Austria, known for its rich cultural heritage and festive traditions, observes several public holidays throughout the year. In 2025, Austrians will enjoy a series of national and religious holidays, often marked by family gatherings, special events, and unique customs. Here is an overview of the public holidays and some notable celebrations in Austria for the year.
January: Welcoming the New Year
• January 1 (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day (Neujahr): Austrians celebrate the start of the year with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. It is a public holiday, with most businesses and schools closed.
• January 6 (Monday) – Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige): This Christian holiday commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. In Austria, it is marked by processions and caroling.
Spring Festivities
• April 20 (Sunday) – Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag): A significant religious holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Families gather for festive meals, and children enjoy traditional Easter egg hunts.
• April 21 (Monday) – Easter Monday (Ostermontag): An extension of the Easter celebration, this day is also a public holiday. It is a time for relaxation and family activities.
May: Labor and Religious Observances
• May 1 (Thursday) – Labor Day (Staatsfeiertag): This national holiday honors workers' rights and is marked by parades and political speeches.
• May 29 (Thursday) – Ascension of Christ (Christi Himmelfahrt): A Christian holiday commemorating the ascent of Jesus into heaven. It is observed with church services and family gatherings.
June: Pentecost and Corpus Christi
• June 8 (Sunday) – Whitsunday (Pfingstsonntag): Celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter, this religious holiday commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.
• June 9 (Monday) – Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag): The day following Whitsunday is also a public holiday in Austria, offering people a long weekend to spend with loved ones.
• June 19 (Thursday) – Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam): This Catholic feast day celebrates the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It is marked by religious processions through towns and villages.
Summer and Autumn Holidays
• August 15 (Friday) – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mariä Himmelfahrt): A major Catholic holiday celebrating the Virgin Mary’s ascent into heaven. It is a day of religious services and family time.
• October 26 (Sunday) – National Day of Austria (Nationalfeiertag): This holiday commemorates Austria's declaration of neutrality in 1955. It is celebrated with ceremonies, military displays, and public events.
November: Honoring the Saints
• November 1 (Saturday) – All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen): A day of remembrance for deceased loved ones. Austrians visit cemeteries and light candles on graves.
December: Festive Season and Traditions
• December 8 (Monday) – Immaculate Conception (Mariä Empfängnis): A Catholic holiday celebrating the conception of the Virgin Mary without original sin.
• December 25 (Thursday) – Christmas Day (Christtag): Austrians celebrate with family gatherings, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts.
• December 26 (Friday) – St. Stephen’s Day (Stefanitag): The day after Christmas, also a public holiday, is typically spent visiting friends and family.
Special Celebration: Krampusnacht
In addition to the official public holidays, Austria also hosts unique cultural celebrations.
• December 5 (Friday) – Krampusnacht (Krampus Night): On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, Austrians celebrate the folklore figure of Krampus—a horned creature who punishes misbehaving children. The event features parades with elaborately costumed Krampus figures, creating a thrilling yet festive atmosphere.
Austria’s public holidays in 2025 offer a blend of religious observances, national celebrations, and traditional festivities. From solemn religious processions to lively cultural events like Krampusnacht, these holidays reflect the country's deep-rooted customs and offer visitors and locals alike a chance to experience Austrian culture at its finest.
