Photo by Masood Aslami on Unsplash
Why German Public Holidays Catch Expats Off Guard (And How to Plan Ahead)
Understanding **German public holidays and when everything closes** is essential for expats. Shops, banks, and offices shut down nationwide on nine key dates, plus regional ones that vary by state. For example, in 2026, New Year’s Day on January 1 means no grocery shopping anywhere.[1][2]
Expats often face empty fridges because they miss state-specific closures. This guide covers shop rules, gas stations, pharmacies, and more. It answers: Which holidays close shops? Use it to stock up and avoid frustration.[1][3]
Germany’s system mixes federal and **Länder** (state) holidays. Bavaria has the most at 13, while Berlin has fewer. Plan around these to thrive as an expat.[1][2]
National Holidays: The Nine Days Everything Shuts Down Everywhere
Germany has nine nationwide **public holidays** where shops, post offices, and most services close across all 16 states. These are fixed by federal law. In 2026, they include New Year’s Day (January 1), Good Friday (April 3), and Easter Monday (April 6).[1][2][3]
Other dates: Labour Day (May 1), Ascension Day (May 14), Whit Monday (May 25), Day of German Unity (October 3), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26). On these, supermarkets like Rewe or Edeka close fully.[2][6]
Expats: Stock up 2-3 days before. Consequences of forgetting? Hunger or overpriced convenience stores. Check timeanddate.com for calendars.[4]
State and Regional Holidays: Why Shops Close in Some Places But Not Others
**State and regional holidays** cause shops to close only in specific **Länder**. For instance, Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige, January 6, 2026) shuts shops in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony-Anhalt.[1][2][3]
Corpus Christi (June 4, 2026) affects Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. Reformation Day (October 31) closes shops in Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia.[2][3]
All Saints’ Day (November 1) hits Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. Saxony’s Repentance Day (November 18) is another.[6] Use this to know: Shops close on these where you live.
What Is Stillen Feiertag? The ‘Quiet Holiday’ Rule Expats Miss
**Stillen Feiertag** means ‘quiet holiday,’ a legal rule for public peace on holidays. It bans loud activities like construction or fireworks from midnight to midnight. Shops close to enforce calm.[4]
On Christmas Eve (December 24, not official but observed), it’s extreme: No music, deliveries, or parties after 2 PM in many areas. Violators face €5,000 fines. Expats: Respect it to avoid neighbor complaints.[1][4]
In practice, even non-official days like Oktoberfest (September 19–October 4, 2026) feel quiet in Munich as locals party. Check local bylaws via your city’s website.[1]
Which States Have the Most Holidays? Bavaria Tops the List
Bavaria has the most **public holidays** at 13 in 2026, including Epiphany, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day (August 15), and All Saints’. Berlin has only the nine national ones, plus International Women’s Day (March 8).[1][2][3]
Why Bavaria? Strong Catholic traditions add feasts like Fronleichnam. Saxony has 11 with Repentance Day. Thuringia adds World Children’s Day (September 20).[2][5]
Expats in Bavaria get more days off but more closures. Compare: Berliners shop easier on Reformation Day. Use Bundesbank’s PDF for official lists.[6]
Can You Buy Groceries on Sunday or Holidays? The Strict Rules
No, you cannot buy groceries on Sundays or **public holidays** in most cases. Germany’s Ladenschlussgesetz bans Sunday sales, except at train stations, airports, or tourist areas like Berlin’s Bahnhof Zoo.[1][3]
On holidays, supermarkets close 100%. Exceptions: Tankstellen (gas stations) sell basics until 9 PM, or Bahnhof shops 24/7. Step-by-step: Check Rewe’s app for hours; stock up Saturday.[2]
Edge case: In Bavaria on Assumption Day, even small kiosks close. Mistake: Assuming urban areas differ—rural spots are stricter. Plan for [INTERNAL: Cost of Living Guide].
What About Gas Stations, Pharmacies, and Restaurants on Holidays?
Gas stations stay open on **public holidays**, selling snacks and drinks until late. Aral or Shell pumps work 24/7 for fuel.[1][3]
Pharmacies: One Notdienst apotheke per town rotates 24/7. Find via apotheken.de or 0800 0022333. On holidays, only emergencies—no cosmetics.[3]
Restaurants: Many close, but tourist spots or Imbisse (kebab shops) open. In Cologne on Karneval (February 12–16, 2026), eateries thrive despite no official holiday. Check Google Maps.[1]
What Is Totensonntag? And Other Confusing Observances
**Totensonntag** (Sunday of the Dead, late November) isn’t a public holiday but quiets Bavaria and Catholic areas. Families visit graves; shops stay open, but vibe is somber.[1]
Not legal closure, unlike All Saints’. Expats confuse it with holidays. Other: Maundy Thursday (Gründonnerstag) in some spots, but rare closures.[2]
Practical: No impact on shopping, but expect fewer crowds. Learn via [INTERNAL: Daily Life & Culture Guide].
Your Step-by-Step Plan: Avoid Holiday Closures as an Expat
1. Check your state’s holidays on qppstudio.net.[2]
2. Mark calendar 3 days ahead; shop Saturday 8 AM–8 PM.
3. Locate Notdienst pharmacy and 24/7 gas station via apps.
4. For long weekends (e.g., Easter: April 3–6, 2026), buy bulk at Lidl.[1][3]
Edge cases: Moving day on holiday? Services halt. Costs: Fines for noise €100–5000. Bavaria expats: Enjoy extra days off, but prep more.[6]
Master **German public holidays and when everything closes** for stress-free living. This beats generic blogs with state-by-state 2026 dates and tips.
