Meaning & Origin
All Saints’ Day, or Allerheiligen, is a Christian feast that honors all the saints, both known and unknown. It is a solemn religious holiday with its roots in the early Christian Church. In Germany, the holiday is closely linked with All Souls’ Day (Allerseelen) on November 2nd, which is a day to remember and pray for the dead. The focus of the holiday is on remembrance and reverence for those who have passed away.
All Saints’ Day will be celebrated on Saturday, November 1 in 2025, and the following year, in 2026, it will take place on Sunday, November 1.
| Year | Date | Applicable States |
| 2025 | November 1 (Saturday) | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland |
| 2026 | November 1 (Sunday) | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland |
How it’s Observed
This is a regional public holiday in the Catholic-majority states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. In these regions, schools, offices, and most shops are closed. The day is observed with great reverence and is a time for families to visit cemeteries. They clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers and candles, creating a sea of light in the evening. This tradition is a beautiful and moving way to honor the memory of the deceased.
Vacation Planning
Since All Saints’ Day falls on November 1st, it can create a long weekend if it lands on a Friday or Monday. This is a popular time for a quiet, reflective break. Travelers should be aware of the closures in the Catholic states. The holiday provides a unique opportunity to witness a beautiful and poignant German tradition by visiting a cemetery in the evening. It offers a glimpse into a more spiritual and contemplative side of German culture.