Christmas Day in Austria
Christmas Day falls on 25 December and is a statutory public holiday in Austria, where it is known as Christtag. Austrian law provides employees with a period of holiday rest, while family observance and nativity traditions give the day a distinct place in the Christmas season.[1][2][3]
Legal status and rest
Austria’s Arbeitsruhegesetz names 25 December as a public holiday and gives employees an entitlement to at least 24 uninterrupted hours of holiday rest. The rest period must begin between midnight and 6 a.m. The law also says that when a holiday falls on a Sunday, the ordinary weekly-rest provisions apply; this section does not set out a replacement weekday.[1]
The law recognizes holiday work arrangements, so the rest entitlement does not mean every service or workplace closes. For work missed because of a holiday, the statute protects the employee’s pay entitlement; where an employee works during holiday rest, it also provides for payment for that work unless compensatory time is agreed.[1]
Meaning and nativity traditions
Christmas is a Christian feast celebrating the birth of Jesus. In Austria, nativity scenes are a long-established part of its observance: the Austrian Commission for UNESCO traces the first display in the country to Innsbruck in 1609 and describes how the practice spread to churches, public spaces and homes, developing distinctive local forms.[2]
Making, maintaining and setting up nativity scenes remain traditions for families, parishes and associations. Their styles and related rituals vary by region, and the scenes can be made and redesigned by craftspeople and laypeople.[2]
Christtag and the Christmas season
The Austrian foreign ministry describes 25 December, or Christtag, as traditionally a family day. It distinguishes the day from Christmas Eve: tower musicians may play in many localities on the afternoon of 24 December, while the 25th is associated with family observance.[3]
The wider Advent season brings public lights, Christmas markets, carols and nativity displays. The ministry describes markets in Vienna and Graz and Advent crib traditions in places including Upper Austria, Tyrol and Salzburg; these seasonal events take place during Advent and should not be assumed to run on Christmas Day itself.[3]
Practical planning
Many inns and restaurants are mostly closed on Christtag, according to the Austrian foreign ministry. Shop opening on Sundays and public holidays is generally prohibited, though the Austrian Economic Chambers list exceptions, including certain sales outlets and shops at transport hubs. Availability therefore depends on the location and type of business.[3][4]
Check directly with a shop, restaurant, museum or transport provider before making plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Austria?
Yes. The Arbeitsruhegesetz lists 25 December, Weihnachten, among Austria’s public holidays and sets out an employee entitlement to holiday rest.[1]
When is Christmas Day observed?
Does everyone have the day off work?
The general rule gives employees at least 24 uninterrupted hours of holiday rest. The law also addresses holiday work and pay, so check the rules that apply to your workplace.[1]
Are shops open on Christmas Day?
Shop opening on public holidays is generally prohibited, but exceptions exist, including some sales outlets and shops at transport hubs. Check local opening information before travelling.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Austria:
- Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Arbeitsruhegesetz § 7, Fassung vom 04.06.2025- Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes, Federal Chancellery of Austria
- Nativity Scene Traditions in Austria- Austrian Commission for UNESCO
- December- Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria
- Ladenöffnung an Sonn- und Feiertagen- Austrian Economic Chambers, Vorarlberg