Legally Recognised Holidays

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.

Jan 01 2006	Sun		New Year´s Day	Jan 01 2007	Mon		New Year´s Day
Apr 17 2006	Mon	†	Easter Monday	Apr 09 2007	Mon	†	Easter Monday
Apr 29 2006	Sat		Koniginnendag (National Holiday)	Apr 30 2007	Mon		Koniginnendag (National Holiday)
Jun 05 2006	Mon	†	Whit Monday	May 28 2007	Mon	†	Whit Monday
Dec 25 2006	Mon	†	Christmas	Dec 25 2007	Tue	†	Christmas
Dec 26 2006	Tue	†	St. Stephen´s Day	Dec 26 2007	Wed	†	St. Stephen´s Day

Non Legally Recognised Holidays

Apr 14 2006	Fri	†	Good Friday	Apr 06 2007	Fri	†	Good Friday
Apr 16 2006	Sun	†	Easter	Apr 08 2007	Sun	†	Easter
May 04 2006	Thu		Totengedenktag	May 04 2007	Fri		Totengedenktag
May 05 2006	Fri		Befreiungstag	May 05 2007	Sat		Befreiungstag
May 14 2006	Sun		Mother´s Day	May 13 2007	Sun		Mother´s Day
May 25 2006	Thu	†	Ascension Day	May 17 2007	Thu	†	Ascension Day
Jun 04 2006	Sun	†	Whitsun	May 27 2007	Sun	†	Whitsun
Dec 03 2006	Sun	†	First Advent	Dec 02 2007	Sun	†	First Advent
Dec 05 2006	Tue	†	Sinterklaas	Dec 05 2007	Wed	†	Sinterklaas
Dec 10 2006	Sun	†	Second Advent	Dec 09 2007	Sun	†	Second Advent
Dec 17 2006	Sun	†	Third Advent	Dec 16 2007	Sun	†	Third Advent
Dec 24 2006	Sun	†	Fourth Advent	Dec 23 2007	Sun	†	Fourth Advent
Dec 31 2006	Sun		New Year´s Eve	Dec 31 2007	Mon		New Year´s Eve

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

Advent (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th)
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.

Ascension Day
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

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

Christmas Eve
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

Easter / Easter Monday
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

Good Friday
Christian remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and related events

Sinterklaas (Saint Nicolas Day)
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.

St. Stephen´s Day
Christian remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr

Whitsun / Whit Monday
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.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

Mother´s Day
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Mothers are given flowers and presents by their children.

New Year´s Eve / Day
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.