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You've heard about the Christmas markets in France, Germany and the UK, but have you heard about the breathtaking Christmas markets in Austria? From Vienna to Salzburg, these Christmas markets are a must for any Christmas fanatic wanting to pick up their Christmas gifts in a magically festive setting. In this blog, we'll unveil our picks of the best Christmas markets in Austria including:
- Innsbruck Christmas Market
- Christmas Market in Graz
- Hallstatt Christmas Market
- Christmas Market in Salzburg
- St. Wolfgang Christmas Market
- Linz Christmas Market
- Vienna Christmas Markets
Planning Your Austria Christmas Market Holidays
Does Austria have Christmas markets?
Absolutely! Austria is packed with magical Christmas markets all over the country.
Where are the Christmas markets in Austria?
You'll find them in cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, plus smaller towns like Hallstatt and St. Wolfgang.
When do Christmas markets start in Austria?
Most Christmas markets in Austria kick off mid-November and run until just before Christmas, with some open until early January.
What are the most famous Christmas markets in Austria?
Vienna’s Christmas markets, Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt, and Innsbruck’s Old Town market are the stars of the show.
How long do Christmas markets in Austria last?
The Austria Christmas markets 2024 usually last until 24th December, but some keep the festive spirit alive into early January.
Is there an entrance fee for Austrian Christmas markets?
Nope, entry is usually free! Some special Christmas events or attractions might have a small fee, though.
What can I buy at Austrian Christmas markets?
Handcrafted ornaments, unique Christmas gifts, mulled wine, and plenty of tasty treats!
Are Austrian Christmas markets family-friendly?
Definitely! Many have child-friendly Christmas activities and a lovely, festive atmosphere for all ages.
What’s the best way to travel between Christmas markets in Austria?
Austria’s public transport is excellent, so hopping between Christmas markets in Austria is easy by train or bus.
What should I wear to an Austrian Christmas market?
It’s chilly! Layer up and wear comfy shoes as you’ll be outdoors and on your feet.
Are there food and drink specialities at Austrian Christmas markets?
Yes! Expect sausages, pretzels, gingerbread, and warm Glühwein (mulled wine).
Can I visit Christmas markets in Austria on a budget?
For sure! Austria's Christmas markets are free to explore and often have free entertainment. To save even more during your Austra Christmas market trip, get your food from the supermarket instead and keep spending at the markets to a minimum.
What are the opening hours for Christmas markets in Austria?
They usually open around late morning and stay open until about 9 or 10 PM.
Is there accommodation near the major Christmas markets in Austria?
Tons! From luxury hotels to budget options, you can find something to suit your budget. We do recommend booking in advance though as prices are higher due to the peaked interest in visiting the best Christmas markets in Austria 2024.
Are the Austrian Christmas markets accessible for people with disabilities?
Most of the bigger Christmas markets in Austria are accessible, though smaller, more historic towns might be a bit trickier.
What happens on Christmas in Austria?
Austria has many age-old Christmas traditions that make spending your holidays there refreshing and super authentic including:
- Advent: Advent is a big part of Austrian Christmas celebrations, marked by the lighting of candles on the Advent wreath each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
- Saint Nicholas and Krampus: On December 5th and 6th, Austrians celebrate the feast of Saint Nicholas. He brings small gifts for children who have been good, while the infamous Krampus, a terrifying figure from Alpine folklore, roams the streets to scare the naughty ones.
- Christkind: In Austria, it’s not Santa who brings the presents on Christmas Eve but the Christkind, a child-like angelic figure. The tradition dates back to the 16th century and is still widely celebrated, with children eagerly awaiting the Christkind to leave Christmas gifts under the tree.
- Christmas Eve: Austrian families gather for a festive meal on Christmas Eve, followed by the exchange of Christmas gifts.
- Nativity Scenes: Nativity scenes (Krippen) are an integral part of Austrian Christmas traditions. Some are incredibly elaborate and have been passed down through generations.
Now that we've covered all the essential info to help you plan your trip to the best Christmas markets in Austria, allow us to reveal exactly which ones you need to visit this Christmas 2024.
1. Innsbruck Christmas Market
When: Nov 15 – Dec 23
Where: Old Town, Innsbruck
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Innsbruck offers one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Austria. Located in the Old Town, this market boasts over 70 stalls filled with festive treats, handcrafted gifts, and local delicacies. Don’t miss the beautifully lit Golden Roof, which serves as the backdrop for the market.
Christmas Market in Graz
When: Nov 17 – Dec 24
Where: Hauptplatz, Graz
The historic city of Graz hosts several Christmas markets, with the one on the Hauptplatz being the largest. Graz is known for its blend of Baroque architecture and modern flair, and its Christmas market reflects that mix, offering both traditional and contemporary festive goods. Enjoy a cup of Glühwein while admiring the city’s giant Advent calendar, projected onto the town hall.
Hallstatt Christmas Market
When: Dec 2 – Dec 3 (weekend market)
Where: Market Square, Hallstatt
For a truly intimate and charming experience, visit Hallstatt’s Christmas market. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its lakeside setting, and the market is as cosy and picturesque as you’d expect. With only a handful of Christmas stalls, it’s a perfect stop for those looking to experience a quiet, traditional Austrian Christmas. Locals and international visitors will be entertained by live music, the winter wonderland, Bratwurst sausages, cookies and mulled wine on offer and the breathtaking 3D nativity scene.
Christmas Market in Salzburg
When: Nov 23 – Dec 26
Where: Domplatz, Salzburg
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, goes all out for Christmas. The Christkindlmarkt, located in the shadow of Salzburg Cathedral, is one of Austria’s oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets going all the way back to the late 15th century. Stroll through over 100 stalls under twinkling lights, shop for artisan gifts, and be sure to try the local speciality—hot roasted chestnuts. Aside from Christmas shopping, you can also enjoy fun Christmas events like:
- Christmas story reading
- Krampus parades
- Guided tours
- Sing along choirs
- Traditional wind music
St. Wolfgang Christmas Market
When: Nov 17 – Dec 23
Where: Lake Wolfgang, St. Wolfgang
Another top Christmas market in Austria is the St. Wolfgang’s Christmas market, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Wolfgang. This year marks the Christmas market's 20th anniversary and the village will transform into a Nativity village. Visitors can take a boat ride between the lakeside villages of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl, where each town has its own unique Christmas market. The giant lanterns and beautifully illuminated trees create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Linz Christmas Market
When: Nov 18 – Dec 24
Where: Hauptplatz and Volksgarten, Linz
Linz is known for its artsy vibe, and its Christmas markets reflects this with a blend of modern and traditional crafts. Like in Vienna, you can find a few Christmas markets to explore that give off the festive smells of ftresh gingerbread and Linzer Torte, a traditional Austrian pastry made with shortbread, jam and nuts.
The Hauptplatz Christmas Market in Linz 2024
The Hauptplatz Christmas market on the main square is filled with festive stalls surrounded by baroque houses.
The Wintermarkt Christmas Market in Linz 2024
The Wintermarkt Christmas market in Austria is a more family-friendly Christmas market in Austria with the highlight being the nativity play that's performed every 30 minutes from 3 - 8 pm. There are even sheep that stay in the Christmas market that always impress little ones.
Vienna Christmas Markets
If you're looking to visit Austria's best Christmas markets, you've got to visit Vienna, Austria's capital. As one of the most famous Christmas market destinations in Europe, you can find several Christmas markets in Vienna that have been on the go for centuries (some even say from 1296).
Spittelberg Christmas Market
When: Nov 16 – Dec 23
Located in the narrow, cobblestone streets of Spittelberg, this Christmas market in Austria is great for picking up artisan goods and soaking up the cosy atmosphere. At the Spittelberg Christmas market, they take sustainability seriously, so much so that it's advertised as an eco-event selling vegetarian, vegan, locally sourced and fairly traded goods.
Viennese Dream Christmas Market
When: Nov 11 – Dec 26
In front of the city hall, this Vienna Christmas market is a fairytale come to life and one of Austria's most iconic Christmas markets by far. With over 150 stalls, an ice-skating rink, and free festive choir performances on the weekends, it’s perfect for families. You can even go inside the City Hall and learn how to make Christmas cookies and candles.
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
When: Nov 18 – Dec 23
For a royal touch, visit the Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace. It’s a bit more refined, with exquisite crafts, gourmet food, and live classical music. Ice skating on the rink with the beautiful palace in the backdrop is definitely not to be missed.
Will You Visit One of These Austria Christmas Markets?
Whether you're drawn to the grand Christmas markets of Vienna or the charming, smaller ones like Hallstatt, Austria’s Christmas markets 2024 are truly magical. The combination of festive lights, handcrafted Christmas gifts, and mouth-watering Austrian treats, all set against Austria’s stunning winter landscapes, makes this an unforgettable Christmas holiday.
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