School Holidays in Austria 2024-2025

Are you planning your family holidays or organising your child's study schedule for the upcoming academic year? Understanding the school holiday calendar in Austria for 2024-2025 is essential to ensure you make the most of these breaks. Austria, with its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes, offers numerous opportunities for families and students to enjoy these holidays, but knowing the key dates is crucial for proper planning. In this guide, we’ll explore the school holidays, public holidays, and term breaks in Austria, as well as some ideas on how to make the most of this time.

Overview of School Holidays in Austria in 2024-2025

In Austria, the school holiday calendar is determined by the federal government, specifically the Ministry of Education, Science and Research. The academic year is divided into five term breaks, during which schools are closed. These holidays are consistent across all nine federal states, although there might be slight variations depending on regional traditions or specific circumstances.

The major school holidays and term breaks include:

• Summer Holidays: The longest break, typically lasting from early July until early September.
• Autumn Holidays: A shorter break in late October or early November.
• Christmas Holidays: A festive break around Christmas and New Year.
• Semester Break: A week-long break usually in February.
• Easter Holidays: A spring break around Easter time.

During these periods, students are free from school activities, and it’s a great time for families to plan vacations, rest, or focus on extracurricular activities.

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Public Holidays in Austria 2024-2025

Since Austria is a country with deep catholic roots, its public holidays reflect its religious heritage and resemble those countries in Europe with strong catholic influences as well, such as France and Spain. Public holidays in Austria are decided by the federal government and are observed nationwide. On these days, schools, government offices, and most businesses close. The holidays reflect Austria’s rich cultural and religious traditions, including national and regional celebrations.

Key public holidays in the academic year 2024-2025 include:

• National Day (26 October 2024): A public holiday celebrating Austrian independence and neutrality.
• All Saints' Day (1 November 2024): A Christian holiday celebrated on November 1st to honor all saints, both known and unknown, who have attained heaven.
• Immaculate Conception (8 December 2024): A Christian celebration and feast day on December 8th that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin.
• Christmas Day (25 December 2024) and St. Stephen’s Day (26 December 2024): These holidays celebrate the birth of Christ and the feast of St. Stephen.
• New Year’s Day (1 January 2025): Celebrating the beginning of the new year.
• Epiphany (6 January 2025): a Christian feast day that commemorates the visit of the Magi (Three Wise Men) to the infant Jesus often marking the end of the Christmas season.
• Easter Monday (21 April 2025): A Christian holiday following Easter Sunday.
• Labour Day (1 May 2025): A day to honour workers and labour movements.
• Ascension Day (29 May 2025): a Christian holiday observed 40 days after Easter Sunday, commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven as described in the New Testament
• Whit Monday (9 June 2025): a Christian holiday observed the day after Pentecost (50 days after Easter), celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the birth of the Church.
• Corpus Christi (19 June 2025): a Christian feast day celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, commemorating the belief in the real presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary (15 August 2025): a Christian feast that commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.

For the official holiday date release, please visit the federal government website. On these holidays, expect school closures and reduced business operations, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.

Public and Private School Term Breaks in Austria 2024-2025

Both public and private schools in Austria follow a similar holiday schedule, though private institutions might have slight variations in term dates. The primary term breaks in the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:

• Autumn Break: From 28 October 2024 to 31 October 2024.
• Christmas Break: From 23 December 2024 to 6 January 2025.
• Semester Break: One week from 3 February 2025 (Group A)/ 10 February 2025 (Group B)/ 17 February 2025 (Group C)
• Easter Break: From 12 April 2025 to 21 April 2025.
• Pentecost Holidays: From 7 June 2025 to 9 June 2025
• Summer Break: Begins on 28 June 2025 (Group 1)/ 5 July 2025 (Group 2) and ends on 31 August 2025 (Group 1)/ 7 September 2025 (Group 2).

Similar to School Holidays in France, the school breaks in Austria is staggered regionally to prevent overcrowding of popular holiday destinations. Therefore, schools are split into groups based on their location and school in the lower regions, such as Vienna, tend to start and end their holidays earlier. For a full list of the regional classification, please visit the 2024-2025 approved calendar.

During these breaks, most schools close, providing ample time for rest and recreation. While following a similar structure, international schools often cater to the needs of expatriate families and may include additional holidays aligned with the cultural practices of their student population. For instance, some international schools might have extended breaks during international or national holidays that are not observed by Austrian public schools.

Additionally, international schools often offer supplementary activities during term breaks, such as study programs, cultural trips, or exam preparation courses for intensive curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). These are particularly beneficial for students aiming to keep up with their studies or preparing for crucial international exams. If you have children attending an international school, it's essential to check the specific calendar and offerings, as they might differ slightly from the standard Austrian school holidays.

Additional School Holidays in Austria in 2024-2025

In addition to the scheduled term breaks, Austria has several "bridge days" or additional holidays when school may also be closed. These additional school holidays are usually decided at the regional level, giving schools some flexibility to extend breaks. Here are some examples specific to the 2024-2025 academic year:

• Friday, 27 October 2024: Following the National Day on Thursday, 26 October 2024, many schools may take Friday off, creating a long weekend. This is a common practice, allowing families an extended break to enjoy autumn activities or short trips.
• Friday, 2 May 2025: Since Labour Day falls on Thursday, 1 May 2025, schools might close on Friday as well, giving students a four-day weekend. This extra day off is often used for family outings or to participate in community events.
• Monday, 11 November 2024: In some regions, St. Martin’s Day on 11 November could be observed as a holiday, particularly in areas with strong local traditions celebrating this day. This might result in an extended weekend, particularly for primary schools.
• Friday, 31 October 2024: In the lead-up to All Saints' Day on 1 November 2024, schools may close on Friday, creating a long weekend that spans from 31 October to 3 November. This is especially common in regions with strong Catholic traditions, where All Saints' Day is widely observed.

These additional holidays provide families with extra time to relax or engage in special activities, often leading to extended weekends that are perfect for short trips or cultural experiences. However, it's essential to check with your local school or regional education authority for precise dates, as these additional holidays can vary by region and school.

List of School Holiday Activities Ideas

Making the most of school holidays involves more than just relaxation. Here are some productive and enjoyable activities for students during the breaks:

• Private Tutoring: Enhance academic performance with private tutoring, particularly for students preparing for exams. Consider an IB tutor in Austria or an IB tutor in Vienna to help your child excel in their studies.
• Cultural Excursions: Austria’s rich history is best experienced through its museums, historical sites, and cultural events. Visits to places like Schönbrunn Palace or the Salzburg Festival can be both educational and entertaining.
• Outdoor Adventures: Take advantage of Austria's stunning natural landscapes with activities such as hiking in the Alps, skiing during winter, or cycling along the Danube River.
• Language Courses: Encourage your child to take language courses. Whether it's improving their German or learning a new language, this is a productive way to spend the holidays.
• Creative Workshops: Many local institutions offer workshops in arts, crafts, and music, helping children develop new skills and interests in a fun environment.

Conclusion

Understanding the school holiday calendar in Austria for 2024-2025 allows families and students to plan effectively, ensuring a balance between rest, recreation, and learning. With a range of public holidays, term breaks, and additional holidays, there’s ample opportunity to explore Austria's rich culture, pursue academic excellence, and enjoy the country’s natural beauty. Whether it's through educational activities like private tutoring or enriching cultural experiences, these holidays can be both enjoyable and productive.