Christmas Markets in Austria is a magical time of year, with locals and visitors alike flocking to the cities and small towns to join in the celebrations leading up to Christmas Eve. The festive period has become one of the most popular times to visit Austria – and it’s easy to see why: After all, the traditional markets, selling everything from punch to chestnuts, traditional handicrafts, and unique local gifts, are famous worldwide.
Austria’s charming Christmas markets date back to the 18th century and started as daytime food and drinks markets, much like we still see today. The festive lights were added in the 20th century, making the markets even more attractive – and romantic. Today, kids (and kids at heart) can browse through stalls and mingle with angels or meet the “Christkind”, the traditional gift-bringer in Austria.
Let me highlight some classic destinations to experience Christmas the Austrian way – and a few insider tips only a local would know.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE CITY
Every major Austrian town has at least one Christmas market, and Vienna has the most. Austria’s capital is home to more than 20 festive markets, with some of the biggest and most well-known ones right in front of attractions such as the town hall (including a giant Advent calendar on the building!), Schönbrunn Palace (combine it with a visit to Sisi’s palace) and Belvedere Palace. The Christmas markets in the Spittelberg artist district and front of Karlskirche are long-term local favourites, while the Old Viennese Christmas Market at Freyung, right in the city centre, is where Vienna’s Christmas market tradition started in 1772.
Then there’s Salzburg. Its Christmas Market at Residenzplatz was first mentioned in the 15th century and is the perfect place to sample all the local festive delights while listening to choral tunes. Or how about sipping some traditional punch with the city at your feet? Head to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, just a short cable car ride up from the city centre and check out their Christmas market in the courtyard. Just outside of Salzburg, the Advent Magic at Hellbrunn Palace awaits, one of the most romantic markets in the region, with over 700 conifers decorated with 10,000 red Christmas balls and strands of lights, while the palace’s windows are turned into an XXL advent calendar.
Innsbruck has markets right under the famous Golden Roof, on the main square and the shopping street Maria Theresien Straße, and at Hungerburg Castle, where visitors can enjoy spectacular views over the town. An annual highlight is Innsbruck’s Christkind Parade (“Christkindleinzug”), on 17 December this year, featuring the „Christkind” riding down Maria-Theresien-Straße and the historic lanes in a splendid carriage, accompanied by a marching band, shepherds, angels, sheep, and some 600 local children. And then there’s LUMAGICA Innsbruck, a festive light park in the Imperial Garden. Bonus point for visitors to Innsbruck: Hop on a ski lift right in the heart of town before or after hitting the markets!
Other city markets worth checking out include the ones in Graz, Linz and Klagenfurt.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE MOUNTAINS
Austria’s Alpine regions, too, top up their game to get guests into the festive spirit in the weeks leading up to Christmas, making them a perfect destination to combine skiing and festive sightseeing.
Besides Innsbruck, Tyrolean resorts such a Kitzbühel, Seefeld, St. Johann, Zillertal (check out Mayerhofen‘s festive highlights), Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, St. Anton am Arlberg and Kufstein await with punch and chestnut stalls, traditional handicrafts, cookie baking workshops, and Christmas trails. Love heights? SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental is the proud home to Europe’s highest Christmas market at 1,555 m.
Zell am See-Kaprun in SalzburgerLand also has several Christmas markets, with a handful in the heart of the skiing towns and one at Kaprun castle. At the same time, Salzburg’s Mountain Advent in Grossarltal is a long-term go-to place for festive family markets.
In Austria’s westernmost province Vorarlberg, Kleinwalsertal and Schwarzenberg in Bregenzer Forest are great places to experience Christmas magic amidst the Alps. And for holidaymakers wanting to add some Advent-themed concerts on top, Montafon makes a great Christmassy destination (there are punch stalls, too!).
CHRISTMAS MARKETS AT THE LAKES
Floating candles on the water, festive lights, and stalls on the shores: There’s little more romantic than a Christmassy trip to the lake districts. And Austria has plenty of options for lovebirds!
Salzkammergut’s Lake Wolfgangsee and its villages St. Wolfgang, Strobl and St. Gilgen turn into a Christmas wonderland every year, think markets, open fires, musical events, and a chance to experience all the Austrian festive traditions first-hand. The 16 m high, floating “Peace Lantern” on the lake, just off St. Wolfgang’s shore, is the official symbol of the region. However, lights can be found all over the lake. The best way to enjoy all the festive decorations and markets is an advent-themed boat tour.
Another great region for markets at the lake promenade is Austria’s southernmost province Carinthia. Head to Lake Wörthersee and check out all the stalls and festive lights in Pörtschach and the famous floating Advent wreath in Velden, then book yourself into a guided torchlit walk to experience even more Christmas magic.
Austria Tourism website: https://www.austria.info
Austria Travel News on the Erika Brown Tour Guide website: https://erikabrowntourguide.com/category/news/
