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Christmas Holidays in Germany: ~2 Weeks (Dec 23 – Jan 6)

Typical school & public holiday period: December 23 – January 6 (approx. 14–16 days).

Breakdown

State Variations (16 Länder)

  • Bavaria (BY) & Baden-Württemberg (BW): Longest break (often Dec 23 – Jan 7/8).
  • Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Bremen: Shorter (Dec 23 – Jan 5/6).
  • Exact dates: Set by each state's education ministry; published years ahead.

Workplace

  • No statutory "Christmas shutdown" — but many firms close Dec 24–Jan 1 (collective agreements / custom).
  • Retail: Closed Dec 25, 26, Jan 1; limited hours Dec 24, 31.
  • Public transport: Sunday/holiday schedule on public holidays.

Travel tip: Book trains/flights early — Dec 22–23 & Jan 5–6 are peak. Christmas markets run late Nov – Dec 23.

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    PeriodNameStatusNotes
    Dec 23 – Dec 24Pre-ChristmasSchool holidays (all states)Many businesses close early Dec 24
    Dec 25 – Dec 261. & 2. WeihnachtsfeiertagNational public holidaysEverything closed
    Dec 27 – Dec 31"Zwischen den Jahren"School holidays; many workers take leaveQuiet week; limited retail hours
    Jan 1NeujahrNational public holidayEverything closed
    Jan 2 – Jan 6Post-New YearSchool holidays (most states)Jan 6 = Heilige Drei Könige (Epiphany) — public holiday in BW, BY, ST
    Jan 7+School resumesVaries by stateBW, BY often Jan 8; others Jan 7