School holiday dates in Germany

Wondering how the school holiday system in Germany works, or just when your next holiday is?

Term dates in Germany

In Germany, schoolchildren receive 75 days of holiday per year (including 12 Saturdays). These 75 days are divided into six school holiday periods that break up the separate school terms. While the autumn, Christmas and Easter holidays are usually fixed breaks of around two weeks, the winter and Whitsun holidays may be lengthened, shortened or even scrapped in a particular year, depending on how early or late the summer holiday starts in that federal state.

Types of school holidays in Germany

The six types of school breaks in Germany are: 

• Autumn holiday (Herbstferien) - two weeks
• Christmas holiday (Weihnachtsferien) - usually two weeks
• Winter holiday (Winterferien) - between a few days and two weeks
• Easter holiday (Osterferien) - two to three weeks
• Whitsun holiday (Pfingstferien) - between a few days and two weeks
• Summer holiday (Sommerferien) - six to seven weeks

Summer holidays in Germany

Just like the school system, school holidays in Germany vary according to federal state. For the summer holidays in particular, the 16 federal states work on a staggered schedule in order to avoid overburdening travel infrastructure. The earliest summer holidays begin in the middle of June, and the latest ones end in the middle of September.

Moveable holiday days

In all states (except Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Bavaria), German schools and international schools are given the power to set several days of extra holiday per year, as they see fit.

Depending on your location, these extra holiday days might be added around public holidays (so-called “bridge days” (Brückentage), e.g., if a public holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, the Friday or Monday is given off to allow for a long weekend). They might also be given on unofficial holidays such as St Nicholas’ Day (Nikolaus) or carnival (Karneval). It is important to always check exact dates with your child’s school.

Can I take my child on vacation outside of the school holiday periods?

As school attendance is compulsory, as a rule, the German government does not permit parents to take children on holiday during term-time. Parents who do so can be issued with fines of up to 1.000 euros for enabling truancy. You can, however, apply to the headteacher at your child’s school for an exemption in order to legally take your children out of school before the start of the holidays.

Holiday childcare in Germany

Most parents will have to work at some point during their children’s school holidays. There is a range of childcare options to choose from, including summer camps, holiday programmes and regular daycare facilities.

Other education institutions and holidays

While school holidays are set by the education authorities in each federal state, German higher education institutions are free to set their own holiday dates. If you are studying in Germany, make sure to check your term dates with your university.

Other German holidays

In addition to the regular school holiday periods, children in Germany can also enjoy national public holidays.

School holidays in Germany 2022-2023 & 2023-2024

See below for the official school holiday dates for primary and secondary schools in Germany, according to federal state:

Baden-Württemberg school holidays 2022-2023

• Bridge day: October 31, 2022
• Autumn holiday: November 2 - November 4, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 21, 2022 - January 7, 2023
• Winter holiday: --
• Bridge day: April 6, 2023
• Easter holiday: April 11 - April 15, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 30 - June 9, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 27 - September 9, 2023
• Moveable holidays: 5

Baden-Württemberg school holidays 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 30 - November 3, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2023 - January 5, 2024
• Winter holiday: --
• Easter holiday: March 23 - April 5, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 21 - May 31, 2024
• Summer holiday: July 25 - September 7, 2024
• Moveable holidays: 5

Bavaria school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 31 - November 4, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 24, 2022 - January 7, 2023
• Winter holiday: --
• Bridge days: February 20 - February 24, 2023
• Easter holiday: April 3 - April 15, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 30 - June 9, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 31 - September 11, 2023

Bavaria school holidays 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 30 - November 3, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2023 - January 5, 2024
• Winter holiday: --
• Bridge days: February 12 - February 16, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 25 - April 6, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 21 - June 1, 2024
• Summer holiday: July 29 - September 9, 2024

Berlin school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 24 - November 5, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 22, 2022 - January 2, 2023
• Winter holiday: January 30 - February 4, 2023
• Easter holiday: April 3  - April 14, 2023
• Bridge day: May 19, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 30, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 13 - August 25, 2023

Berlin school holidays 2023-2024

• Bridge day: October 2, 2023
• Autumn holiday: October 23 - November 4, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2023 - January 5, 2024
• Winter holiday: February 5 - February 10, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 25 - April 5, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 10, 2024
• Summer holiday: July 18 - August 30, 2024

Brandenburg school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 24 - November 5, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 22, 2022 - January 3, 2023
• Winter holiday: January 30 - February 3, 2023
• Easter holiday: April 3 - April 14, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: --
• Summer holiday: July 13 - August 26, 2023
• Moveable holidays: 1

Brandenburg school holidays 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 23 - November 4, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2023 - January 5, 2024
• Winter holiday: February 5 - February 9, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 25 - April 5, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: --
• Summer holiday: July 18 - August 31, 2024
• Moveable holidays: 2

Bremen school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 17 - October 29, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2022 - January 6, 2023
• Winter holiday: January 30 - January 31, 2023
• Easter holiday: March 27 - April 11, 2023
• Bridge day: May 19, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 30, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 6 - August 16, 2023

Bremen school holidays 2023-2024

• Bridge day: October 2, 2023
• Autumn holiday: October 16 - October 30, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2023 - January 5, 2024
• Winter holiday: February 1 - February 2, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 18  - March 28, 2024
• Bridge day: May 10, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 21, 2024
• Summer holiday: June 24 - August 2, 2024

Hamburg school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 10 - October 21, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2022 - January 6, 2023
• Winter holiday: January 27, 2023
• Easter holiday: March 6 - March 17, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 15 - May 19, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 13 - August 23, 2023

Hamburg school holidays 2023-2024

• Bridge day: October 2, 2023
• Autumn holiday: October 16 - October 27, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 22, 2023 - January 5, 2024
• Winter holiday: February 2, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 18 - March 28, 2024
• Bridge day: May 10, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 21 - May 24, 2024
• Summer holiday: July 18 - August 28, 2024

Hesse school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 24 - October 29, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 22, 2022 - January 7, 2023
• Winter holiday: --
• Easter holiday: April 3 - April 22, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: --
• Summer holiday: July 24 - September 1, 2023
• Moveable holidays: 4

Hesse school holidays - 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 23 - October 28, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 27, 2023 - January 13, 2024
• Winter holiday: --
• Easter holiday: March 25 - April 13, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: --
• Summer holiday: July 15 - August 23, 2024
• Moveable holidays: 3

Lower Saxony school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 17 - October 28, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2022 - January 6, 2023
• Winter holiday: January 30 - January 31, 2023
• Easter holiday: March 27 - April 11, 2023
• Bridge day: May 19, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 30, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 6 - August 16, 2023

Lower Saxony school holidays 2023-2024

• Bridge day: October 2, 2023
• Autumn holiday: October 16 - October 30, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 27, 2023 - January 5, 2024
• Winter holiday: February 1 - February 2, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 18 - March 28, 2024
• Bridge day: May 10, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 21, 2024
• Summer holiday: June 24 - August 2, 2024

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 10 - October 14, 2022
• Bridge days: November 1 - November 2, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 22, 2022 - January 2, 2023
• Winter holiday: February 6 - February 18, 2023
• Easter holiday: April 3 - April 12, 2023
• Bridge day: May 19, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 26 - May 30, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 17 - August 26, 2023

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern school holidays 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 9 - October 14, 2023
• Bridge days: October 30 - November 1, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024
• Winter holiday: February 5 - February 16, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 25 - April 3, 2024
• Bridge day: May 10, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 17 - May 21, 2024
• Summer holiday: July 22 - August 31, 2024

North Rhine-Westphalia school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 4 - October 15, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2022 - January 6, 2023
• Winter holiday: --
• Easter holiday: April 3 - April 15, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 30, 2023
• Summer holiday: June 22 - August 4, 2023
• Moveable holidays: 3

North Rhine-Westphalia school holidays 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 2 - October 14, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 21, 2023 - January 5, 2024
• Winter holiday: --
• Easter holiday: March 25 - April 6, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 21, 2024
• Summer holiday: July 8 - August 20, 2024
• Moveable holidays: 4

Rhineland-Palatinate school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 17 - October 31, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2022 - January 2, 2023
• Winter holiday: --
• Easter holiday: April 3 - April 6, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 30 - June 7, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 24 - September 1, 2023
• Moveable holidays: 6

Rhineland-Palatinate school holidays 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 16 - October 27, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 27, 2023 - January 5, 2024
• Winter holiday: --
• Easter holiday: March 25 - April 2, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 21 - May 29, 2024
• Summer holiday: July 15 - August 23, 2024
• Moveable holidays: 6

Saarland school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 24 - November 4, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 22, 2022 - January 4, 2023
• Winter holiday: February 20 - February 24, 2023
• Easter holiday: April 3 - April 12, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 30 - June 2, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 24 - September 1, 2023
• Moveable holidays: 1

Saarland school holidays 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 23 - November 3, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 21, 2023 - January 2, 2024
• Winter holiday: February 12 - February 16, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 25 - April 5, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 21 - May 24, 2024
• Summer holiday: July 15 - August 23, 2024
• Moveable holidays: 2

Saxony school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 17 - October 29, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 22, 2022 - January 2, 2023
• Winter holiday: February 13 - February 24, 2023
• Easter holiday: April 7 - April 15, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 19, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 10 - August 18, 2023
• Moveable holidays: 1

Saxony school holidays 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 2 - October 14, 2023
• Bridge day: October 30, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2023 - January 2, 2024
• Winter holiday: February 12 - February 23, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 28 - April 5, 2024
• Bridge day: May 10, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 18 - May 21, 2024
• Summer holiday: June 20 - August 2, 2024
• Moveable holidays: 2

Saxony-Anhalt school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 24 - November 4, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 21, 2022 - January 5, 2023
• Winter holiday: February 6 - February 11, 2023
• Easter holiday: April 3 - April 8, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 15 - May 19, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 6 - August 16, 2023

Saxony-Anhalt school holidays 2023-2024

• Bridge day: October 2, 2023
• Autumn holiday: October 16 - October 30, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024
• Winter holiday: February 5 - February 10, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 25 - March 30, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 21 - May 24, 2024
• Summer holiday: June 24 - August 3, 2024
• Moveable holidays: 1

Schleswig-Holstein school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 10 - October 21, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 23, 2022 - January 7, 2023
• Winter holiday: --
• Easter holiday: April 6 - April 22, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 19 - May 20, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 17 - August 26, 2023
• Moveable holidays: 2

Schleswig-Holstein school holidays 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 16 - October 27, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 27, 2023 - January 6, 2024
• Winter holiday: --
• Easter holiday: April 2 - April 19, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 10 - May 11, 2024
• Summer holiday: July 22 - August 31, 2024
• Moveable holidays: 1

Thuringia school holidays 2022-2023

• Autumn holiday: October 17 - October 29, 2022
• Christmas holiday: December 22, 2022 - January 3, 2023
• Winter holiday: February 13 - February 17, 2023
• Easter holiday: April 3 - April 15, 2023
• Whitsun holiday: May 19, 2023
• Summer holiday: July 10 - August 19, 2023
• Moveable holidays: 2

Thuringia school holidays 2023-2024

• Autumn holiday: October 2 - October 14, 2023
• Christmas holiday: December 22, 2023 - January 5, 2024
• Winter holiday: February 12 - February 16, 2024
• Easter holiday: March 25 - April 6, 2024
• Whitsun holiday: May 10, 2024
• Summer holiday: June 20 - July 31, 2024
• Moveable holidays: 2