Christmas Market Magic In Austria: A Festive Adventure

Austria is famous for its Christmas markets, which are a popular advent tradition. The markets are full of light and fragrance, with wooden stalls selling traditional Christmas and seasonal foods and beverages, as well as gifts and decorations. The largest Christmas market in Austria is in Vienna, with others in Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and Linz. In 2024, most of the large Christmas markets in Austrian cities opened from mid-November to late December, with some remaining open until early January.

Christmas markets in Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is home to about twenty of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The tradition of Christmas markets in Vienna dates back to the 13th century when Albrecht I granted its citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or "Krippenmarkt".

The Christkindlmarkt in Rathausplatz square, in front of the City Hall, is the most visited Christmas market in Vienna. The market has over 150 stalls and traditional wooden huts selling Christmas decorations, locally-made goodies, Austrian handicrafts, glass ornaments, beeswax candles, and wooden toys. The market is enchanting at night with its colourful lights and beautiful decorations.

The Christmas markets in Vienna are a tasteful affair. They are dominated by wood, straw, glass, metal, clay, and fabric. The booths sell a wide range of potential gift items, such as sculpted candles, handcrafted decorations, wooden nativity scenes, jewellery, tableware, gourmet condiments, and much more.

• Viennese Dream Christmas Market: Held in front of the City Hall, this market has a unique backdrop with delicious aromas that are sure to get visitors in the Christmas spirit. Inside the City Hall, there is an area for children, where they can learn how to make Christmas cookies or candles. There are also performances by international choirs singing carols with free entrance on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Christmas Village Belvedere Palace: Set against the backdrop of the world-famous residence, this market offers over 40 festively decorated stalls with traditional handcrafted goods, elaborate Christmas decorations, and special culinary delights.
• Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz: Located between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art, this market offers a vast array of culinary delights and festively decorated stalls.
• Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace: Exhibitors present handicrafts and original gifts such as handmade Christmas decorations and nativity sets. The fragrance of freshly baked Vanillekipferl and hot punch and mulled wine fills the air.
• Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg: This market combines the ancient cobblestone streets of medieval times with a local Christmas market. It offers objets d'art, ceramics, warm jumpers, rugs, and jewellery made of silver, enamel, and brass.
• Karlsplatz Art Advent: This market is a great option for those who want to go on a grand shopping binge. The shopkeepers have to qualify to set up shops here, so visitors can expect to find the most authentic and quality products. There is also a panel of judges that votes for the best local produce.
• Altwiener Christkindlmarkt: This is the oldest Christmas market in Vienna, offering a glimpse into traditional Christmas markets from the medieval era.
• Weihnachts Mark Am Hof: Located very close to Freyung, this market offers another great option for Christmas shopping and eating. Shopkeepers have to qualify to set up stalls here, so visitors can expect to find only the best handicrafts.

Christmas markets in Salzburg

Salzburg is a romantic setting for Advent, with its fortress on the hill in the centre of the old town, historic palaces, and cathedral surrounded by market stalls. The snow-covered mountains on most sides of the city add to the charm.

The Christkindlmarkt in Salzburg's Old Town is one of the prettiest and oldest Christmas markets in Austria, with around 100 stalls set up in Residenzplatz. The medieval castle, buildings adorned with bells, lights, and the glittering Christmas tree form a perfect backdrop for this cheerful market. The market is also one of the oldest Advent markets in the world, with its origins dating back to the late 15th century.

The Schloss Hellbrunn, a 17th-century pleasure palace, hosts one of the world's largest Advent festivals. Here, you can explore a craft market selling handmade goods designed by locals, including pewter crafts, Advent wreaths, tree ornaments, furry slippers, and loden coats.

The main Christmas market in Salzburg, the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, is held outside the cathedral and the Salzburg Residence in the heart of the old town. The market is open from 21 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, with varying timings on different days of the week.

The Sternadvent Christmas market is a small event held in the courtyard of the Sternbräu guesthouse in the old town. It is open from 21 November 2024 to 6 January 2025, from 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays, and 11 am to 8:30 pm on weekends.

The Schloss Mirabell Market is another popular option, located on the opposite bank of the river from the Residence and the Cathedral. This market is open from 21 November to 24 December 2024, from 10 am to 8 pm.

Salzburg truly comes alive during the Christmas season, with its markets, festive treats, and decorations creating a warm and magical atmosphere.

Christmas markets in Innsbruck

Innsbruck, a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the Alps, is home to several Christmas markets, each offering a distinct and memorable experience. Here is a guide to the Christmas markets in Innsbruck:

Old Town Christmas Market

The Old Town Christmas Market is set in the historic part of Innsbruck, in front of the famous Golden Roof. This market exudes a traditional, romantic, and festive atmosphere, with colourful stalls nestled between medieval buildings. Here, you can browse Christmas ornaments, handicrafts, woollen goods, and souvenirs. The aroma of freshly made "Kiachln" and mulled wine fills the air, while Austrian Turmbläser (brass bands) play traditional Christmas music. The market is open daily from the 15th of November to the 23rd of December, from 11 am to 9 pm.

Christmas Market Maria-Theresien Straße

The Maria Theresien Straße Christmas Market takes place on Innsbruck's main shopping street. This market combines modern Christmas designs with traditional offerings. Surrounded by sparkling lights, it features a wide range of international gift ideas and tempting snacks. It is the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping done and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The market is open daily from the 25th of November to the 6th of January, from 11 am to 9 pm.

The Family Christmas Market at Marktplatz

The Marktplatz (Market Square) hosts a charming Christmas market perfect for families. It features a carousel, a petting zoo, and other attractions for children, while adults can browse gifts and savour regional specialities. With a Tyrolean village feel, this market offers something for everyone. It is open from the 15th of November to the 23rd of December, from 11 am to 9 pm.

Panorama Christmas Market on Hungerburg

For breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere, head to the Panorama Christmas Market on Hungerburg. Take a funicular railway ride to reach this market, which offers panoramic views of Innsbruck and its surroundings. Enjoy culinary delights and browse Christmas souvenirs at this scenic market. It is open from the 22nd of November to the 6th of January, with varying hours on weekdays and weekends.

Other Markets

In addition to the markets above, there are several other Christmas markets in and around Innsbruck worth visiting, including the Advent Market in Hall, the Christmas Market in St. Nikolaus, Christmas Magic in Wilten, and the Kaiserweihnacht am Bergisel. Each of these markets offers its own unique charm and festive traditions.

Christmas markets in Graz

Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is known for its more traditional Advent celebrations and its longest-running Christmas markets. There are 15 Christmas markets in Graz, each with a different theme and offering a unique experience for everyone.

Hauptplatz Christmas Market

The most popular of all the markets in Graz, the Hauptplatz Christmas Market is located in the old town, in front of the city hall. A huge Christmas tree adorned with decorations is surrounded by wooden stalls selling cute Christmas souvenirs and aromatic baked items.

Karmeliterplatz Christmas Market

Karmeliterplatz Christmas market is known for its huge ice skating rink and other fun games, including carousels.

Landhaus

Landhaus is the venue of the annual ice sculpture.

Färberplatz Market

If you're into arts and crafts, you should check out Färberplatz Market, which is known for high-quality handicrafts made by locals.

Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market

If you're looking for a quieter, smaller market to get a glimpse of local themes and traditions, visit the Glockenspielplatz Christmas Market, which is one of the best markets for trying out local Christmas special dishes.

Other Christmas Markets in Graz

• Advent stores at Eisernes Tor
• Arts and crafts market on the Mehlplatz
• Children's Advent Fair at Kleine Neutorgasse
• Crafts from all over the world at Tummelplatz
• Grazer Winterworld at Jahngasse, featuring a 2,500 m2 (27,000 sqft) ice skating rink
• "Aufsteirern" Christmas market on Schlossberg hill
• Christmas market at Südtiroler Platz
• WonderLEND on Mariahilferplatz

Christmas markets in Linz

Linz, a relatively new addition to the Austrian Christmas market scene, hosts around 15 different types of markets each year. The main market is in the town square, where Christkindlmarkt is set up against a medieval backdrop of centuries-old Baroque houses. Rich Christmas lights adorn the streets and buildings, with rows of wooden chalets decorated with festive lights and Christmas trees.

At the Christkindlmarkt, you can find homemade Christmas tree decorations, pottery, glassware, jewellery, and other handcrafted goods. There are also many culinary delights to sample, including the local speciality, Bauernkrapfen—an Austrian-style doughnut.

The second main market is the Weihnachtsmarkt Volksgarten, conveniently located next to Linz's central train station. Here, you can find unique handicraft demonstrations, a beautiful nativity scene, and more tasty treats and gifts. This market is particularly popular with children, as it features rides and a Christmas crib with life-size, hand-painted figures.

Other Christmas markets in Linz include the Advent at the Cathedral, held in the impressive backdrop of the Mariendom, and the Winter Market at Pfarrplatz, where craftsmen, artists, and farmers offer their regional and homemade products.

Linz's Christmas markets usually run from mid-November to 23 or 24 December.

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