Christmas Day in Austria
Christmas Day is a holiday in Austria.
When is Christmas Day in Austria
Christmas Day is celebrated on 25, December, 2023 in Austria.
About Christmas Day in Austria
Christmas Day, also known as “Christtag” in Austria, is a public holiday celebrated on December 25th every year. It is a religious holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas Day, Austrian cities and towns are decorated with lights, Christmas trees, and other festive decorations. Christmas markets, known as “Christkindlmärkte,” are set up in many cities where locals and tourists can buy traditional Austrian crafts, decorations, and food.
On Christmas Eve, also known as “Heiliger Abend,” families gather together to attend church services and enjoy a festive meal. The traditional Christmas Eve meal in Austria is typically a fish dish, such as carp or trout.
On Christmas Day, families continue their celebrations with more feasting and gift-giving. Many families attend church services, and some may go for a walk or hike in the snow-covered countryside.
Overall, Christmas Day in Austria is a time for families to come together, celebrate their faith, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the holiday season.
History of Christmas Day in Austria
Christmas Day, or “Weihnachtstag” in German, has been celebrated in Austria for centuries. The holiday has its roots in the Christian tradition, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Austria, Christmas is a time for family, food, and festivities. The holiday season officially begins on December 4th, which is the feast day of Saint Barbara. On this day, Austrians traditionally plant wheat or rye seeds in a bowl of water, which will sprout and grow into a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
The Advent season, which begins four Sundays before Christmas, is a time of preparation and anticipation. Many Austrians attend Advent concerts and markets, where they can buy traditional Christmas decorations and gifts.
On Christmas Eve, families gather together to celebrate with a festive meal. The most popular dish is “Weihnachtsgans,” or Christmas goose, which is usually served with red cabbage and dumplings. After dinner, many families attend midnight mass, which is a solemn and beautiful service held in churches throughout the country.
On Christmas Day itself, many Austrians continue to celebrate with family gatherings and feasts. Some families attend church services, while others take part in outdoor activities like skiing or sledding.
Overall, Christmas Day is a cherished holiday in Austria, steeped in tradition and meaning. It is a time to come together with loved ones, reflect on the blessings of the past year, and look forward to the promise of a new one.
How is Christmas Day celebrated in Austria
In Austria, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th with various traditions and customs. Here are some of the common ways in which Christmas Day is celebrated in Austria:
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Attending Church: Many Austrians attend a special Christmas Day mass or service at their local church.
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Christmas Dinner: Families gather together for a festive Christmas dinner, which often includes roasted goose or turkey, potato dumplings, and red cabbage.
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Gift Giving: Children wake up to find presents under the Christmas tree, which is decorated with ornaments and candles.
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Christmas Markets: Many cities and towns in Austria have Christmas markets, where vendors sell food, drinks, and handmade gifts.
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Carol Singing: Groups of carol singers, known as “Stille Nacht Gesellschaft,” go from house to house singing traditional Austrian Christmas carols.
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Advent Wreaths: The Advent wreath, which has four candles representing the four weeks of Advent, is lit on Christmas Day.
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Krampus: In some parts of Austria, the Krampus, a horned creature who punishes naughty children, is part of the Christmas tradition.
Dates
Christmas Day will be celebrated in Austria on 2023-12-25 2024-12-25 2025-12-25 2026-12-25 2027-12-25 in the comming years.