The School Holiday System in Germany
In Germany, the school holiday system is structured in such a way that each of the 16 federal states (Länder) can set its own holiday dates within certain limits. This decentralized approach allows holiday periods to be staggered across the country, reducing travel congestion while respecting local traditions and regional needs. Holiday dates are generally divided into different zones, with the Länder in the same zone having similar holiday periods.
Holiday Dates in Germany 2024-2025:
- Summer Holidays : from June 20 to August 31, 2024, with variations depending on the Länder (e.g., from July 29 to September 9, 2024 in Bavaria, and from June 20 to July 31, 2024 in Thuringia).
- Christmas Holidays : from December 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025, depending on the Länder.
- Easter Holidays : from April 14 to April 26, 2025 (e.g., from April 14 to April 25 in Bavaria and from April 14 to April 26 in Baden-Württemberg).
- Autumn Holidays : from September 30 to November 2, 2024, depending on the Länder (e.g., from October 28 to October 31 in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg).
- Winter Holidays : early February 2025, depending on the Länder (e.g., from February 3 to February 7 in Berlin).
- Whitsun Holidays : from June 10 to June 20, 2025, depending on the Länder (e.g., in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg).
Holiday Periods in Germany:
- Summer Holidays : They usually start at the end of June or the beginning of July and last about six weeks, with variations depending on the Länder. The summer holidays are the longest break in the school year.
- Christmas Holidays : These holidays generally cover the period from December 24 to early January, giving students a break for the festive season. The duration is around two weeks.
- Easter Holidays : They take place around Holy Week and last about two weeks. The exact dates vary from year to year depending on the liturgical calendar.
- Autumn Holidays : Often called "Herbstferien," these holidays occur in October or early November and last one to two weeks, depending on the Land.
- Winter Holidays : Known as "Winterferien," they generally take place in February and last one to two weeks. They allow students to enjoy the winter season, often with activities like skiing.
- Whitsun Holidays : Some regions also grant a break around Whitsun, although this holiday period is generally shorter.
This holiday schedule helps to distribute the flow of travelers across the country, balancing the impact on tourism and transport systems. The variation in dates also helps to reduce congestion on the roads and at tourist destinations, while taking into account regional specificities and local traditions.
Public Holidays 2024-2025 in Germany:
- German Unity Day : October 3, 2024 (national)
- Reformation Day : October 31, 2024 (Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia)
- All Saints' Day : November 1, 2024 (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland)
- Christmas : December 25, 2024 (national)
- Saint Stephen's Day : December 26, 2024 (national)
- New Year's Day : January 1, 2025 (national)
- Epiphany : January 6, 2025 (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt)
- Good Friday : April 18, 2025 (national)
- Easter Monday : April 21, 2025 (national)
- Labour Day : May 1, 2025 (national)
- Ascension Day : May 29, 2025 (national)
- Whit Monday : June 9, 2025 (national)
- Corpus Christi : June 19, 2025 (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, parts of Saxony and Thuringia)
- Assumption Day : August 15, 2025 (Bavaria, Saarland)
- German Unity Day : October 3, 2025 (national)
- Reformation Day : October 31, 2025 (Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia)
- All Saints' Day : November 1, 2025 (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland)
- Christmas : December 25, 2025 (national)
- Saint Stephen's Day : December 26, 2025 (national)
Population by Land:
- North Rhine-Westphalia - 21.8%
- Bavaria - 15.8%
- Baden-Württemberg - 13.2%
- Lower Saxony - 9.5%
- Hesse - 7.5%
- Rhineland-Palatinate - 5.0%
- Berlin - 4.3%
- Saxony - 4.9%
- Schleswig-Holstein - 3.5%
- Brandenburg - 3.0%
- Saxony-Anhalt - 2.6%
- Thuringia - 2.5%
- Hamburg - 2.2%
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - 2.0%
- Saarland - 1.2%
- Bremen - 0.8%
