Are shops closed on 26 December in Germany?

Yes, most shops are closed in Germany on 26 December, which is a nationwide public holiday known as the Second Day of Christmas (2. Weihnachtstag). Supermarkets, retail stores, and pharmacies will be closed, with few exceptions. Limited shopping is only possible atmajor train stations or airports.

Is everything closed on 26th December in Germany?

December 26: Second Day of Christmas (St.

Many people spend the day relaxing at home, visiting relatives, or enjoying another festive meal. As it is part of the Christmas holiday period, schools and most businesses remain closed.

Are stores open on Boxing Day in Germany?

Christmas Is Structured Differently in Germany

25 and 26 December are both calm public holidays. Shops are usually closed. There is no tradition of bargain-hunting or mass sport events.

What happens on the 26th of December in Germany?

Well, the 25th and 26th of December in Germany are official Christmas holidays⛄❄️. They are set aside for quality family time, feasting together🍚🍗, visiting friends and relatives and enjoying more food. Shops are closed on these days!

Is anything open on Christmas day in Germany?

Is anything open on Christmas Day? Christmas Day is a public holiday, as is Boxing Day on the 27th (more often called the 2nd day of Christmas in Germany), so you should expect that supermarkets and most businesses will remain closed.

Are Shops Closed On Public Holidays In Germany? - Germany Made Simple

What do people in Germany do on Christmas day?

On 25th December (Christmas Day) and 26 December, usually the family gets together for celebrations and also the religious Christians will visit Christmas mass during these days. The German festive season starts at the end of November or early December with the Advent celebrations.

Is 25 and 26 December a public holiday?

UK bank holidays between 2025 and 2026

There are two remaining bank holiday dates in 2025: 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day. 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day.

Does Germany have a Boxing Day sale?

In some European countries, like Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, Boxing Day is celebrated as a second Christmas Day. For some people, it's a day to wake up super early and hit the shops for the Boxing Day sales.

Where is the most Christmassy place in Germany?

Where Are the Best Christmas Markets in Germany?

• Aachen Christmas Market. 20 November - 23 December 2026*
• Annaberg-Buchholz Christmas Market. ...
• Berlin Christmas Markets. ...
• Bremen Christmas Markets. ...
• Cologne Christmas Markets. ...
• Constance Christmas Market by the Lake. ...
• Dresden Christmas Markets. ...
• Esslingen Medieval & Christmas Market.

What is December 26 called in Germany?

In Germany, December 26th is indeed recognized as a public holiday called "Zweiter Weihnachtstag," or Second Christmas Day. This day serves as an extension of the Christmas celebrations rather than a distinct event like Boxing Day in other cultures.

What not to do on Sunday in Germany?

These German Sunday laws mean you're not allowed to:

• Do loud DIY jobs, like hammering or drilling.
• Play loud music music, or hold noisy gatherings.
• Run noise-making electrical appliances like vacuum cleaners. ...
• Wash your car (except at a car wash, if you can find one that's open)

Is everything closed on 25th December?

There will be no public transport on the 25th, most places will be closed, make sure you book somewhere to eat, mainly pubs, restaurants or hotels. All supermarkets will be closed, you may find a small shop open.

Do shops open on Boxing Day in Germany?

Boxing Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. In 2026, it falls on a Saturday, and some businesses may choose to follow Saturday opening hours.

Which countries are on the 26th December public holiday?

In parts of Europe, such as east Spain (Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands), the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Catholic Romania, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Latvia and the Republic of Ireland, 26 December is Saint ...

Where to spend Christmas Day in Germany?

The Best Places to Spend Christmas in Germany

• Nuremberg. First on our list of the best places to spend Christmas in Germany is Nuremberg. ...
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Experience the magic of a medieval Christmas in Germany by staying in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. ...
• Cologne. ...
• Dresden. ...
• Munich. ...
• Düsseldorf. ...
• Stuttgart. ...
• Breitnau.

What is the famous Christmas store in Germany?

Käthe Wohlfahrt - the world famous Christmas Store. Käthe Wohlfahrt and Nuremberg have had a close relationship for many years. In 1999, the famous Christmas specialist retailer opened a shop at Königsstraße 8 between St. Lorenz Church and Hauptmarkt, which is open all year round.

What is the most magical Christmas town in Europe?

The 10 Most Magical Christmas Towns in Europe

1. Strasbourg, France. ...
2. Vienna, Austria. ...
3. Prague, Czech Republic. ...
4. Cologne, Germany. ...
5. Budapest, Hungary. ...
6. Tallinn, Estonia. ...
7. Basel, Switzerland. ...
8. Edinburgh, Scotland.

Is Germany worth visiting in December?

Some travelers ask: Is Germany worth visiting in winter? As a German, I can confirm that it definitely is. Germany offers numerous regions for a winter vacation, each with its own festive charm. Whether you want to explore German cities or enjoy a snowy Christmas trip, you'll find something for you.

What to buy in Germany cheaply?

Table of Content ▲

• Cuckoo Clocks.
• Christmas Decorations.
• Local Designer Clothes.
• Beerstein.
• Luxury German Watches.
• Hummel Figurines.
• Haribo Gummy Bears.
• German Chocolates.

Is everything cheaper on Boxing Day?

Yes, there are always massive Boxing Day deals, typically starting right after Christmas (December 26th) and often bleeding into the January sales, with major discounts on tech, fashion, home goods, and more from retailers like Amazon, Currys, John Lewis, and Argos. These sales are a huge opportunity to clear out inventory with significant price drops, making it a prime time for post-Christmas bargain hunting. 

What is Germany's most important holiday?

The German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) is the most important non-religious holiday in Germany. It's a national holiday where Germans are granted a day off work on October 3rd. The holiday was founded in 1990 after the reunification of West and East Germany.

Is the 26th of December a working day?

No, December 26th, known as Boxing Day in many Commonwealth countries (UK, Canada, etc.), is usually a bank holiday and not a standard working day, though some retail/hospitality businesses may open, while in the US it's generally a normal working day unless declared a federal holiday by executive order, which isn't permanent. 

Which country doesn't celebrate Christmas on 25 December?

These countries don't celebrate Christmas: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macao), Comoros, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, ...

Why did England stop celebrating Christmas?

Some Puritans objected to the celebrations as there was no mention of such things in the Bible, and therefore couldn't be justified as they were not rooted in scripture. Many also felt that the Christmas festivities had simply become too drunken and debauched. Presbyterians in Scotland had outlawed Christmas in 1640.