Leslie Massey
Christmas in Austria is a time full of customs and traditions. From Advent wreaths to Krampus parades, festive markets, and the Christkind, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Austrians also have a long and relaxed festive season, beginning with Advent, where families light candles and open the doors on their Advent calendars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 24th December (Christmas Eve) |
| Gift-giver | Baby Jesus Christkind |
| Food | Sausage soup, carp, veal sausages with sauerkraut, raclette, Christmas cookies |
| Drink | Mulled wine, spiked punch |
| Activities | Ice skating, visiting Christmas markets |
| Decorations | Advent wreaths with four candles |
Advent wreaths
The Advent wreath is often accompanied by an Advent calendar, with families opening a new door each day during Advent. There are also Advent markets, where you can buy festive treats and decorations.
In Tirol, lucky charms and customs are an important part of the Christmas season. One tradition is the Feast of Saint Barbara, celebrated on 4 December. Cherry branches are brought into homes, and it is believed that if they blossom before Christmas Eve, good fortune and fertility will follow.
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Krampus parades
In Austria, Christmas is a time full of customs and traditions. One such tradition is the Krampus parade.
The tradition of Krampus parades is thought to date back to the Middle Ages, and they are now an integral part of the Austrian Christmas season. The parades are often organised by local communities, with participants of all ages taking part. In some towns and villages, the parades are accompanied by bonfires and fireworks, adding to the festive atmosphere.
While the parades can be frightening for children, they are also a source of fun and entertainment for many Austrians. They are a unique and fascinating part of Austrian culture, and a reminder of the country's rich folklore and traditions. For visitors to Austria during the festive season, witnessing a Krampus parade can be a memorable and captivating experience.
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Saint Barbara Day
The Feast of Saint Barbara is also celebrated in Tirol, where cherry branches are brought into homes. If they blossom before Christmas Eve, it is believed that good fortune and fertility will follow.
Other Austrian Christmas traditions include Advent wreaths, Krampus parades, festive markets, and the Christkind.
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Saint Nicholas Day
The day before, on 4 December, is called 'Barbaratag' and is dedicated to Saint Barbara. People cut small twigs from cherry trees or forsythias and put them in a vase in their house. If the twig blossoms by Christmas Eve, it is seen as a sign of good luck and health in the following year. In some regions, it also means that a member of your family is going to get married the next year.
In Austria, the Christmas season is a long and relaxed festive season, beginning with Advent. This tradition centres around an Advent wreath with four candles. On the four Sundays before Christmas, families will light one of the candles, building anticipation for 24 December. During this time, families will also start opening the doors on their Advent calendars, and there are Advent markets too to celebrate the season.
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Christmas markets
The markets are a great place to try some traditional Austrian Christmas food, including Viennoiseries, a selection of Viennese-style treats such as flaky pastries and intricately decorated cookies.
In the lead-up to Christmas, families will also light an Advent wreath with four candles, one more being lit each Sunday until the fourth and final Sunday before Christmas.
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Frequently asked questions
The Austrian Christmas season is long and relaxed, beginning with Advent.
Advent is centred around an Advent wreath with four candles. On the four Sundays before Christmas, families light one candle, building anticipation for December 24. Families also open the doors on their Advent calendars, and there are Advent markets to celebrate the season.
The Feast of Saint Barbara is celebrated on December 4. People cut small twigs from cherry trees and put them in a vase in their house. If the twig blossoms by Christmas Eve, it is seen as a sign of good luck, health and fertility in the following year.
Krampus parades are a traditional part of Christmas celebrations in Austria.
Austrian Christmas markets can be found in quaint towns and bigger cities decorated with lights. You can buy roasted chestnuts and gingerbread, and drink hot Glühwein.
