Lexi Webster
Christmas is a big deal in Austria, and there are plenty of places to visit to experience the magic of the season. From the fairy-tale castle of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna to the snow-capped mountains of Innsbruck, Austria has something for everyone during the festive period. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, head to Salzburg for the renowned Advent Singing. For a traditional market, Innsbruck's Christmas markets are a great option, with six markets and over 200 stalls to choose from. Or, if you're looking for a quieter option, the medieval town of Feldkirch has a Christmas market with a focus on sentiment rather than sales. So, whether you're seeking a bustling city or a cosy village, Austria has a Christmas destination to suit your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Christmas Markets | Innsbruck, Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Zell am See, Kaprun, Wolfgangsee, St. Gilgen, Strobl, St. Wolfgang, Lake Constance, Feldkirch, Volksgarten, Graz, Steyr |
| Christmas Lights | Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz, Salzburg |
| Christmas Trees | Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg |
| Christmas Activities | Carriage rides, concerts, carols, lake cruises, ski resorts, hiking trails, Christmas tree dive, nativity scenes, choir singing, reindeer-drawn sledge rides |
| Christmas Food and Drinks | Sauerkraut-flavoured kiachln, Glühwein, roasted almonds, Linzer Eyes, Gingerbread, Feuerzangenbowle |
| Christmas Shopping | Maria-Theresien Street, Getreidegasse, Goldgasse |
| Christmas Concerts | Salzburger Adventsingen |
| Christmas Carols | Silent Night, Holy Night |
| Christmas Nativity Scenes | Franciscan Church in Graz, Strobl, Steyr |
| Christmas Scenery | Snow-capped mountains, lakes, castles, villages, countryside hills |
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What You'll Learn
Christmas markets in Innsbruck
Innsbruck is a popular destination for Christmas in Austria, offering a combination of city comforts, snow-capped mountains, and Christmas markets in a medieval old-town setting. There are six Christmas markets in Innsbruck, four of which are within walking distance of each other in the city centre. The remaining two are located at Hungerburg on the slopes of the Nordkette mountain and on the Bergisel hill, where you can find the Olympic ski jump.
The Old Town Christmas Market, located in front of the famous Golden Roof, is surrounded by beautifully preserved medieval facades. Here, you can find Christmas ornaments, handicrafts, woollen goods, and souvenirs. Traditional dishes like Kiachln and Glühwein (mulled wine) will keep you warm as you mingle with the locals. The market is open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm during the Christmas season.
The Marktplatz Christmas Market, located by the River Inn, has a charming Tyrolean village feel. This market is perfect for families, offering attractions such as a carousel, a petting zoo, puppet shows, and storytelling. The square features a 14-metre-high crystal tree and 60 stalls filled with colourful gifts, handicrafts, and delicious treats.
The Hungerburg Christmas Market, accessible via the Nordkettenbahnen funicular from the city centre, offers breathtaking views of Innsbruck and its surroundings. Enjoy culinary delights and purchase Christmas souvenirs while taking in the panoramic scenery.
Innsbruck's main shopping street, Maria-Theresien Street, is transformed during the Christmas season. Surrounded by sparkling modern Christmas lights, the street is lined with market stalls offering international gift ideas and souvenirs. The aromas of mulled wine and snacks fill the air, making it a delightful experience for all the senses.
In addition to these markets, Innsbruck's festive atmosphere extends beyond the city centre. The Kaiserweihnacht market on Bergisel Hill focuses on regional products and Tyrolean craftsmanship, providing a traditional and atmospheric Christmas experience.
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Vienna's City Hall market
Vienna is a popular place to spend Christmas in Austria, with its picturesque location close to the Alps and its many Christmas markets.
One of the most attractive Christmas markets in Vienna is the one held at the Rathausplatz, or Vienna's City Hall. This market is held from mid-November to December 26, daily from 10 am to 10 pm. On December 24, the market closes at 6:30 pm. The market is located in the courtyard of the former General Hospital AKH, now part of the University of Vienna campus, and offers a relaxed atmosphere. In the middle of the courtyard is an extraordinary Christmas tree made of sledges, surrounded by snack stands in a mountain hut style offering local delicacies.
The market is easily accessible by public transport, with the Metro U2 U-Bahn station Schottentor located just a short walk away. International and Austrian choirs perform in the impressive ballroom at the Viennese town hall, which can be reached via the entrance at Lichtenfelsgasse.
In addition to the market at the Rathausplatz, there are several other Christmas markets worth visiting in Vienna. These include the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung in the city centre, where you can buy traditional handicrafts, glass decorations, and ceramics, as well as the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz, with over 70 booths offering traditional handicrafts and original gift ideas. The Christmas Market on the University Campus is also a popular choice for families, featuring a children's railway and an old-fashioned carousel.
If you're looking to spend Christmas Day in Austria, be aware that most shops are closed on December 25 and only a few are open on December 26. So make sure you do your shopping and food preparation ahead of time if you plan to cook your own meal.
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Salzburg's historic market
Salzburg is a great place to spend Christmas Day in Austria. The city has a lot to offer, including its historic Christmas market, known as the Christkindlmarkt, which is located in the heart of the city centre, at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress and around the Cathedral of Salzburg. The market has existed since 1974 and is one of the oldest and most beautiful Advent markets in the world, with a unique atmosphere, traditional huts, and specially designed lighting that stretches above the market stands like romantic stars.
The origins of the famous Salzburg Christmas market go back to the 15th century, when the "Tandlmarkt" was held in Cathedral Square. By the 17th century, this market had become known as the "Nikolaimarkt" (Saint Nicholas' Market), and it was one of the most famous Advent markets of its day. The market offers a wide range of goods, from delicious food and drinks, including mulled wine and hot punch, to local arts and crafts, charming gifts, and Christmas treats.
The market also features a daily events programme, including readings of Christmas stories for children, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, choral concerts, visits by the “Christ Child”, and festive melodies performed from the surrounding towers. The market is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike, with almost a million people visiting each year.
In addition to the Christkindlmarkt, there are other Christmas markets in Salzburg worth visiting, such as the Advent Market in Radstadt, the Advent Market at Hohenwerfen Castle, and the market on Mirabell Square, which features culinary delights, mulled wine, and beautifully decorated stalls.
Outside of the markets, Salzburg also offers a range of other Christmas activities, such as nativity exhibits in the Residenz courtyard, Advent Singing, and a visit to the fortress, where you can enjoy great views of the city.
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Graz's Advent Market
Graz, a city in Austria, is a great place to spend Christmas. The city's Christmas markets are magical, with dramatic backdrops of Christmas tree lights and bright window dressings. The Advent Market, for example, takes place in front of the Hauptplatz city hall, while the old Christmas Market, also known as the Alt-Grazer Christkindlmarkt, occurs outside the Franciscan Church. The Franciscan Church market is the oldest in Graz, and it showcases Thuringian Christmas tree decorations and Styrian gourmet products.
The Graz Advent markets are within walking distance of one another, and they offer traditional handicrafts and treats. The local festive drink is "Feuerzangenbowle", a blend of wine and rum set on fire. There is also a Christmas Market on Glockenspielplatz, where local artisans sell unique arts and crafts, and caterers offer delicacies from Styria.
The square under the magical Glockenspiel becomes a hub of conviviality during the festive season. The Arts and Crafts Market on Färberplatz is also a great place to find top-quality handicrafts made from cloth, clay, wood, metal, paper, wax, and glass. The Aufsteirern Christmas market on Schlossberg hill combines traditional Styrian culture with a festive atmosphere.
The Christmas Market in the Joanneum Quarter features extraordinary gift ideas from the Styrian Arts and Crafts Initiative, as well as culinary delights from well-known Styrian restaurateurs. The Children’s Advent in Kleine Neutorgasse, in front of the Franciscan Church, delights kids with a carousel, a nostalgic Ferris wheel, a giant snowman, and sweets.
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Lake Achen for lakeside Christmas
If you're dreaming of a fairytale lakeside Christmas in Austria, Lake Achen provides the perfect setting. This picturesque lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and idyllic villages, making it a magical destination for the festive season. Here are some reasons why Lake Achen should be your top choice for a lakeside Christmas in Austria:
Breathtaking Scenery
Lake Achen, nestled in the stunning Salzkammergut region, offers a breathtaking combination of sparkling waters, majestic mountains, and charming villages. The serene beauty of the lake, surrounded by lush forests and majestic peaks, will take your breath away. It's the perfect backdrop for your Christmas celebrations and will create lasting memories.
Christmas Markets
During the Christmas season, Lake Achen and its surrounding villages come alive with festive markets. You'll find traditional Austrian Christmas markets in towns like Seewalchen, where you can browse handmade crafts, sample delicious treats, and warm yourself with a cup of Glühwein. These markets offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and traditions while finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
Winter Activities
Lake Achen provides a plethora of winter activities to keep you entertained during the Christmas season. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try ice skating on the lake or explore the surrounding cross-country ski trails. For a more relaxed experience, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy landscapes or indulge in a romantic winter walk along the lake's shores. The area also offers opportunities for sledding and snowshoeing, and even a ride on a steam train to the Krimml waterfalls.
Local Traditions
Experience authentic Austrian Christmas traditions by joining in the local festivities. Attend a nativity play, sung by children in local dialects, or learn about the roots of famous carols like "Silent Night," which originated in nearby Oberndorf. Immerse yourself in the local culture by sampling traditional Christmas foods like sauerkraut-flavored kiachln and partaking in the customary Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations.
Accommodation and Convenience
Lake Achen and its surrounding areas offer a range of accommodation options, from cosy guesthouses to luxurious hotels. You'll find convenient access to amenities and activities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. It is easily accessible, with good transport connections, and its proximity to other popular destinations, such as Salzburg, makes it an ideal base for exploring more of Austria during your Christmas vacation.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to experience a traditional Austrian Christmas, you should visit the Christmas markets, where you can sip on gluhwein and sample traditional Christmas foods like sauerkraut-flavoured kiachln. You can also try your hand at baking Christmas cookies, making wreaths, and tying Advent wreaths. The Christmas markets in Innsbruck, Salzburg, Graz, and Vienna are particularly popular.
If you want to experience a white Christmas in Austria, you should head to the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck, or Zell am See – Kaprun Sport Region. These places offer beautiful snow-capped mountains and Christmas markets in a medieval old-town setting.
If you want to experience Christmas festivities in Austria, you should visit Vienna, the capital of Austria, which is rich with artistic heritage and traditional market stalls. You can also visit Graz, where the locals celebrate in joyous style with markets set against dramatic backdrops of Christmas tree lights and bright window dressings.
