Salzburg, Austria, is a beautiful city that offers tourists a wonderful time on vacation. The landscape is stunning and excellent for hiking or skiing. You can book the best hostels and take a trip to any of the several museums and galleries found in this region. You can even stay in a budget-friendly Airbnb vacation rental and enjoy privacy with your loved ones. Thrill seekers, meanwhile, can choose from ski-in ski-out accommodations and trail through the snowy slopes.
Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and full of art and culture. Aside from these attractions, Salzburg is one of the best places to spend Christmas with the family. It has a long and rich history with this holiday. The world-famous Christmas carol “Silent Night, Holy Night” was first sung in one of the squares of the city. The Christmas markets here are some of the best in Europe. They offer a magical atmosphere and bring back lovely memories of the glorious season. The spots are traditional and provide an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the most delightful Christmas markets in Salzburg, Austria.
Popular picks in Salzburg
Learn more about the culture of Salzburg at the Salzburg Open Air Museum, which houses 100 real buildings representing the different areas in the city. You can explore them on foot or hop into the historic museum railway.
Stroll through the landscaped gardens of Hellbrunn Palace, and take a moment to admire the beauty of the Trick Fountains. Note that it’s open for visitors only from the beginning of April until the beginning of November.
Winter in Salzburg
- According to Weather Atlas, the winter season in Salzburg lasts from December to February with average weather ranging from 5.6°C (42.1°F) to -4°C (24.8°F). The city also experiences snowfall, especially in December.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
Christmas traditions in Austria
According to Austria Info, preparations for Christmas begin from the Advent period. The country also has several Christmas tradition such as:
- On 5th and 6th December, St. Nicholas and Krampus arrive at the door to reward childrens with sweets, peanuts and tangerines
- The Christkind gives presents that are not opened until 25th December
- Decorating the christmas three on the Christmas Eve
Apart from that, Austria also hosts several Christmas markets in various cities that you can explore with your loved ones. For more details on Christmas markets, check out our detailed guide here.
Christmas markets in Austria
1. Salzburg Christmas Market
Salzburg Christmas Market is one of the most memorable places to be in the city. The market lies in Cathedral Square and offers a thrilling, romantic experience for every traveler. As an explorer, I am always interested in learning about the culture of the place I am visiting. If you’re like me, you’ll be delighted to know that the fair showcases around 100 events, and each shows visitors a glimpse of the various local social and cultural programs. Come here and see an exhibition of Christmas mangers, enjoy enthralling folk songs, and participate in the exciting dance performances. The surrounding area offers a stunning view as you can see different monuments and edifices, like the fortress and the cathedral.
Salzburg Christmas Market
Address: Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, Altstadt Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of the market
Website: Salzburg Christmas Market
Market highlights: Austrian specialties, mulled wine, hot punch, and hand-made things made of wood, metal or textile
2. Glanegg Advent Farmers' Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the unique Advent markets in the mesmerizing city of Salzburg is Glanegg Advent Farmers’ Market. The specialty of this market is products from the well-known Mayr-Melnhof family farm. Meat products like Venison ham and sausage frontline the shops at Glanegg. As an avid traveler, I am always thrilled to try the special dishes or food items of the place I visit. If you’re like me, you cannot miss the seasonal jams, doughnuts, and pastries sold from other nearby regions. Besides food, homemakers also flock the Advent market for its selection of fine wood, textile, and ceramics. Treat yourself to some Christmas shopping at Glanegg Advent Farmers’ Market!
Glanegg Advent Farmers' Market
Address: Schloß Glanegg 1, 5082, Salzburg, Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of the market
Website: Glanegg Advent Farmers’ Market
Market highlights: Farm delicacies, unique handicrafts, fresh game, freshly made farmhouse doughnuts, freshly baked Christmas goods, and items made of wood, ceramics and textiles
3. Hellbrunner Adventzauber
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
You do not want to miss the magical Adventure at Hellbrunn Palace. Known as Adventzauber, this Christmas market is an incredible place you will remember for a very long time. It is held right in the courtyard of an intimidating castle and offers a fantastic experience. Stroll around the wooden stalls that line the square and buy different stuff you can’t get elsewhere. You will find cribs, Christmas decorations, and more. I believe this market is ideal for families with kids, as there are several themed events for them. They can enjoy cooking classes, storytime, and exploring the Christmas train and post office. There are, of course, Christmas carols and choirs.
Hellbrunner Adventzauber
Address: Hellbrunner Adventzauber, Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of Hellbrunn Advent Magic
Website: Hellbrunner Adventzauber
Market highlights: Farmhouse products, crafts, fun activities for kids, including face painting, grilling sausages at the campfire, Christmas train, and more
4. Mirabell Square Christmas Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Weihnachtsmarkt Mirabell on Thursday, September 27, 2012
This Christmas market held on Mirabell Square is one of the smallest but offers tourists an unforgettable experience. It is held in front of the beautiful Mirabell Palace, providing a beautiful view of the castle’s gorgeous gardens. The market is home to stalls that sell objects like dolls, Christmas-themed dresses, sweets, decorations, and more. You can also have a taste of delicious wine, baked potatoes, roasted sausages, and more. I feel this fair is ideal for families who wish to enjoy a quaint Christmas fair.
Mirabell Square Christmas Market
Address: Christmas Market Mirabellplatz, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
Website: Mirabell Square Christmas Market
Market highlights: A variety of mouthwatering food and mulled wine
5. St. Leonhard Advent Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Come and enjoy craftsmanship in its most excellent form at St. Leonhard Advent Market. It lies at the foot of the Untersberg. The huts that serve as shops are right by the pilgrimage church and create a pleasant atmosphere that is festive and memorable. Most of what you will find at this market are genuine arts and crafts from the area and from all over the region. You will find carved figurines, candles, exciting gift ideas, cookbooks, and plenty of other things from different parts of Austria. You will also enjoy festive music and dancing here. All the proceeds from the event go to charities for disabled people.
St. Leonhard Advent Market
Address: Adventmarkt St. Leonhard Marktfeld 1, 5083 Grödig, Salzburg, Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
Website: St. Leonhard Advent Market
Market highlights: Candles and wax products, Christmas decorations made of glass and straw, wood carvings (especially Nativity figures), ceramics, cookbooks, and incense from different places in Austria, mulled wines
6. Advent Market in the Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This Advent market held on Hohensalzburg Courtyard is a charming sight. It features sellers peddling local crafts, drinks, and food. This Christmas market is set in a beautiful location that provides Instagram-worthy backgrounds for your photos. Since the site lies at the apex of one of the tallest hills in the area, it offers guests a beautiful view of the surroundings. During the event, you can enjoy concerts held in the medieval hall of the castle.
Advent Market in the Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard
Address: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official tourism website of Salzburg
Website: Advent Market in the Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard
Market highlights: Salzburg delicacies, local arts and crafts, creative gift ideas, mulled wine, and fresh tarte flambée from Fortress bakery
7. Sternadvent Salzburg
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Es ist Sternadvent in SalzburgImpressionen vom ersten Sternadvent-Wochenende! Es war viel los und die Besucher waren vom Ambiente begeistert, wie im Film zu sehen ist.
Posted by Sternadvent mit Wintermarkt on Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Es ist Sternadvent-Zeit und das Wochenende steht vor der Tür. Ein Besuch beim Sternadvent - wär das was? Mit...
Posted by Sternadvent mit Wintermarkt on Friday, November 18, 2022
Stenadvent is held at Steingarten in Salzburg. It is one of the smallest Advent markets, so it doesn’t offer as much of a light show as the others of its kind. However, if you want to experience a quiet yet festive Christmas market, this beautiful place is right for you. The spot features plenty of wares for sale. You can buy decorative blown-glass objects, chandeliers, ceramics, frames, and more. You can also enjoy delicious Christmas biscuits, homemade punch, and mulled wine.
Sternadvent Salzburg
Address: Getreidegasse 34, Griesgasse 23, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website of Stern Advent
Website: Sternadvent Salzburg
Market highlights: Decorative blown-glass objects, chandeliers, ceramics, frames, delicious Christmas biscuits, homemade punch, and mulled wine
8. St. Gilgen - Wolfgangseer Advent
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
During the Advent season, enjoy an unforgettable experience in Salzkammergut. The market here offers delicious delicacies, mulled wine, and tastefully chosen gift ideas. It is one of the most beautifully decorated Christmas bazaars in the country. Come and soak in the sights of giant Christmas trees, stars, candles, lanterns, and more. You can even enjoy the market from the nearby lake, where there is a large Advent hut built on a big raft.
St. Gilgen - Wolfgangseer Advent
Address: Wolfgangseer Advent Au 140, 5360 St. Wolfgang, Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit The Official Website of Berlin
Website: St. Gilgen - Wolfgangseer Advent
Market highlights: Mulled wine, delicacies, and tastefully chosen gift ideas
9. Christkindl Market - Obertauern
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bald weihnachtet es wieder ganz oben am Tauern Die Tannenbäume sind in weiß gehüllt, der Duft von Maroni und...
Posted by Obertauern on Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Christkindl means Child Jesus, and this market displays the Christmas spirit and exudes festive air in abundance. It is held in the center of Salzburg and is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the region. Around 100 huts that serve as stalls offer visitors several wares to buy. You will find decorative objects, candles, toys, handcrafted materials, sweets, mulled wine, and much more. Stroll around and hum along to the music from the musicians that play Christmas carols. Come to the center on Domplatz and Residenzplatz to enjoy an authentic Christmas experience.
Christkindl Market - Obertauern
Address: Tourist Office Obertauern, Pionierstraße 1, 5562 - Obertauern, Salzburger Land - Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
Website: Christkindl Market - Obertauern
Market highlights: Decorative objects, candles, toys, handcrafted materials, sweets, mulled wine
10. Radstadt Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Radstadt is an iconic town in Austria, and Radstadt Christmas Market is held right in the center of this quaint town. The site is an ideal place to come with the family and forget your pre-Christmas worries. The stalls are richly furnished and styled. There are several items up for sale, and you will surely find something that will catch your fancy. Enjoy mulled wine, fried meat, and other delicacies. The market features several bonfires, which contribute to a friendly, beautiful atmosphere. There are also many musical performances you can enjoy.
Radstadt Christmas Market
Address: Residenzpl, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
Website: Radstadt Christmas Market
Market highlights: Mulled wine, Pongau fried meat pouches, locally crafted and handmade products, knitted & crocheted items, jewelry, regional delicacies such as hard-cured sausage, home-made bread, and self-distilled schnapps
11. Hohenwerfen Castle Advent Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Zum letzten Mal in diesem Jahr findet auf der Burg Hohenwerfen der romantische Adventmarkt statt. Freitag bis Sonntag...
Posted by Burg Hohenwerfen on Thursday, December 7, 2023
This Christmas market held in Hohenwerfen is the highest Christmas market in the city. It is held at the medieval Hohenwerfen Castle and is one of the most atmospheric venues you will visit in Austria. The vibe is friendly, with the local culture on display. Come and enjoy Pongau customs, eat local food, watch a Nativity play, and listen to original folk music. I feel this market is ideal for families with kids where your little ones will also enjoy a great time here as there is a supervised children’s program that features storytelling, baking, arts, and games.
Hohenwerfen Castle Advent Market
Address: Hohenwerfen Adventure Castle, Burgstraße 2, 5450 Werfen, Salzburg, Austria
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
Website: Hohenwerfen Castle Advent Market
Market highlights: Pongau customs, Salzburg handcraft, folk music, local delicacies, art and craft programs for children
12. Advent of the Villages at Fuschlsee
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
In Fuschlsee, the quiet time of the year is not just sung but richly celebrated. Come and join in the celebrations by visiting. This holiday region welcomes visitors with warmth in the cold winter. Advent time is unique here, and the beautiful Advent of the Villages makes you feel like getting transported to a magical land. The markets are held at Ebenauer Fountain Garden, Guggental Church, the lime tree in Faistenau, and Jagdhof. If you have pleasant Christmas memories, Advent of the Villages is sure to awaken them. I would love to visit here to bask in the rich scent of roasted almonds, beautiful decorations, warm Christmas carols, and more. The markets also feature bakeries for adults and kids alike.
Advent of the Villages at Fuschlsee
Address: Dorfplatz 15330 Fuschl am See, Salzburg, Austria
Website: Advent of the Villages at Fuschlsee
Market highlights: Horse-drawn sleigh rides, shepherd game, handcraft items, and more
13. Oberndorf Town Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This Christmas market in Oberndorf is a beautiful sight to behold. Aside from the decorations, the main attraction here is the local rendition of the “Silent Night” Christmas carol. This location holds the distinction of being the first place where this world-famous composition was sung. Come and enjoy this Christmas market on Silent Night Square. Aside from the singing, this fair is also renowned for Christmas-themed wood carvings and mulled wine. I would love to buy some as souvenirs for my loved ones. Join the crowd of visitors who come every year to have a magical time.
Oberndorf Town Christmas Market
Address:Stille Nacht-Platz 1, 5110 Oberndorf bei, Salzburg, Austria
Website: Oberndorf Town Christmas Market
14. Gut Aiderbichl Christmas Fairy Tale
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Sei dabei beim ORF-Radio Frühschoppen diesen Sonntag .den 02.06.2024 auf Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf! Die Sendung...
Posted by GUT AIDERBICHL on Friday, May 31, 2024
Little ways away from Salzburg is Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf. This institution is only one estate of the entire Gut Aiderbichl sanctuary for rescued animals all over Europe. If you are fond of animals, this could be your chance to make a difference. You can head to Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf and spend some quality time with our little (and not-so-little!) friends. Instead of purchasing presents for Christmas, be this year’s Santa to the rescued animals at the sanctuary and make a donation. The estate also releases episodes of Gut Aiderbichl Christmas Fairytale, which shows how the animals are taken care of and how well they’re doing this season.
Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
Address: Johannes Filzer Strasse 5 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Website: Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf
15. Franziskischloessl Advent Market
Pre-Christmas in Franziska Schloessl is a beautiful experience, and the Advent market held in the area is one reason why. This beautiful city lies in the center of the forest on Kapuzinerberg and is situated high above the surrounding town. The location offers visitors a way to escape from the stress of Christmas shopping. It might not be as widely known as the other fairs, but over the years, that has slowly begun to change. I would love to try the crackling fires, delicious food and drink, and buy some arts and crafts here. This idyllic market mainly focuses on food and delivers some of the best organic local food in the area.
Franziskischloessl Advent Market
Address: Salzburg, Austria
Website: Franziskischloessl Advent Market
Have a magical Christmas in Salzburg
If you are spending Christmas in Salzburg, searching for the right gift doesn’t have to be a frantic, stress-inducing activity. You can soak yourself in yuletide glee and cheer while shopping at any of the Christmas markets in the city. Enjoy several treats like a cold glass of punch, mulled wine, an assortment of sweets, and your fill of roasted almonds while looking for the best bargains to take home. Enjoy a beautiful and magical holiday experience in Salzburg.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data