Christmas markets (also called Weihnachtsmarkt or Adventmarkt): They sweeten the wait for Christmas, offering the perfect opportunity for nice evenings with friends and colleagues or even romantic dates. Strolling through the market stalls, you can discover regional craftsmanship, Christmas decorations, or handmade textiles, or indulge in treats like roasted chestnuts, candied almonds, and farmhouse doughnuts. But the most important part of the Christmas market is the punch and mulled wine to warm up!
In Salzburg, there are numerous Advent markets in the city and countryside. The most famous ones are located at Domplatz and in front of Mirabell Gardens. However, we highly recommend visiting other Christmas markets as well, as there is so much to explore!
Here are our top 5:
The Hellbrunn Adventzauber – The Classic One
Schloss Hellbrunn in Salzburg is famous for its water features. However, the Christmas market in the castle and park is also gaining popularity. Christmas trees adorned with large red baubles decorate the courtyard, creating a romantic atmosphere. The market stalls offer craftsmanship, Christmas decorations, local delicacies, and, of course, punch and mulled wine.
A special attraction for parents is the Children’s Christmas World: Kids can send letters to the Christ Child, ride the Christmas train, or participate in a fairy tale scavenger hunt.
Opening Hours: November 17th – December 24th, 2022
Easily accessible by public transportation.
Advent Market at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium – The Modern One
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is located in the heart of Salzburg. The Christmas market there is not a traditional one, as it focuses on the essentials: punch and mulled wine! An outdoor lounge in the arcades near Stiftskulinarium creates a cozy, romantic atmosphere. The homemade punch adds to warming the hearts of the visitors.
Advent Market at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium
Opening Hours: November 17th – December 24th, 2022
The Advent market is situated in the center of Salzburg, ideally reached by public transportation, bicycle, or on foot.
Advent market in the arcades at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, photo: Anja Koppitsch
Christmas Market in St. Gilgen on Lake Wolfgangsee – The Baroque One
The Christmas market in St. Gilgen has a very special ambiance as it is located right on the beautiful Lake Wolfgangsee. The 11-meter-high candle on the lakeshore guides the way to the Christmas market, which is romantically illuminated by numerous other large candles. The decoration with angels and animals recalls baroque ceiling paintings. The market stalls offer everything that regional craftsmanship and traditions have to offer. Of course, treats and punch and mulled wine are also not to be missed.
Opening Hours: Friday, November 18th to Sunday, December 18th, 2022
The Advent market is easily accessible by bus.
Advent Market in St. Jakob am Thurn – The Regional One
Located south of the city of Salzburg, St. Jakob am Thurn is a picturesque village situated by a pond, with a castle and a Romanesque church from the 13th century standing on its shore. Every weekend during Advent, a Christkindlmarkt takes place in front of this church, which stands out primarily for its regional products: delicacies from local farmers, game specialties from the local hunting community, as well as handcrafted ceramics or textiles made from local sheep wool. The proceeds from the Christmas market go towards social causes and the preservation of the church.
Children can enjoy the presence of alpacas, with guided hikes also offered.
Advent Market in St. Jakob am Thurn
Opening Hours: Every weekend during Advent
St. Jakob am Thurn is best reached by car.
Christmas Market in Großarl – The Mountain Advent
Großarl is located in an idyllic valley in the Innergebirg region. The likelihood of enjoying the Christmas market amidst falling snow is certainly highest here. The small mountain village offers a traditional and atmospheric Advent market. The centerpiece of the market is the life-sized carved village nativity scene. Tradition is highly valued here, with brass band concerts, Advent singing, and Krampus parades on the program. For children, there is a Christ Child workshop, a children’s cookie bakery, and much more.
Opening Hours: November 25th – December 18th, 2022
Bus 540 from St. Johann im Pongau goes directly to Großarl. The public journey from the city of Salzburg takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Not enough yet?
You’ve gotten a taste and want to visit more Christmas markets? An overview of all the markets can be found here.
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