Austrian Christmas Traditions: Food, Family, And Fun

Christmas in Austria is a magical time filled with unique customs, delicious treats, and heartwarming traditions. From festive markets and nativity scenes to mythical creatures and generous gift-givers, Austrian Christmas captures the essence of the holiday season. With its twinkling lights, snowy landscapes, and enchanting traditions, Austria truly comes alive during the festive period, bringing the whole country together in celebration.

Advent wreaths and calendars

Advent wreaths and Advent calendars are integral parts of Austrian Christmas celebrations. The Advent wreath first appeared in Germany in 1839 and gradually became a popular symbol of Christmas in Austria. The wreath, adorned with four candles, serves as a calendar; every Sunday in Advent, a new candle is lit to mark the passing of time until Christmas Eve. The first Sunday of Advent sees nearly every Austrian home displaying an Advent wreath. The candles are usually the same colour, though traditionally, there were three lilac candles and one pink candle, marking the third Advent Sunday.

The Advent calendar is another beloved tradition, with its 24 windows opened consecutively from 1 December to 24 December, counting down to Christmas. Austrian children eagerly open a new window on their Advent calendars, receiving a small present every day, usually in the form of a chocolate Advent calendar.

Saint Nicholas and Krampus

Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, is honoured throughout Austria. He is said to be a kindly and generous man who was a Christian bishop in the fourth century in Myra (Asia Minor). He had a reputation for helping the needy and giving gifts to those in need. Saint Nicholas comes on his feast day, a holiday separate from Christmas. In some places, he comes on the evening of 5 December, known as 'Krampus Night' ('Krampusnacht' in Germany), and in other places on 6 December. Saint Nicholas is dressed as a bishop with flowing robes and a miter. He carries a big book and a bishop's crozier. During the year, angels, who sometimes accompany him, write children's good and bad deeds in his book. Saint Nicholas rewards children who promise to be good and study hard with treats.

Krampus is a beast-like figure and Saint Nicholas's devilish companion. He is a strange and frightening creature, an anti-Saint Nicholas, who comes to warn and punish naughty children and adults. This devil figure, often in chains, is dressed in fur with a scary devil mask with horns and a long red tongue. Krampus carries a wooden stick or switches to threaten children who misbehave or do not know their lessons. Krampus parades, or Krampuslaufs, are popular in Austria, with many young men dressing up in elaborate fur costumes and devil masks. After the parade, the Krampus figures scatter and beat anyone who gets in their way.

The Krampus tradition is mainly rooted in Central Europe, particularly in the regions of the Eastern Alps. The name Krampus comes from the German word 'krampen', meaning 'claw'. This legendary beast is said to be the son of Hell and shares characteristics with other demonic creatures such as fauns and satyrs.

Christmas markets

Vienna Christmas Market

The Vienna Christmas Market, held in front of the Rathaus (town hall), is one of the most iconic and spectacular markets in the country. The historically significant buildings of Vienna, including the Town Hall, are lit up with thousands of glittering fairy lights. The snow-covered trees are decorated, and hundreds of small chalets sell everything from handcrafted goods to delicious treats and hot drinks. The market stalls are filled with handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, and steaming Glühwein (mulled wine).

Salzburg Christmas Market

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is another city that hosts lovely Christmas markets. The most famous one is the Salzburg Christmas Market, located in the historic Old Town. The Christkindlmarkt provides a picture-perfect backdrop with its historic charm and views of Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Innsbruck Christmas Market

Innsbruck's markets are surrounded by the stunning Tyrolean Alps and perfectly framed by the Golden Roof, adding a touch of magic.

Graz Christmas Market

The Graz Christmas Market in the picturesque old town of Graz is also a must-visit. The small market in the Kasematten (old caves) is particularly beautiful.

Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace

The Schönbrunn Palace is aglow with Christmas lights, and the path from the palace to the Gloriette offers a spectacular view.

Christmas Market at Schloss Hof

This market is another charming option for those looking to experience the magic of the season.

Christmas Market in Innsbruck's Old Town

Innsbruck's Old Town is a popular meeting place to enjoy the winter hustle and bustle of the city from above.

Advent Market in Gmunden

Gmunden's Advent Market is a great place to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the region.

Other Notable Markets

There are also wonderful Christmas markets in Hallstatt, Schloss Ort, and Villach.

What to Eat and Drink at the Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets in Austria offer a variety of traditional foods and drinks. You can warm up with a cup of hot Glühwein (mulled wine) or try some of the delicious treats such as gingerbread, Lebkuchen (traditional Austrian gingerbread), sugar-roasted almonds, marzipan sweets, apple strudel, and chestnuts.

Christmas Eve traditions

Christmas Eve, known as Heiliger Abend (Holy Evening) in Austria, is the main day of celebration in the country. While it is not a public holiday, shops and offices usually close at midday. Families gather to celebrate, often decorating the Christmas tree and attending a traditional Christmas Mass.

On Christmas Eve, Austrian families come together around an illuminated Christmas tree, adorned with candles and decorations, to sing carols, enjoy Christmas music, and open presents delivered by the Christkind (or Christmas Child). This angelic figure, with white feathery wings and a halo, is believed to bring gifts to children all over the world. Children listen out for the ringing of a bell, which signals that they can enter the room and discover their gifts.

In the lead-up to Christmas Eve, families with young children often take part in the tradition of the Advent calendar. Each day from December 1 to December 24, children open a window on the calendar and receive a small treat. The Advent wreath is another important tradition, with families lighting a new candle each Sunday in Advent until, by the last Sunday, all four candles are burning.

Christmas Eve in Austria is a magical time filled with family, music, and gift-giving.

Christmas food and drink

Christmas in Austria is a time of warmth, annual traditions, and wintery charm. Austrians have a variety of delicious foods and drinks to celebrate the festive season.

Christmas Food

Austria's famously hearty traditional cuisine is well-suited to the cold weather. From knödel (bread dumplings) to maroni (roasted chestnuts) and kletzenbrot (Austrian fruit bread), Christmas is an excellent time to experience Austrian cuisine.

Christmas Eve Dinner

On Christmas Eve, families traditionally sing carols around the Christmas tree, which is lit for the first time. The traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Austria often includes fried carp, a dish that dates back to when Christmas was seen as a day of fasting by Catholics, so meat was off the menu. The classic Christmas Eve dinner consists of carp fried in butter, along with a variety of vegetables and potatoes.

Christmas Day Dinner

On Christmas Day, many Austrian families opt for a Christmas goose, filled with apples, baked chestnuts, and cloves, and seasoned with salt, pepper, marjoram, and shallots. It is served with potatoes, red cabbage, or dumplings.

Christmas Cookies

Baking Christmas cookies is one of Austria's most popular Christmas traditions. Families spend the four weeks leading up to Christmas day in the kitchen, baking different types of cookies. The whole family participates in these cookie-baking marathons, often accompanied by Christmas music, storytelling, and some mulled wine.

Once the cookies are done, they are stored in boxes until Christmas Eve, when they are enjoyed by the family and gifted to visiting friends. Some popular varieties include:

• Vanillekipferl (vanilla-flavoured crescent-shaped biscuits made with nuts)
• Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars)
• Nussecken (nut-corners)
• Kokusbusserl (coconut kisses)
• Lebkuchenhaus (gingerbread house)

Other Christmas Treats

• Stollen: a rich fruitcake dusted with powdered sugar
• Krapfen: pillowy doughnuts filled with jam
• Sachertorte: Vienna's most famous cake
• Schaumrollen: crumbly pastries filled with sweet, foamy cream
• Lebkuchen: spiced gingerbread biscuits

Christmas Drinks

Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

Christmas in Austria wouldn't be complete without copious amounts of hot glühwein. This traditional festive drink is made with wine, cinnamon, and sugar, and is served at Christmas markets across the country. It has been adapted with additional ingredients, such as orange or vanilla bean, and non-alcoholic versions are also available.

Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas Punch)

This hot alcoholic beverage is made with tea, sugar, red wine, cinnamon, and a strong liquor. It may also include apples, oranges, or berries. It is served at Christmas markets and stands across Austria during the winter.

Glühmost (Hot Mulled Cider)

Glühmost is another hot drink served at Austrian Christmas markets.

Kinderpunsch (Non-Alcoholic Punch)

For those who don't want an alcoholic drink, kinderpunsch is a non-alcoholic punch available at Austrian Christmas markets.

Frequently asked questions