In this short article, we’ve compiled the most useful information on public holidays in Lower Saxony in 2026. You’ll also learn about the two long weekends in 2026 and when you can take a short vacation.
Table of Contents
Public holidays 2026 in Lower Saxony
Below is a list of public holidays in Lower Saxony in 2026. It includes the days listed in the Lower Saxony Public Holidays Act (NfeiertagsG).
| National holiday | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| New Year | January 1st | Thursday |
| Sorrowful Friday | April 3 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Monday |
| May 1st | May 1st | Friday |
| Ascension of Christ | May 14 | Thursday |
| Monday of Pentecost | May 25 | Monday |
| October 3 (German Unity Day) | October 3 | Saturday |
| October 31 (Reformation Day) | October 31 | Saturday |
| Christmas (first day) | December 25 | Friday |
| Christmas (second day) | December 26 | Saturday |
Please note that, unlike many other countries, public holidays are not moved in Germany. This means that even though Boxing Day falls on Saturday, you won’t get a day off on Monday or a payday.
IMPORTANT! Please note that May 15th is not a public holiday, but children are excused from school. This adds a four-day break to the school holiday schedule in Lower Saxony .
Long weekend in 2026
Lower Saxony is one of the six German states with the fewest public holidays, with only 10 such days throughout the year. Therefore, in 2026, Lower Saxony will have only two long weekends:
- From Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3, 2026.
- From Friday, December 25 to Sunday, December 27, 2026.
When is the best time to take a day off in 2026?
Despite the limited number of long weekends, you can take a short break by taking time off on January 2 or May 15, 2026. This way, you can create a personal bridge day and combine a public holiday with a weekend at the end of the week. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Taking a day off on January 2 will allow you to combine New Year’s (January 1) with Saturday and Sunday (January 3 and 4).
- If you take a day off on May 15, you will be able to rest from May 14 (Ascension of Christ) to May 17 (Sunday).
Rules and prohibitions on public holidays
In Germany, there are restrictions on certain activities on public holidays and Sundays. Lower Saxony also imposes a number of restrictions on public holidays.
- All public holidays – public events and entertainment activities are prohibited from 07:00 to 11:00.
- Friday of Sorrow – public events and events in premises with bar service are prohibited from 00:00 to 24:00.
- Reformation Day – public events and entertainment activities are prohibited from 7:00 to 11:00 in municipalities where Protestants make up at least 40% of the population.
For more detailed information with clarifications and possible exceptions to the rules, please visit the Public Holidays Act of the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior, Sports and Digitalisation.
In this short publication, De-Sf.Info listed the 2026 public holidays in Lower Saxony. It also explained when you’ll have three consecutive days off, as well as when you can take a day off to take a four-day vacation. Don’t forget to share this publication with your friends!
