As Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia is a major economic and cultural powerhouse. It’s a densely urbanized area with a rich industrial history and a vibrant arts and media scene. North Rhine-Westphalia Public Holidays help you plan trips, attend festivals, and enjoy cultural events across NRW.
- Famous Cities:
- Cologne (Köln): A major cultural center, famous for its iconic Cologne Cathedral and a lively atmosphere.
- Düsseldorf: The state capital, a fashion and arts hub with a reputation for its modern architecture and shopping.
- Dortmund: A former industrial city that has transformed into a major hub for technology and sports, home to the famous Borussia Dortmund football club.
- Destinations:
- Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is one of Germany’s most visited landmarks.
- Zeche Zollverein: A former coal mine and industrial complex in Essen, now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a center for art and design.
- Drachenburg Castle: A 19th-century castle located on a hill overlooking the Rhine, a noteworthy example of historicist architecture
- Exclusive Public Holidays:
- Corpus Christi
- All Saints’ Day
North Rhine-Westphalia Public Holidays 2025
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| New Years’ Day | January 1 (Wednesday) |
| Good Friday | April 18 (Friday) |
| Easter Sunday | April 20 (Sunday) |
| Easter Monday | April 21 (Monday) |
| Labour Day | May 1 (Thursday) |
| Ascension Day | May 29 (Thursday) |
| Whitmonday | June 9 (Monday) |
| Corpus Christi | June 19 (Thursday) |
| German Unification Day | October 3 (Friday) |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 (Saturday) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 (Thursday) |
| Boxing Day | December 26 (Friday) |
North Rhine-Westphalia Public Holidays 2026
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| New Years’ Day | January 1 (Thursday) |
| Good Friday | April 3 (Friday) |
| Easter Sunday | April 5 (Sunday) |
| Easter Monday | April 6 (Monday) |
| Labour Day | May 1 (Friday) |
| Ascension Day | May 14 (Thursday) |
| Whitmonday | May 26 (Monday) |
| Corpus Christi | June 4 (Thursday) |
| German Unification Day | October 3 (Saturday) |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 (Sunday) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 (Friday) |
| Boxing Day | December 26 (Saturday) |
North Rhine-Westphalia Vacation Planner 2025-2026
| Vacation Dates | User Paid Leaves | Included Holidays | Total Vaction Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22nd – 24th Dec 2025, 29th – 31st Dec 2025, 2nd Jan 2026 | 7 | 25th Dec 2025, 26th Dec 2025, 1st Jan 2026 | 16 days |
| 2nd Jan 2026 | 1 | 1st Jan 2026 | 4 days |
| 30th March 2026, 31st March 2026, 1st April 2026, 2nd April 2026 | 4 | 3rd April 2026, 6th April 2026 | 10 days |
| 7th – 10th April 2026 | 4 | 3rd April 2026, 6th April 2026 | 10 days |
| 27th – 30th April | 4 | 1st May 2026 | 9 days |
| 15th May 2026 | 1 | 14th May 2026 | 4 days |
| 26th – 29th May 2026 | 4 | 25th May 2026 | 9 days |
| 5th June 2026 | 1 | 4th June 2026 | 4 days |
| 21st – 24th Dec 2026, 28th – 31st Dec 2026 | 8 | 25th Dec 2026, 1st Jan 2027 | 16 days |