The short answer: Austria's finest Christmas markets are in Vienna at City Hall Square, Spittelberg and Schönbrunn Palace, in Salzburg around the cathedral and Residenz, in Innsbruck's old town, in Graz and in the "Christmas town" of Steyr. Two to three days per city make a perfect Advent getaway. Most markets open from mid or late November and run until just before Christmas.
The Best Christmas Markets
Advent has a long tradition in Austria. Christmas markets, Advent concerts, Krampus and St. Nicholas, hot punch and homemade cookies are a fixed part of the season for many Austrians.
Vienna
The Vienna Christmas Market on City Hall Square is the city's best known, with illuminated trees in the park next to it. In the Biedermeier quarter of Spittelberg you will find crafts in narrow lanes, and in front of Schönbrunn Palace a market with an imperial backdrop. The Old Viennese Christmas Market stands on the Freyung, and an arts and crafts market sits in front of St. Charles Church on Karlsplatz.
Salzburg
The Salzburg Christmas Market on the cathedral and Residenz squares is among the most traditional in the German speaking world. During Advent you will often hear "Silent Night". The carol was first sung in 1818 in nearby Oberndorf and went on to travel the globe.
Innsbruck
In front of the Golden Roof in the old town, framed by snowy peaks, the Christmas market looks like a picture book. More markets are held on the Marktplatz by the Inn river and up on the Hungerburg with views over the city.
Graz and Steyr
In Graz many Advent markets spread across the old town, and the ice nativity scene in the Landhaus courtyard is especially famous. Steyr in Upper Austria calls itself the Christmas town: its Christkindl district has a pilgrimage church, and the local Christmas post office sends mail from all over the world with a special stamp every year.
How Much Time Do You Need?
- Weekend: one city, such as Vienna or Salzburg, with two to three markets per evening.
- 4 to 5 days: Vienna and Salzburg combined, with a train ride through the winter countryside.
- One week: Vienna, Salzburg with a trip to the Salzkammergut, and Innsbruck.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays and early evenings are more relaxed than weekends. The first two weeks of Advent are usually a bit quieter. December 5 is Krampus Day, when many towns hold Krampus parades, and St. Nicholas visits on December 6. Most Christmas markets close after Christmas, while Vienna follows up with its New Year's Eve trail and New Year markets.
Tips for Your Advent Visit
- Dress warmly: Evenings at the markets can get very cold, so a hat, gloves and warm boots are a must.
- Punch and mulled wine: Mugs are often specially designed and come with a deposit, and many visitors keep one as a souvenir.
- Try the classics: Roasted chestnuts, potato pancakes, vanilla crescent cookies, gingerbread and fried Kiachl dough are part of an Austrian Advent.
- Book a concert: Advent singing and concerts in churches and halls are especially atmospheric in Salzburg and Vienna, so get tickets early.
Explore with a Guide
A licensed guide takes you to the loveliest markets, explains customs such as Krampus, the Advent wreath and the Christkind, and shows you the old town in festive lights:
- Christkindlmärkte und Wiener Advent
- Salzburger Advent und Christkindlmarkt
- Christkindlstadt Steyr
- Innsbruck Altstadt & Goldenes Dachl
- Kulinarisches Wien & Kaffeehauskultur
Austrian Advent FAQ
When do Christmas markets open in Austria?
Most markets open from mid or late November and run until December 23 or 24. Exact dates are set by each city every year.
Which Christmas market is the most beautiful?
It is a matter of taste. Vienna offers the most variety, Salzburg the most atmospheric setting with cathedral and fortress, and Innsbruck the mountains all around.
What is Krampus?
A fearsome horned, furry figure who accompanies St. Nicholas in the Alpine region. On Krampus Day, December 5, Krampus figures roam the streets in many towns.
Is a guided tour worth it during Advent?
Yes. A guide connects the markets with history and customs and knows the smaller, less crowded markets away from the famous squares.
Plan Your Advent in Austria
Experience the Christmas markets with a licensed guide: book an Advent tour or contact us about groups and company outings. More about Advent in Vienna at Vienna Tourist Board.