New Year’s Day in Liechtenstein
New Year’s Day falls on 1 January and is a statutory public holiday in Liechtenstein. The date has practical consequences for work and shop opening, while the government’s annual calendar also lists a New Year’s Reception at Vaduz Castle in early January.[1][2]
A fixed date with legal status
Liechtenstein’s Labour Act names New Year’s Day as 1 January and treats it as equivalent to Sunday for rules on Sunday work. Night and Sunday work are generally prohibited, with exceptions possible when legal conditions are met and the necessary permit is granted.[1][2]
The law also contains limits on its own scope, so the rules should not be read as a guarantee that every worker in every occupation is off. For employees covered by the Act, the practical point is that work on the holiday is restricted, subject to permitted exceptions.[1]
Official observance in early January
A New Year’s Reception at Vaduz Castle is an official occasion at the beginning of January, distinct from New Year’s Day.[3]
What is open
Work in businesses covered by the Trade Act generally ceases on public holidays unless an exception applies. Shops and kiosks connected with service stations may open with permission from the Office of Economic Affairs; the authority also lists catering, passenger transport, service stations, pharmacies and drugstores dispensing medicines, cinemas and sports schools among businesses that may open without a permit.[4]
This framework does not mean every shop is open or that every service operates its usual hours. Check with a specific bank, restaurant or public office before making plans.[2][4]
Getting around
LIEmobil publishes journey planning, route timetables and service notices, including routes connecting Vaduz and Schaan with other towns and places in the region. Check the timetable for the date and time you need.[5]
New Year’s Day in Liechtenstein: FAQs
When is New Year’s Day in Liechtenstein?
It is observed on 1 January each year, the date specified in the Labour Act.[1]
Is it a day off?
Are shops open?
Most shops cannot simply open as on an ordinary day. Some businesses may open under exceptions, while service-station shops and kiosks need permission from the Office of Economic Affairs.[4]
Do buses run on New Year’s Day?
Check LIEmobil’s journey planner or timetable for the trip you need.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Liechtenstein:
- Arbeitsgesetz (ArG)- Lilex – Liechtenstein Legal Database
- Arbeits- und Ruhezeiten - Arbeitssicherheit - Amt für Volkswirtschaft - Landesverwaltung - Liechtensteinische Landesverwaltung- Liechtenstein National Administration, Office of Economic Affairs
- Annual dates- Liechtenstein National Administration, Protocol of the Government
- Permission to keep open stores - Sunday and holiday rest/shop closing time - Economic Affairs / Trade Law - Office of Economic Affairs - National Administration - Liechtenstein National Administration- Liechtenstein National Administration, Office of Economic Affairs
- Fahrplan, Betriebsmeldungen und News | LIEmobil- LIEmobil