Meaning & Origin
Reformation Day, or Reformationstag, commemorates the start of the Protestant Reformation. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther famously nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, challenging the authority of the Catholic Church. This event is widely considered the catalyst for the Reformation, a major religious and political movement that changed the course of European history. It is a religious and historical holiday that holds great significance for Protestants in Germany and around the world.
Reformation Day will be celebrated on Friday, October 31 in 2025, and the following year, in 2026, it will take place on Saturday, October 31.
| Year | Date | Applicable States |
| 2025 | October 31 (Friday) | Brandenburg Bremen Hamburg Mecklenburg-vorpommern Lower Saxony Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein Thuringia |
| 2026 | October 31 (Saturday) | Brandenburg Bremen Hamburg Mecklenburg-vorpommern Lower Saxony Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein Thuringia |
How it’s Observed
This holiday is regional, observed as a public holiday in several Protestant-majority states, including Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia. In these states, schools, offices, and many shops are closed. The day is marked by special church services and cultural events. Many people use the day for quiet reflection and to learn about the history of the Reformation. In recent years, due to the popularity of Halloween, there has been a dual celebration, with some people observing both holidays.
Vacation Planning
Since Reformation Day is a fixed date on October 31st, it can create a long weekend if it falls on a Friday or a Monday. This provides a great opportunity for a short autumn break. Travelers can visit historic sites related to Martin Luther and the Reformation in cities like Wittenberg, Eisenach, and Erfurt. For those in states where it is not a holiday, it’s a normal working day, so traveling to a state where it is observed can provide a day of rest and cultural exploration.