Holidays for the economy: How more days off bring success!

Holidays for the economy: How more days off bring success!

What's new in the holiday discussion? On October 30, 2025, Germany will reflect on the economic value of public holidays, especially with regard to their influence on the gross national product. As Martin Simon explains in an article on Schwäbische-Post.de, there are significant differences in the number of public holidays in the federal states. While Bavaria is at the forefront with 13 public holidays, Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Lower Saxony, Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein only have 10 public holidays. The “Länd” of Baden-Württemberg has at least 12 public holidays. Such differences naturally raise questions, and Simon goes into further detail by mentioning Reformation Day on October 31st, which is not recognized as a public holiday in all federal states. A good reason for many to visit church on this day and pay homage to Martin Luther.

But what about the economic dimension of these celebrations? Simon believes that holidays not only mean free time, but can also lead to better and more successful work. According to his idea, further training while “not working” could even promote economic success. He advocates introducing 20 days off per month to enable employees to have more time for themselves and their families.

Holiday calendar and other notes

There are some important holidays coming up in 2025 that will be celebrated across Europe. October 31st, Reformation Day, is a public holiday in several federal states, including Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia. Other public holidays are December 25th and 26th, which apply in all federal states, followed by New Year's Day on January 1st, 2026. January 6th, Epiphany, is also celebrated in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt.

Another point that Simon touches on in his discussion is state financial equalization. Bavaria and other federal states with more public holidays make a financial contribution to the benefit of states with fewer public holidays. The balance between leisure and economic activity is clearly visible here. The discourse about holidays not only reveals regional differences, but also a deeper insight into Germany's economic structures.

Special holidays and local traditions

There are also some local peculiarities regarding the holidays. For example, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary in Bavaria is only a public holiday in Catholic communities. In Augsburg the Peace Festival is celebrated on August 8th, while Corpus Christi in Saxony is only considered a public holiday in certain communities. In Thuringia, the Minister of the Interior can designate Corpus Christi for Catholic communities. These special holidays enrich the cultural diversity within Germany and show how traditions are lived differently regionally.

As it turns out, holidays are not only an occasion for celebration, but also an important part of the economic and social structure. It remains exciting to see whether the call for an increase in the number of public holidays is actually heard. Simon is quick to suggest that training in “not working” for everyone could be a valuable idea, ultimately creating more prosperity for everyone. With that in mind, off to the holidays!