Christmas Day in Liechtenstein

A holiday with Sunday-equivalent work rules

Liechtenstein’s Labour Act names Christmas among the statutory holidays treated like Sundays. The law generally prohibits employing workers on Sundays and these holidays, while allowing exceptions with authorization under specified conditions.[1]

The holiday falls on December 25. The government’s list of statutory holidays gives that date for Christmas, and its official calendar also identifies December 25 as Weihnachten, or Christmas.[2] The law establishes the holiday’s status but does not mean that every worker or service follows the same schedule; exceptions to the work restrictions are possible.[1]

Christian meaning and local customs

In Liechtenstein, Christmas is observed as a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. The Liechtenstein-Institut describes families celebrating on Christmas Eve or on Christmas morning, often gathered around a decorated tree with a nativity scene beneath it. The Christmas tree became common in the country in the second half of the nineteenth century.[4]

The same account describes reading the Nativity story from Luke, singing carols, eating cookies baked during Advent and exchanging presents. It notes that the Christkind is now associated with bringing children’s gifts, while Saint Nicholas was the earlier gift bearer.[4]

The season extends beyond Christmas Day in local custom. Children’s star singing on Epiphany, January 6, marks the end of the Christmas season in its narrower sense, according to the Liechtenstein-Institut.[4] These customs provide a local picture; households may observe different menus and practices.

Shops and services

On Sundays and public holidays, work in businesses subject to the Trade Act must generally cease unless an exception applies. The government says pharmacies and drugstores dispensing medicines, catering businesses, passenger transport, service stations, cinemas and sports schools may remain open without a permit on these days.[3] This means some services can operate, but it does not guarantee that a particular business will be open.

Christmas Day has an additional restriction for stores seeking permission to open: the government requires an individual permit for shop opening on Christmas Day, even where an annual permit is held.[3] Check directly with a shop or service before travelling, as the legal exceptions describe what may open rather than what will open.