Meaning & Origin
Easter Sunday, or Ostersonntag, is the most important Christian holiday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This deeply religious holiday signifies the triumph of life over death and is the culmination of the Lenten period of fasting and reflection. The celebration of Easter in Germany, known as Ostern, incorporates many secular and cultural traditions alongside its religious roots. The Easter Bunny, or Osterhase, a symbol of fertility and new life, is believed to have originated in German folklore, where it was said to hide eggs for children to find. This tradition, along with the custom of decorating eggs, has spread globally.
Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, April 20 in 2025, and the following year, in 2026, it will take place on Sunday, April 5.
| Year | Date | Applicable States |
| 2025 | April 20 (Sunday) | Brandenburg |
| 2026 | April 5 (Sunday) | Brandenburg |
How it’s Observed
While Easter Sunday is a major day of celebration, it’s not a public holiday in all German states because most businesses are closed on a Sunday anyway. The focus of the festivities is on family and tradition. Families gather for a festive meal, often featuring lamb or fish, and a special Easter breakfast with decorated eggs. For children, the highlight is the Ostereiersuche (Easter egg hunt). Parents hide colorful hard-boiled eggs and chocolate treats in the garden or home for the children to find. In some northern parts of Germany, a tradition of Osterfeuer (Easter bonfires) is observed on Easter Sunday. These large fires are a way to welcome spring and banish the last signs of winter.
Vacation Planning
Easter Sunday is a central part of the long four-day weekend that begins with Good Friday and ends with Easter Monday. This makes it a prime time for travel and mini-vacations. While major cities might be busy with tourists, many smaller towns and rural areas are perfect for experiencing traditional German Easter customs. If you’re a traveler, it’s a great opportunity to explore the local culture, participate in egg hunts or enjoy a traditional Easter brunch. Remember that many shops and businesses will be closed, so it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials beforehand.
| Vacation Dates | Used Paid leave | Included holiday | Total vacation days | Applicable States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30th March 2026, 31st March 2026, 1st April 2026, 2nd April 2026 | 4 | 3rd April 2026, 6th April 2026 | 10 days | All states |
| 7th – 10th April 2026 | 4 | 3rd April 2026 6th April 2026 | 10 days | All states |