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Official public holiday law or calendar
Confirmed · Scope: public · Checked 2026-09-27
Austria has thirteen nationwide statutory holidays. Local patronal observances and school breaks are outside this national calendar.
Boxing Day in Austria
2026 holiday dates
Confirmed — source checked
This is the first listed date for this year; a separate observance date has not been assigned.
About Boxing Day
The holiday shown here as Boxing Day in Austria is observed on 26 December and is officially St Stephen's Day, known in German as Stefanitag. It is a nationwide public holiday and extends the Christmas break for families, businesses and travellers.
Public holiday / closure dates
- — Public of holiday period · Confirmed — source checked
Bank, office and school arrangements require the applicable authority or institution notice. Missing scope data does not mean open.
Next supported occurrence
Saturday, 26 December 2026 · Confirmed — source checked
Next listed holiday day on or after today; this can be a closure day rather than the festival date.
2027 dates
- — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked
2028 dates
- — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked
Official sources and date status
Recorded confirmation and independent source review are shown separately. An institution-specific notice does not establish closure for every employer or school.
Office arrangements
Austria’s Arbeitsruhegesetz lists this date as a statutory holiday and provides covered employees with at least 24 hours of holiday rest. Permitted holiday work and sector-specific exceptions mean that essential, transport, hospitality and other authorised services may still operate.
Bank arrangements
Because this is a statutory holiday, customers should plan branch-dependent transactions in advance and verify opening hours and payment cut-offs with their own bank. Card, ATM or online access does not guarantee same-day settlement.
School arrangements
The official federal school calendar identifies statutory holidays and the surrounding school breaks, but calendars can differ by school type. Check the applicable school year and institution before making attendance or childcare plans.
History
St Stephen's Day is a Christian feast honouring Saint Stephen, traditionally regarded as the first Christian martyr. The feast has long been observed on 26 December in Catholic Central Europe. Austria retained it as an official public holiday, even though English-language calendars may sometimes label the date more generally as Boxing Day.
Why it matters
The day is both a religious feast and an important continuation of the Christmas holiday period. It gives families another day together and keeps many offices, banks and businesses closed. For tourism, it falls in the heart of Austria's busy winter season.
Observance
Some people attend church services dedicated to Saint Stephen, while many families continue Christmas visits, meals and winter leisure activities. Skiing, day trips and gatherings are common because the holiday extends the Christmas break.
Travel and planning
The date falls during Austria's peak winter tourism season. Ski areas, mountain roads, trains and accommodation can be very busy, especially as visitors move between Christmas and New Year stays.
Frequently asked questions
What is Boxing Day called in Austria?
26 December is officially St Stephen's Day, or Stefanitag.
Is 26 December a public holiday in Austria?
Yes. It is a nationwide public holiday.
Why is it shown as Boxing Day?
English-language holiday lists often group 26 December under Boxing Day, but Austria's official religious holiday is St Stephen's Day.
Are banks and offices closed?
Yes. Bank branches, government offices and many workplaces are normally closed.
Is 26 December busy for travel?
Yes. It falls during the peak Christmas and ski-tourism period.
View all Austria public holidays 2026