Christmas markets in Austria

As early as 12th of November to 6th of January
Sparkling Christmas lights and decorations adorn the streets of Austria’s cities and villages. The Christmas Markets offer hand made toys, numerous delightful Christmas displays, and pastries, cookies and other delicacies. Here are some of the most popular markets and their opening times:

12th of November to 24th of December
• Vienna – “The Magic of Advent”
The Christmas Market held in front of the City Hall can be traced back to the year 1298. Today, 140 stalls offer a variety of seasonal food and drink as well as handicrafts and Christmas decorations. For children, there is even a Christmas workshop, where they can make trinkets and bake cookies. www.christkindlmarkt.at

19th of November to 26th of December
• Vienna – Schönbrunn Christmas Market
Vienna’s most scenic and cozy Christmas Market is held directly in front of Schönbrunn Palace. With daily concerts, the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread in the air, and the beautiful Christmas tree to admire, you can’t help being in a festive mood. www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at

17th of November to 23th of December
• Vienna - Spittelberg Christmas Market
At the Spittelberg Christmas Market, stall after stall form long rows in the narrow lanes of the Biedermeier district near the MuseumsQuarter. Choose from fine arts and crafts, ceramics, hand-blown glass, rugs, batik and silk paintings, or even find a piece of silver or brass jewelry. www.spittelberg.at

17th of November to 26th of December
• Christmas in Salzburg
The romantic Christmas Market on Cathedral Square right in the heart of Salzburg dates back to the 15th century. The tree vendors occupy the Residenzplatz on the side of the huge Baroque building. Several folk groups perform traditional Salzburg Christmas carols, all designed to conjure the true Christmas spirit. www.christkindlmarkt.co.at

17th of November to 24th of December
• Salzburg – Hellbrunner Advent Magic
One of the most perfect locations for a traditional Christmas Market is the charming Hellbrunn Castle near Salzburg. Come and soak up the fairy-tale atmosphere, shop for local handicrafts, and listen to traditional music while sipping a cup of special Christmas coffee. www.hellbrunneradventzauber.at

15th of November to 6th of January
• Innsbruck Christmas Markets
The medieval square in front of the Golden Roof is transformed into a traditional Austrian Christmas Market, where you can sample Tirolean fare and buy Christmas presents. In fact, the entire town center is so beautifully decorated, it seems like one big Christmas Market. The snow-capped mountains in the background provide the perfect seasonal atmosphere. www.christkindlmarkt.cc

18th of November to 24th of December
• Graz Advent Markets
A romantic tour is the best way to experience the magical atmosphere of the various Christmas Markets in Graz. Nestled between medieval buildings or spread out right in front of the festively adorned City Hall, the various stalls beckon with glittering trinkets, local handicrafts, and delicious foods. www.graztourismus.at

19th of November to 24th of December
• Linz
The Christmas Markets in Linz are held on the Baroque main square and in the Volksgarten. The Linz City Express takes you from one market to the next, so you can enjoy typical arts and crafts, hot punch, and performances by brass orchestras and choirs without having to walk far. Linz also features a special Christmas and crèche exhibition and workshops, where you can create your own Christmas presents. www.linz.at

Saturdays from 26th of November to 17th of December
• Rattenberger Advent
A medieval city with only 439 inhabitants and covering an area of 11 hectares, Rattenberg is the perfect backdrop for an authentic Advent experience. Be sure to check your calendar, Austria’s smallest city holds its lovely Christmas Market only on certain weekends in December! www.rattenberg.at

Fridays and Saturdays from 26th of November to 19th of December
• Mariazell – Advent Austria
For centuries, Mariazell has been a spiritual center and favorite destination of pilgrims and vacationers from all over the world. Against the picturesque backdrop of the basilica, in the midst of the wintry mountains of the Mariazell region, it is the magic and tranquility of Advent that come to the fore. Every weekend in December, authentic Christmas customs and regional delicacies delight adults and children alike. www.advent-austria.at