Generally these days are work-free, but some service industries like cafés, bakeries, restaurants and cinemas are open. The religious importance is generally seen as being on the decline.

Anniversary of the official end of World War I, November 11, 1918, commerating the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany at Compiègne, France, marking the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front that took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning — the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month."

Commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789; the Fête de la Fédération was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern French "nation", and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution.

The beginning of a new year is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1st. Just like in many other countries, there are big New Year’s Eve celebrations and at midnight there are fireworks as a salute to the New Year. January 1st (New Year’s Day – Neujahr) is a national public holiday.

Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The Latin word "adventus" means "arrival". It refers to the period of preparation for the coming of Jesus on the first day of Christmas. Many families have what is known as an "Adventskranz" ("Advent crown") with 4 candles. A candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent. During Advent, sweet pastries are often eaten and Christmas decorations are put up around the home. An "Adventskalender" ("Advent Calendar") is often made or bought for children. The calendar has 24 windows with small presents or pictures behind each window, for each day from the 1st until the 24th of December, Christmas Eve.

Christian day for honoring saints, known and unknown. A Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church where saints have special formal status. In general, saints are persons with reputation for unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God.

Christian recognition of the departure of Jesus from earth after the resurrection. It is perhaps the earliest observed celebration in Christianity. It is observed with worship including prayers and music

Roman Catholic Christian observance commemorating the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life

Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties

Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle lighting, manger scenes and festive meals

The most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion. Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise, special music, feasting, and parades

Christian celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The day begins Holy Week. It is observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches

On the 6th of December ("Nikolaustag") children are given sweets and chocolate and small presents. The children leave a shoe outside the door on the eve of the 6th of December and the parents fill the shoe with presents. Special gifts can be bought in bakeries and cake shops for this day. Legend has is that Saint Nicolas brought back to life three murdered school children. He is therefore the patron saint of school children.

Christian celebration of the love of God presented in Jesus and in the lives of Christian believers. St Valentine was a 3rd century martyr. This day is widely observed in the USA as a secular celebration of love.

Whitsun or Pentecost ("Pfingsten") is celebrated with Whit Sunday ("Pfingstsonntag") and Whit Monday ("Pfingstmonntag"). This is the 50th day after Easter. This commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost among the apostles of Jesus, which was the starting point of their missionary work. Whitsun can therefore be described as the birthday of the church. Whit Monday is a public holiday.