Just two more months until Austria's Christmas markets are opening again! The festive period is a truly magical time in Austria - let us show you the highlights.

Romantic lights, seasonal treats, festive carols, and snow-covered roofs and treetops as far as the eye can see: Millions of visitors from around the world travel to Austria's cities and small towns from mid-November every year to join in the celebrations leading up to Christmas Eve. But what is it that makes the festive season so special in Austria - and what are the must-dos and must-sees? Read on!

Christmas Traditions in Austria

The Advent wreath and the Advent calendar are both used to count down the days to Christmas Eve. Every Sunday, a new candle on the wreath (there are four in total) is lit while the doors on the calendar are opened daily from 1 December, just like in the UK. Self-made calendars are especially popular. During the festive period, Austrians love to bake Christmas cookies and gingerbread and prepare punch and mulled wine - or buy them at the Christmas markets. 

If you are in Austria on 5 or 6 December, friendly Saint Nicholas and his sinister companion Krampus might knock on your door. According to tradition, well-behaved children are rewarded with sweets, peanuts and tangerines, while the naughty ones might get a little word of warning. St. Nicholas is officially celebrated on 6 December and Krampus the day before. However, the two often show up as a pair. In traditional villages, people dress up in scary costumes made of sheepskin and wear carved masks with goat horns to mark Krampus Day. 

Unlike in other countries, in Austria it's not Santa Clause or Father Christmas who brings the Christmas presents but the Christkind ("Christ Child", "Baby Jesus"), an angel-like figure with white feathery wings, a halo above its head, and blond curls. Children toss their Christmas letters into the fireplace or put them on the window sill to make sure the Christkind gets it right. The presents are traditionally opened on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. "Silent Night", written and performed for the first time on 24 December 1818 by Josef Mohr and Franz Gruber in Oberndorf, SalzburgerLand, is still the most popular carol to sing under and around the Christmas tree. 

More about Christmas traditions in Austria
https://www.austria.info/en/things-to-do/skiing-and-winter/christmas-traditions 
 

Christmas Markets in Austria

A stroll through one of the traditional Christmas markets is the highlight for many travelling to Austria during the festive period. Let us introduce you to some classics – and some lesser-known markets that are just as charming.

Christmas Markets in the City

Every major town has at least one Christmas market and it goes without saying that Vienna has the most. In fact, Austria's capital has more than 20, the most popular ones being in front of the town hall, at Schönbrunn Palace, and in the Spittelberg district. However, it's well worth looking into other cities, too!

Tirol's Innsbruck has markets right under the famous Golden Roof, on the main square and the shopping street Maria Theresien Straße, as well as at Hungerburg Castle, where you will sip your punch while enjoying spectacular views over the town. Bonus: You can hop on a ski lift right in the heart of town before or after the markets! An annual highlight is Innsbruck's Christkind Parade (18 December 2022), featuring the Christkind riding down Maria-Theresien-Straße and the historic lanes in a splendid carriage, accompanied by a marching band, shepherds, angels, sheep, and some 600 local children.

Then there's Salzburg. Its Christmas Market at Residenzplatz was first mentioned in the 15th century, and is perfect to sample all the local festive delights. Just outside the city, the romantic Advent Magic at Hellbrunn Palace awaits. Its over 700 conifers in the inner courtyard are decorated with 10,000 red Christmas balls and strands of lights every year, while the palace's windows are turned into an XXL advent calendar.

Other markets worth checking out can be found in Graz and Linz.

Christmas Markets at the Lake 

Romantics and lovebirds will surely enjoy Austria's Christmas markets at the water. Salzkammergut's Lake Wolfgangsee and its villages St. Wolfgang, Strobl and St. Gilgen turn into a Christmas wonderland every year, with markets, open fires, and musical events. The 16 m high, floating “Peace Lantern” on the lake, just off St. Wolfgang's shore, is the official symbol of the region. The best way to enjoy all the festive decorations and markets is an advent-themed boat tour.

Another great region for markets at the lake is Austria's southernmost province Carinthia. Head to Klagenfurt, then further on to Lake Wörthersee and check out all the stalls and festive lights in Pörtschach and the famous floating Advent wreath in Velden.

Christmas Markets in the Mountains

It almost goes without saying that Austria's ski and Alpine regions, too, top up their game to get their guests into the festive spirit.

Besides Innsbruck, Tyrolean resorts such as Kitzbühel, Seefeld, St. Johann, and Kufstein all have their own Christmas markets. Zell am See – Kaprun in SalzburgerLand has several of them, with a handful right in the heart of the skiing towns and one at Kaprun castle, featuring more than 30 stalls, processions, and lots of regional delights. Obertauern and Bad Hofgastein are also well worth considering for a mix of skiing and Christmas magic.

In Austria's westernmost province Vorarlberg, Kleinwalsertal and Schwarzenberg in Bregenzer Forest are the go-to places for festive celebrations and markets amidst the Alps, while Montafon holds several Christmas-themed concerts throughout the Advent period.  

More about Christmas markets in Austria
https://www.austria.info/en/things-to-do/skiing-and-winter/christmas-markets 

More about winter in Austria
https://press.austria.info/uk/winterlove-22/feel-the-winter-love-in-austria-now-for-real/ 

Fancy a research trip? As always, we are happy to assist you with planning your press trip or/and provide you with additional information and images for your articles. Please get in touch at pressuk@austria.info.  

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