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Austria is a great choice for a European winter getaway, offering something for everyone. The country is known for its picturesque villages, snow-capped mountains, and bustling cities, all of which are even more magical during the Christmas season. From traditional Christmas markets and festive concerts to skiing and snow-covered castles, Austria has plenty of activities to keep you entertained during the holidays. So, whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly trip, here is a guide to help you decide what to do and where to go in Austria during the Christmas season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Christmas Markets | Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, Hallstatt, Igls, Sistrans, Rinn, Tulfes, Alpbach, Bregenz, Dornbirn, Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bludenz |
| Christmas Concerts | Schönbrunn Palace, St. Peter's Church, St. Nicholas' Church |
| Christmas Lights | Graben, Kärtner streets, Innsbruck, Schönbrunn Palace |
| Christmas Food | Sauerkraut-flavoured kiachln, gingerbread, mulled wine, Glühwein, traditional Austrian biscuits, fruit loaf |
| Christmas Activities | Carriage rides, ice skating, Christmas Museum, St. Nicholas and Krampus procession, St. Wolfgang Advent tour, Silent Night Tour, boat rides, hiking |
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What You'll Learn
Christmas markets in Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, and Graz
Christmas Markets in Salzburg
The historic Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, located in the heart of Salzburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and most beautiful Advent markets in the world. It offers a unique combination of traditional market stands, local folk customs, and a vibrant daily events programme. The market officially opens on the Thursday before the first Sunday of Advent and remains open until January 1st. Visitors can enjoy readings of Christmas stories, Krampus parades, guided tours, choral concerts, and a visit from the "Christ Child". The market boasts approximately 100 stalls selling traditional decorations, gifts, Austrian specialties, mulled wine, and hot punch.
Christmas Markets in Innsbruck
Innsbruck's Christmas markets are known for their enchanting atmosphere, nestled between medieval buildings and the famous Golden Roof. The Marktplatz market square by the River Inn is a popular attraction, featuring a Tyrolean village feel with a traditional carousel, a 14-metre-high crystal tree, and stalls offering colourful gifts, handicrafts, and delicacies. The old town's Christmas market, surrounded by sparkling lights and adorned with tinsel, transforms the bustling Maria-Theresien Street into a magical experience. For a panoramic view of the markets, the Panorama Christmas Market at Hungerburg is a popular choice. The Kaiserweihnacht market on Bergisel Hill offers a unique experience centred around regional products and Tyrolean craftsmanship.
Christmas Markets in Vienna
Vienna's Christmas markets exude tastefulness, with an emphasis on natural materials and a romantic atmosphere. The famous Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz Square is a highlight, surrounded by historical buildings and boasting dozens of stalls. The Stephansdom market provides a central location with the stunning backdrop of the cathedral, while the Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz focuses on food, beverages, and entertainment. The Hirschstetten Advent Market stands out with its botanical gardens and glasshouses transformed into a themed winter wonderland.
Christmas Markets in Graz
Graz's Advent markets are known for their cosy, reflective atmosphere, with the backdrop of the city's Christmas lights illuminating the stalls. The Advent Market in front of the City Hall offers a welcoming village of stalls with traditional handicrafts and treats, including the local festive drink, "Feuerzangenbowle". The oldest Christmas market in Graz, found around the Franciscan Church, showcases Styrian handicrafts, farm-produced specialties, and Glühwein. The Glockenspielplatz market features unique arts and crafts, while the Färberplatz Arts and Crafts Market is renowned for its top-quality wares made from a variety of materials.
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St. Nicholas and Krampus procession in Igls
If you're looking for a uniquely Austrian Christmas event, the village of Igls, near Innsbruck, hosts a St. Nicholas and Krampus procession. This event takes place annually on the first Sunday of December.
The procession begins with a jolly St. Nicholas, who hands out presents of walnuts, peanuts, apples, sweets, and tangerines to the children. This is followed by the Krampus procession, where around 50 people dressed as 'devils' in traditional costumes and homemade masks parade through the village centre. The Krampus is the wild companion of St. Nicholas and, according to tradition, is responsible for punishing bad children. The tradition of Krampus figures chasing children down the street in a menacing manner dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, the Krampus parade features young people dressed in fur suits, wooden masks, and belts adorned with cowbells, riding chariots that are set alight to create a terrifying atmosphere.
The village of Igls is located in the Mittelgebirge, or "middle mountains", above Innsbruck, in the Tyrol region. Innsbruck is known as the capital of the Alps and is surrounded by quaint Alpine villages, making it a popular destination for those seeking a magical Christmas experience.
If you plan to attend the St. Nicholas and Krampus procession in Igls, be sure to dress warmly, as temperatures in Austria during Christmas can range from 0°C to 5°C. Also, remember to pack some thermal leggings and an extra pair of socks if you plan to stand outdoors for extended periods.
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Advent wreath-making and Krampus runs
The Advent wreath, or Adventskranz in German, is a beloved Austrian tradition to celebrate the upcoming Christmas. The wreath is made from pine branches and features four candles, which symbolise the four Sundays before Christmas. Each Sunday, a new candle is lit, indicating how many Sundays are left until Christmas Eve. The Advent wreath first appeared in Germany in 1839 and has since become a popular symbol of Christmas in Austria.
Making an Advent wreath is a fun and creative way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. It can be made in one afternoon and is a great way to bring everyone together. The wreath can be made from pine branches or, for a creative twist, try using moss and Lunaria Annua, also known as silver leaves. Wrap the Lunaria Annua around the wreath and place tiny branches in the middle, ensuring they are not right above the flame when the candles are lit.
The Krampus is a half-man, half-goat demon from Austrian folklore, believed to roam the Tyrolean mountains of the Alps with his army of ill-tempered elves, known as Perchten. The Krampus is said to punish bad children, and parents would warn their disobedient kids that Krampus was coming for them. The Krampuslauf, or Krampus Parade, takes place in towns and villages across the state of Tyrol in the western Austrian Alps. The parades feature scary costumes, flaming whips, acrobats, and pub crawls.
Krampus runs take place almost everywhere in Tyrol, with each region having its own unique rituals and specialities. The Perchten runs are particularly popular in the Tyrolean lowlands, where participants parade through the streets in elaborate, heavy costumes to drive away the evil spirits of winter. One of the largest Krampus runs takes place annually in Seefeld, attracting groups from all over the Alps. The Krampus Parade often occurs on St. Nicholas Eve (December 5) or St. Nicholas Day (December 6). Notable celebrations include those in Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Ischgl.
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Traditional Austrian Christmas foods and drinks
Austria is a great place to experience a European white Christmas, with plenty of festive activities to offer. From Christmas markets in Vienna to the fairy-tale village of Hallstatt, there's something for everyone. Now, let's dive into the delicious world of traditional Austrian Christmas foods and drinks!
Traditional Austrian Christmas Foods
Austria has a variety of traditional Christmas dishes that are sure to warm your heart and soul during the festive season. Here are some of the most famous ones:
- Christmas Cookies: Baking Christmas cookies is a beloved tradition in Austrian families. The process often involves listening to Christmas music, drinking hot mulled wine, and getting into the holiday spirit. These cookies are then served to guests on a big platter with coffee or hot chocolate.
- Christmas Goose: This is one of the most popular dishes served on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Austria. The goose is filled with apples, baked chestnuts, and cloves, seasoned with salt, pepper, marjoram, and shallots, and served with potatoes, red cabbage, or dumplings.
- Kletzenbrot: This is a traditional Austrian fruit bread filled with dried pears, figs, and raisins. The fruit is typically soaked in rum, and the bread is spiced with lemon, aniseed, fennel, and cinnamon.
- Baked Apple: A simple yet delicious dessert, the baked apple is filled with cinnamon, hazelnuts, chocolate, and other spices. It's baked in the oven and sometimes served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Schaumrollen: These crumbly puff pastries are filled with sweet, foamy cream. While they can be complex to make, they are a favourite festive treat for Austrians.
- Gingerbread: Gingerbread houses are a beloved Austrian Christmas tradition. Families come together to bake and decorate these houses, which are then displayed in the living room before being enjoyed during the holidays.
- Baked Fish: Carp seasoned with lemon juice, white wine, pepper, and salt, and baked with potatoes is a traditional Austrian Christmas dish.
Traditional Austrian Christmas Drinks
Warm and festive drinks are an essential part of the Austrian Christmas experience. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Glühwein (Mulled Wine): This warm and spiced wine is a staple at Austrian Christmas markets. It is typically made with red wine and spices like cinnamon, and sometimes spiked with Schnaps (distilled fruit brandy).
- Christmas Punch: This famous hot alcoholic beverage combines tea, sugar, red wine, cinnamon, and strong liquor. It may also include apples, oranges, or berries, depending on the recipe.
- Hot Chocolate: Austrians enjoy their hot chocolate with a variety of additions, such as eggnog, rum, or cherry schnapps. It is often served alongside traditional Christmas cookies.
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Christmas lights and decorations
If you're looking for Christmas lights and decorations, Austria has plenty to offer. The capital, Vienna, is widely regarded as the best place in Austria for Christmas festivities. The city shimmers during the holiday season, with lights blossoming across its streets and landmarks. Schönbrunn Palace, for example, turns into a fairy-tale castle, aglow with Christmas lights. Graben and Kärtner streets are also known for their magnificent light displays.
Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is another top destination for Christmas lights and decorations. The bustling Maria-Theresien Street transforms into a sparkling wonderland, with stores adorning their windows with magical tinsel and the street itself illuminated by a giant Christmas tree set against the famous Golden Roof. The Christmas Market on Marktplatz adds to the festive atmosphere with colourful carousels, stalls offering ornaments and gifts, and traditional Christmas music.
Salzburg, with its picturesque skyline of domes and towers, is another romantic city to experience Christmas in Austria. The historic Christmas Market, located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the stunning Cathedral of Salzburg, features choir singing, nativity exhibits, and festive stalls. For a truly special experience, visit St. Nicholas' Church in Oberndorf, where the Christmas hymn "Silent Night" was first performed in 1818. Every Christmas Eve at 5 pm, visitors can hear the original carol sung.
Outside of the big cities, there are plenty of quaint Alpine villages within easy reach of Innsbruck, such as Igls, Sistrans, Rinn, and Tulfes, that offer their own unique Christmas experiences. Hallstatt, for example, is known for its charming winter ambiance, featuring a life-size wooden nativity scene in the village square and traditional seasonal music and lights at its Christmas markets.
In addition to the lights and decorations, Austria also offers a variety of Christmas markets, such as the Christkindlmarkt in Salzburg and the Volksgarten market in Vienna, where you can find handmade wooden toys, ornaments, crafts, and delicious treats like gingerbread and mulled wine.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians have many Christmas traditions, including:
- Advent wreath making
- Krampus and Perchten runs
- Christmas carols
- Baking cookies and fruit loaf
- Decorating the tree on Christmas Eve
- Attending a traditional Christmas Mass in Church
- Drinking Glühwein, a hot spiced red wine
- Enjoying Christmas markets
There are many Christmas markets to visit in Austria, including:
- Christkindlmarkt in Salzburg
- Christmas Market in the Volksgarten
- Christmas Market in Innsbruck
- Christmas Market in Vienna
- Hellbrunner Adventzauber at Hellbrunn Palace
Some of the best places to visit in Austria at Christmas include:
- Vienna
- Austrian Alps
- Hallstatt
- Salzburg
- St. Nicholas' Church in Oberndorf
- Vorarlberg
- Tyrol
