Posted in:

Christmas Markets in Austria

© by Österreich Werbung, Photo: Popp Hackner

From mid-November until Christmas Eve, thousands of colourful lights illuminate the winter darkness in the Alps. Then, it’s time for Christmas Markets.

In Austria, Christmas Markets are called either Weinachtsmarkt, Adventmarkt or Christkindlmarkt. They are a mixture of buying frenzy and traditional and religious traditions. In a catholic country such as Austria, Advent and Christmas are, of course, important religious festivals. You can find Christmas Markets, in one form or another, all over Austria. Check out the local tourist office websites for dates and opening hours. If you are on a weekend trip to Austria, they are open all day most weekends in December.

Marketplace

Christmas Markets are an excellent place to find handcraft and locally made products. The vendors range from housemothers to farms to small businesses offering their products to locals and tourists alike. We find Christmas Markets a great place to shop for Christmas gifts as you can find things that you rarely come across in shopping malls, or at least they are handmade with care instead of mass-produced in a factory in Asia somewhere. Usually, you will find nice eatable or drinkable gifts as well, which serve as a lovely gifts and represent traditional Austrian culture and traditions. Christmas Markets are also the perfect place to replace some of your old Christmas tree decorations, as the choice is usually enormous.

Meeting place

Christmas Markets in Austria not only serve as a place for shopping but very much as a meeting place. Locals enjoy meeting friends and relatives to catch up on things in a hectic pre-Christmas season. Often there are loads of activities going on as well, for adults but especially for kids. It’s great to hang out and sample local beverages and foods. Take a stroll through the Christmas market and breathe the scent of freshly roasted chestnuts and hot Glühwein – just fantastic!

< Click on the images to enlarge >

Silent night in Oberndorf

Oberndorf, not far from Salzburg, is famous worldwide as the birthplace of the carol Silent Night (German: Stille Nacht). The little town by the Salzach river on the border with Germany has become an obligatory stopover for Christmas travellers. During the Christmas mass in 1818, Silent Night! Holy Night! was performed for the first time by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr in the St. Nikolaus Church. There is, of course, a “Silent Night” museum and Christmas market in town, a small but very nicely done at the Silent Night Chapel.

Advertisement

From folksy to fancy

Christmas Markets come in all shapes and forms. Some are down-to-earth but very cosy events, while others are elaborate and hectic circuses. Most larger cities and towns have several Christmas Markets going on simultaneously, allowing you to choose different settings, themes and sizes. Vienna, for example, has 14 Christmas Markets spread out around the city this year. If you are up for 2-3, we recommend visiting the Schönbrunn Palace, the Stephens Cathedral and Spittelberg Christmas Markets to sample different atmospheres and a selection of products. The first markets open on November 15 and close on December 23. A few have opened longer. They are all easily reachable by public transport.

All over Austria

Christmas Markets in cities like Graz, Innsbruck and Salzburg are, of course, well worth a visit. If you have time and transport, try to visit Christmas Markets in smaller towns or villages. Small doesn’t necessarily mean less gaudy or dull. Some of them are fantastic and offer an excellent chance to indulge with the locals with far less stress. We’ve also very much enjoyed visits to Christmas Markets in places like Fürstenfeld (Styria), Lienz (East Tirol) and Freistadt (Upper Austria), to mention a few.

  • Christmas Market on Rathausplatz in Vienna

    Posted in:

    Magical Christmas Markets in Vienna

    With the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine filling the air, Vienna’s Christmas markets offer a delightful blend of traditional crafts, festive treats, and holiday cheer. Whether you are searching for handcrafted gifts or want to soak in the festive atmosphere, the Christmas markets in Vienna are a must-visit during the holiday season. Viennese […]

    Read more

  • Posted in:

    Culinary Traditions in Austria

    With a culinary heritage reflecting diverse cultural influences and historical roots, Austria offers a hearty and flavorful gastronomic adventure. Signature dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Knödel and Tafelspitz showcase the country’s love for robust flavours and quality ingredients. Street foods like Käsekrainer add a savoury touch to Austrian culinary traditions. Buschenschanks in Austria: A Blend of […]

    Read more

  • DC Tower in Vienna, one of the city's architectural marvels, viewed fra Danubio Island

    Posted in:

    Vienna Unveiled: A Journey Through Architectural Marvels

    Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city where history and innovation intertwine seamlessly. As you wander its streets, you’ll encounter a fascinating array of architectural styles, each telling a unique story. From Gothic cathedrals to avant-garde masterpieces, Vienna invites you to explore its rich heritage. Let’s embark on a visual tour of the city’s […]

    Read more

  • A view over the Sausal Wineregion in Styria

    Posted in:

    Sausal – Wine, hiking and beautiful scenery

    The contrast between the forest groves and the straight-lined vines in the hilly landscape that characterizes the view is fascinating. What’s more, the small villages you pass are nothing more than clusters of houses. However, in these picturesque clusters of homes, you’ll find what makes the region worth a visit: the restaurants and wine shops […]

    Read more

  • Astonishing viewing platforms, Karren, Vorarlberg, Austria

    Posted in:

    5 stunning viewing platforms in Austria accessible by cable car

    Austria boasts a number easy accessible viewing platforms, where you simply board a cable car. To truly appreciate the Alps, you have to get up on the mountains. 1. Dachstein Skywalk From Ramsau, in Styria, you can pick up the cable car to the Dachstein massif. You can enjoy the stunning view from 2 spectacular […]

    Read more

  • Posted in:

    Ski resorts near Vienna accessible by train

    Are you looking for some excellent ski resorts near Vienna that you can easily access by train? We’ve got you covered! Check out these fantastic ski destinations that offer excellent family-friendly slopes and unforgettable skiing experiences. Hop on a train and get ready for an adventure. Stuhleck ski resort – Spital am Semmering At Stuhleck in […]

    Read more

Advertisements

Share, , Google Plus, Pinterest,

Written by Ana Lucia Marcos

Ana Lucia has traveled the world, but fell completely in love with Austria. She loves the dramatic mountain landscape, the phototastiske lakes and the captivating castles. Moreover, a real Wienerschnitzel is always on the menu when she explores the alpine country.