When are the public holidays in Austria in 2023? You will find the answer in the article below!
In this article you will read about:
- Days off in Austria 2023
- When to plan a vacation in Austria in 2023?
- National Day of Austria – October 26th
- Christmas in Austria – customs
- Vacation from Christmas Eve to Epiphany
Most days off in Austria coincide with holidays in other countries. Mainly because this country is also dominated by the Catholic religion. Moreover, Austria has even more Christian holidays that are legally days off from work. The holiday, which only appears on the Austrian calendar, falls on October 26th and is the National Day of Austria.
Days off in Austria 2023
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1st (Sunday) | New Year (Neujahr) |
| January 6th (Friday) | Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige) |
| April 10th (Monday) | Easter Monday (Ostermontag) |
| May 1st (Monday) | Labour Day (Staats Feiertag) |
| May 18th (Thursday) | Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) |
| May 29th (Monday) | Pentecost (Pfingstsonntag) |
| June 8th (Thursday) | Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) |
| August 15th (Tueasday) | Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mariä Himmelfahrt) |
| October 26th (Thurdday) | National Day of Austria (Nationalfeiertag) |
| November 1st (Wednesday) | All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen) |
| December 8th (Friday) | Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mariä Empfängnis) |
| December 25th (Monday) | Christmas Day (Christ Tag) |
| December 26th (Tuesday) | St. Stephen Day (Stefana Tag) |
Popular holidays in Austria include: Mother’s Day (May 8th), Father’s Day (June 12th) and Valentine’s Day (February 14th).
National Day of Austria – October 26th
On October 26th, 1955, the treaty on the neutrality and independence of Austria was signed. On the 10th anniversary, Austria’s councilors decided to designate this day as the National Day of Austria.
The celebrations are mainly focused in the capital of Austria – Vienna. On this day, military shows, parades and special events take place.
Christmas in Austria – customs
Celebrating holidays in Austria depends on the region. The differences can be significant considering that it is not a large country. For example, in Vienna, carp dominate on the table, while in Carinthia, roasted duck is more popular.
A common feature of all Austrians is however, their passion for fairs before Christmas. There they can prepare for Christmas by buying Christmas decorations, regional delicacies and gifts. Christmas Eve tradition also includes reading fragments of the Bible by the head of the family and singing carols together. The custom of decorating the Christmas tree and decorating houses is also celebrated.
An interesting fact is that Austrian children do not believe in Santa Claus. Gifts are brought to them by Christkindl, who symbolizes the Baby Jesus.
An interesting character is also Krampus – half-goat and half-demon. He appears on December 5th and his task is to scare naughty children. The costume is usually a fur overalls, horns, a demon mask, hemp hair or horse hair, and hooves.
Vacation from Christmas Eve to Epiphany
Many companies and service establishments in Austria close their offices just before Christmas Eve, announcing the Christmas holidays. Employees usually get days off until January 6th and this is usually not included in the statutory holiday – it is treated as a holiday gift from employers. In Austria there is something like the Zeitausgleich. Literally translated, this equalization / payment of time is the equivalent of overtime.
When to plan a vacation in Austria in 2023?
Bearing in mind the days off in Austria, we can plan a vacation in 2023, while using as few vacation days as possible. For example:
- Ascension of the Virgin Mary: May 18th-21st (Thursday-Sunday)
- Pentecost: May 26th-29th (Friday-Monday)
- Corpus Christi: June 8th-11th (Thursday-Sunday)
- Assumption: August 11th-15th (Friday-Tuesday)
- National Day of Austria: October 26-29 (Thursday-Sunday)
- All Saints’ Day: November 1st-5th (Wednesday-Tuesday)
- Christmas Day: December 24th-26th (Thursday-Sunday)
Are you thinking of working in Austria? Check current job offers!
Related entries:
Days off in France 2023 – When to go on vacation?
Days off and Holidays in Belgium 2023
