Meaning & Origin
Boxing Day Germany, or 2. Weihnachtstag, is the day after Christmas Day. Its origins are a bit debated, with some historians linking it to the practice of giving gifts in “boxes” to the poor or to servants who had to work on Christmas Day. In Germany, it’s considered a continuation of the Christmas celebration. It’s a religious and cultural holiday that extends the festive season and allows for more time with family and friends.
Boxing Day will be celebrated on Friday, December 26 in 2025, and the following year, in 2026, it will take place on Saturday, December 26.
| Year | Date | Applicable States |
| 2025 | December 26 (Friday) | All States |
| 2026 | December 26 (Saturday) | All States |
How it’s Observed
Boxing Day is a nationwide public holiday, with all schools, offices, banks, and most shops closed. It’s a day for further family gatherings, visiting relatives, or simply relaxing after the excitement of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The pace is slow, and the atmosphere is serene. Many people use the day to go for a winter walk or to enjoy a second festive meal. It’s a time to savor the holiday spirit before the new year approaches.
Vacation Planning
As a public holiday, Boxing Day is an integral part of the Christmas vacation. Since it’s on December 26th, it’s a guaranteed day off after Christmas Day, giving people a minimum of a two-day break. Many Germans take a Brückentag between Christmas and New Year’s to create an extended holiday period. This is a great time to travel, and with many businesses closed, it offers a perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the peaceful and festive atmosphere of Germany.
| Vacation Dates | Used Paid leave | Included holiday | Total vacation days | Applicable States |
| 22nd – 24th Dec 2025, 29th – 31st Dec 2025, 2nd Jan 2026 | 7 | 25th Dec 2025, 26th Dec 2025, 1st Jan 2026 | 16 days | All states |
| 22nd – 24th Dec 2025, 29th – 31st Dec 2025, 2nd Jan 2026, 5th Jan 2026 | 8 | 25th Dec 2025, 26th Dec 2025, 1st Jan 2026, 6th Jan 2026 | 18 days | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Saxony-Anhalt |
| 22nd – 24th 2025, 29th – 31st Dec 2025, 2nd Jan 2026, 5th Jan 2026, 7th – 9th Jan 2026 | 11 | 25th Dec 2025, 26th Dec 2025, 1st Jan 2026, 6th Jan 2026 | 23 days | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Saxony-Anhalt |