St. Stephen's Day

St. Stephen’s Day in Germany is observed on December 26 and is commonly known as the Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag, or “Second Day of Christmas.” In the Catholic Church, it is the feast of Saint Stephen, traditionally regarded as Christianity’s first martyr. According to the Acts of the Apostles, Stephen was a deacon in the early Christian community of Jerusalem who was stoned to death for his faith. His feast day was established in the early centuries of Christianity and became part of the Western Christian liturgical calendar.

In modern Germany, December 26 is a nationwide public holiday, although its everyday identity is generally more closely associated with the Christmas season than with Saint Stephen himself. The day forms part of the German Christmas period, alongside Christmas Eve and December 25, and is often called simply the second Christmas holiday. Catholic parishes may emphasize Saint Stephen through special Masses, while regional customs and local church traditions preserve the saint’s name, particularly in areas with strong Catholic heritage. In 2026, St. Stephen’s Day falls on Saturday, December 26.

German celebrations of St. Stephen’s Day usually continue the quiet, family-oriented customs of Christmas. Many people attend church services, visit relatives or friends, take winter walks, and spend time at home with family. Christmas trees, nativity scenes, Advent decorations, and seasonal lights generally remain in place. In Catholic communities, a Mass dedicated to Saint Stephen may be held, and some churches organize parish gatherings or charitable activities connected with the Christmas season.

Food is typically based on the main Christmas meals prepared on December 24 or 25, including roast goose, duck, carp, sausages, potato dishes, red cabbage, dumplings, and leftover festive desserts such as Stollen, Lebkuchen, and cookies. Because it is a public holiday, shops and many businesses are closed, making the day one of rest and family visits rather than a major commercial celebration. The customary greeting is still “Frohe Weihnachten” or “Frohe Weihnachten und einen schönen zweiten Weihnachtsfeiertag”; in specifically religious settings, “Einen gesegneten Stephanustag” may also be used.