Allerheiligen 2027 Countdown in Germany

In 2027, Allerheiligen, known in English as All Saints' Day, falls on Monday, 1 November. The traditional and observed date are the same, so the holiday is marked on that Monday in the German states where it is recognised as a public holiday. Because it lands at the start of the week, people in those regions enjoy a long weekend from Saturday through Monday. The countdown to All Saints' Day 2027 therefore ends at midnight as Sunday turns into Monday, 1 November.

Allerheiligen is not a nationwide public holiday, but the date is the same across Germany: 1 November 2027. It is a statutory public holiday in several predominantly Catholic states in the south and west, while in other parts of the country it is a normal working day. This split is important if you live, work, or travel across state borders, as schedules may differ sharply between neighbouring regions. Checking the exact date and weekday helps with booking travel, arranging childcare, or planning business operations around that Monday.

Allerheiligen, or All Saints' Day, is a Christian feast that honours all saints, known and unknown, rather than only those with individual feast days. Its roots go back to early Christian practices of remembering martyrs, which gradually expanded to include the wider community of saints. The date of 1 November became established in Western Christianity from the early Middle Ages, when church leaders in Rome dedicated a chapel to all saints and fixed the observance on this day. In German-speaking regions, the name "Allerheiligen" literally means "all the holy ones" and reflects this broad focus.

Within Germany, Allerheiligen has a particularly strong place in traditionally Catholic areas such as Bavaria (Bayern), Baden-Württemberg, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz), and parts of North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen). Over centuries, the day became closely connected with family remembrance, quiet reflection, and visits to cemeteries. Many people also link Allerheiligen with All Souls' Day (Allerseelen) on 2 November, which focuses more on praying for the dead. Together, these observances shape an autumn period in Germany that is more contemplative than festive.

Allerheiligen (All Saints' Day) on Monday 1 November 2027 is a public holiday only in certain German states, not nationwide. It is generally observed as a public holiday in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria (Bayern), North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz), and Saarland, which have strong Catholic traditions. In these states, many government offices and most schools are closed, and a significant number of employees have the day off. In the rest of Germany, 1 November 2027 is usually a normal working Monday.

Because public holiday rules can vary by sector, many services still operate, though sometimes with reduced hours. Larger supermarkets and shopping centres in holiday states may either close or run limited opening times, depending on local regulations and company policies, while smaller neighbourhood shops may stay shut for the day. Public transport typically runs on a reduced or Sunday schedule in some cities, especially around cemetery areas where more visitors are expected. If you cross from a non-holiday state into a holiday state, you may notice quieter streets, more closed shops, and fewer office workers on that Monday.

Observance of Allerheiligen in Germany centres on remembrance and quiet reflection rather than loud celebrations. Many families visit graves of relatives, bringing fresh flowers, wreaths, and candles to decorate the tombstones. In several regions, it is common for cemeteries to be especially full on All Saints' Day, with paths lit by candles and lanterns in the evening. Church services, particularly Catholic masses, place emphasis on the community of saints and the hope of eternal life.

Beyond the formal religious observances, the day has a strong family dimension. People who have the day off often combine church or cemetery visits with family meals at home or in local restaurants that are open. The atmosphere in the holiday states tends to be calm and somewhat subdued, with less commercial activity than on a typical Monday. Residents may also use the long weekend around Allerheiligen 2027 to take short trips, visit relatives in other parts of Germany, or simply enjoy a quiet break before the busy Advent and Christmas season begins.

Planning for Monday 1 November 2027 depends largely on whether you are in a state where Allerheiligen is a public holiday. If you live in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, or most of North Rhine-Westphalia, you can typically expect a day off work or school, though individual employers and institutions may set their own rules. Residents in those areas often schedule family activities, cemetery visits, or a long weekend trip, keeping in mind that many shops may not follow normal Monday hours. In non-holiday states such as Berlin, Hamburg, or Saxony, it is generally a regular working day, so daily routines continue as usual.

Commuters who cross state borders should pay special attention to the holiday calendar. For example, someone living in Bavaria but working in Hesse may find that home life is in holiday mode while the workplace runs normally, or vice versa. Public transport may be quieter in holiday regions but busier on long-distance routes as people take advantage of the extended weekend. If you rely on childcare, medical appointments, or government services, it is wise to confirm opening hours in advance for Allerheiligen 2027, especially in the affected states.

Visitors in Germany on All Saints' Day 2027 will notice different rhythms depending on where they stay. In holiday states such as Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg, cities and towns often feel calmer than usual, with fewer office workers and less shopping traffic. Tourist attractions like museums may remain open, but hours can vary, and some smaller institutions may close for the day. In non-holiday regions, the day looks much like any other Monday, with shops, workplaces, and public transport running closer to normal patterns.

For many travellers, Allerheiligen offers a chance to experience a more reflective side of German culture. Attending a church service, walking through a candlelit cemetery in the early evening, or simply observing how families gather can provide insight into local traditions. If you are planning sightseeing, it is sensible to double-check opening times for museums, shops, and restaurants, especially on Monday 1 November 2027 in the southern and western states. Booking accommodation and long-distance trains earlier can also help if you plan to take advantage of the long weekend that many local residents enjoy.