holiday that is also known as “Maria Himmelfahrt”. The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is observed for the day when the Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, left this world to go to Heaven. Individuals go to the church to attend special services that are held on this day along with religious parades that are held in a few places.
World Peace Day
| Wednesday - 1st of September 2021 | Observance |
All states
World Peace Day is a observance in Germany
German Language Day
| Saturday - 11th of September 2021 | Observance |
All states
German Language Day is a observance in Germany
European Heritage Days
| Sunday - 12th of September 2021 | Observance |
All states
European Heritage Days is a observance in Germany
German World Children's Day
| Monday - 20th of September 2021 | Observance |
All states
German World Children's Day is a observance in Germany
September Equinox
| Wednesday - 22nd of September 2021 | Season |
All states
September Equinox in Germany (Berlin)
Harvest Festival
| Sunday - 3rd of October 2021 | Observance |
All states
Harvest Festival is a observance in Germany
Grandparents' Day
| Sunday - 10th of October 2021 | Observance |
Bavaria
Grandparents' Day is a observance in Germany
Day of the Libraries
| Sunday - 24th of October 2021 | Observance |
All states
Day of the Libraries is a observance in Germany
World Thrift Day
| Friday - 29th of October 2021 | Observance |
All states
World Thrift Day is a observance in Germany
Daylight Saving Time ends
| Sunday - 31st of October 2021 | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
All states
Daylight Saving Time ends in Germany
Halloween
| Sunday - 31st of October 2021 | Observance |
All states
Halloween is a festive occasion that is celebrated in many countries on October 31 each year.
All Saints' Day
| Monday - 1st of November 2021 | Christian |
Baden-Württemberg Bavaria North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland
All Saints' Day is an annual public holiday in five German states to remember all Christian saints on November 1.
All Saints Day is also known as “Allerheiligen” and is celebrated in honor of the Christian saints and the life that they lead. Individuals pay tribute to their expired relatives and furthermore light candles in chapel recollecting their memories.
They additionally visit graves of their loved ones to decorate with blooms and candles on this day. Individuals additionally go to unique church administrations to appeal to God for the everlasting tranquility of their perished companions and relatives.
Night of Broken Glass Remembrance Day
| Tuesday - 9th of November 2021 | Observance |
All states
Night of Broken Glass Remembrance Day is a observance in Germany
Fall of the Berlin Wall
| Tuesday - 9th of November 2021 | Observance |
All states
Fall of the Berlin Wall is a observance in Germany
St. Martin's Day
| Thursday - 11th of November 2021 | Observance |
All states
St. Martin's Day is celebrated in Germany every year on November 11.
National Day of Mourning
| Sunday - 14th of November 2021 | Observance |
All states
On the National Day of Mourning (Volkstrauertag) many Germans commemorate all victims of war and tyranny.
Repentance Day
| Wednesday - 17th of November 2021 | Christian |
Saxony
The Day of Prayer and Repentance is a Protestant holiday and a public holiday in the state of Saxony (Sachsen) on the last Wednesday before November 23.
“Buss-und Bettag” is the name for Repentance Day in Germany, but it is also known as the Day of Prayer and Repentance. This day is observed as a public holiday in the state of Saxony, Germany. This is commended eleven days before the start of the Advent.
On the occasion of Repentance Day, Protestant Christians pray or think deeply about good deeds. While individuals of Saxony spend this occasion with their loved ones, other parts of Germany do not consider this to be a holiday.
Sunday of the Dead
| Sunday - 21st of November 2021 | Observance |
All states
The Sunday of the Dead in Germany is an occasion to remember those who have passed away.
First Advent Sunday
| Sunday - 28th of November 2021 | Observance |
All states
The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year.
Second Advent Sunday
| Sunday - 5th of December 2021 | Observance |
All states
Second Advent Sunday is a observance and Christian holiday in Germany
Saint Nicholas Day
| Monday - 6th of December 2021 | Observance |
All states
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6 in many European countries, as well as areas across the world that boast a strong European influence.
Third Advent Sunday
| Sunday - 12th of December 2021 | Observance |
All states
Third Advent Sunday is a observance and Christian holiday in Germany
Fourth Advent Sunday
| Sunday - 19th of December 2021 | Observance |
All states
Fourth Advent Sunday is a observance and Christian holiday in Germany
Remembrance Day for Roma and Sinti killed by Genocide
| Sunday - 19th of December 2021 | Observance |
All states
Remembrance Day for Roma and Sinti killed by Genocide is a observance in Germany
December Solstice
| Tuesday - 21st of December 2021 | Season |
All states
December Solstice in Germany (Berlin)