Christmas is a season rich with customs and traditions, illuminating it as one of the most beautiful times of the year. Join us as we explore the cherished Christmas markets in Austria that bring warmth and joy to the heart.
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Overview: The Most Charming Christmas Markets in Austria
From mid-November to the end of the year, Austria undergoes a magical transformation, turning into a unique wonderland with its vibrant Christmas markets. Unlike any other, these markets are a sensory feast with bright lights, delectable seasonal treats, and a rich cultural experience that will captivate any visitor.
During this time, cities light up with decorations, and the air is filled with the smells of mulled wine and roasted almonds. You will find unique handmade items and local foods, especially near famous places like Schönbrunn and Grafenegg.
In the countryside, Advent is a time of unparalleled warmth and coziness. The traditional dishes and the friendly locals at the markets add to this comforting atmosphere. These markets are not just places to stroll around; they offer memorable experiences with handcrafted gifts and decorations. Visiting small villages also allows you to truly feel the spirit of the Advent season in a cozy winter setting, a feeling that is sure to warm your heart. But firstly, we will show you a few of the significant specifics of Austrian Christmas time so you can easily see why you should visit The most Charming Christmas markets in Austria.
The most significant traits of Advent and Christmas in Austria
Advent wreath & Advent calendar
When the first Sunday of Advent rolls around, it’s a lovely tradition for many Austrian homes to have an Advent wreath on display. You might have found 24 candles decorating these wreaths in the past, but nowadays, most people use just four. A new candle is lit each Sunday, leading to the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. It’s popular these days for all four candles to be the same color!
Traditionally, the Advent wreaths feature three lilac candles and one pink one, with the pink candle signifying the third Sunday of Advent. Many Austrians also enjoy using an Advent calendar to help count down the days until Christmas Eve. Each day from December 1 to December 24, they open a new ‘window’ until the big day finally arrives! It’s a joyous and exciting way to celebrate the season and visit Austria’s most well-known Christmas Markets.
Barbara twigs
What is this? You may have never heard of this if you don’t come from a German-speaking country. In Austria, December 4 is a special day called,” “Barbaratag,“ dedicated to Saint Barbara. On this precious day, folks head out early to cut small twigs from cherry trees or forsythias. They then place these twigs in a vase filled with water and set it in a bright spot in their homes. It’s a delightful tradition that if the branches bloom by Christmas Eve, it’s a sign of good luck and good health for the upcoming year. In some areas of Austria, people even believe it means a family member might be tying the knot the following year! After about 21 days, those twigs usually bloom beautifully. In the Westerwald region, the Barbara sprigs are cherished as a symbol of Christmas, adding a lovely festive touch to the celebrations! As you can see, this is one more reason you should visit Christmas Markets in Austria.
Saint Nicholas & Krampus
On December 6, Saint Nicholas goes from house to house to give treats to well-behaved children. He brings small gifts like nuts, mandarins, and chocolates. Saint Nicholas is accompanied by Krampus, a frightening helper who punishes naughty children. On the evening of December 5, many people dress up as Krampus for parades. They roam the town, make noise, and surprise spectators.
Christmas cookies
Austrians adore cookies and pastries, especially around Christmas! Some of the most beloved treats include Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent cookies), Spitzbuben (a fun name meaning “rascals”), and gingerbread. The holiday season would only feel right in Vienna with the warm, inviting smell of baking cookies and enjoying Weihnachtskekse (Christmas biscuits) with loved ones.
This year, we decided to turn to Grandma at the Würstelstand for her beautiful recipes. She’s got some delightful tricks for making those special festive cookies that bring so much joy each holiday season!
Smoking
The 12 nights around Christmas, known as the “Rauhnächte,“ are a magical time for many to protect their homes from bad vibes and misfortune. Some special nights, like December 21 (Thomasnacht), December 24 (Christnacht), December 31 (Silvesternacht), and January 5 (Dreikönigsnacht), hold a lot of meaning during this period.
This beautiful tradition comes from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Tirol. It likely started when the calendar switched from the Moon to the Sun Year during Julius Caesar’s time. The name “Rauhnacht“ comes from the lovely practice of using herbs for smudging to keep the dark energies at bay.
These nights are viewed as a time when the “Otherworld“ opens up, connecting us with our ancestors while reminding us to stay mindful of darker energies. It’s a time for reflection, celebration, and getting ready for the new year, making it easy to see why there’s a growing interest in these beautiful customs today!
Christmas Markets in Austria
During the holiday season, Austria comes alive with charming Christmas markets! Picture yourself sipping warm mulled wine while enjoying delicious festive treats like gingerbread and roasted almonds. From mid-November to the end of the year, these markets create a cozy, magical atmosphere you won’t want to experience. With twinkling lights and delightful seasonal offerings, it’s the perfect place to soak up the joy and spirit of the season!
Christkind & Christmas Eve
In Austria, children believe in Christkind (Christ Child) instead of Santa Claus. On December 24, Christkind, often shown as a child with blonde hair and wings, brings gifts. Families sometimes open their windows for Christkind, and children listen for a bell to know when they can enter and find their gifts.
Visit the Christkindlmarkt at Vienna’s Rathausplatz for lovely crafts and tasty treats. A beautifully decorated tree adds to the festive spirit. Families can enjoy children’s programs and skate on the ice rink.
In Salzburg, the Christkindlmarkt at Dom and Residenzplatz features cozy huts in the charming old town. Innsbruck’s Christkindlmarkt offers a romantic atmosphere with music, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts.
At Schönbrunn Palace, you’ll find a festive market with unique gifts and toys. Belvedere Palace also hosts a Christmas village filled with treats, making it a local favorite spot. Enjoy the holiday spirit!
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Our list of the most Charming Christmas Markets in Austria
Vienna
Vienna is known for having the best Christmas Market in Austria and ranks among the top in Europe. The “Vienna Magic of Advent“ turns City Hall Square into a beautiful fairytale setting.
These markets have a long history; they began in 1296 when Albrecht I allowed the citizens to hold a December market. Now, Vienna has over 20 official Advent markets with many seasonal gifts and tasty treats.
One popular spot is the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, where over 40 stalls offer handmade goods and festive food. The air smells of freshly baked Vanillekipferl, hot punch, and mulled wine, creating a warm holiday atmosphere.
Visitors can find Christmas gifts, tree decorations, warming drinks, and workshops for kids. The decorated trees around City Hall add to the festive spirit.
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Salzburg
Salzburg becomes a magical place during Advent, attracting many visitors with Austria’s markets and festive events. The Christmas Market on Cathedral Square is one of Austria’s oldest, dating back to 1491. It offers a romantic setting with the fortress and Cathedral as a backdrop.
As Advent begins in late November, the streets fill with the delightful smells of baked goods, hot chestnuts, and mulled wine. A v “sit to the S “Sulzberger Christkindlmarkt near the Cathedral is necessary. Families enjoy the “Advent Magic“ market at Hellbrunn Palace and the peaceful market at Mirabell Square.
During this time, lively traditions like Krampus and Percht provide street entertainment. Events such as the Salzburg Advent Singing promote peaceful“ reflection. S “Salzburg, known as the city of music, celebrates its connection to the song “Silent Night.“
In addition to the markets and concerts, the Salzburg Christmas Museum and special exhibitions at the Toy Museum and DomQuartier add to the festive spirit.
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Graz
Enjoy the festive Advent season in Graz and Styria. Experience the charming lights, the sparkling ice crib, and the giant Advent calendar at the City Hall. The Graz Advent markets are close together and easy to walk between. Opening times and event details are on the Advent in Graz website.
The oldest market is near the Franciscan Church, where you can buy Styrian crafts, local products, and drinks like punch and mulled wine. At the Advent Market in front of City Hall, you’ll find traditional handicrafts, tasty treats, and a carousel for children.
Since 1996, the Landhaushof has had a life-sized Ice Nativity Scene, a popular attraction. See the giant Christmas tree and the Advent calendar at City Hall. To shop for a good cause, visit the Eiserne Tor market run by local charities, with proceeds supporting various projects. Enjoy the celebrations!
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Innsbruck
During the holiday season, Innsbruck turns into a Winter Wonderland. It hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Alpine region: The Maria-Theresien-Straße Market shines with sparkling crystal trees, and the Innsbruck Marktplatz Market is a magical place for children.
About four weeks before Christmas, “Innsbruck“ opens its markets. Visitors can explore stalls selling gifts, enjoy hot tea or “Glühwein“ (hot spiced wine), and try festive treats. In the Old Town Square, Christmas lights twinkle against the historic Golden Roof, and the scent of fried kiachl (doughnuts) fills the air.
For a quieter experience, take the funicular to Hung’rburg. This Christmas market offers excellent views and features an annual ‘Krampus run.‘ During the festive season, Innsbruck has seven Christmas markets, over 200 stalls, and a stunning 17.5-meter-tall Christmas tree decorated with sparkling crystals.
The markets mix tradition with modern touches and are set against beautiful mountain backdrops. The largest market, around the Golden Roof, has over 64 chalets filled with unique gifts and enchanting displays. The lovely market at Hungerburg offers breathtaking views, while the Market Square entertains families with shows and festive decorations. Wiltener Platzl Square, Bergisel, and St. Nikolaus districts become artistic wonderlands filled with crafts for a more peaceful atmosphere.
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Volksgarten Christmas Market, Linz
Linz is the capital of Austria and has changed from an old “steel city“ to a lively cultural center. As Austria’s third-largest city, Linz has modern museums, concert halls, and historical sites, making it an excellent choice for a winter trip. During Christmas, the town fills with the smell of gingerbread houses.
The main square is busy with festive activities, while the Volksgarten market offers a quieter experience. This market features ice sculptures and live demonstrations of traditional crafts like woodturning and pottery, with around 60 stands selling unique items.
Started in the 1950s, the Volksgarten market is worth visiting during the weeks before Christmas. You can enjoy holiday shopping, gourmet food, and a festive atmosphere.
In the Main Square, you can find handmade crafts, hot punch, and roasted chestnuts among beautifully lit baroque buildings. The Volksgarten has charming wooden booths and fairytale huts that children enjoy, with moving figures and a nativity scene.
For a traditional Christmas experience, visit Linz Cathedral. You can purchase handmade crafts, local foods, hot punch, and mulled wine there.
The Brucknerhaus offers a free Christmas concert series from December 1 to 23, with daily performances that last 30 to 45 minutes. The concerts include a variety of music styles, from classical to jazz, providing a delightful holiday experience.
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