Boxing Day (Stephanstag) in Austria
Austria’s law names 26 December as Stephanstag, a public holiday that falls on the day after Christmas. The date is also the Christian feast of St Stephen, whom Christians remember as the first Christian martyr.[1][2]
A public holiday under Austrian law
The Arbeitsruhegesetz lists 26 December as Stephanstag. It gives employees a continuous rest period of at least 24 hours on public holidays, although the law allows work in specified cases and under other applicable rules.[1][5]
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the law applies the Sunday rest provisions. It does not designate a Monday substitute holiday.[1]
The feast of St Stephen
The date’s religious meaning comes from St Stephen, remembered in Christianity as the first Christian martyr. The City of Vienna’s intercultural calendar describes him as a deacon of the early Church who was accused of blasphemy and stoned to death.[2]
In Austria, the name used in law connects the public holiday directly to the saint’s feast. Local observances can include church services: for example, a parish in the Archdiocese of Vienna records a horse blessing on 26 December in connection with St Stephen’s day. That is a local example, not evidence of a nationwide custom.[3]
What to expect on the day
Shops are generally closed on Sundays and public holidays under Austria’s retail opening rules, though the rules allow exceptions. For errands, check the opening hours of the specific shop or service you plan to use.[4]
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check directly with banks and transport providers before making plans.[1][5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Stephanstag a public holiday in Austria?
Is there a substitute day when 26 December falls on a Sunday?
The law says Sunday rest provisions apply when a public holiday falls on Sunday. It does not designate a Monday substitute holiday.[1]
Are shops open on Stephanstag?
Shops generally close on Sundays and public holidays, although legal exceptions are possible. Check the opening hours of the particular shop.[4]
What does the holiday commemorate?
It is the Christian feast of St Stephen, remembered as the first Christian martyr.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Austria:
- RIS - Arbeitsruhegesetz § 7 - Bundesrecht konsolidiert- Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes
- Religious and public holidays in December 2026 - Intercultural calendar- City of Vienna
- Pfarre Hennersdorf | Erzdiözese Wien- Archdiocese of Vienna
- Öffnungszeiten im Handel und abweichenden Regelungen- Wirtschaftskammer Österreich
- Arbeiten an Feiertagen- Wirtschaftskammer Österreich