Lyla Lindsey
Salzburg in December is a popular time to visit, with its Christmas markets, winter sports, and festive atmosphere. The Austrian city is steeped in history and baroque architecture, with fairytale churches, squares, parks, and palaces. The weather is cold, with frosty nights and temperatures ranging from 4°C (39°F) during the day to -2°C (28°F) at night. There are plenty of things to do in Salzburg in December, from exploring the Christmas markets to visiting Mozart's birthplace and seeing where The Sound of Music was filmed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weather | Frosty nights, snow, rain, and temperatures as low as 28°F |
| Daylight | Around 8.5 to 9 hours |
| Clothing | Lots of layers, warm boots, a hat, a scarf, and gloves |
| Attractions | Christmas markets, Mozart's birthplace, medieval castles, The Sound of Music filming locations, baroque cathedral, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Museum of Modern Art, Hangar 7, ski resorts |
| Food and Drink | Glühwein (mulled wine), orange punch, spiced wine, pastries |
| Nearby Destinations | Berchtesgaden in Germany, Hallstatt in Austria |
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What You'll Learn
Explore the Christmas markets
Salzburg's Christmas markets are a truly magical experience. The city is known for hosting some of the best Christmas markets in Austria, and they are a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. The main market, known as the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, is one of the world's oldest Christmas markets, with historical roots dating back to the 15th century. It is located in the heart of the city centre, at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress and around the Cathedral of Salzburg, a well-known Austrian landmark.
The market typically opens in November and runs until the beginning of January. It features around 100 stalls offering a variety of festive treats, gifts, and local arts and crafts. You can browse the iconic wooden huts for Christmas tree decorations, carved wooden toys, and winter woollies to keep you warm. Don't forget to indulge in some delicious Austrian delicacies, such as mulled wine, hot punch, and traditional gingerbread. The market also has a lively social programme, including choral singing in front of the cathedral, Turmblasen (wind instrument performances) on Residenz Square, and nativity exhibits in the Residenz courtyard.
In addition to the main market, there are several other charming Christmas markets worth exploring in Salzburg. The market on Mirabell Square, located in the city centre, has become a popular attraction for both young and old. It features beautifully decorated stalls offering culinary delights, mulled wine, and a variety of gifts. The Advent Market St. Leonhard, located near the pilgrimage church, is another highlight. Here, you can sample traditional gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, punch, and children's bakery, while enjoying the entertainment programme with brass bands and Advent events.
To make the most of your market experience, consider visiting at night when the markets truly come alive. Locals flock to the markets for a bite to eat, often bringing their children and dogs, and musical performances often take place. However, don't discount a daytime visit, as you'll have more space to spread out and better lighting for capturing those perfect market photos. Keep in mind that Salzburg's main Christmas market can be pricier than the smaller ones, so if you're looking for more affordable options, explore the lesser-known markets scattered throughout the city. And don't forget to bring cash, as while some stalls accept cards, not all of them do.
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Visit Mozart's birthplace
Salzburg is a popular destination during the Christmas holidays, with its Christmas markets, winter sports, and magical atmosphere. One of the highlights for visitors is Mozart's Birthplace, located at No. 9 Getreidegasse in Salzburg. Here's what you need to know about visiting this iconic site in December:
History of the House
The bright yellow "Hagenauer Haus" at No. 9 Getreidegasse has a rich history. In 1703, it came into the ownership of the Hagenauer family, who rented out the third-floor apartment to Leopold Mozart and his wife, Anna Maria Pertl, in 1747. The Mozart family lived in this apartment for 26 years, and during their residence, seven children were born, including Maria Anna and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who spent his childhood and youth there. The family moved out in 1773 to a larger residence, the "Mozart Residence" on Makartplatz Square.
The Museum
Since 1880, Mozart's Birthplace has been a museum dedicated to the early life of the famous composer. The three-story exhibition provides a wealth of information about Mozart's life, including his domestic circumstances, his musical beginnings, his friends and patrons, his family relationships, and his passion for opera.
What to See
On the first floor, you'll find a rotating annual exhibition that always offers something new. At the time of writing, the art project "Flying Notes. K.265." by local artist Andreas Feldinger is on display, showcasing an excerpt from Mozart's work "Ah, vous dirai-je Maman KV 265," more commonly known as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." The second floor is dedicated to Mozart's interest in opera and features the clavichord on which he composed "The Magic Flute." The third floor is a highlight, exhibiting Mozart's childhood violin, made by the Salzburg court luthier Andreas Ferdinand Mayr, as well as a harpsichord, portraits, documents, family letters, and early editions of his music.
Practical Information
It takes approximately one hour to visit Mozart's Birthplace. The site is not wheelchair accessible, but guide dogs are permitted. Tickets are available online or at the box office, with prices ranging from free entry for children under 6 to €15 for adults. The Salzburg Card is accepted here, and combination tickets for the Birthplace and Residence are also available.
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Take a day trip to Hallstatt
Salzburg is a popular destination during the Christmas holidays, with its Christmas markets, snow-covered rooftops, and magical experience. If you're visiting Salzburg, you can take a day trip to the fairytale village of Hallstatt, tucked away in a remote part of town. Hallstatt is only 50 miles (80 km) away from Salzburg, but public transport can be tricky for first-time visitors. The best way to get there is by taking a guided tour that takes care of transportation and includes historical insights.
The village has a deep connection to salt mining, with evidence of human settlement dating back over 7,000 years. Hallstatt is home to one of the oldest salt mines in the world, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The key attractions include the Hallstatt Salt Mine, the historic Market Square, and the Bone House (Beinhaus), with its collection of intricately decorated skulls. Wander the charming streets, enjoy a warming drink in a cosy cafe, and don't miss the 'Classic Village Viewpoint' for the perfect postcard shot.
If you're visiting in December, you may want to add some time to explore nearby attractions like the Skywalk and the salt mines. Just a 2-hour drive away, you'll find another Austrian city surrounded by snow-covered mountain ranges. The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave, located within the Dachstein Mountains, is one of the largest ice caves in the world, with stunning ice formations and unique geological features.
Hallstatt is a serene winter wonderland, perfect for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. While there are no ski slopes in the village, the epic Dachstein Krippenstein ski resort lies just across the lake. The Christmas markets, snow-covered landscapes, and holiday cheer make it a magical and warm experience despite the chilly weather.
Cafe Derbl is a great spot to indulge in Austrian desserts like cream strudel with vanilla sauce, accompanied by a hot cup of coffee or tea. As you wander along the lakeside pathway, you'll eventually reach the Old Town and Marktplatz, known for its colourful buildings and quaint shops. The town is small and can be explored within a couple of hours, making it an ideal day trip from Salzburg.
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See the filming locations of The Sound of Music
Salzburg is a popular filming location, most notably for the 1965 movie The Sound of Music. The city sees over 350,000 Sound of Music fans every year, who come to walk in the footsteps of the Trapp family and explore the original shooting locations.
The Original Sound of Music Tour® is a must-see for fans of the film. The tour takes guests to the movie's settings and other main cultural attractions in the region. The tour includes the city of Salzburg and the lake district, with the stunning Austrian Alps as the backdrop. The tour includes the famous gazebo from the film, which was originally located on the grounds of Leopoldskron Palace during filming. The gazebo was later relocated to the gardens of Hellbrunn Palace, where it can be found today.
Other filming locations in and around Salzburg include Leopoldskron Palace, Frohnburg Palace, the Mirabell Palace Gardens, the old town of Salzburg, and the basilica in Mondsee, where the wedding scene was filmed. The Horse Pond next to the Festival Building is another well-known site from the film, as it is where Maria sang "I Have Confidence" while on her way to the Trapp family home for the first time.
The "real" Trapp family also sang at the Summer Riding School, which is now a theatre in the Festival District. The original family home was an estate known as Villa Trapp in Aigen, to the southeast of Salzburg. Two shooting locations were used for different parts of the villa: Leopoldskron Palace and Frohburg Palace.
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Go skiing
Skiing is a popular activity in Salzburg, Austria, in December. The ski season usually starts in early December and peaks in late December, lasting until mid-April. The slopes in the ski resorts of Wildkogel, Kitzbühel, and Sportgastein have snow-making capabilities, ensuring reliable snow conditions. The glacier ski resort on the Kitzsteinhorn operates almost all year round.
If you're staying in Salzburg, you can easily access the skiing areas in the south by car or public transportation. The "Salzburg Snow Shuttle" is a convenient option, running from late December to mid-March and connecting Salzburg with a different popular skiing area every day.
There are several popular skiing areas in Salzburg to choose from. Obertauern is known for its snow reliability due to its high altitude and snow cannons. Skiwelt Amade offers good deals and connects slopes in an extensive area. The Gasteinertal, in the very south of Salzburg, is popular for both skiing and its hot springs, which nourish a range of modern spas.
When planning your ski trip to Salzburg in December, be sure to dress warmly. The average maximum temperature in December is around 3°C (39°F), and nights can cool off to around -2°C (28°F). Frost is common, and you can expect around 8-9 hours of daylight.
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Frequently asked questions
It's going to be cold, with a chance of rain or snow, so make sure to bring lots of layers, including two pairs of tights (one fleece-lined), warm boots, a light jacket, a coat, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. You'll also want to bring a long winter jacket, a beanie, and yaktrax ice grips. Don't forget to pack a reusable water bottle—the tap water in Austria is delicious! And bring cash, as many establishments only accept payment in cash.
Salzburg is known for its Christmas markets, which take place in front of the Cathedral of Salzburg. You can also visit the birthplace of Mozart, medieval castles, and the filming locations of The Sound of Music. If you're interested in museums, check out the Christmas Museum, which is located near Mozartplatz and the main market square, or head to Hangar 7, which houses a collection of cars and planes.
You can take a day trip to Berchtesgaden in Germany or Hallstatt in Austria. Hallstatt is located on the banks of the Hallstätter See and is about an hour away from Salzburg by car.
In the beginning of December, people in Salzburg dress up as hairy, half-goat, half-demon monsters with wooden masks and shaggy fur adorned with bells, and roam the streets. This tradition is called the Krampus Run, and it takes place between late November/early December and early/mid-December.
Thousands of ski enthusiasts travel to Salzburg and other areas in the Alps to go skiing, snowboarding, sledding, cross-country skiing, or skating.
