One weekend, four different Christmas markets – an exploration tour through the Austrian Christmas market tradition

It’s that time again. Christmas is just around the corner and Christmas markets are opening everywhere, hoping to get visitors into the Christmas spirit with the delicious smell of cookies, farmer’s donuts and incense.
Over one weekend we visited various Christmas markets in Austria, which could hardly be more different. So much can already be revealed, there is definitely something for every taste.

Salzburger Christkindlmarkt

23.11.2023 – 01.01.2024

Salzburg is one of the most visited cities in Austria. The Christmas market is just one of the many reasons why so many people travel to the baroque city on the Salzach.

The Christmas market is held in the historic center on Domplatz and Residenzplatz and is one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets in the world.
The Christkindlmarkt has been around in its current form since 1974. However, the „Tandlmarkt“ has been around during the Christmas season since the 15th century, from which the „Nikolaimarkt“ emerged in the 17th century on the 14 days before and 14 days after St. Nicholas Stalls were set up and “toys, sweets and bric-a-brac” were sold.

As with every Christmas market, the vendors make up the market. Regional and national goods are offered at the Salzburg Christmas market. The offering ranges from traditional handicrafts to sumptuous food variations, although the prices are slightly higher compared to other Christmas markets.

The annual Christmas market in Salzburg’s historic old town is definitely worth a trip. Thanks to the great mix, it has something to offer for every taste and should definitely be on the to-do list for travelers with a tight schedule. In addition to the Christmas market, you can also explore the beautiful old town and the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
On certain dates, musicians play Christmas carols in front of Salzburg Cathedral. You can find this and other information on the official homepage.

Adventmarkt im Burghof der Festung Hohensalzburg

24.11.2023 – 23.12.2023

Anyone who visits the Salzburg Christmas market also has the easy option of visiting the Advent market in the courtyard of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. This is only a few minutes walk away. If you don’t want to conquer the steep fortress mountain on foot, you can also easily take the cable car to the top.

The ride on the cable car is chargeable, but visiting the Christmas market is free. However, if you want, you can combine your visit to the Christmas market with a visit to the fortress. The prices for tickets vary from €10.80 to €17.40 for adults and include various sightseeing options. The current prices can be found on the official homepage of Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Visiting the Advent market in the run-up to Christmas is magical, especially in the evening hours. When it slowly gets dark and the city lights come on, you have a particularly good view of the old town of Salzburg from the high fortress. Already on the way up, more than a hundred traditional Herrnhut stars bathe the fortress alley in a romantic sea of lights. Once you arrive in the castle courtyard, the tranquil market offers a diverse selection of local handicrafts, creative gift ideas and Salzburg delicacies. Many locals come to the fortress at least once every year to enjoy the beautiful view over the Christmas old town with a cup of mulled wine. The market’s supporting program is also popular with families. On all opening days there is a supervised children’s program in the Hödlmoser studio with music, baking cookies, a reading corner and Christmas crafts.

Further information can be found on the official homepage.

Mondseer Advent

07.122023 – 10.12.2023

If you like something a little more traditional, you are in good hands at the smaller Advent markets in the small towns of Austria.
The market square in front of the basilica and the Gothic cloister in the former Benedictine monastery create the atmosphere for the atmospheric Advent market in Mondsee.
Mulled wine, hot chestnuts and traditional Austrian dishes invite you to linger at the small sales huts. There is also a stage on the market square where artists contribute Christmas carols to the cozy atmosphere. However, the heart of “Advent in Mondsee” is the weather-protected Gothic cloister of the former Benedictine monastery, where around 35 artists and craftsmen offer local products and handmade goods every weekend..

Further information can be found on the official homepage.

Weinberger Schlossadvent – Kefermarkt

08.12.2023 – 10.12.2023

The Weinberger Schloss Advent in Kefermarkt is one of our favorites and the most atmospheric christmas markets in Upper Austria. Great emphasis is placed on the high quality of the craftsmanship presented, with more than 120 exhibitors presenting a rich and sophisticated range of handmade traditional art objects.

A concert series with real folk music and cheerful, contemplative anecdotes in the historic Knight’s Hall gets you in the mood for the Christmas season. A daily story time is held for children (and young-at-heart adults) in one of the castle’s towers. Every evening, arias from the Kefermarkt music band from the castle tower create a Christmas atmosphere. The castle restaurant, the Christmas bakery and the many gourmet stands with regional delicacies provide culinary delights.

If you can’t travel by public transport, there are plenty of parking options at the train station and sports field in Kefermarkt.
A free shuttle service from the parking spaces to directly in front of the Christmas-decorated castle ensures a stress-free arrival and departure. Visitors can end each Advent market day comfortably in the ice cellar in front of the castle with musical entertainment until 10 p.m.

All information worth knowing can also be found on the official homepage.