Austria Public Holidays
Austria Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Austria? All public holidays in Austria are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Austria employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Austria and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Overview
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, is one of the most important public holidays in Austria. It marks the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar and is a public holiday throughout the country. This day is associated with family gatherings, festivities, and various cultural traditions.
Celebrations
In Austria, the celebration of New Year’s Day begins with New Year’s Eve (Silvester), where people gather in the streets, attend parties, and enjoy fireworks. Many Austrians also attend church services to celebrate the arrival of the new year. On New Year’s Day itself, it is a time for relaxation, family meals, and spending time with loved ones.
Days Off
New Year’s Day is a public holiday, and all citizens of Austria receive the day off. It is a day of rest and celebration, and almost all businesses are closed.
Epiphany (January 6)
Overview
Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th and is a Christian holiday marking the visit of the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. The holiday holds significant religious value in Austria, especially for those of the Catholic faith.
Celebrations
Epiphany is celebrated with church services, particularly the special Mass held in the morning. In some regions of Austria, particularly in rural areas, there is a tradition of “star singing” where children dress as the Wise Men and go from house to house singing carols. This tradition is part of a broader celebration of the Epiphany’s religious meaning.
Days Off
Epiphany is a public holiday in Austria. It is a day off for all citizens, with most businesses and schools closed for the day. However, it is mostly a religious observance for those who practice Christianity, particularly Catholicism.
Easter Sunday (Varies – March or April)
Overview
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important Christian holidays. In Austria, the Easter celebrations span several days, beginning with Good Friday and culminating on Easter Sunday. The holiday is an essential part of the country’s cultural and religious traditions.
Celebrations
Easter Sunday in Austria is celebrated with church services that mark the resurrection of Christ. The holiday is also a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and egg hunts. Austrian families decorate eggs and enjoy special foods, including lamb and pastries. Many Austrians also participate in the Easter market tradition, where handmade crafts and local produce are sold.
Days Off
Easter Sunday is a public holiday, and most people are given a day off. It is a significant religious holiday, and churchgoers attend services. The days surrounding Easter, including Easter Monday, are also recognized holidays in Austria.
National Holiday (October 26)
Overview
National Holiday, observed on October 26, commemorates the declaration of Austria’s permanent neutrality following the signing of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955. This holiday is an important part of Austrian identity and national pride, as it symbolizes the country’s peaceful status in international politics.
Celebrations
National Day is marked with official ceremonies, including speeches by political leaders and representatives of the government. It is a day for the Austrian public to reflect on the country’s peaceful status and independence. There are also events organized by cultural institutions and museums, which open their doors to the public for free.
Days Off
National Day is a public holiday in Austria, and most people are given a day off to participate in celebrations or spend time with family. It is recognized as a national holiday for all citizens.
Labour Day (May 1)
Overview
Labour Day, observed on May 1st, is celebrated globally to honor workers and their rights. Austria recognizes this day as a public holiday to celebrate the contributions of the workforce and to promote workers’ rights and social justice.
Celebrations
Labour Day in Austria is marked by various events, including political rallies, parades, and demonstrations. Trade unions and political parties organize events to highlight the importance of workers’ rights and to push for labor reforms. In larger cities, there are marches, concerts, and gatherings where people celebrate solidarity among workers.
Days Off
Labour Day is a public holiday in Austria, and most employees are given a day off. However, certain essential services such as healthcare may continue to operate, with workers in those sectors typically receiving additional compensation for working on this holiday.
Ascension Day (40 Days after Easter)
Overview
Ascension Day occurs 40 days after Easter Sunday and commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a significant religious holiday for Christians, particularly in Austria, where the majority of the population adheres to the Catholic faith.
Celebrations
Ascension Day is traditionally observed by attending church services. Some regions in Austria also have parades or processions to mark the occasion. It is a time for religious reflection, and many people use the holiday to spend time with their families in a peaceful, reflective atmosphere.
Days Off
Ascension Day is a public holiday in Austria, and all citizens are given the day off. Churches hold special services, and the holiday is a time for personal reflection and family gatherings.
Whit Monday (Seven weeks after Easter)
Overview
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is celebrated seven weeks after Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, an event considered to be the beginning of the Christian Church. In Austria, it is both a religious and national holiday.
Celebrations
Whit Monday is primarily observed with church services and religious observances. Some regions in Austria also hold folk festivals, cultural events, and outdoor activities. People often enjoy the extra day off with family picnics or other leisure activities.
Days Off
Whit Monday is a public holiday, and most people are given the day off to relax or participate in family activities. As with other Christian holidays in Austria, it is observed with church attendance and quiet reflection.
Assumption Day (August 15)
Overview
Assumption Day, observed on August 15, is a Christian holiday celebrating the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. This day holds deep religious significance for Catholics in Austria and is marked by various cultural and religious observances.
Celebrations
Assumption Day is marked by attending Mass and participating in religious ceremonies. In some parts of Austria, particularly in rural regions, there are traditional processions and festivals. The holiday is often a time for Austrians to visit their families and spend time together in a peaceful atmosphere.
Days Off
Assumption Day is a public holiday, and most people in Austria are given a day off. For religious Austrians, it is a day for church attendance and prayer, while others may take the opportunity to enjoy family gatherings and outdoor activities.
National Day (October 26)
Overview
National Day, celebrated on October 26, marks the anniversary of Austria’s declaration of permanent neutrality following the Austrian State Treaty of 1955. This holiday is important as it signifies the peaceful status of Austria on the global stage.
Celebrations
National Day celebrations are characterized by official events, including speeches by political leaders and ceremonies. In addition, cultural institutions open their doors to the public for free, allowing citizens to engage with Austrian history and culture.
Days Off
National Day is a public holiday in Austria, and most workers are given the day off. It is a national celebration, and many Austrians use the day to reflect on the country’s neutrality.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Overview
Christmas Day is one of the most important public holidays in Austria, celebrated on December 25. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions. The holiday is observed by Christians all over the world, and Austria is no exception.
Celebrations
In Austria, Christmas is celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and religious observances. People attend church services to mark the birth of Christ. A key tradition is the Christmas dinner, which often includes roast meats, vegetables, and desserts. Christmas markets are also an essential part of the holiday, where visitors can buy handmade crafts, ornaments, and local foods.
Days Off
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Austria, and most citizens receive the day off. Churches hold special services, and it is a day of rest and celebration with family.
St. Stephen’s Day (December 26)
Overview
St. Stephen’s Day, celebrated on December 26, honors St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. It is a continuation of Christmas celebrations and is a public holiday in Austria, particularly for those who follow the Christian faith.
Celebrations
St. Stephen’s Day is often spent with family members as part of the Christmas holiday celebrations. In some parts of Austria, it is marked by outdoor activities such as hiking or attending post-Christmas church services. Many people use the day to relax after the Christmas festivities and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
Days Off
St. Stephen’s Day is a public holiday, and all workers receive the day off. It is a continuation of the Christmas holiday, and the day is typically spent relaxing with family.
Table: Public Holidays in Austria and Days Off
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People Recognized |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Epiphany | January 6 | 1 day off | Religious citizens (Christian) |
| Easter Sunday | Varies (March/April) | 1 day off | All citizens |
| National Holiday | October 26 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | 1 day off | Religious citizens (Christian) |
| Whit Monday | 7 weeks after Easter | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | 1 day off | Religious citizens (Christian) |
| National Day | October 26 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| St. Stephen’s Day | December 26 | 1 day off | All citizens |
