Summer is over and the vacations also ended a week ago – everyday life returns, it’s back to school and some people are already showing a long face. But there’s no reason to be bored in Hamburg: The city offers plenty to experience all year round! Whether it’s idyllic autumn walks in Hamburg’s beautiful parks, exciting excursions to Hagenbeck Zoo or a visit to colorful autumn festivals – great moments are waiting to make you forget the vacation blues. Before we present our tips, it doesn’t hurt to take a quick look at the upcoming vacations.
Hamburg school vacations 2025/2026
Autumn vacations 2025: Mon, 20.10. – Fri, 31.10.
Christmas vacations 2025: Wed, 17.12.2025 – Fri, 02.01.2026
Winter vacations 2026: Fri, 30.01.
Easter vacations 2026: Mon, 02.03. – Fri, 13.03.
Whitsun vacations 2026: Mon, 11.05. – Fri, 15.05.
Summer vacation 2026: Thu, 09.07. – Wed, 19.08.
There are also a few extra days off waiting for you – thanks to the following public holidays in Hamburg:
Public holidays 2025/2026
Day of German Unity: Fri 03.10.2025
Reformation Day: Fri 31.10.2025
1st Christmas Day: Thu 25.12.2025
2nd Christmas Day: Fri 26.12.2025
New Year: Thu 01.01.2026
Good Friday: Fri 03.04.2026
Easter Monday: Mon 06.04.2026
Labor Day: Fri 01.05.2026
Ascension Day: Thu 14.05.2026
Whit Monday: Mon 25.05.2026
Day of German Unity: Sat 03.10.2026
Reformation Day: Sat 31.10.2026
1st Christmas Day: Fri 25.12.2026
2nd Christmas Day: Sat 26.12.2026
Picking apples in the Altes Land
Just 20 km from Hamburg, you can pick fresh apples from the extensive apple orchards in the Altes Land region. The region offers ideal soil and a perfect climate for growing fruit – especially during the harvest season until mid-October. The picturesque fruit-growing region on the Lower Elbe to the west of Hamburg is considered the largest fruit-growing area in northern Europe. Millions of apple, cherry and pear trees characterize the landscape and make it the perfect destination for harvesting fun with family and friends.
Celebrate Halloween
On October 31, it’s that time of year again: the spookiest day of the year is just around the corner! Celebrate it with creative costumes and slip into your favorite horror roles. You can not only style yourself, but also transform your home into a perfect horror backdrop and throw an unforgettable party with your friends.
If you’d rather get out of the house, Hamburg offers a variety of exciting Halloween parties for schoolchildren. For example, the Halloween ghost ship party on the MS Cap San Diego for children aged 6 to 12 – a spooky adventure on the water. For those aged 18 and over, there is the “Ghost Ship” Halloween party, also on the MS Cap San Diego on October 25. Here you can expect a spooky boat party with DJ music, a costume competition and a breathtaking view of the Elbe – perfect for anyone who wants to combine thrills and spills with a party.
Or would you prefer to immerse yourself in the world of one of the best films of all time? On October 31, the Theater am Großmarkt will be transformed into a place full of magic, excitement and spooky surprises at the magical Halloween event “Harry Potter and the Missing Child”, which will draw you right into the middle of the adventure.
Visit an escape room
Fancy a bit of action and adventure? Despite the back-to-school period, exciting escape rooms await you in the Hanseatic city – perfect for friends and groups. Find out together who can solve the best puzzles and find the quickest way out! This activity will challenge you, keep you entertained and keep you on your toes. Whether it’s the maritime escape room on the MS Cap San Diego or the Skurrilum on St. Pauli, where each room is designed like a small play – the choice is huge. We give you a clear overview for your next adventure in the city!
Visit the planetarium in Hamburg
You want to explore the universe, but school is calling again tomorrow? No worries! With a trip to the Hamburg Planetarium, your wish can come true in just one afternoon – and you’ll be back in time for back to school tomorrow. In a former water tower in the city park, you can immerse yourself in the infinite vastness of the universe. From planets and stars to distant galaxies – the planetarium leaves nothing to be desired for astronomy enthusiasts. Exciting shows and interactive programs convey everything worth knowing about astronomy and make learning a real experience.