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Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is famous for its Christmas markets. With 14 to 15 markets all within walking distance of each other, the city is a must-visit holiday destination. The city's Christmas lights, which are lit daily from 4:30 pm until midnight, create a magical backdrop for the markets. The oldest Christmas market in Graz, located around the Franciscan church, offers Styrian handicrafts, farm-produced specialties, and hot drinks like punch and mulled wine. The Christmas market in front of the City Hall features a giant Christmas tree and a merry-go-round for children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Christmas Markets | 14 or 15 |
| Location | Graz, Austria |
| Dates | 22 November 2024 - 23 December 2024 |
| Times | Monday - Thursday 11 am - 7 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 am - 8 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm |
| Attractions | Ice nativity scene, Advent calendar projected onto the town hall, Christmas lights, Ferris wheel, Carousel |
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What You'll Learn
Graz has 14/15 Christmas markets within walking distance
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is known for its Christmas markets during the festive season. Interestingly, Graz has about 14 to 15 Christmas markets, all within walking distance of each other. This unique feature sets Graz apart from other Austrian cities, making it a must-visit holiday destination.
The Christmas markets in Graz typically start at the end of November, marking the beginning of the "'5th season'" in the city. The exact dates vary slightly each year, but the markets usually run throughout December. The official website of Graz Tourismus provides detailed information on the opening times and a calendar of events for each market.
One of the most prominent Christmas markets in Graz is the Advent Market in front of the City Hall. Here, you will find a giant Christmas tree, a village of stalls selling traditional handicrafts, and an old-fashioned merry-go-round for children. The City Hall itself becomes a spectacle, with a giant Advent calendar projected onto its facade each evening.
The oldest Christmas market in Graz is located in the Franziskanerviertel, around the Franciscan Church. This market showcases traditional Styrian handicrafts, farm-produced specialties, and warm drinks like punch and mulled wine. The atmosphere is enhanced by the surrounding Christmas lights, which are lit daily from 4:30 pm until midnight.
Another family-friendly market is found in Kleine Neutorgasse, featuring a colourful illuminated Ferris wheel. For those seeking a more enchanting experience, the "enchanted forest" at Schlossbergplatz offers a magical Christmas setting. Additionally, Mariahilferplatz transforms into WonderLEND, offering a unique alternative to the typical pre-Christmas bustle with a big wheel, a curling rink, and an opportunity to shop for gifts while enjoying low-volume alternative music.
Beyond the markets, Graz offers a nativity trail through its main landmarks and Advent locations. One of the highlights is the Ice Nativity Scene, or "Ice Crib," a monumental ice sculpture depicting the nativity scene in the Landhaushof, a beautiful Renaissance yard. This has become a beloved tradition in Graz, attracting visitors from near and far.
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The oldest market is by the Franciscan Church
Graz, Austria, is known for its Christmas markets, with 14 or 15 markets all within walking distance of each other. The oldest of these is the Christmas market in the Franziskanerviertel, located around the Franciscan Church. This market focuses on traditional wares, with Styrian arts and crafts, regional farm products, and hot drinks like punch and mulled wine.
The Franciscan Church market is located in the heart of Graz's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved inner-city architecture from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. The market itself is a charming and festive affair, with wooden stalls and booths selling a variety of traditional goods and treats.
The market dates back to the early days of Graz's history and has been a staple of the city's Christmas celebrations for centuries. It is a beloved tradition for locals and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into the past with its traditional offerings and picturesque setting.
The Franciscan Church market usually opens in late November, marking the start of the Advent season in Graz. It operates daily from 11 am to 10 pm, with extended hours until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The market typically closes on December 23, with a half-day on the final day.
In addition to the Franciscan Church market, Graz offers a variety of other Christmas markets worth visiting. These include the Advent Market in front of the City Hall, with its giant Christmas tree and old-fashioned carousel, and the market in Kleine Neutorgasse, known for its illuminated Ferris wheel.
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The Advent calendar is projected onto the town hall
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is famous for its Christmas markets, which are ranked among the best in the country. Uniquely, all 14 or 15 Christmas markets are within easy walking distance of one another. The Graz Advent markets open at the end of November and run up to Christmas.
The city's Christmas lights are lit daily from 4:30 pm until midnight, creating a magical backdrop for the markets. One of the highlights of the markets is the Advent calendar projected onto the town hall in the evening. The beautiful facade of Graz City Hall is transformed into a huge, illuminated Advent calendar at dusk.
The oldest Christmas market in Graz is found around the Franciscan Church in the Franziskanerviertel. Here, you can find traditional Styrian handicrafts, farm-produced specialties, hot punch, and mulled wine. Close by, in front of the City Hall, there is another market with a giant Christmas tree and a children's carousel.
Another popular family destination is the Christmas market in Kleine Neutorgasse, which features a colorfully illuminated Ferris wheel. The "Enchanted Forest" at Schlossbergplatz is also a great Christmas destination for families.
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The ice nativity scene is in the Landhaus courtyard
Graz, Austria, is a must-visit holiday destination during the Christmas season. The city boasts 14 to 15 Christmas markets, all within easy walking distance of one another. The Christmas markets in Graz typically open at the end of November, marking the beginning of the "'5th season'" in the city.
One of the most notable attractions during the Christmas season in Graz is the ice nativity scene in the Landhaus courtyard, also known as the Landhaushof or Landhaushof. This unique display has been a tradition in Graz since 1996. Each year, a life-size nativity scene is meticulously carved out of crystal-clear ice, becoming a favourite attraction during the Advent festivities. The ice nativity scene is located in a beautiful Renaissance yard, providing a breathtaking combination of art, light, and surroundings that create a magical atmosphere.
The Landhaus courtyard is a Renaissance-style yard located in Graz, Austria. It serves as the backdrop for the ice nativity scene during the Christmas season. The courtyard's architectural beauty enhances the overall experience, providing a stunning setting for the ice sculpture. The Renaissance details and intricate designs of the courtyard create a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other Christmas attractions.
The ice nativity scene itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilled artisans carefully carve life-size figures out of transparent ice, capturing the essence of the nativity scene with precision and attention to detail. The transparent ice figures, illuminated by strategic lighting, create a mesmerizing display that captivates visitors. The ice nativity scene is a testament to the artistic talent and technical skill involved in its creation, becoming a highly anticipated attraction during the Advent season in Graz.
In addition to the ice nativity scene, the Landhaus courtyard may also host other Christmas-themed attractions and events. Visitors can expect to find festive decorations, twinkling lights, and perhaps even a bustling Christmas market selling traditional handicrafts, delicious treats, and warming drinks like mulled wine. The courtyard transforms into a magical winter wonderland, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit and enjoy the unique ambiance it offers.
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The Arts and Crafts Market is on Färberplatz
The city of Graz in Austria is known for its Christmas markets during the festive season. Uniquely, all 14 or 15 Christmas markets are within easy walking distance of each other. The Arts and Crafts Market is located on Färberplatz and is a must-visit for lovers of genuine handicrafts. Here, you can find an array of top-quality products made from various materials, including cloth, clay, wood, metal, paper, wax, and glass. The market has something for everyone, from unique gifts to delightful treats.
The Arts and Crafts Market on Färberplatz stands out among Graz's Christmas markets for its focus on handcrafted goods. Visitors can expect to find a diverse range of items, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artisans. Whether you're seeking one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones or looking to add some handcrafted charm to your own home, this market has something to offer. The stalls are brimming with goods crafted from a variety of materials, ensuring that visitors can find something that suits their tastes and interests.
The market's opening hours are convenient for both locals and visitors to Graz. It is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 7 pm, allowing those with a regular work week to visit after their workday. For those who may be busy during the week or prefer evening shopping, the market extends its hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 8 pm. This extended schedule provides a more relaxed shopping experience, giving visitors more time to browse and enjoy the festive atmosphere. On Sundays, the market opens at noon and closes at 6 pm, making it an ideal post-brunch activity or a leisurely way to wrap up the weekend.
The Arts and Crafts Market on Färberplatz is a wonderful way to support local artisans and small businesses while finding unique gifts for the holiday season. Graz's Christmas markets, including this one, are renowned for their magical atmosphere, with the city's Christmas lights illuminating the way from one market to the next. As you stroll through the market, you'll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the festive season, with the aroma of mulled wine and traditional Christmas cookies lingering in the air. So, be sure to stop by, warm yourself with a cup of something spicy, and immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.
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Frequently asked questions
The Christmas markets in Graz, Austria, open in the run-up to Christmas, starting from the end of November.
There are 14 or 15 Christmas markets in Graz, all within easy walking distance of each other.
Attractions include a life-size nativity scene made of ice, a Ferris wheel, curling rink, an Advent calendar projected onto the town hall, and traditional handicrafts and treats.
The oldest Christmas market in Graz is found around the Franciscan church in Franziskanerviertel.
